Think Happy Events is a full wedding planning company in Greece. We are focused on creating stylish and beautiful wedding celebrations and events all over Greece. Behind our chosen name lies a whole set of ideas and values. Among them, the one we believe in the most is not trying to make up your mind for you – What we are really good at, is encouraging you to THINK HAPPY and think big. Because no matter what it is you have in mind for your special occasion, shaping it into existence, is exactly what brings our team happiness and why we came into the event-planning business in the first place. But, you’re here to learn more about destination weddings in Greece! Shall we?
A destination wedding is a wedding celebration held in a location away from your hometown or country. Many couples, celebrate their destination wedding and their honeymoon in the same location and venue or use their wedding location as the starting point of a romantic honeymoon around Greece. Also, destination weddings favor a prolonged wedding experience as the only way to fully enjoy your wedding celebration.
Why choose a destination wedding?
A wedding like these is for the couples that want to give their families and friends a wedding experience and a culture trip all in one. Therefore, it’s more about savoring the local traditions and getting immersed in new universes. A destination wedding focuses on the feeling and shared experience. When planning a destination wedding (be it domestic or abroad), it’s best to consult local vendors. We can help you choose the location, the venue, and navigate the fine print of working in a foreign country. Moreover, Think Happy Events will source the best local vendor teams of your chosen destination; why? We want to create an event that has a sense of place and personal touches as it would if you were to wed in your hometown while bringing some of Greece’s beauty into the mixture!
What is the cost of a destination wedding in Greece?
Organizing a destination wedding in any country requires time and money. Take into consideration that each country’s wedding industry is different, hence the difference in the rates of the wedding packages. In advance, the cost of your wedding celebration largely depends on your style, needs, and budget. Our team will work with you, trying to bring your wedding dreams to life. Since we are a full planning company, the planning process includes the overall concept development, budget analysis, vendor coordination, the itinerary of events and timeline; the complete wedding project management and coordination. In general, destination wedding planning and wedding design in Greece depend on how big the wedding is, the number of guests, the days of the wedding festivities and their type, the wedding location, etc.
Where is the best place to get married in Greece?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it’s a matter of personal style. Many couples choose to get married in Santorini for its unique sunset and picturesque architecture, while others opt for a more exclusive wedding celebration on the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. However, Greece has a lot more to offer, with unfathomably beautiful islands and towns in the mainland. Our team particularly loves weddings in Monemvasia and Mani, for its historic value and Mediterranean beauty that has something of southern Italy and Provence. Milos Island is one of our favorites as well for its lunar landscape and beautiful beaches. A lot of our couples chose Sifnos to get married in the whitewashed monasteries and chappels. Some of our more sophisticated couples chose Spetses or Hydra islands for their wedding, small islands famous for their cosmopolitan and luxurious atmosphere, and no car policy. The choices are endless in Greece, we’d be happy to discuss with you your style and preferences and nurture your wedding dreams to life. Ask us, you’d be amazed at the secret beauties of the country.
When is the best time to get married in Greece?
The first thing couples do when getting engaged is starting to research about the potential ceremony and reception locations and venues. We always say how the first thing you should do when starting wedding planning is determining your wedding budget. After that, you can start searching for wedding vendors and venues within the limits of your wedding budget. On that note, there certain times of the year that is better to get married
In the wedding industry, there is a thing called high and low season when it comes to venues. In general, spring and fall tend to be less expensive, with the highest season being July and August. However, in Greece, the weather is practically perfect from April till October, making May, June, and September perfect months to get married and still enjoy Greece’s prolonged summer. Each region’s climate determines wedding seasonality, but many locations in Greece make even late October a perfect time to get married. Moreover, May and September some of the best months to get married. In the low season months, Venues and wedding vendors not only lower their rates but often are more receptive to price negotiation. Opting for an off-season wedding also benefits your guests who can book off-peak travel and accommodation rates.
