What no one tells you about Santorini weddings

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should KnowWhat no one tells you about Santorini weddings

So you’re dreaming of a Santorini wedding — blue domes, golden sunsets, dramatic cliffs. We get it. It’s iconic, romantic, and utterly unforgettable. Santorini has become one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the world, and for good reason: it’s breathtaking. But here’s the thing — planning a wedding here isn’t as effortless as it looks on Instagram.

Looking for a Santorini wedding photographer? Let’s chat! Email me at silia@prettylovestories.com

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should Know

What no one tells you about Santorini weddings

Behind every picture-perfect moment, there are real logistics, tight timelines, and tiny details no one tells you about until you’re knee-deep in contracts and coordination. And those dreamy cliffside photos? They take planning, permits, and a team that knows the island inside and out.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Santorini, this is the blog post I wish someone had handed me before I started. No fluff. No filters. Just 9 things couples learn the hard way — and how you can avoid them.

Looking for a Santorini wedding photographer? Let’s chat! Email me at silia@prettylovestories.com

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Greece wedding photographer - Silia Eleftheriadou
Greece wedding photographer - Silia Eleftheriadou

1. You’re Competing With 10 Other Brides — Every Day

Santorini is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world. On any given summer day, there may be 10–20 weddings happening at once — often at venues within walking distance of each other.

What to do: Choose a weekday wedding and book your vendors early. Opt for a boutique venue or a private villa to avoid being one of many.

Looking for a Santorini wedding photographer? Email me at silia@prettylovestories.com

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should Know

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should Know

2. Most Venues Have Time Limits (And They’re Strict)

Many Santorini venues offer 2–4 hour rental slots. That’s for your ceremony, photos, and sometimes the reception — all in one. Extra hours can cost a lot.

Ask upfront: “How many hours do we get? What happens if we go over? Can we book additional time now?”

Looking for a Santorini wedding photographer? Let’s chat! Email me at silia@prettylovestories.com

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should Know

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should Know

3. Wind Is a Real Issue (And So Are Veils)

Santorini is famously windy — especially from May to September. That flowy veil you imagined? It may spend more time wrapped around your face than floating behind you.

Solution: Consider a shorter veil or secure hair styling. Work with a photographer who knows how to handle wind elegantly.

Looking for a Santorini wedding photographer? Let’s chat! Email me at silia@prettylovestories.com

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should Know

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should Know

4. Transport Logistics Can Be Tricky

Santorini’s roads are narrow, steep, and crowded, especially in summer. Getting guests from hotels to your venue can be a logistical puzzle.

Do this: Organize private shuttle vans for guests and build in time buffers. Let guests know exact pickup locations and times.

Looking for a Santorini destination wedding photographer? Let’s chat! Email me at silia@prettylovestories.com

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should Know

Greece wedding photographer Silia Eleftheriadou

5. Sunset Is Magic — and Also a Tight Window

That golden light lasts about 20 minutes. If your ceremony runs late, you may miss the perfect lighting for portraits.

Schedule carefully: Start your ceremony at least 1 hour before sunset, not 30 minutes. Keep things moving on time.

Want to hop on a quick video call? I’d love to hear your story and walk you through my process! Email me at silia@prettylovestories.com

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should Know

Greece wedding photographer Silia Eleftheriadou

Greece wedding photographer Silia Eleftheriadou

6. Popular Planners and Vendors Get Booked a Year in Advance

Because Santorini is a top-tier destination, the best planners, photographers, and florists are booked quickly — sometimes over a year in advance. If you have your heart set on a particular aesthetic or vendor, timing is everything.

Don’t wait: Reach out as early as possible. If your date is flexible, ask vendors which dates they recommend for the best light, privacy, and weather.

Looking for a Santorini destination wedding photographer? Let’s chat! Email me at silia@prettylovestories.com

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should Know

Greece wedding photographer Silia Eleftheriadou

Greece wedding photographer Silia Eleftheriadou

Final Thoughts

Santorini is a dream — but it’s also real life. With wind, time limits, logistics, and lots of competition, planning ahead is everything.

Hire vendors who know the island, ask the awkward questions early, and treat your timeline like gold. Your wedding will still be magical — but with fewer surprises.

Need help navigating all this? Let’s make your Santorini wedding effortless, emotional, and unforgettable.

Looking for a Santorini wedding photographer? Let’s chat! Email me at silia@prettylovestories.com

What No One Tells You About Santorini Weddings: 6 Insider Truths Every Couple Should Know

Greece wedding photographer Silia Eleftheriadou

Greece wedding photographer Silia Eleftheriadou

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Wishing you the very best as you plan this special occasion!

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