Plan a Wedding in Greece

Few places in the world have as unusual a landscape as the Greek island of Santorini. Formed by a series of ancient volcanic eruptions, the crescent-shaped island is home to villages of white stone buildings that sit atop the steep cliffs, teetering nearly 600 feet above sea level. Why marry there? Think amazing sunsets, a relaxed island vibe and boisterous celebrations with a distinctly Greek flair—full of food, music and dancing.

A place to have a wedding of truly “big fat Greek” proportions is Selene, a restaurant in the nearby capital, Fira. A standout among the town’s tiny tabernas (cafés) and pastry shops, Selene is a large, open-air space, and thanks to the island’s mostly rocky, steep topography, it’s one of the few that can accommodate upwards of 250 people. On-site event coordinators can help you plan a lavish reception, complete with guitar players dressed in traditional costume and plenty of locally made retsina, a Greek wine made with pine needles. Guests can dine on nouvelle Mediterranean fare, including tomatokeftedes , a traditional fava bean-and-tomato fritter appetizer, updated with capers and a beurre blanc sauce, followed by spicy minced rabbit wrapped in grape leaves (Fira, Santorini; 011-30-22860-22249; selene.gr).

For a smaller, more intimate affair (40 guests, tops) there’s no better place to celebrate than the 10-room Hotel Heliotopos, located in Imerovigli village right next to Fira (islands capital). The stunning boutique hotel is set along the side of a cliff, staggered on multiple levels. Couples can marry on one of several terraces at sunset, or inside a vaulted cave, carved right into the volcanic mountainside—an architectural practicality, considering the island’s limited acreage. Heliotopos’ staff will plan everything from booking an officiant, florist, makeup artist, photographer and videographer for a civil marriage, to arranging a Greek Orthodox or Catholic ceremony at one of Santorini’s centuries-old cathedrals or churches (Imerovigli, Santorini; 011-30-22860-23670; hotel.heliotopos.net).