Our team is here to answer all your destination wedding questions and help you with wedding budget management and coordination. Also, you can benefit from our tried and trusted wedding vendor suggestions.
What is needed to get married in Greece?
What are the legal requirements to get married in Greece?
You don’t need to be a citizen or a resident of Greece to get married here. However, if you’re marrying a Greek citizen or resident, he or she must hold a valid residence permit. Some legal requirements may vary depending on the city or island where you plan to get married, so it’s always a good idea to check with local authorities. Our team will help you with that.
The legal minimum age for marriage is 18 years old. Younger couples can get married if they receive special dispensation from a court, which also requires parental permission.
You’ll also have to go through a waiting period between your application for marriage and your wedding day. This waiting period will vary depending on the municipality where you choose to marry but can take anywhere from a week to a few months. For a civil marriage license, you can expect a seven-day waiting period.
What do you need to get married in Greece?
Necessary paperwork and documentation
Each party to the marriage will need a copy of the following documents. For a religious ceremony, plan to have two copies each – one for the house of worship and one for the town hall:
- 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, in both English and Greek
- A decree of absolution of your previous marriage, if applicable
- A copy of the local newspaper where your intent to marry was published
- US citizens may be able to avoid applying for a Greek marriage license if they have a US marriage license that can be amended to include Greece.
Especially for a religious wedding, the requirement may vary for each parish. Wondering what are the legal and religious requirements? We can help you.
Popular destination wedding locations and venues in Greece
Our weddings are characterized by Mediterranean elegance, classically beautiful design, and a fine art approach blending in the surroundings perfectly, resulting in high-end wedding days to remember. We have designed events in all the beautiful corners of Greece and all the major wedding venues and locations. Some of the most popular and (some of our favorite) are the following:
Destination Wedding in Monemvasia, Greece
Monemvasia is a town and a municipality in Laconia, Greece. The town is located on a small island off the east coast of the Peloponnese. The island is linked to the mainland by a short causeway 200m in length. Monemvasia essentially is a Castle Town for Lovebirds! It is a medieval town featuring superb architecture and cobbled streets, is an ideal getaway all year round. As a natural fortress, it was inhabited and soon became a strategic fortress claimed the Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans. Neither museum-like nor artificially fabricated, Monemvasia is Europe’s only castle that has never ceased being inhabited. May we add a dreamy place to tie the knot?
Kinsterna, Resort, Hotel
Located in one of the most romantic spots in Greece, Kinsterna Hotel is the ideal wedding venue for those looking for a spectacular place to exchange their vows. This stunning historic mansion by the sea has developed some expertise in catering to your desires and can easily create a bohemian-chic party or a fairytale wedding, just like the one you always dreamed of. There are rooms available for the happy couple and their guests, so tick wedding accommodation off your wedding list!
Lazareto, Hotel
Lazareto Hotel is located around 0.6 miles from Agia Sofia Church. This apartment has accommodated guests since 1998. The venue offers a perfect location, a short walk from the castle of Monemvasia. It is 15 minutes’ walk up to the Church of Christ in Chains. The location perfectly sums up the Mediterranean wedding dream. It’s one of our favorites!
Destination Wedding in Crete, Greece
Crete, Greece’s largest island, is known for its varied terrain, which ranges from fine-sand beaches at Elafonisi to the White Mountains. Mt. Ida, the tallest of the range, is home to the Ideon Cave, which was the birthplace of Zeus, according to Greek mythology. The capital, Heraklion, is home to the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, housing Minoan artifacts, and Knossos, a Bronze Age settlement.
Agreco Farm
Picture this: a rustic wedding on a quaint farm, with its olive press, workshops, and a guesthouse. It even has a church. Agreco Farm is the ideal venue for a wedding. Located on a hilltop near the small village of Adelianos, Crete, the estate allows for spectacular views of the surroundings. Say “I do” in the small chapel on site and opt for an outdoor dinner and enjoy local delicacies, raki and wine in a convivial setting.
