10 Tips for Your Elopement in Greece
All the essentials for you elopement in Greece
Eloping in Greece is more than just a romantic escape—it's a chance to celebrate your love story in one of the most picturesque settings on earth.
From the sun-kissed islands and serene beaches to ancient ruins and dramatic cliffside views, Greece offers countless stunning locations for an intimate “I do.” While an elopement may feel effortless, creating a beautiful and seamless day does take some planning. Here are 10 key tips to help you make your Greek elopement everything you’ve dreamed of.
1. Hire a Local Wedding Planner
While elopements are typically more intimate and laid-back, having a local planner can be invaluable. A planner will help you with logistics, secure trustworthy vendors, suggest hidden-gem locations, and handle cultural or legal formalities. This is especially helpful if you're planning from abroad.
2. Find the Right Celebrant
Greece offers both symbolic and legal ceremonies. For symbolic elopements, you can work with a professional celebrant to personalize your vows. For legal weddings, a celebrant may also serve as the local authority or representative to make it official—but it’s important to check what documents are required well in advance.
3. Don’t Skip the Details: Cake, Champagne, Flowers & a Beautiful Backdrop
Even if you're planning something intimate and low-key, a few thoughtful details can make your elopement feel truly special. A mini wedding cake and a bottle of champagne add that celebratory touch, even if it's just the two of you. A bouquet and a buttonhole enhance the mood and elevate your photos. To complete the scene, consider a small decorative setup for your ceremony—like a floral arch, a few lanterns, or a minimal arrangement of blooms. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but a simple backdrop can turn any space into a stunning and memorable setting for your vows.
4. Book a Photographer & Videographer Early
Elopement photos often become the primary way to share your wedding with loved ones back home. Greece’s natural light is dreamy, especially during golden hour—plan your ceremony around sunset for the most magical shots. Add a videographer for a keepsake film you’ll treasure forever.
5. Book a Professional Hair & Makeup Artist for the Big Day
Looking and feeling your best on your wedding day is non-negotiable—even for an elopement. While some beauty prep can be done before your trip (like getting your nails done, hair extensions, lash lifts or eyelash extensions), it’s essential to book a professional hair and makeup artist for the actual day of the ceremony. Greece’s climate, especially during the warmer months, can affect your makeup and hair more than expected—so having a local expert who understands what products and techniques work best here will make all the difference in how you look in person and on camera.
6. Time It Right
For the most comfortable temperatures and best light, plan your ceremony around 6:30–7:30 PM depending on the season. Avoid the heat of midday, and use the softer lighting of golden hour to your advantage. Early autumn or late spring are great times weather-wise and crowd-wise.
7. Choose Accommodation that Doubles as Your Venue
One of the best things about an elopement in Greece is the option to marry at a beautiful Airbnb or villa. Look for accommodations with sea views, terraces, or lush gardens. Always confirm with the owner that they’re okay with a ceremony being held on the property—even for just two people.
8. Traveling with Your Wedding Dress (and Suit!)
Keep your dress and suit in a garment bag and bring them on board as carry-on luggage. Most airlines will allow you to hang it in the cabin. For ferries, it’s best to keep it protected and stored overhead or in your personal seat space. If you're hopping from island to island, consider staying somewhere that offers garment steaming or laundry services.
9. Create a Wedding Website to Share the Moment
Just because you’ve chosen an intimate and private elopement doesn’t mean your loved ones can’t be part of the joy after the fact. Consider creating a simple wedding website where you can upload photos, share your story, and include details about your special day. It’s a beautiful way to let friends and family celebrate with you from afar, offer their congratulations, and feel included—without compromising the privacy and intimacy you envisioned for your ceremony.
10. Don’t Forget the Legalities (If You’re Getting Legally Married)
If you're planning a legal marriage, your planner can help gather and translate the required paperwork, which varies by region. For religious weddings (Greek Orthodox or otherwise), additional documents and steps are involved—make sure your planner is experienced in both civil and religious weddings.
Final thought: Eloping in Greece is as dreamy as it sounds—but a little planning goes a long way in making it seamless and stress-free. From choosing the right time and place to carrying your dress safely across islands, each thoughtful step brings you closer to the most intimate and romantic day of your life