If you’ve been entertaining the idea of having a grand Greek wedding overlooking the Aegean, Mediterranean or Ionian Sea, you might just be onto something.
Greece has become famous as one of the world’s premier wedding destinations thanks to its splendid weather, world-famous wine scene, sandy beaches and white-washed towns that are a perfect backdrop for any celebration.
Plus, the nation is known for being an ideal honeymoon spot, with a rich history and plenty of culture for couples to experience.
In addition to beautiful cities and national parks on the mainland, there are more than 6,000 islands in Greece. Deciding on the best spot for a Greek wedding can be overwhelming: To help you narrow things down, this list brings together eight of the very best wedding destinations in Greece.
- Also read: 21 best places in Greece for couples – honeymoon destinations & romantic getaways
About the author: Auston runs the blog Two Bad Tourists and is also a freelance writer. His work has been featured in many publications including Attitude Magazine, Edge Media Network, The Houston Chronicle and ManAboutWorld Magazine.
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Mykonos: Romantic wedding destination in Greece
Getting married in Mykonos will leave you with magical memories for years to come thanks to the area’s remarkable natural beauty and the abundance of 5-star resorts. The most challenging part of planning a wedding here is choosing which resort to staying at – there are that many appealing options to consider.
Mykonos is known for its sweet chapels painted brilliant white with panoramic cobalt-blue sea views. There are dozens that welcome would-be brides and grooms to tie the knot in glamorous Greek style. Alternatively, Mykonos offers laid-back options too, including beach weddings with a live DJ and open-air bar.
Mykonos is also a popular destination for LGBT+ visitors although, at the moment, Greece only offers civil unions and not full marriage equality.
Best Mykonos wedding venues
Searching for the perfect honeymoon in Greece? Why not add on an Aegean island cruise after your destination wedding. Check out this Celestyal Cruises review for more inspiration.
Zakynthos: Wild & beautiful landscapes
The Ionian island of Zakynthos is famed for its shimmering waters, secluded beaches and sea arches – and of course the famous ‘shipwreck cove’. Anyone who loves the ocean will agree this is an incredible place to behold before saying your vows. You’ll find plenty of activities and attractions on the island to enjoy pre and post-nuptials too, including swimming, snorkelling and diving.
Pristine Navagio Beach is just one example of a paradise-like setting for a shoreside wedding ceremony. Likewise, the nearby Cameo Island and Skinari Cape are also potential spots for saying I do.
Best Zakynthos wedding venues
- Casa Playa Beach
- Skinari Cape
- Cameo Island
Crete: Traditional Greek wedding
Greece’s largest island, Crete, is home to at least a dozen awesome wedding destinations that could easily make the top of your list. Local favourites include Lake Voulismeni, the beach of Georgioupolis, St. Panteleimon, Theseus Beach and the Chapel of St. Nicholas.
Crete strikes a perfect balance between seaside feels, authentic Greek culture and splendid nature. From olive groves to orange orchards, traditional chapels to historic stone houses, this island has something for every taste and budget.
Agreco Farm in the village of Adelianos is a favourite setting for a rustic ceremony with sweeping countryside views.
Best Crete wedding venues
- Agreco Farm, Rethymno
- Heraklion Town Hall
- El Greco Museum
Paiania: Lush landscapes close to Athens
Conveniently located just outside of Athens, Paiania is a quaint town that is home to a number of stunning vineyards and olive farms that serve as ideal wedding venues. Located at the eastern foot of Mount Hymettus, this part of Greece is verdantly fertile and historically rich, with several important Byzantine relics and world-class museums nearby.
If you want to feel at one with nature and prefer an inland ceremony as opposed to a beach wedding, this is the ideal place to start looking. Generally speaking, the wine estates in this region offer some of the best wedding packages in terms of food, live music and other party perks.
Best Paiania wedding venues
Spetses: Luxury venues & laid-back atmosphere
Spetses is one of Greece’s most interesting islands, with a unique ecology, heritage architecture and a rustic time-warp feel. A wedding here calls for a serenade of traditional Greek music, flowing wine and plentiful food beneath sunny skies. Can you imagine a better way to spend your big day?
The island’s Greek name, Isola de Spezzie, means the ‘the Island of fragrance’ – a moniker chosen by the Venetians because of the abundance of aromatic herbs that grow on the mountains. The thick pine forests make this an ideal destination for nature lovers – but be prepared to do a lot of travelling by bicycle or foot (or horse!) as private cars are not allowed on the island.
Don’t let the laid back vibe fool you: Spetses has many beautiful seaside mansions and luxury resorts for an intimate ceremony.
Best Spetses wedding venues
Varkiza: Beach wedding near Athens
Also driving distance from Athens, Varkiza (Alianthos) is a lesser-known but equally atmospheric Greek wedding destination perfect for casual waterfront nuptials. One of the most appealing things about this location is that you can be very close to the shore yet still have grass beneath your feet.
There are a number of venues here that offer wedding packages overlooking the water, with catering and decorations included. Varkiza’s position makes it ideal for a sunset ceremony, while its proximity to the capital city is highly convenient.
Even better, there are scores of terrific Mediterranean restaurants in this area for the perfect wedding reception.
Best Varkiza wedding venues
Thessaloniki: Urban wedding in Greece
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, offers a lively backdrop for an urban wedding. Choose a venue amongst the bustling markets and stunning Roman ruins in the heart of the city – perhaps a museum or a rooftop bar – or venture to the waterfront to scout a spot with a view across the Thermaic Gulf towards Mount Olympus.
A number of major cultural events including the Dimitria Festival take place in Thessaloniki throughout the year, so you can be sure there will always be something fun happening to keep your guests entertained.
If you plan on getting hitched in this Greek city, try to aim for the late spring or early summer for optimal weather.
Best Thessaloniki wedding venues
Milos: Colourful villages & white-washed churches
Milos is another island in the Cyclade group famous for its wild rock formations and hidden beaches. The island’s long and varied coastline and wind-sculpted volcanic cliffs makes it a dramatic location for an outdoor wedding.
Milos’ relaxed vibe is quite typical for the Cyclades. Venture outside the port town of Adamantas and you’ll find stunning white rock landscapes, colourful seaside villages, and well-preserved historical sites.
There are lots of great beaches with beautiful clear water, each with a unique aesethetic. Provotas, Sarakiniko and Firiplaka all have striking rock formations that make for spectacular photos.
Best Milos wedding venues
Explore your options before departing
You can never do too much research or preparation for a destination wedding. You definitely don’t want to waste your time with logistics and decision-making while you’re there, so make sure you have your entire itinerary planned out ahead of time.
Greece has countless wedding venues to suit every couple: Be sure to consider all the possibilities so you don’t overlook what could have been your favourite destination. Being thorough with your due diligence is particularly important in a place like Mykonos, where there are so many venues to choose from.
Greece travel essentials
Here are some helpful websites and resources you can use to organise your trip to Greece.
FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Greece using the Skyscanner website.
VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Greece and apply for an expedited visa online.
TRAVAL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo, my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.
ESIM: Buy an eSIM and data package for Greece online before you go. My top choice is the Eurolink eSIM from Airalo (prices from $5).
CAR HIRE: Find a great deal on a Greece rental car using Local Rent, an aggregator website that works with local agents.
ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Greece on Booking.com.
CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Book skip-the-line tickets, day tours and city excursions on Viator.