Have you ever dreamed of running away to Greece for a wildly romantic, breathtakingly beautiful elopement straight out of a fairytale? Well, you’re not alone. While some people grow up fantasizing about little white chapels and high-dollar ballrooms, others dream of a Santorini elopement.
Ready to get married in Santorini Greece?
Picture it: The pristine white buildings. The unbelievable azure waters of the Mediterranean. You. Your love. And us, your beloved and experienced destination wedding photographer to capture one of the most precious moments of your lives.
Even though we’re based in Jacksonville, FL, we’re no strangers to the stunning elopement setting that is Santorini, Greece. You can check out our most recent Santorini wedding here or read on for some of our best tips for the perfect Santorini elopement.
1. Pick the Perfect Place in Santorini
Know where you’re planning to say your vows before you head across the globe. There are some absolutely gorgeous venues in Santorini that specialize in idyllic elopements. Some of our top picks:
Santa Irini Chapel in Santorini
Located a little under two miles from Fira, Santa Irini Chapel is an iconic Santorini elopement destination. A whitewashed arch with a cross on top perches on the edge of the Caldera cliffs, overlooking the Santorini volcano.
Akro Elopement
For an intimate beach wedding that oozes dreaminess, book an elopement at Akro. It’s a secluded bar and restaurant in Mesa Pigadia, one of Akrotiri’s beautiful white beaches. And when we say secluded, we mean it! The only way to get to this breathtaking elopement destination is by a remote dirt pathway.
Santorini’s Santorini Gem
Situated on the cliffside of Pyrgos Village, this one-of-a-kind venue offers stunning views of the Santorini Volcano and Aegean Sea. Perfect for soaking up the majesty of the island while exchanging vows.
2. Don’t Forget the Flowers
Santorini is well known for its whitewashed architecture, complimented by the cerulean sea and the occasional bright blue rooftop. But don’t be afraid to add your own pop of color with a bouquet of colorful flowers. There are plenty of places in Santorini that offer fresh florals. And believe it or not, they’ll make your elopement photos that much more striking. If you want to add a white and green flower crown to your elopement attire, go for it. You’ll look like an actual angel. Just don’t be afraid of color … it’s is a wedding photographer’s best friend!
3. Your Wedding Means You Decide the Dress Code
While we’re on the topic of colors, don’t feel boxed in by “traditional” wedding attire. As Santorini tends to be a dreamy location, many couples choose to wear loose, casual clothes. Think light and airy. Flowing white shirts—even khakis, and gauzy, delicate gowns. Things that flow effortlessly in the breeze and blend into the pristine background.
If casual isn’t you’re thing though, don’t do it. Wear that formal ballgown you’ve always dreamed of! Dress to the nines in a suit and tie. If anything, the juxtaposition between you and the backdrop will make for some unforgettable elopement photos.
Bottom line: It’s your elopement. Wear what makes your heart sing.
4. Land Doesn’t Limit You
I have one word for you: Boats. There is a huge number of boat tours being offered all around Santorini, and guess what? They double as the perfect, most adventurous elopement location. Picture it: Wind in your hair and nothin’ but sea on the horizon. It’s the stuff wedding photographers dream of. Not to mention, it’ll make an already precious memory even more unforgettable.
5. Santorini Sunrise vs Sunset
Have you always dreamed about getting married as the sun sets over Santorini? It’s a lovely thought, but hear us out. A lot of people have the exact same dream. Not only that, sunsets tend to draw quite a few tourists, influencers, travel bloggers and photographers out of the woodwork. That means if you elope as the setting sun sends trails of color across the Santorini sky … you’re going to run into crowds. A lot of them. Not the most ideal situation for someone looking for an intimate elopement, huh? That’s why we recommend sunrise elopements over sunset elopements.
Getting married at sunrise means empty streets, quiet destinations. You’ll get to soak in the peace of a new day with the love of your life. And it’s kind of a metaphor, too. It’s the dawn of a new day in Santorini, and the start of a new chapter in your relationship. How romantic is that?
Santorini Elopements Are The Stuff of Dreams
Eloping in Santorini is a romantic adventure you won’t soon forget—it’s no wonder why it’s one of Europe’s most sought-after elopement destinations. If you dream of saying your vows in this dazzling setting, let us know! We’d love to help you plan.
