Eloping in Santorini: Your Ultimate Guide

Eloping in Santorini is the perfect way to have a unique and intimate elopement wedding ceremony. With its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and romantic sunsets, Santorini is the perfect place to elope. There are many fun things to do in Santorini, from exploring the charming villages to enjoying the spectacular views from the famous Caldera. Here is the ultimate guide to eloping in Santorini, with tips on venues, locations, and activities.

The mountains, cliffs, and beautiful beaches form the perfect backdrop as you exchange vows! That sounds magical, doesn’t it? If you have dreamt of this, Santorini Island is the perfect spot to elope in Greece, offering both adventure and laid-back vibes! The beautiful island has everything you need, from wine tasting to hiking, sailing to dining, and even kitesurfing. To help you plan your elopement in Santorini, I have prepared a guide with everything you need to know and learn about this romantic destination.

Why is Santorini, Greece, the ideal destination for your elopement wedding?

Santorini is an ideal destination as it has an impressive coastline full of sand beaches and volcanic rugged landscapes. With cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and delectable local cuisine, you will have one of the most memorable times here. Apart from these obvious reasons, other elements that make this place ideal for eloping are its affordability, the welcoming spirit of the locals, and abundant nature. The list can go on and on, making it suitable for couples to celebrate their new beginnings.

Greek, Heritage, Food, and Culture

Greek culture is one of the oldest in the world, and countless reminders of the country's extraordinary history are scattered throughout its islands. You can stand in the ring where the first Olympians competed, marvel at ancient monasteries, and be stunned by the massive sculptures carved by Greek artists. Greece is the perfect place to explore if you want to combine a love of history with a sense of adventure. And nowhere is this truer than on the island of Santorini. The island is home to many cultural treasures, from its well-preserved archaeological sites to its traditional Cycladic architecture. If you're looking to get a taste of true Greek culture, Santorini is the perfect place to start your journey and infuse it into your elopement wedding theme.

Greek food is as varied as the country's landscape. Each region will have different flavors, from the coast's salty seafood to the earthy mountains' earthy herbs. And, of course, feta and olive oil are always on the table! If you're a foodie, there's one more reason to elope in Greece: you'll get to experience the incredible variety of flavors this country has to offer. Greek culture is all about family, friends, and good food. So, whether you're enjoying a traditional meal at a taverna or sampling street food from a vendor, you're sure to have a delicious experience.

Civil wedding versus Vow Renewal

There are a few legalities to take care of if you plan a civil wedding in Santorini. You'll need to have your birth certificates translated by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and get a certificate of no impediment. Other paperwork may also be required, depending on your country of origin. Once everything is in order, you're free to tie the knot!

To have a civil wedding in Greece, here are a few legalities you’ll need to take care of first. Both you and your partner will need to have a valid passport, and you'll need to obtain an Apostille stamp for your birth certificate. You'll also need an official translation of the Apostille into Greek, which can be done by a certified translator or the Greek consulate from your home country. Finally, you'll need proof of freedom to marry or an affidavit. 

However, I highly advise having a wedding planner do all the paperwork so you can relax as they walk you through the process. Once you have all the paperwork in order, you're ready to start planning your idyllic elopement in Santorini!  

Alternatively, you could have a symbolic ceremony instead. Either way, Santorini is the perfect place to start your life together. You can exchange your vows almost anywhere on the island - plenty of breathtaking locations to choose from. Plus, you'll still be able to celebrate with all your friends and family back home, if you like. While symbolic ceremonies don't have the same legal weight as an official wedding, they can be just as special - and a lot less stressful. So, if you're considering eloping in Santorini, a symbolic ceremony is worth considering. You can do the legal paperwork back home, which is much cheaper and easier. 

How To Get To Santorini

Santorini is one of the famous islands off the coast of Greece. The best way to reach it is by flying through Athens, which takes around 1 hour. You can also choose to travel by ferry from ports in Athens which may take 5-7 hours. If you're in Europe, you can also get Ryan Air.

Best Locations to Elope in Santorini

• Blue Domes in Oia Village
  You will find bell towers all over Greece, but you won't get the same view as you get in Santorini. The village makes a fantastic backdrop to any elopement with the blue domes and bell towers.
• Santorini Churches
  The beautiful island has over 200 churches and monasteries that have been around for several centuries. You can plan your wedding in a church, but that would require a little more planning. It is also possible to organize a beach wedding near the church with a sea and blue dome in the background.
• Skaros Rock
  Want to add a bit of adventure and fun to your elopement? Skaros Rock is one of the most gorgeous and eye-catching destinations with historical significance. It is one of the most magical and beautiful places giving you fantastic views of the Aegean.
• Red beach & Amoudi Bay
  The place boasts striking views of the beautiful cliffs and whitewashed buildings. There are several seafood restaurants, so you can also set up a romantic dinner after the elopement while enjoying the views. 

Best Time of Year to Visit

April-May and September-October offer warmer temperatures with a lower volume of tourists. These times are the best ones to plan and elope in Santorini. If you are ok with cooler weather, then you can also plan in the winter when you can also bargain on the hotels and activities. From Late May to August, the island remains crowded with many tourists. When it comes to having Greece elopements, I will advise you to make bookings in advance if you plan to get married in the summer.

Activities to Do in Santorini (for Honeymoon as well)

Santorini treats you with plenty of romantic and fun activities you can enjoy with your partner. Here's what you can explore:

• Boat tours
• Snorkeling
• Cliff jumping
• Hiking
• Sailing
• Shipping & dining
• Watching the sunset from the cliff 

Santorini Elopement Planning

Santorini is one of the most sought-after couples' destinations worldwide. With its dramatic landscape and beautiful sunsets, it is truly an ideal destination to plan your elopement wedding.

Reading vows and starting a new journey with the love of your life in Santorini is truly a dream! Are you inspired to elope in Santorini? I help couples plan their dream elopement and offer insights on styling the special day of their life. Feel free to connect with me; I will be happy to assist you.