“I Do” with a view: How to plan a wedding in Santorini

Holiday destination? Check!
Wedding destination? Double check!
Santorini welcomes thousands of visitors every year – some of them with a single thing in mind: getting married.
With its dramatic cliffs, iconic whitewashed villages clinging to the caldera, and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini sets the scene for an unforgettable destination wedding. But how do you transform this postcard-perfect paradise into the backdrop for your big day?
Planning a Santorini wedding is no easy task, we’ll tell you that. But this is where we come in.
Keep reading to find out how to plan a wedding in Santorini, from choosing the ideal venue to those all-important finishing touches.
Here’s how to organize a wedding in Santorini:
Set the stage
The very first step? Deciding how you want to celebrate. But there is one small detail we need to clarify first.
You’ve seen the photos, you know the view: Getting married in Santorini with the sun setting in the distance is to die for.
However, if you’re dreaming of a beach wedding, with a relaxed vibe on the golden sand, Santorini is not for you. Many Greek islands would be up for the task, but Santorini, with its famous Black and Red Beach, is not one of them.
A wedding in Santorini is for you if you envision a classic ceremony overlooking the Aegean Sea, bathed in golden sunlight. Define your dream aesthetic to guide your venue selection and overall planning.
The number of guests also plays an important role, as it will determine both your budget and location: intimate weddings in Santorini may be easier to plan and enjoy, without spending a fortune.
Learn more: Where to stay in Santorini – Every part of the island, explained!
Find a venue
Santorini boasts a diverse selection of wedding locations, each with its unique charm. However, the range is so wide it’s impossible to number the best wedding venues in Santorini, simply because this depends on the preferences of the bride and groom.
Here are some ideas on where to get married in Santorini, depending on your preferences:
- Picturesque hotels: Hotels built into the cliffs overlooking the caldera offer breathtaking panoramas. These venues also have dedicated wedding spaces and experienced event planners to ensure a seamless experience, so they’re always a solid idea.
- Iconic caldera views: Charming villages like Oia, Imerovigli, or Firostefani offer a more intimate setting. Imagine exchanging vows in a quaint chapel square or a private terrace overlooking the Aegean.
- Secluded vineyards: Embrace the romance of a vineyard setting. Many Santorini wineries offer stunning event spaces amidst rolling hills and rows of grapevines – perfect for a rustic-chic Santorini wedding.
Pro tip: Visit Santorini before your wedding to see everything in person. Your gut, photos or the word of a wedding planner might not be enough, no matter the number of glowing reviews – it’s important to witness everything first-hand and then choose.
To make this easier, book a Santorini day tour. This way you can cruise the island from the back of a luxury car, visit the best wedding venues in Santorini, and take it from there.
Understand legalities
While Santorini is a popular choice for destination weddings, it’s important to understand the legalities behind them.
Symbolic Ceremony
This is the most popular choice for couples seeking a beautiful Santorini wedding experience without the legalities involved.
You can exchange vows in a stunning setting, complete with breathtaking views and a celebrant officiating the ceremony. However, this ceremony won’t be legally recognized in your home country.
Legal Ceremony
If you desire a legally binding marriage in Greece, you’ll need to fulfill specific requirements, including obtaining a marriage license from your home country and having a civil ceremony officiated by a Greek authority. Same-sex marriage is also officially recognized in Greece.
Pro tip: This process can be more complex and time-consuming, so starting early is key. Consult a local Santorini wedding planner to ensure your wedding is not only hassle-free and romantic, but also legally recognized.
Create memories
Dreaming of the perfect wedding in Santorini? Follow these tips for an unforgettable experience through and through.
- Embrace the local expertise: Hiring a local Santorini wedding planner is an invaluable asset. They understand the legalities, have established relationships with vendors, and can navigate the logistics of planning a destination wedding.
- Capture the magic: Santorini’s dramatic landscapes are a photographer’s dream. Hire a talented photographer familiar with the island to capture every special moment.
- Don’t forget your flower arrangements: Choose a local florist who understands the island’s unique palette to create stunning floral arrangements depending on your wedding style and season.
- Trust the Greek cuisine: Greek cuisine is a feast for the senses. Work with your venue or a local caterer to curate a menu that reflects your taste and complements the Santorini setting.
- Arrange your grand entrance: Make a lasting impression with luxurious wedding car services. Chauffeur-driven cars combine comfort and elegance, ensuring a stylish arrival and departure from your dream wedding.
Arrange transfers
When it comes to your Santorini wedding, every detail matters. The JoyVan is dedicated to making your special day truly unforgettable.
Here’s why we’re the perfect partner for your Santorini wedding transportation:
- Luxury Redefined: Our fleet of luxury vehicles, from sleek sedans to spacious vans, caters to all your needs. Imagine arriving at your ceremony in style or driving your guests away for a post-wedding celebration.
- Unmatched Expertise: Our experienced drivers know Santorini’s roads and hidden gems. They ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, allowing you to relax and savor every moment.
- Personalized Service: We understand that your wedding is a unique occasion. Our dedicated team works closely with you to create a customized transportation plan that reflects your vision and ensures a seamless experience for all your guests.
- Stress-Free Transportation: The JoyVan takes the worry out of wedding day logistics. Relax and focus on creating memories that last, knowing your transportation is in expert hands.
Santorini, with its breathtaking beauty and romantic ambience, is the perfect setting to say “I do”.
With careful planning and the help of trusted partners, your Santorini wedding will be an extraordinary event that you and your guests will cherish forever.
Contact The JoyVan today to discuss your wedding transportation needs and create a personalized plan that reflects your style and budget. We look forward to being a part of your special day!
FAQ
Why do people get married in Santorini?
There are many reasons why couples choose Santorini for their wedding, starting from the obvious: the views! Luxury hotels perched, stunning sunsets, rich history, interesting Santorini activities, and delicious Greek dishes are among the reasons behind this choice, too.
What time of year is best for a Santorini wedding?
The island’s peak season is from June to August, with great weather and vibrant Santorini nightlife. However, this popularity also translates to higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and potentially lower costs.
Further reading: What’s the best time to visit Santorini? Expert advice to plan the perfect trip
What to wear to a wedding in Santorini?
When deciding what to wear to a Santorini wedding, respect the dress code. Typically, the formality of your attire depends on the couple’s chosen dress code, but if it’s not specified on the invitation, a safe bet is semi-formal. If you want your photos to stand out, consider bold colors to contrast the white domes and don’t forget sun protection!
What is the average cost of a Santorini wedding?
Costs can vary depending on the season, venue, and number of guests. Get in touch with a professional planner for an educated estimate relevant to your exact needs.

