If Italy is my first love when it comes to my favorite destination for weddings, then Greece has to be in my top 5. 

Between the mirroring rich blue sea and the cobalt blue skies, combined with the whitewashed cliffside buildings, it’s really a feast for the eyes! 

So of course, I jumped at the opportunity to photograph this beautiful couple for their intimate, cliffside destination Santorini elopement. And it was the perfect style for a Lilly Red couple – full of whimsy and bohemian touches that kept me photographing them all day long. 

Keep reading to get inspired for your own destination Santorini, Greece wedding!

The Santorini, Greece Wedding Venue: Remezzo Villas

Considering its unreal beauty, Santorini is home to quite a few different wedding venues! There are plenty of options to choose from, but I don’t think this couple could have chosen a better one.

The Remezzo Villas are built into the “cave houses” that Santorini and other Greek islands are known for. 

The particular room, which was where the couple held their wedding reception, had a private balcony, complete with a pergola and an infinity pool. But the best part was the view from that balcony. 

It was nothing short of mindblowing to look out and see nothing but the ocean for as far as you could see. And along with it, those volcanic caldera islands made for such an epic backdrop! 

A Gorgeous First Look with a View

For any wedding I photograph, I always incorporate location-scouting into my timeline. This means, I spend time (usually while my second photographer continues photographing getting ready photos) finding the perfect spot for portraits. 

And for most of my weddings, the first portraits as a couple are during the first look. 

During this Santorini elopement, I did exactly that. But the best location? Was right on their private balcony! With the clean, crisp whitewashed walls of the villa, complemented by the natural wood of the pergola, it couldn’t have been a better backdrop. 

Combine that with a simple angle adjustment, and we had our second backdrop – the gorgeous ocean and the volcanic islands in the background. What else could feel like the “essence of Greece!?”

A Bohemian, Dreamy Destination Santorini Elopement: 

This adorable and adventurous couple knew they wanted an elopement ceremony that was laidback and low-key – no stress of having to put together a massive wedding. 

So they kept their elopement intimate – just the two of them! 

As a photographer, I was thrilled considering it meant that there was so much time for me to photograph them throughout their full day. 

And that we did! From exploring the nearby cliff sides to enjoying the view from their private balcony (complete with a pergola) at their villa, I was able to capture moment after moment of their wedding day so they’ll treasure each one forever. 

Part of those moments was photographing the bohemian, whimsical decor pieces they included for their intimate reception after their ceremony!

The Whimsical Color Story: 

These two set the tone of their Santorini wedding by choosing the perfect color palette. The combination of shades and tones was an embodiment of the bohemian, whimsical aesthetic they wanted in their day. 

With lilac, fuschia, turquoise, mint, and green, it was such a fun combination of colors. And honestly, they looked fabulous together. Especially when it all came together for the bride’s delphinium bouquet! 
The turquoise, mint, and green were the perfect homage to Santorini itself. And the lilac and fuschia added that special pop to make everything stand out together.

Our Surprise Elopement Guest: 

After their ceremony together, the three of us made our way to the best possible spot for their sunset portraits – the Santorini cliffsides. What makes this part of Greece so incredible is the fact that these cliffsides are so accessible. And off in the distance, you have those unbelievably blue waters of the sea along with the volcanic islands in the background. 

So, naturally, I had to use those natural features as part of the couples’ portraits. All of their portraits reflected the true essence of Greece. That’s always the beauty of being a destination wedding photographer! I get to help couples like this one remember the spirit and adventure of having a wedding in a faraway, dreamy location. 

Up on those clifftops, we had a surprise guest! As I was capturing a moment of the bride and groom holding each other in a tender hug, the wind came whipping from over the cliffs. He wanted to stay and play with the bride’s beautifully bohemian gown. 

And considering I was so intent on capturing the spirit of Santorini, instead of waiting for him to pass, I used it as an opportunity for the most breathtaking photos of the couple. He showed off his magnificent power for them – and for me, as I captured photo after photo of him playing with the bride’s dress.

The Intimate, Boho-Chic Reception for Two: 

In Santorini, after the glowy, golden hue of sunset, the sun dips just beyond the horizon and creates a dreamy, indigo blue sky. And off in the distance, you really can’t tell where the sky ends and the ocean water begins. 

That made for such an epic backdrop as I captured the couple’s intimate boho-chic reception. It was just the two of them on their private balcony overlooking the ocean and the volcanic caldera of Santorini. 

The reception was complete with a picnic style dining table and a dip-dyed table runner in a gorgeous lilac color. They had these super cute bohemian style floor cushions. From the pergola, they had hanging copper Moroccan lanterns. All of the strings that were used to hang the lanterns were covered in gorgeous garlands with small blooms and greenery. And all along the floor were glass hurricane vases filled with the glowy ambient light of candles. 

It couldn’t have been more intimate and sentimental, perfect for their Santorini elopement.

One of the greatest parts about being a destination wedding photographer is getting to travel to all of the most incredible places around the globe.

But the other? Getting to celebrate alongside wonderful couples who put together beautiful ceremonies and celebrations with their signature style stamped on it. For this couple, it was a gorgeous, bohemian-chic, intimate Santorini elopement. 

What will yours be? 

Let’s chat about your dream destination wedding! 

Wedding Day Vendors:

Photographer: Lilly Red
Wedding Planner: Tie the Knot Santorini
Venue: Remezzo Villas
Florist: Red Box Days
Hair and Makeup Artist: Christine Panagopoulou