Manousakis Winery
Whether to celebrate your wedding day or a prewedding event, Manousakis Winery is one of Greece’s top wineries! The Manousakis Winery has been producing its 100% organic wines under the brand name Nostos since 1997. The winery is situated just 15 minutes (driving) from the city of Chania in the village of Vatolakkos. This serene, traditional village setting is a perfect backdrop to try the award-winning wines. Over the years Manousakis Winery has been holding tours and tastings for travelers coming from all over the world. In addition to the tour options, visitors can celebrate their weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, or even just the end to a perfect stay on Crete. Since you’re having a destination wedding, Manousakis Winery is the perfect opportunity to add a cultural experience to your wedding day and prolong the bliss for more! Interesting, right?
Destination Wedding in Sifnos, Greece
Sifnos is a Greek island in the Cyclades island group. It’s fringed by sandy beaches such as Chrysopigi beach in the southeast, home to the striking white Chrysopigi Monastery. The long, shallow Vathi beach sits in a protected cove in the southwest. Sifnos is known for its traditional pottery and there are many small pottery workshops in villages like Vathi and Kamares, the island’s main port in the northwest.
Lazarou Beach
Lazarou Beach is a must-visit location if you’re visiting Sifnos. Lazarou Beach, with a magnificent view of the picturesque bay of Lazarou next to Platis Gialos in Sifnos, is the perfect location to have a beachside wedding. The open areas with a magnificent view will definitely impress your guests. Its elegant restaurant, known for its excellent cuisine is one of the most picture-perfect wedding venues on the island – plus the cuisine is top-notch!
Rabagas
For the foodie couple, Sifnos is the right place to visit. It is unarguably one of the best islands in the Cyclades that could satisfy all sorts of visitors, from honeymooners and couples to their friends and families. A wedding in Rabagas Reastauran not only will look stunning but the food will be impeccable too! It’s definitely a place to consider if fine dining is your thing!
Destination Wedding in Milos, Greece
Milos or Melos is a volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea, just north of the Sea of Crete. Milos is the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades group. Standing out for its majestic ambiance, rich history, picturesque fishing villages, amazing food, and indigo bays, Milos island in Greece is a timeless Cycladic gem that will steal your breath with its enchanting beauty. The variety of landscapes in Milos is unreal- you’ll see nothing twice, there’s always something new to discover. Being home to the Venus of Milo statue, which was discovered on the island and the stunning Sarakiniko beach, Milos’ beauty is expressed in many ways!
Milos Greece welcomes everyone, but it is particularly popular with couples, which find in the serene natural landscape of Milos the perfect setting for their romantic holidays. Indeed, the numerous caves, mysterious catacombs, and emerald Milos beaches squeeze enough charm to bewitch any traveler. Sounds ideal?
Psaravolada Resort
Psaravolada Resort is located on the south side of Milos, very close to Aghia Kyriaki beach which is one of the best sandy beaches of the island and over the magnificent beach of Psaravolada from which it owes its name.
In a panoramic area of approximately 30,000m2 of land, a complex with newly-build traditional lodgings which are connected to one another with picturesque cobbled paths and small stone-built fences that look like a castle and they travel us in past times. Intimate venues like this one are perfect for a destination wedding.
Again, adding the perfect wedding experience factor, in Psaravolada all guests and visitors are welcome to explore the authentic world of gastronomy by the eclectic restaurant with the breathtaking views, enjoying flavors and aromas of traditional and international cuisine. The lodgings provide total relaxation and promise a pleasant stay in a beautiful, cozy, and friendly environment.
Private Villas
For a more intimate wedding ceremony and reception, private villas and estates are perfect to design an unforgettable wedding day. As with every location, Milos offers some of the prettiest villas we’ve ever seen. Why would you consider renting a villa? You’ll be able to stay with your family in an exclusive location without worrying about time restrictions!