Santorini sightseeing 101: Top-rated attractions to get the most out of your trip
Have you ever imagined exploring a place where the sunsets are iconic and every street looks like a scene from a movie?
Welcome to Santorini – an island that is as stunning in reality as it is in your imagination.
Whether you’re chasing the famous sunsets, curious about the ancient ruins, or just want to relax on the beach, Santorini has something special for everyone. But with so many incredible sights to see in Santorini, Greece, how do you choose where to start?
Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to Santorini’s top 10 attractions!

Fira or Oia: Travel guide to Santorini’s famous destinations
Santorini needs no introduction: if you’re planning your holidays to this little piece of heaven on Earth, you already know what to expect.
But with two iconic villages competing for your heart, a dilemma arises: will you be staying at Fira or Oia?
Fira, the vibrant capital, pulsates with life, while Oia, the picture-perfect darling, offers tranquility and romance – so what will it be?
This comprehensive guide will be your compass.
Dive in to discover what town would win the Fira VS Oia debate and become your Santorini soulmate!

“I Do” with a view: How to plan a wedding in Santorini
Holiday destination? Check!
Wedding destination? Double check!
Santorini welcomes thousands of visitors every year – some of them with a single thing in mind: getting married.
With its dramatic cliffs, iconic whitewashed villages clinging to the caldera, and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini sets the scene for an unforgettable destination wedding. But how do you transform this postcard-perfect paradise into the backdrop for your big day?
Planning a Santorini wedding is no easy task, we’ll tell you that. But this is where we come in.
Keep reading to find out how to plan a wedding in Santorini, from choosing the ideal venue to those all-important finishing touches.
Here’s how to organize a wedding in Santorini:

Experience the Santorini nightlife: From nightclubs to live Greek music
Santorini isn’t just about breathtaking sunsets and caldera views – although, you know, those are pretty amazing too!
An island that the whole world has associated with romance, Greece’s top destination is so much more than that. Nightlife in Santorini is an experience on its own, and there’s no shortage of places for a night out.
After the sun dips below the horizon and the stars start glistening, this beloved paradise transforms into a vibrant hub of nightlife, especially during the peak summer months.
Whether you’re a party animal or a casual sipper, there’s something for everyone: cocktail bars, open-air terraces with caldera views, romantic bars to enjoy a glass of crisp Santorini wine with your partner, and clubs with Greek music to dance to with friends until early in the morning.
Want to know more about the nightlife in Santorini, Greece? Here’s a comprehensive list of our favorite bars across all main villages, where to enjoy the best music and cocktails, and of course where to go clubbing in Santorini.
Santorini’s nightlife caters to a variety of tastes, so let’s break down the hottest spots by area.
![Best 8 Beaches in Santorini, Greece [with Map]](https://thejoyvan.com/wp-content/webpc-passthru.php?src=https://thejoyvan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/best-beaches-in-santorini-greece-the-joy-van.jpg&nocache=1)
Beachfront bliss: Best beaches in Santorini and how to reach them
Santorini’s beaches, born from the remnants of ancient volcanic eruptions, boast a distinctive character that captivates the senses.
Nestled amidst the embrace of the Aegean Sea, the beaches of Greece’s most romantic island are rather unique: they may not feature the classic white sands of the country’s famous coastal destinations, yet they offer an unparalleled charm.
From the iconic Red Beach, adorned with its volcanic pebbles, to the serene stretches of predominantly black sands of Perissa and Perivolos that create a mesmerizing mosaic along the coastline, each Santorini beach is a testament to the island’s geological legacy, offering a visual feast in the Greek archipelago.
Want to know more about the best beaches in Santorini?
Time to take a dive!

