Greece Destination Weddings Hit Record Highs: Average Cost Reaches €157,000

by · Greek City Times

Destination weddings in Greece have evolved into a high-value tourism product, with the average cost now reaching €157,000–€160,000 before VAT, according to a new industry survey.

The findings were presented at the Destination Weddings Tourism Forum – Greece 2026 and come from the Focus Bari study “Saying Yes to Greece – Destination Weddings in Greece: The market picture.” Around 130 guests typically travel for each wedding, staying an average of four nights and generating significant spending across hotels, restaurants, transport and local services. The sector’s total annual contribution to the Greek economy can reach up to €2.5 billion.

Strong International Character

Wedding tourism in Greece is heavily international. 77% of weddings managed by professional planners involve couples from abroad. The main source markets are:

  • United States – 95% of professionals report demand
  • United Kingdom – 58%
  • Australia – 27%
  • Canada – 24%
  • Israel – 18%
  • United Arab Emirates – 16%

Emerging markets such as India and the UAE are showing rapid growth. In the Indian market, a three-day wedding for 300 guests can cost as much as €1 million.

Couples’ Preferences

According to the survey, couples prioritize:

  • Authentic local experiences and personalized design – 95%
  • Privacy – 92%
  • High-end gastronomy – 84%
  • Eco-friendly practices – 34%

Multi-day celebrations, pre- and post-wedding activities, and the overall destination experience are becoming increasingly popular.

Official Reactions

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni noted that wedding tourism creates important value for local communities through longer stays and higher spending.

Deputy Minister of Culture Iasonas Fotilas highlighted Greece’s history and cultural identity as key advantages.

Alina Kupernina, co-founder of WedVibes, stressed the growing importance of digital promotion, saying destination choices are strongly influenced by social media content shared by couples and guests.

Thomas Politis, President of the Greek Destination Wedding Planners Association (GDPA), described wedding tourism as “a strategic pillar of development with high added value for the Greek economy,” calling for a coordinated national strategy, targeted international campaigns and stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The forum was held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and SETE.

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