The planning process
When do we have to be in Santorini before the wedding?
We suggest you be on the island at least 3-4 days before your wedding date so you can settle comfortably. Also, our pre-wedding meeting usually takes place 2 days before the wedding.
When do we choose our food menus and drink packages?
We understand your number of guests may change, so these have to be finalized about 60 days before the wedding. This is typically finalized 6–8 weeks before your wedding. We’ll work with the caterer or venue to guide you through the options.
When do we pay our deposits?
Deposits (usually 30-50%) must be paid upon confirmation of booking. Due to high demand, venues and suppliers are able to put your date on hold typically up to a week during which the deposit must be paid in order to secure the date with them. Different venues and suppliers have got different T&C’s about their payment methods and % of deposit.
Final payments depend on the selected vendors and are usually required one month before the wedding or upon your arrival to the island.
When do we choose suppliers?
Most vendors (photographers, florists, hair & makeup, entertainment) should be booked 6-12 months ahead. We’ll help you every step of the way.
Do you work with preferred vendors, or can we bring our own?
We work with a trusted network of talented vendors and share their brochures to make your selection easy. In case you choose to bring your own suppliers, make sure they are able to provide all the legal employment and tax documents, otherwise the venue will refuse entry. We at K & S always use legally approved suppliers with all the correct and legal paperwork.
Who will coordinate our wedding on the day of?
There is always at least one (1) coordinator, depending, of course, on the size and complexity of your event.
Can you help plan pre- or post-wedding events?
Absolutely! We love organizing extra celebrations like welcome dinners, sunset cruises, or farewell brunches to make your wedding experience even more memorable.
Do you assist us with accommodation bookings for us and our guests?
We can help you with hotel booking through our trusted network of partners who are based and specialized on the island of Santorini. We offer assistance with booking hotels, villas, and group accommodations for you and your guests — whether it’s one central hotel or multiple locations across the island.
Ceremony & Legal Details
What kind of ceremony should we opt for – Civil or Symbolic?
A civil wedding requires legal documentation and translations, in order for you to get officially married, whereas a symbolic ceremony does not involve any paperwork but you do not get an official marriage certificate. Our team will inform you in detail about the whole process.
Do we need witnesses for a civil ceremony?
In case of a civil/ legal Wedding, you need two witnesses. If you do not have any witnesses, we are able to provide them for you.
How long does the ceremony last?
Typically, civil/ symbolic ceremonies last around 20–30 minutes. An Orthodox church ceremony usually lasts between 40-45 minutes.
Can we read our own vows?
Yes! Whether it’s a civil or symbolic ceremony, you’re welcome to include your personal vows, however this is something we should be informed of well in advance to manage the timeline properly.
When should we arrange for legal documents?
Make sure all documents are valid between 6 -3 months before your wedding date. They must be translated into Greek and have Apostille stamps. It is important to know that these documents will be retained by the Santorini Town Hall (not returned). You will be given three (3) copies of your marriage certificate which will be in Greek, so you will need to get these translated in order for you to be able to use them in your country. Our team will guide you step by step on the process.
When do we go to the Town Hall and how long does it take?
Preferably the next working day after your wedding. The Town hall is closed at weekends and certain Greek holidays. There is no appointment system – It is a first come, first serve process – meaning sometimes there might be significant delay which ends up in you wasting valuable time from your holidays.
We strongly recommend you use our lawyer on the island to handle this (Power of attorney service- POA), so you can relax and enjoy your trip.
When do we receive our marriage certificate?
It usually takes around 6-8 weeks for you to receive your marriage certificate. The official marriage certificate is issued in Syros Island which is the capital of Cyclades. The documents need to be posted from Santorini to Syros, and then back to Santorini before they are sent off to you. This justifies the amount of time required.
If you think this amount of time is too long for you to handle, then we advise you to consider the symbolic ceremony and get the legal part done in your country.