Santorini with kids – Traveling tips for family-friendly holidays
Family holidays in Santorini (or any other place for that matter!) can be a challenge: the planning, the carrying, and the constant need for snacking will put your patience to the test – if you’re not prepared.
Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place.
This comprehensive guide is specifically designed for all families planning their holidays to Santorini with kids.
Whether you’re travelling with a baby, a toddler, or a teen, you will get all the necessary information to make your trip a rewarding and memorable experience.
So, buckle up and keep reading. After finishing you’ll know:
- Whether or not Santorini is family-friendly
- What are the best beaches for kids
- Where to stay in Santorini with children
- What are the best things and activities you can do on the island
- When is the best time to visit Santorini with family and more
Are you ready to organize the most fun trip?

Santorini wineries: A taste of the island’s viniculture heritage
If you’re a wine enthusiast visiting Greece, Santorini is your vino Valhalla.
The Aegean’s most idyllic destination isn’t just about beaches and breathtaking sunsets; it’s a wine lover’s haven that’s been fermenting its unique wine culture for centuries.
As one of the oldest wine-producing regions globally, Santorini certainly has quite a few wineries to visit and varieties to taste.
So how do you go about choosing the best ones if you’re here only for a few days?
After reading this comprehensive guide you’ll know:
- Which are the most popular Santorini wine varieties
- Which are the top Santorini wineries
- How to book the best wine-tasting tour in Santorini
Buckle up, fellow wine wanderers, and let’s explore your Santorini winetasting options.

How to get around Santorini – Best ways to move around effortlessly
Santorini truly does have what it takes to be called a top destination not only in Greece but worldwide.
When planning a trip to this enchanting island though, one of the essential aspects to consider is how to get around Santorini and explore all the beauty and charm it has to offer.
Questions like “Are there taxis in Santorini”, “Do I need to rent a car”, “What does the public transportation look like” or “What is the best way to get around Santorini” come up as soon as you start making plans and it’s important to get the answers you need before you set foot on the island, as pre-booking might save you tons of waiting, hidden fees, and other unpleasant surprises.
So, without further ado, let’s dive deeper into how to get around Santorini, comparing all available transportation options and discussing what’s best for you personally.

How many days do you need in Santorini? Here’s the ideal trip duration!
Imagine this – you’re standing on a cliff, the sun setting over the sparkling Aegean Sea, holding a glass of crisp, local wine.
Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Well, it’s a reality in the stunning Greek island of Santorini, which has much more in store for you than you think.
But with so much to see and do on this magical island, it can be tough to know how many days in Santorini are truly enough.
Fear not, because in this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you determine the ideal trip duration for your Santorini adventure, from a quick weekend getaway to an extended stay.
Plus, we’ll throw in some tips on how to make the most of your time here, including tours and activities that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Shall we get started?

What’s the best time to visit Santorini? Expert advice to plan the perfect trip
Volcanic landscapes, picturesque domes, stunning sunsets: Santorini overdelivers, as long as you know when to visit it!
So… when is the best time to visit Santorini, really?
Keep reading to explore the different seasons in Santorini, learn the pros and cons of visiting during each month, and get expert advice that will help you plan the perfect trip!

Where to stay in Santorini – Every part of the island, explained!
You’re halfway there: you’ve done your research, you’ve selected the dates, you’ve even booked your plane tickets.
But there’s one last thing you need to take care of before proclaiming you’re all set for your trip: you need to know where to stay in Santorini!
Finding out where is the best place to stay in Santorini is not an easy task.
From the popular Oia and Fira, to the more budget-friendly Perissa or Kamari, Santorini has its fair share of destinations, suited to different sorts of travelers, be it couples, first-timers or even families.
Still wondering what part of Santorini to stay in? Let’s get into specifics!

What to do in Santorini – The ultimate bucket list crafted by locals
When it comes to Greek islands, Santorini needs little to no introduction.
Blue domes, breathtaking views, and the iconic sunset that millions of visitors clap for every year have turned Greece’s idyllic island into one of the world’s most popular destinations.
But, apart from the obvious sunset-watching, what are the best things to do in Santorini, really?
Serious in our quest to discover the top things to do in Santorini, we’ve crafted this guide that we hope you’ll find useful.
We’ve added the best tours, attractions, and things you must absolutely not miss while you’re here, so you know what to do in Santorini from the get-go.
Whether you’re here for 1 day, 2 or more and regardless of who you’re travelling with, be it your SO, family, or yourself, there is a Santorini itinerary that will sweep you off your feet.
Ready to dive in?
