In recent years, Athens has become a sought-after setting for destination weddings, and it’s easy to see why.

The Greek capital captures the best of both worlds- rich history, striking architecture, and a creative energy that feels distinctly modern. Whether exchanging vows under sunlit marble or celebrating by the sea along the Riviera, couples are drawn to its mix of beauty, culture, and understated glamour.

Across the city, Athens offers an extraordinary variety of venues- from art-filled boutique hotels and neoclassical estates to contemporary spaces and coastal hideaways overlooking the Saronic Gulf. Ceremonies unfold in private villas shaded by olive trees, or in elegant resorts where the horizon meets the sea. With its exceptional hospitality, world-class gastronomy, and golden light that seems made for celebration, Athens is a destination that feels both authentic and deeply evocative.

To help couples discover the city’s most memorable places to say, “I do,” IN+SIGHTS GREECE chatted with Anna-Jill Gierhards, the creative mind behind Kiss from Fleur. Recognised among the world’s leading wedding designers, Anna-Jill is known for her refined eye and ability to weave emotion and style into every detail. Drawing on her experience across Greece and Europe, she reveals her top venues in and around Athens- each chosen for its sense of place, atmosphere, and the kind of beauty that lingers long after the day itself.

“Athens is an effortlessly convenient and inspiring destination for international couples,” says Anna-Jill. Its proximity to the airport means guests can arrive with ease, while the city’s mostly sunny weather allows for a full wedding weekend of experiences- from seaside dinners to elegant ceremonies and island escapes.

She points to the city’s versatility, where a celebration might begin with a relaxed evening at a waterfront taverna before unfolding at one of Athens’ many extraordinary venues. From the dramatic setting of the Dionysos Marble Quarry to the natural splendour of Lake Vouliagmeni, each location offers something unique. For couples seeking glamour, the Athens Riviera is home to a string of five-star resorts that blend jet-set sophistication with the warmth of Greek hospitality.

Post-wedding, couples can extend the celebration with a private sailing trip to nearby islands such as Aegina or Hydra- a suggestion Anna-Jill often makes to her clients. For couples Athens is more than a single-day destination; it’s a city where every moment of the wedding journey, from pre-wedding gatherings to the honeymoon, can be filled with romance, culture, and sensory delight.

Stretching from Glyfada to Vouliagmeni and all the way to Sounio, the Athens Riviera remains a favourite. “For those who love a full celebration with friends, properties like One&Only or Cape Sounio are ideal,” says Anna-Jill. “You can host a three-day wedding weekend, enjoy the spa, relax by the beach the next day, and make the most of every moment together.”

For couples drawn to the city centre, she suggests Plaka’s rooftops for welcome drinks or rehearsal dinners overlooking the Acropolis. These settings, she explains, “combine historic charm with modern celebration- the perfect way to set the tone for the weekend.”

Other standout venues along the Riviera include Island Resort, which is a destination in itself. With its private chapel for Greek Orthodox ceremonies and multiple event spaces, it offers complete flexibility for both intimate and grand affairs. Often dubbed the “Club of the Celebs,” it captures the essence of chic Athenian style while ensuring a seamless, full-service experience.

Another icon, the Four Seasons Astir Palace in Vouliagmeni, embodies timeless elegance. “This is where the golden sunset in Athens becomes part of your celebration,” notes Anna-Jill. Couples can start the weekend with a party at Beefbar or Taverna 37, followed by a tranquil recovery day at the Kyma pool or private beach club. With modernist interiors, sea-view suites, and Riviera charm, it’s no wonder the Four Seasons remains a dream location for couples from around the world.

Athens is also embracing a bold new aesthetic. Industrial and urban-chic venues are on the rise, attracting couples who want something modern and unconventional. Spaces like Lab Piree Superstudio in Piraeus and Mona Athens in Psyrri combine art, architecture, and atmosphere. These creative settings, often doubling as design studios or galleries, allow for a wedding that feels fresh, personal, and fashion-forward- a perfect match for today’s style-conscious couples.

Adding to this sense of modernity is a growing influence from Athens’ nightlife scene. Many couples are now incorporating elements of club culture into their celebrations, with curated DJ lineups, immersive lighting, and dance floors that rival the city’s trendiest venues. The result, says Anna-Jill, is “a truly personalised party atmosphere that turns a wedding into an unforgettable experience.”

Weddings are now also centred around photogenic settings, and a few stand above the rest. Lake Vouliagmeni, with its mirrored waters and pine-shaded terraces, remains a magical favourite. The Dionysos Marble Quarry offers an equally breathtaking alternative- a striking, sculptural space where couples can design every detail from scratch. And for those who love history and wine, the Markou Wine Museum delivers rustic romance and cultural depth, with its ruin-like stone walls, vintage barrels, and space for evening fireworks.

Together, these venues reveal the sheer diversity of Athens- a city that can shift from dramatic to serene, from cosmopolitan to timelessly Greek, all within a short drive.

Of course, beauty is only part of the equation. Anna-Jill emphasises that logistics, guest comfort, and even curfews are key to ensuring a seamless event. “The most unromantic decisions can make or break a wedding,” she says. “That’s where expert planning really matters- managing details so couples can truly relax and enjoy the day.”

Seasonality is another consideration. While Athens basks in sunshine most of the year, she advises couples to have a backup option for autumn or winter celebrations. “Even a city as sunny as Athens benefits from a well-thought-out Plan B,” she adds.

According to Anna-Jill, careful planning and expert guidance allow couples to focus on the joy of the day while still making choices that are realistic, comfortable, and true to their vision. She believes that every great celebration begins with trust and collaboration. “A good wedding designer doesn’t just coordinate logistics,” she explains. “We translate your story into a visual and emotional experience- from the layout and flowers to the lighting, music, and every tiny detail that brings it all together.”

“It’s about creating something that feels natural yet deeply considered,” she says. “We know the venues, the vendors, and how to balance creativity with practicality. Our role is to guide couples toward the right decisions- always with style, ease, and heart.”

For Anna-Jill, a wedding in Athens should feel effortless, elegant, and entirely personal. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime day,” she adds. “Couples should feel like guests at their own celebration. Let us handle the details so they can be fully present- to savour the beauty, the emotion, and the beginning of their new life together.”

Ultimately, for Anna-Jill, the goal is for couples to feel like guests at their own wedding. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime day,” she says. “With the right planning and creative vision, a wedding in Athens can feel effortless- a celebration where every detail reflects your story and the beauty of this remarkable city.”

Main Image by Vasilis Siampalis Photography 

Kingley & Ashleys Wedding Credits 
Wedding Planning & Design @kissfromfleur
Venue @islandresortathensriviera
Makeup and hair specialist @joannaspapathanasioubridal
Photography & Cinematography @louisgabrielphotography
Florals @fiorentino_fsd by @theo_antonello
Wedding stationery @studiovanhart
Wedding cake @makogiastories
Rentals @rakorstudio_
Lounge furniture @stylebox_rentals
Nanos Fireworks & Special Effects @nanos_fireworks

Pre-Wedding Credits
Wedding Planning & Design @kissfromfleur
Venue @lake_vouliagmeni_athens
Makeup and hair specialist @joannaspapathanasioubridal
Photography & Cinematography @louisgabrielphotography
Florals @fiorentino_fsd by @theo_antonello
Wedding stationery @studiovanhart
Textiles and Rentals @rakorstudio_
Rentals @tore_event_furniture_rentals
Sound and voice @soundvoice.gr
Duo Violins @duoviolins