Santorini is one of the most popular and romantic destinations in Greece for weddings. The island offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, the Caldera, and the volcano, as well as charming white-washed villages, historic sites, and delicious cuisine. If you are dreaming of tying the knot in this beautiful island, here is a complete guide on how to plan your wedding in Santorini.
## What types of weddings are possible in Santorini?
You can choose between a civil or a religious wedding in Santorini, depending on your preferences and beliefs. Civil weddings are legally recognized and can take place in a town hall or other authorized venue, such as a hotel, a villa, or a winery. You will need two witnesses for the ceremony and some paperwork (see below). Religious weddings are also possible for various faiths, such as Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Jewish, or Muslim. Some religious weddings may require a civil ceremony beforehand. You can also have a symbolic wedding or a vow renewal ceremony if you are already married.
## What are the legal requirements to get married in Santorini?
If you want to have a legal wedding in Santorini, you will need to apply for your wedding day with a marriage officer at the municipality where you want to get married.
## What documents do you need to get married in Santorini?
The documents you need may vary depending on your nationality and marital status, but generally you will need:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity
- A photocopy of your passport and your witnesses' passports
- Your birth certificate
- A certificate of no impediment to marry or marriage license or capacity to marry issued by your local authority
- If you are divorced or widowed, you will need your decree absolute or death certificate of your previous spouse
- If you have changed your name, you will need a name change deed poll certificate
- A sworn affidavit or statutory declaration from a solicitor for oaths or notary public
All documents must be translated into Greek by an official translator and stamped with an apostille by the Foreign Office of your country.
## How much does it cost to get married in Santorini?
The cost of getting married in Santorini depends on many factors, such as the type of wedding, the number of guests, the venue, the vendors, and the season. However, compared to other destinations, Santorini is quite affordable thanks to the exchange rate and value for money. You can expect to pay around €500 for the town hall fee and €1000 for an authorized venue fee. The average cost of a wedding planner is €1500-€3000. The average cost of a photographer is €1000-€2000. The average cost of catering is €50-€100 per person. The average cost of flowers is €500-€1000. The average cost of entertainment is €500-€1000.
Of course, these are just estimates and you can find cheaper or more expensive options depending on your budget and preferences.
## When is the best time to get married in Santorini?
Santorini has mild weather all year round, but some months are better than others for weddings. The peak season is from June to September when the island is crowded with tourists and prices are higher. The weather is hot and sunny but also windy at times. The best time to get married in Santorini is from mid-May to June or from September to October when it's less busy but still warm and pleasant. The weather is ideal for outdoor ceremonies and photoshoots with clear skies and amazing sunsets.
You may want to avoid August as it's very hot and crowded as well as Easter week when many Greeks visit their families on the island.
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