One of my favourite parts of being a wedding photographer is meeting the people who help shaping how a wedding day feels.

Even after all this time photographing weddings, I am still moved when celebrants, friends, and family share the deep reasons and history that led that couple to stand there on that day.

That is why I really loved talking with Michaella Chatziangelou, the celebrant behind Celebrant Greece.

If you are dreaming of a destination wedding in Greece or an intimate elopement somewhere by the sea, I think you will really connect with the way she sees ceremonies and the care she puts into each one.

You can find her on her Website, Instagram or Facebook.

Getting to know the couple: where everything starts

When a couple reaches out to Michaella, everything starts with a real conversation.

They meet on a video call and simply talk, to see how it feels, if there is ease and if the connection is there. From that point, she sends them a detailed questionnaire where she asks about their story, how they met, the small things they love about each other, and how they imagine their wedding day, not only visually but also in terms of atmosphere and emotion.

They stay in touch throughout the process through emails and calls, and while all of that is happening, Michaella is slowly writing their ceremony. Her focus is always on finding words that actually sound like them.

What I really liked about what she shared is that by the time the wedding day arrives, she does not want to feel like a stranger standing in front of the couple. She wants it to feel like a friend is there, someone who truly knows their story and is guiding that moment with them.

For couples planning from abroad, that kind of trust and familiarity makes a huge difference.

Choosing where to say your vows in Greece

If you have ever searched for weddings in Greece, you already know how many incredible places there are.

Many couples go to Michaella with the same question: should we go with a Greek island or stay on the mainland? And the way she approaches it is really thoughtful. She asks them to think about how they want the day to feel, and what makes sense logistically, especially if they are bringing guests.

The islands give you that very iconic image of Greece, the white houses, the blue everywhere, and a strong sense of being far away from everything. The mainland, on the other hand, has stunning landscapes and a very authentic, timeless atmosphere, and it can be much easier for guests to reach without adding too many layers of travel and logistics.

In the end, it is not really about finding the "best" place in Greece. It is about finding the one that feels like your story.

Symbolic ceremonies and the legal side of getting married in Greece

This is something that is really important for foreign couples to understand: a symbolic ceremony led by a celebrant in Greece is not legally binding. Michaella describes it as a ceremony of the heart, which I think is a lovely way to put it.

Most of the couples she works with choose to handle the legal paperwork in their home country, either before or after their trip to Greece. This way, they do not have to deal with translating documents or visiting local town halls while they are supposed to be enjoying one of the most important moments of their lives.

A small moment that meant everything

When I asked Michaella about one of the most emotional moments she has experienced during a ceremony, she shared a story that stayed with me.

There was a couple who had decided to write their own vows but were very nervous about reading them out loud. Throughout the day there had been some wind. And then, right in the middle of the ceremony, the wind just suddenly stopped. Everything felt completely still.

As they read their promises to each other, their voices were steady and filled with honesty. There were only a few guests there, but no one could hold back their tears.

It is such a good reminder that you do not need a big production to create a powerful, life-changing moment. Sometimes the most meaningful part of a wedding is simply two people speaking truthfully to each other, without anything getting in the way.

Her advice for couples planning a destination wedding or elopement in Greece

Before we ended our conversation, I asked Michaella what she wishes every couple knew before planning a destination wedding or elopement in Greece. And her answer felt very honest and very grounded.

She said the most important thing is to prioritise how you want to experience the day, instead of following traditions or expectations that do not actually feel like you. Destination weddings can become overwhelming very quickly, with all the opinions, logistics, and information coming from every direction.

When that happens, she suggests coming back to a simple question: why did we choose Greece in the first place? And what do we want to remember when we think back on this day a few years from now?

She also encourages couples to trust their local partners and to choose a ceremony style that lets their personalities come through, whether that is a quiet elopement on a cliff, a ceremony by the sea, or a gathering that feels more like a relaxed celebration than a performance. The most important thing, in her eyes, is that the words spoken during the ceremony actually sound like you and mean something to you. Because that is the part that stays.

If you are considering getting married in Greece and you are imagining a ceremony that feels intimate, personal and true to your story, Michaella and her Celebrant Greece are a beautiful place to start.

Where to find Michaella (Celebrant Greece)

In her Website, Instagram, or Facebook

*And if you are planning a wedding in Greece (or anywhere in Europe) and want photographs that feel honest, emotional, and true to your story, you can always reach out to me!

FAQ: Symbolic weddings and celebrants in Greece

Is a symbolic wedding ceremony in Greece legally binding?

No. A symbolic ceremony led by a celebrant in Greece is not legally binding, which is why many foreign couples complete the legal marriage paperwork in their home country and keep Greece for the emotional celebration.

What does a wedding celebrant in Greece do?

A wedding celebrant creates and officiates a personalised ceremony based on your story, your values, and the feeling you want for the day. This often includes vow writing support, readings, and meaningful rituals.

​​Can we elope in Greece with just the two of us?

Yes. Many couples plan intimate elopements in Greece and choose quiet beaches or cliffside viewpoints for privacy, natural beauty, and a calm atmosphere.

Should we choose the Greek islands or the mainland for our ceremony?

The islands offer iconic scenery and a feeling of being far away from everything, while the mainland can be more accessible for guests and full of hidden gems with a timeless, authentic atmosphere.