Destination Wedding in Santorini, Greece
We’re sure that by now you’ve definitely come across a destination wedding in Santorini since it is the number one location couples search when dreaming of their destination wedding. The island features some of the prettiest venues and locations for that oh-so-chic wedding in Greece. The sunset hues are fiery and the people friendly and accomodating. There are venues to match each budget so if Santorini makes you happy, we can totally go for it!
Destination Wedding in Mykonos, Greece
Known for the fairytale-like scenery of Cyclades, Mykonos offers breathtaking sunsets, rocky cliffs that submerge in cobalt waters, and dazzling white houses. Isn’t this the perfect setting for a romantic wedding? Mykonos is one of the most popular wedding and honeymoon destinations for people from all over the world that love the exclusivity and hedonistic side of the island. The island offers a huge variety of wedding venues and villas, there is something for everyone!
Destination Wedding in Folegandros, Greece
Folegandros is an untouched piece of true Greece with a relaxing atmosphere, hospitality and nice beaches, close to Santorini and Milos. The Island is small but large enough to make you feel in peace with the human dimension with all at hand. It has a landscape of dry hills with kilometers of dry stone walls over a deep blue sea.
Why we love it so much? A true gem of the Aegean, Folegandros still looks untouched by time. It preserves the natural landscape and simple island living. While the accommodation on the island is stellar and contemporary, the landscape and the atmosphere are pure Greece. It’s a lovely choice for the modern couples that love the Cycladic landscape but want an exclusive experience of tranquility and laid back luxury.
Destination Wedding in Ios, Greece
While Ios lacks the jet-set buzz of its sister Cyclades, being sandwiched between Santorini and Mykonos has definite advantages. With no airport of its own, the island benefits from easy access via its better-known neighbors without being similarly swamped by summertime hordes. And although Ios Town is just as lovely as Santorini’s famed cliff-top villages, its jumble of churches, shrines, and sky-blue painted doorways feels considerably more lived-in and authentic.
Cycladic Gem Villa
Οne of the great assets of this property is its own private amazing rocky beach access, with organized sitting area, BBQ, umbrellas, and sunbeds. The villa offers an unforgettable wedding experience, in this beautiful and traditional Cycladic Luxury Villa. The Gem is ideal for family entertaining and weddings, an impromptu pre-wedding or post-wedding party. We’ve created some of our favorite events there, always a pleasure working on this view.
Ios Club
Situated across the Chora of Ios, on a row of granite rocks, this historical sunset bar is a sleek fusion of Cycladic architecture, contemporary space, and ambiance. Ios Club offers and unbuttoned sense of sunset-viewing in the company of classical and lounge vibes, indulging in chilled signature cocktails and bespoke aperitivo, certain to evoke the most unforgettable experience. We love this venue for its view and the kind people, definitely a place to consider for a destination wedding!
Destination Wedding in Spetses, Greece
Orloff Resort
A beautiful and cosmopolitan island, Spetses is often considered a romantic destination for many. So why not take the opportunity to exchange your vows in the scenic Orloff resort, near the Old Harbor of the island. This little haven of tranquility offers casual luxury in the dedicated area by the pool, with a reception at the award-winning restaurant on site. Your guests may even benefit from special room fare. So make yourself and everyone happy with a grand wedding in one of the most beautiful hotels on the island.
Destination wedding in Greece
The Think Happy Events Philosophy
We believe in the little special things each couple has in their chemistry that can spark our creativity to design an unforgettable experience for them and their families. Our events are characterized by respect to our couples and their style, soft dreamy color palettes, refined styling, and high-end planning services to make sure your wedding day runs smoothly, so the only thing you have to do is ship champagne and love each other. We are your eyes and ears in each location, working with your best interests in heart. Our business partners are the finest florists, caters, graphic designers in Greece. We want your wedding to be both beautiful and unforgettable for you and your guests!
What’s your favorite location so far for your destination wedding in Greece?