Summer in Greece is just around the corner and my wedding season as a celebrant in Greece is about to begin. Was it only a few weeks ago that I was in Australia? Is it a coincidence that 50% of the couples that have booked me to write and officiate their ceremonies in Greece summer 2023 are from Australia! So I ask myself, why are so many Australian couples getting married in Greece?
Gabriel and Alexis travelled from Australia in June 2022 to celebrate their intimate wedding ceremony at the Venetsanos Winery in Santorini. We all shed a tear!
The top 3 reasons so many Australian couples are getting married in Greece.
- Location-Greece has it all, amazing beaches, stunning countryside, incredible history, tasty flavours. And after the pandemic more and more Australians are travelling than ever before.
- Weather-Perfect summer weather in Greece during the months of May until October meaning that Australian couples are leaving their winter weather behind.
- Couples often combine their wedding with a once in a lifetime honeymoon in the Greek Islands.
My trip to Australia.
The Glasshouse Mountains
In early February I left all my cares behind me and took a 15 hour flight from Doha to Brisbane. And what followed was the best solo trip of my life! Over the course of a month I spent half the time in a tropical paradise. This was at my Uncle’s home just outside of the picturesque town of Pinewoods located a couple of hours drive from Brisbane. I was surrounded by stunning countryside as far as the eye can see. It felt like a seventh heaven.
Mooloolaba Beach
I loved the tropical feel of Queensland and spent several family days out on the Sunshine Coast. Yes the waves of Mooloolaba beach nearly wiped me out! My 85 year old Uncle (he looks 20 years less), had no problems at all! It should be noted that he could well be compared to James Bond, he has the number plate on his MG to prove it.
Visiting the sites of Sydney.
Anyhow, dragging myself away from my Uncle’s house, I flew to Sydney to take in the sites. The Opera house, the iconic bridge and so much more. And I also put my toes in the sand like an ageing hippy alongside all the ruck sacked teenagers on Bondi Beach! Didn’t try the waters here as it was beyond rough and my plan was to survive!
A true highlight was a day in the Blue Mountains where many a view was viewed. I enjoyed a day out with Anderson tours which I would highly recommend to anyone at all! https://andersonstours.com.au/
Melbourne and Brisbane.
I spent a wonderful week in Melbourne with my great friend and her family, enjoying the city by night, even spending a day at the zoo. After that I flew back to Brisbane for a couple of nights and explored the city. I took a boat trip to Moreton Island and snorkelled like a youngster along the Tangalooma wrecks. (Note I may not have looked like a youngster but as a strong swimmer I felt like I was at the front of the pack!)
Moreton Island
Visit to Lady Musgrave Island.
Back to base but I didn’t feel that I should leave Australia without experiencing a little of the Barrier Reef so a last minute decision found me taking the Trip train to Bundeberg. A night followed in a motel in a town that was pretty much totally closed by 19.00 but no worries I enjoyed a Netflix binge. But it was all so worth it! Picked up at the crack of dawn for a day to remember to Lady Musgrave Island. And yes let me tell you a little secret. I booked the VIP version. I cannot recommend this tour enough! www.ladymusgraveexperience.com.au
All to soon the time was over, and it was the end of the trip. It was so hard to leave my amazing family behind me. Uncle Alex you are truly the coolest uncle ever, and I wish we could have spent more time together. Till the next visit!
So perhaps the question shouldn’t be why are so many Australian couples getting married in Greece but, why are so many Australian couples booking me as their wedding celebrant in Greece?
Why couples from Australia are choosing a celebrant led symbolic wedding in Greece?
Well, I have come to realise that they all have one thing in common! They don’t want to have a generic ceremony. And without exception they all know from experience what a celebrant can add to their special day. The reason being that celebrant led ceremonies in Australia have been the way to go for decades.
For couples from Australia choosing Greece for their special day, they really don’t care if they sign the legal paperwork in Greece. In fact they all tell me, that is so much cheaper and easier to get legally married back home.
So I am calling 2023 the year to celebrate Australia! Who knows where my travels will take me next? Anyhow, let’s get the summer season started, a season full of love and commitment. I just cant wait!
Melbourne by night.
To learn more about celebrant led ceremonies in Greece please send me an email info@grecianceremonies.gr or take a look at what couples are saying about their celebrant led ceremonies in Greece. https://www.grecianceremonies.gr/reviews/
George Pagonakis 
