Frequently Asked Questions

While not mandatory, a local wedding planner is highly recommended for destination weddings in Greece. They have established relationships with vendors, understand local regulations, speak the language, and can handle logistics. For complex weddings or if you can't visit beforehand, a planner is invaluable.

Ideally, start planning 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak season (May-October). Popular venues and vendors book quickly. If you're getting married in peak season or on a smaller island with limited vendors, even earlier is better. For off-season weddings, 8-12 months may suffice.

May, June, and September are ideal - perfect weather, fewer crowds, and better vendor availability. July and August are very hot and crowded but offer guaranteed sunshine. April and October are beautiful and budget-friendly but slightly less predictable weather. Winter weddings are rare but can be charming on certain islands.

Yes! Greece welcomes destination weddings. You'll need to arrive at least 3-5 business days before the wedding to complete paperwork. Required documents include valid passports, birth certificates, certificates of no impediment (CNI), and divorce/death certificates if applicable. All documents must be translated into Greek by a certified translator and apostilled.

Yes, civil marriages performed in Greece are legally recognized in Australia, the UK, US, and most countries worldwide. You'll receive a Greek marriage certificate which you'll need to register with your home country's authorities. Religious ceremonies alone are not legally binding - you need a civil ceremony too.

Core documents: valid passports, original birth certificates, Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from your home country, and if previously married, divorce decree absolute or death certificate. All must be officially translated to Greek and have an Apostille stamp. Timeline: gather documents 6 months before, get apostilled 3 months before, translate 2 months before.

It depends on your style! Santorini offers iconic sunset views and white-washed charm but is expensive and crowded. Mykonos brings party vibes and luxury. Crete offers diverse venues and great value. Ios provides bohemian-chic atmosphere with stunning beaches. Each island has unique character - choose based on your vision and guest experience.

Yes, but with restrictions. Public beaches require permits from local authorities, which can be complex. Many beach clubs and hotels offer private beach areas which are much easier. Alternatively, consider clifftop venues with beach views. Timing is key - early morning or sunset ceremonies work best to avoid heat and crowds.

Hotels offer convenience (accommodation + venue), professional event staff, and lower logistical stress. They're ideal for 50+ guests. Private venues (villas, estates) offer exclusivity, customization, and unique character. They require more planning and often need to arrange everything separately. Consider guest count, budget, and how hands-on you want to be.

Expect €15,000-€25,000 for an intimate wedding (20-30 guests) and €30,000-€60,000+ for 80-100 guests. Santorini and Mykonos are 30-50% more expensive than Crete or Ios. Costs include venue (€2,000-€8,000), catering (€80-€150/person), photography (€2,500-€5,000), florals (€1,500-€4,000), and planning services (10-15% of total budget).

Varies significantly! Luxury venues often include: venue hire, tables/chairs, basic linens, sound system, bridal suite, and sometimes coordinator. Budget venues may only provide the space. Always clarify: setup/cleanup, furniture, tableware, electricity, permits, accommodation, exclusive use, and time limits. Hidden costs can add up quickly.

It depends on your home country and wedding style. For Australians, Greece can be similar or slightly cheaper for the wedding itself, but flights add significant costs. For Americans, Greece is often better value. Smaller guest lists offset destination costs. The experience and setting often provide more value per dollar than traditional home weddings.

Create a wedding website with: flight options, accommodation recommendations (various price points), ferry schedules, visa requirements, suggested arrival dates, island guide, and FAQ. Negotiate hotel blocks for better rates. Share a rough itinerary early. Consider hiring a travel coordinator for larger weddings. Provide local contact numbers for emergencies.

Not expected for destination weddings, though some couples contribute to close family. Common approaches: negotiate group rates (10-15% off), book a villa complex where some suites are gifted, or offer welcome bags/events instead. If you require guests to stay at your venue, it's courteous to cover or subsidize costs.

Destination weddings average 40-80 guests (vs. 100-150 for home weddings). 60-70% of invited guests typically attend. The travel commitment naturally filters to your closest loved ones. Some couples do a mini destination wedding (20-40) then a larger reception at home. Budget for the higher per-person costs with fewer guests.

Always hire locally! Greek vendors know the locations, have established logistics, and are more cost-effective. Bringing vendors from abroad adds travel costs, unfamiliarity with venues, and coordination challenges. Exception: if you have a photographer whose style you absolutely must have, but even then, pair them with a local coordinator.

Use Weddings Greece directory to find verified vendors, read Google reviews carefully, ask for full portfolios and references from recent weddings, schedule video calls to assess communication, verify licenses and insurance, check multiple recent weddings not just highlight reels. Never pay full amount upfront - 30-50% deposit, balance closer to wedding.

In tourist areas and for wedding vendors, yes! Most wedding professionals on popular islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Ios) speak good English as they serve international clients regularly. However, having a planner who speaks Greek fluently is beneficial for permits, dealing with authorities, and ensuring nothing is lost in translation.

Rain is rare May-October (less than 5% chance) but possible in shoulder seasons. Always have a backup plan: indoor space, marquee, or covered terrace. Premium venues usually include wet weather options. Check if backup space incurs extra costs. Consider 'rain insurance' or flexible vendor policies. Ironically, rain is considered good luck in Greek culture!

July-August: 28-35°C (82-95°F), feeling hotter in direct sun. Evening weddings are essential - start after 6PM when it cools to 25-28°C. Provide: parasols, fans, cold towels, hydration stations, shaded ceremony space. Avoid midday photos. Island breezes help, but Santorini and Mykonos can be scorching. May-June and September are more comfortable.

Yes, especially in Santorini and Mykonos where the Meltemi winds blow July-August. They can reach 25-35 knots. Impact: hairstyles, decor (secure everything!), outdoor sound, and boat transfers. Work with experienced vendors who know how to wind-proof setups. Calmer periods: May-June, September. Crete and Ios are generally less windy.

Visit any venue or vendor page and click 'Claim This Listing' (for unverified listings), or go directly to our Claim page. Fill in your business details and we'll verify within 1-2 business days. Free features include: Instagram integration, Google review sync, analytics dashboard, full profile control, and verified badge. Premium options available for enhanced visibility.

We list both verified and unverified vendors. Verified vendors (with ✓ badge) have been claimed by the business owner and confirmed. We display Google reviews when available for additional transparency. Always do your own due diligence: video calls, portfolio review, references, contracts. We're a directory, not a booking platform - contracts are between you and vendors.

No, Weddings Greece is an information and directory platform. We help you discover and research venues and vendors, but all bookings and contracts are made directly with the businesses. This ensures you have direct communication and build relationships with your wedding team. We provide contact details and inquiry forms to facilitate connections.