The ultimate guide to elope in Santorini
TIPS. VENUES & LOCATION IDEAS
for an adventure elopement in Santorini
Amongst Greece’s many incredible landmarks, beaches, and islands, Santorini is the country’s most notable, and most visited, island. One look at the white sand beaches and the charming white washed houses that sit on cliffs overlooking the sea, and it’s easy to see why visiting Santorini is on so many bucket lists, and why so many couples are drawn here for their elopement!
A Santorini elopement is perfect for those who want to combine relaxation with excitement, luxury with adventure, and incredible natural beauty with stunning architecture. Keep reading this guide, and you’ll be ready to plan your own Santorini elopement in no time!
Let’s dive in…
Welcome to the Adventure of a Lifetime
Hey there, I’m Amber! I’m your elopement photographer and planner – your one-stop-shop for absolutely everything you need for a magical, incredible elopement day.
I offer all-inclusive elopement packages for couples who want to relax and let me handle absolutely everything, as well as options for couples who like a little bit of DIY! I’ll find the perfect place for you to exchange vows, recommend vendors, help you figure out travel and lodging, make a timeline, and more – personalizing each part of your elopement day to perfectly suit the two of you. And of course, I’ll be there to take the photos and document this once in a lifetime adventure.
You aren’t like every other couple, and your wedding day shouldn’t be either! I’ll help you craft a day that’s true to you, authentic, and real, allowing you to immerse yourselves in the experience as you say your “I dos.”
First, let’s be sure we’re talking about the same thing:
What is an elopement?
Google the definition of “elopement” and you’ll get a lot of results… most of which are completely wrong. Sure, eloping used to mean “running away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent,” (thanks, Merriam Webster), but not anymore!
Eloping is no longer something scandalous, secretive, or shameful. It’s about reclaiming your wedding day, letting go of the stress, pressure, and expectations that come with the traditional wedding industry, and making sure that your wedding is a reflection of you, your relationship, and your marriage.
How to Legally Elope in Santorini
To ensure that your marriage is legal, you’ll need to brush up on the paperwork and local marriage laws. But don’t worry, I have all the important stuff right here!
You do not have to be a local to elope in Santorni, but getting all of the proper paperwork can take as long as several weeks. Here is the paperwork you’ll need to obtain for your ceremony:
- A valid passport
- A birth certificate with the Apostille stamp certifying the copy
- An official Apostille translated into Greek, which can be certified by a lawyer, a foreign ministry’s translation department, a certified translator or the Greek consulate from your home country
- Proof of freedom to marry, or affidavit of marriage, notarised
- A decree of absolution of your previous marriage, if applicable
- A copy of the local newspaper where your intent to marry was published
That last one is unique – in Greece, you need to state your intent to get married in the local newspaper, or at the town hall. After that, you’ll be able to apply for a marriage license. The entire process costs an average of 307 euros, or 363 USD.
For couples from the US:
In certain states, you can ask your county clerk the authorization to sign your wedding license abroad. If they agree, as a registered minister, my team and I will be able to legally marry you without the hassle of a legal wedding ceremony in Santorini.
Why Elope in Santorini?
Gorgeous Landscapes
Turquoise water, dormant volcanoes, oceanside cliffs, breathtaking sunsets… what other reason do you need to elope in Santorini!? The island has no shortage of incredible landscapes to explore, and so many unique ways to explore them! You can go on horseback, by boat, or hike to see everything that Santorini has to offer.
Mediterranean Cuisine
From street gyros to fine dining seafood, Santorini is a food lover’s paradise. The island’s indigenous fruits and vegetables paired with wine and refreshing cocktails will make your mouth water!
Luxurious Villas
While your elopement is all about adventure, there’s nothing like having a home base to return to after a day of exploring. Santorini is known for its luxury resorts, but even the more modest accommodations often feature views of the ocean. Your Santorni elopement will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for more adventures!
Where to Elope in Santorini
How do you even begin to narrow down one spot to say your vows in Santorini? Everywhere you look there’s beautiful beaches, captivating cliffs, and so much to see! Here are a few great spots for a Santorini elopement to get you inspired.
Amoudi Bay
Amoudi Bay is a neighborhood in Santorini whose port is known for the scenery that surrounds it. Imagine getting married on the beach, surrounded by red cliffs, the iconic whitewashed buildings, and the clear blue water of the Aegean Sea. After your ceremony, you can even go cliff diving!
Fira to Oia
This hike is six miles each way, and passes through four towns! Along the way, you’ll have sweeping views of the ocean, as well as of the picturesque towns. This hike is a popular place to catch the sunset, but make sure to leave early! There are tons of places you’ll want to stop along the way.
