Santorini is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the world, and for good reason. From whitewashed terraces overlooking the caldera to secluded beaches bathed in golden light, the island offers an incredible variety of settings for every couple’s vision.
Choosing the right venue isn’t just about finding somewhere beautiful. It’s about matching your personal style, guest list, and atmosphere to the perfect location. Here’s how to find the Santorini wedding venue that feels like it was made for you.
Start with Your Wedding Vision
Before looking at specific venues, think about the kind of wedding experience you want. Close your eyes and picture it. Do you see an intimate elopement at sunset, a stylish celebration with family and friends, or a barefoot beach ceremony with the sound of the waves?
Santorini offers options for every kind of couple. Knowing the atmosphere you want will make your search much easier. Ask yourself:
• Do we prefer a formal or relaxed setting?
• Do we want views of the caldera, the sea, or a traditional village?
• How many guests are joining us?
• Are we planning a civil or symbolic ceremony?
You can learn more about what each type of ceremony involves in our guide: What’s the Difference Between a Legal Wedding and a Symbolic Wedding?
Caldera Views – The Classic Santorini Setting
When most couples imagine a wedding in Santorini, they picture the island’s dramatic caldera cliffs with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. These venues are world-famous for their sunsets, elegance, and atmosphere.
Perfect for romantic and luxurious weddings, caldera-view venues suit couples who want timeless photos and a setting that feels effortlessly special.
Popular choices include:
• Le Ciel – elegant and modern with panoramic views
• Dana Villas – ideal for intimate ceremonies and elopements
• El Viento – rustic charm with breathtaking sunsets
These venues are particularly beautiful for evening weddings when the light softens and the sky turns golden. Many couples choose to combine their ceremony with a dinner or cocktail reception overlooking the caldera, creating a seamless and unforgettable experience.
If this sounds like your dream, explore our Santorini Wedding Venues page to see which location best fits your guest list and vision.
Beach Venues – For Laid-Back and Natural Romance
For couples who love the sea and want a relaxed, outdoor celebration, Santorini’s beaches are a wonderful choice. Soft volcanic sand, gentle waves, and pastel sunsets create a magical setting for symbolic or elopement ceremonies.
Beaches like Vlychada, Eros, and Perivolos offer privacy and natural beauty, perfect for bohemian or minimalist weddings. You can learn more about these in our blog: The Best Beaches to Get Married On in Santorini
Beach weddings are ideal for couples who prefer a barefoot, unstructured feel, perhaps with a dinner under the stars and lanterns lighting the shoreline. Our Beach Wedding Packages include everything from décor and sound systems to catering and photography, so all you need to do is arrive and enjoy your day.
Private Villas – Intimate and Personal
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like your own private paradise, a villa wedding offers both privacy and luxury. Villas such as Cavo Ventus or Andromeda provide the flexibility to host the ceremony, dinner, and accommodation all in one place.
Villa weddings work beautifully for smaller groups or extended celebrations that last several days. They allow you to customise every detail, from your ceremony layout to a private chef dinner or poolside brunch the next morning.
If you’re planning a symbolic wedding or vow renewal, villas also give you the freedom to celebrate exactly how you like, without restrictions on timing or music.
Wineries and Traditional Estates – Authentic Greek Charm
For something that combines elegance with local culture, Santorini’s wineries and traditional estates are a perfect fit. These venues blend Cycladic architecture with vineyard views, creating an atmosphere that feels timeless and romantic.
Santo Winery is one of the island’s most famous wedding venues, offering panoramic views of the caldera and a relaxed yet luxurious vibe. It’s ideal for couples who want a touch of authenticity, fine wine, Greek cuisine, and an unbeatable sunset backdrop.
Wineries are also great for larger guest lists, with on-site facilities that make planning and logistics smooth and stress-free.
Choosing by Season
The time of year you get married in Santorini can influence your venue choice. From May to October, the island enjoys warm, dry weather that’s perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
July and August are the hottest months, while May, June, September, and early October offer milder temperatures and beautiful golden light for photography.
If you’re not sure when to plan your date, read our seasonal guide: The Best Time of Year to Get Married in Santorini
Practical Considerations When Choosing a Venue
• Guest capacity: Always check how many people the venue can comfortably host. Some caldera venues are intimate, while beach or winery settings can accommodate larger groups.
• Ceremony type: Legal weddings must take place at licensed venues. If you prefer full flexibility, consider a symbolic ceremony followed by a celebration dinner.
• Accessibility: Santorini’s cliffs and narrow roads can be challenging for some guests. Choose a venue with good transport links if accessibility is a concern.
• Photography: The island’s light is beautiful almost everywhere, but certain locations like Imerovigli and Pyrgos have particularly stunning sunset views.
For more details on paperwork and logistics, see our guide to Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Santorini.
How We Help You Find the Right Venue
Finding your perfect venue can feel overwhelming from afar, especially if you’ve never visited the island. That’s where we come in.
At Santorini Weddings by Chelsea, we’ve worked closely with every major venue across the island, from luxury hotels to hidden gems. Once we understand your vision, we recommend a shortlist of locations that match your budget, guest list, and personal style.
We handle all the communication, site visits, and logistics so when you arrive in Santorini, your venue is ready, styled, and waiting for you.
Start Your Venue Search Today
Every couple deserves a venue that feels like it was made just for them. Whether you’re drawn to the cliffs, the beach, or a private villa, Santorini has something to suit every love story.
Explore our Santorini Wedding Venues to see the island’s most beautiful ceremony locations, or get in touch with our team to start narrowing down your perfect match.
You can also read our Wedding Planner’s Advice on Getting Married in Santorini for more insight into how we make each celebration truly personal.
