A Santorini elopement allows you to immerse yourself in a picturesque volcanic setting, perfect for stunning wedding photos and memories.
To serve the elopement's intimate character, you can choose to exchange vows overlooking the caldera, on a secluded beach, or in a charming village.
You can explore the island's beaches, take a romantic sunset cruise, sample local wines, indulge in delicious Greek food and Santorini restaurants, or even go hiking along the island's volcanic trails.
From traditional Greek music to local cuisine, you can infuse your elopement with the essence of Santorini's culture.
Couple in love in Santorini - credits: Volodymyr Herasymchuk/Shutterstock.com
If you’re looking for a dreamy, one-of-a-kind, and unique way to start your married life with your partner, then a Santorini elopement is perfect for you.
No matter your vision for your wedding, an elopement in Santorini, Greece, is a breathtaking place that offers something special for everyone.
Continue reading to explore everything you should know before embarking on the greatest adventure of your and your partners’ lives.
What Defines an Elopement?
Colorful streets in Santorini - credits: Anilah/Shutterstock.com
Nowadays, eloping isn’t running off to marry your partner in secret. Instead, eloping is a choice made by couples everywhere to have a wedding ceremony and day that ditches the traditional wedding day, swapping it for something that best reflects your relationship.
A Santorini wedding elopement is the perfect way to have an enjoyable and unforgettable wedding experience that takes away pressure from the couple, enabling you and your partner to bask in the beauty of Greece and the Aegean Sea on your big day.
Things You Need for Travel and Santorini Elopement
Couple eloping in Santorini - credits: ahmad sweeney/Shutterstock.com
As a rule of thumb, there are some important documents you need to elope and travel to Santorini, Greece. Here is a comprehensive list:
Birth certificates from both partners, with Apostille Notarization (Apostille certifies that the documents are legitimate in foreign countries, most secretary of state offices can help process an apostille)
An official newspaper announcement in the paper (only if one party is a Greek citizen)
An International Driving Permit to rent a car
Steps to Make the Marriage Legal
Couple hugging on the Red Beach in Santorini - credits: Shutterstock.com
Now that you have a checklist of things to remember for your Santorini elopement, you need to note one last key step to make ensure a legal wedding ceremony: register your marriage.
After your ceremony, you have to register your marriage within 40 days. Typically, this is done at the Vital Statistics Office in the city you married.
Booking Flights to Santorini
Couple in Oia, Santorini - credits: fokke baarssen/Shutterstock.com
There are no flights that lead directly to Santorini. Instead, you’ll have a layover in another European country or fly directly from Athens to Santorini.
Since you must visit the U.S. Embassy office for an authenticated Affidavit of Marriage in Greek and English, a non-stop flight to Athens is the ideal choice for couples.
From Athens, you can either take another hour of plane ride to Santorini or choose to ride a ferry boat ride to the island, which runs about six hours.
Perks to Eloping in Santorini
Sunset in Santorini - credits: Georgios-Tsichlis/Shutterstock.com
If you’re still on the fence about saying your “I-dos” in Santorini, you should consider the amazing perks each couple gets when eloping on this beautiful island.
Beautiful Beaches
Perissa Beach, Santorini - credits: elen_studio/Shutterstock.com
Some of the best beaches in Santorini you can use as Santorini wedding venues for elopements include Perrisa, Kamari, and Perivolos Beach.
These beaches feature breathtaking sunsets perfect for a romantic night out together post or pre-wedding.
Amoudi Bay offers clear blue waters ideal for swimming, and Red Beach is known for its breathtaking red hues and sand, ideal for a lovely elopement spot your wedding photographer will thank you for.
No matter which beach you decide to visit, they’d all make a gorgeous backdrop to your ceremony or a memorable choice for your post-elopement Santorini honeymoon.
Incredible Views and Adventures
Couple in an infinity pool in Santorini - credits: Shutterstock.com
Where else can you experience red sand beaches, volcanoes, bright blue waters, and catch the best sunset in Greece?
In Santorini, you can also partake in distinctive adventures like cliff jumping, snorkeling, boat tours, and historical sights like blue dome bell towers and angelic white churches with blue domes.
A final hidden gem is Skaros Rock, perfect for couples who want an eye-catching panoramic view of the sea that engulfs the island.
Santorini offers incredible destinations that suit every style, so your elopement features every sight you could dream of. Not to mention that Santorini's romantic hotels,and specifically the hotels in Oia, some of which are the best Santorini hotels with caldera views, are a lifetime experience worth having.
Unique Cuisine
Kamari Beach, Santorini - credits: Zocchi Roberto/Shutterstock.com
Santorini offers you and your wedding guests a world of Greek delicacies, some of which you can only find in the Cyclades Islands.
This elopement location offers newlyweds fine Mediterranean foods, locally grown produce, high-end seafood, classic Greek sweets, street food, and wine ]unique to the Santorini region.
This mixture of cuisines is one of the biggest perks to traveling in Santorini, and it's perfect for a romantic dinner during your elopement.
Best Time for Visiting Santorini
Pyrgos village, Santorini - credits: cge2010/Shutterstock.com
Before booking your elopement trip, you should note that June through August is busy with tourists because it features incredible summer temperatures, while winter is ideal for travelers that want cool temperatures and fewer tourists. Our Greece trip planner says all about it!
Coming to Santorini for an elopement in April, May, September, or October is perfect for those who want off-season dates with warm temperatures.
Tour with Experts for a Unique Elopement Experience
Sunset in Santorini - credits: Georgios Tsichlis/Shutterstock.com
Let the rest of your married life start out like the fantasy you deserve.
Start planning your Santorini elopement packages with our travel agents at Greeking.me for the most beautiful and unique elopement that exceeds every expectation.
Contact our travel specialists at Greeking.me to design your own wedding package and elope in Santorini today! Elopement wedding packages never looked more tempting!
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Hop on a quick call with a local expert from our team
Yes, a Santorini elopement can be legally recognized if you meet the legal requirements set by the Greek authorities. This typically involves providing the necessary documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and a Certificate of No Impediment. It's advisable to consult with the local authorities or a wedding planner to ensure you fulfill all the legal obligations.
What is the best time of year to have a Santorini elopement?
The best time to have a Santorini elopement is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and stunning views. However, Santorini is a popular destination year-round, so even the summer months can be a great time if you don't mind larger tourist crowds.
What are the popular ceremony locations in Santorini?
Santorini offers a variety of popular ceremony locations, including breathtaking cliffside venues with panoramic views of the caldera, charming churches with blue-domed roofs, and secluded beaches with volcanic landscapes. Some well-known venues include Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira. Your wedding planner can suggest options based on your preferences and budget.
