Destination guide · 2026
Getting married in Greece
Sunset ceremonies in Santorini, dinner-on-the-water in Mykonos, or a private villa in Crete — here's what a 2026 Greek wedding actually costs and how the legal piece works.
The 60-second answer
A Greek destination wedding for 70 guests runs €28,000–€60,000 all-in. Santorini caldera venues are the most expensive; Crete and the Peloponnese give you 60% of the aesthetic at half the cost. Civil ceremonies are legally recognised but require translated and apostilled paperwork filed with the local Town Hall 8 weeks out.
Cost by island / region (70-guest weekend)
| Region | All-in | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Santorini (caldera) | €60,000 | Iconic sunset ceremonies, premium logistics. |
| Mykonos | €55,000 | Party-forward, private villas + beach clubs. |
| Crete | €32,000 | Best value; full-island variety. |
| Peloponnese (Costa Navarino) | €42,000 | Resort weddings without the island markup. |
| Athens Riviera | €38,000 | Easiest access; rooftops + waterfront. |
Legal requirements for foreign couples
- Civil ceremony at Town Hall: both partners need passports, apostilled birth certificates, "Certificate of No Impediment" translated into Greek, and a notice published in the local press 8 days prior.
- Religious (Greek Orthodox): at least one partner must be Orthodox; baptism certificates required.
- Symbolic ceremony: no paperwork. Most US/UK/AU couples marry legally at home and hold the symbolic ceremony in Greece.
Budget breakdown (70 guests, Santorini example)
| Category | EUR |
|---|---|
| Venue (caldera, exclusive) | €18,000 |
| Catering & bar | €17,500 |
| Florals + production | €8,000 |
| Photo + video | €6,500 |
| Planner / coordination | €6,000 |
| Music + entertainment | €4,000 |
Season notes
May, June, September, and early October are peak — book 12+ months out for Santorini. July and August are very hot and very crowded; the islands themselves run on premium-season pricing across hotels and ferries. Late April and mid-October are the value windows.