Red Beach
Named after the dramatic red sand cliffs that tower over this beach, it’s a gorgeous place to tie the knot. The stark contrast between the bright blue water, vibrant red cliffs, and dark sand is without a doubt a beautiful backdrop for your elopement photos!
Palea Kameni
Santorini’s oldest volcano, Palea Kameni, can be reached by boat, but you’ll have to swim to get to the hot springs! For the adventurous couple, jumping into the sea and paddling to get to warm water is a once in a lifetime experience.
Skaros Rock
Skaros rock is a unique rocky formation formed by ruins and volcanic eruptions. This former site of a castle protrudes over the sea, offering a beautiful spot for couples to elope. Getting here requires a bit of a hike, so bring your hiking boots!
When to Elope in Santorini
Santorini’s weather rarely dips below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), so this island paradise is a wonderful getaway any time of year.
WINTER
Winter in Santorini tends to be very rainy, but on the plus side, tourism drops significantly and hotel prices are low! If you don’t mind the rain, winter may be the perfect time to elope and avoid the crowds.
SPRING AND FALL
The best time for a Santorini elopement is spring or fall – temperatures are warm but not hot, and it is much less crowded than summertime.
SUMMER
Summer is Santorini’s busiest season. Tons of tourists flock to the island, so if you’re hoping for more privacy while you say your vows, opt for spring or fall. But, for those who love to swim, summer temperatures are much more ideal!
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Santorini?
all-inclusive, 7-day ELOPEMENT and honeymoon
6 nights in accommodation (3* or more)
Elopement photographer for 3 days
All meals for the 7 days
4-5 beautiful, natural and raw ceremony location options
Custom timeline of the day
Officiant
Florist
Hair and makeup
Car rental
Airport transfers
TOTAL FOR An all-inclusive ELOPEMENT IN SANTORINI:
$22 100
12-hour ELOPEMENT
Elopement photographer for 12 hours
4-5 beautiful, natural and raw ceremony location options
Custom timeline of the day
TOTAL FOR A 12-hour ELOPEMENT IN SANTORINI:
$8 000
What To Wear When Eloping In Santorini
While you can get away with cute-but-uncomfortable attire on a wedding day, elopements require much more moving around!
The Dress
Santorini is pretty warm year round, though winter can be a little chillier. I recommend wearing a lightweight dress – fabrics like chiffon and tulle are perfect and won’t be too hot. A lightweight, flowy dress will be perfect for a casual beach elopement! Make sure you’re able to sit down and walk around comfortably.
The Shoes
If you’re planning on hiking, make sure to bring comfortable hiking boots! For elopements on the beach, opt for comfortable but lightweight footwear (or maybe go barefoot) – heels and sand definitely don’t go together! If you buy new shoes for the occasion, make sure to break them in before the big day! There’s nothing worse than gorgeous new shoes that give you blisters five minutes in.
The Suit
Layers are great for eloping in Santorini. Mornings and evenings might get chilly, but during the day you’ll want to lose a few. A dress shirt and pants are perfect, with a jacket or tux to go on top!
Elope in Santorini – Your Checklist
Think about where you’d like to go
It can be hard to decide on just one spot to say your vows when Santorini offers so many beautiful places! My advice is to start by thinking about what kind of scenery you’d like to see. Beaches? Volcanos? Do you want to hike, or would you rather step out of your villa and into an incredible view?
As an elopement photographer, a big part of my job is to help couples find the perfect place to say their vows. As a travel planner, I’m ready to go with all the best secret spots! Once you’ve decided to elope in Santorini, don’t hesitate to get in touch for planning assistance.
Pick a date
After you research the weather in Santorini and figure out time off from work, it’s time to choose your elopement date!
Find more information about travel visas and wedding documentation
Luckily, you will not need a visa to elope in Santorini (unless you stay longer than 90 days), so all you have to do is make sure your passports are up to date!
Book your flights and accommodation
Check out Airbnbs, hotels, and resorts in Santorini and figure out where you’d like to stay! I recommend booking flights and accommodation early, so that you find a spot close to your elopement location, and so that you get the best prices!
Book your vendors
Reach out to your favorite elopement vendors as soon as possible! Their schedules fill up quickly, so don’t hesitate to inquire!
Live your dream elopement
Relax, and spend the day adventuring and exploring around Santorini with your love!
DOES SANTORINI SOUND LIKE YOUR DREAM?
How to plan your peaceful elopement in SANTORINI with me
Let’s dive in, so you can start your journey right away!
Imagine a wedding where you can be you. Breathe. Bask in each other’s love.
Experience a place close to your hearts, or a bucket-list dream.
Let’s chat!
Are you eager to start planning your elopement in Santorini? I’m here to help you envision, plan and immortalize this beautiful adventure! Contact me now for a free consultation!
