santorini elopement photographer

Tips for brides and grooms: How to make the most of your wedding photography in Santorini

As a destination wedding photographer with over a decade of experience in Europe and beyond, I can confidently say that many couples planning a wedding don’t know where to start or how to make everything perfect, including their wedding photography. To help, we’ve compiled some essential tips for brides and grooms on how to make the most of their wedding photography in Santorini. From selecting the perfect bridal hairstyle to choosing the right photography locations, this guide covers everything you need to know to ensure that your wedding photos capture the essence of your special day.

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How many hours should I book a photographer for my wedding in Santorini?

When it comes to booking a wedding photography session in Santorini, you may wonder how many hours you should hire a photographer for. Some people believe that booking as many hours as possible will result in more photos, but the length of the session should actually depend on the size of the wedding and the type of coverage you desire.

For those who planning a destination elopement in Santorini with only the couple present, it is highly recommended that you book a 3-4 hour session with your photographer to cover all aspects of the wedding day. This will allow the photographer to capture the intimate moments of your special day without feeling rushed.

On the other hand, for a grand celebration with many guests, we suggest booking a full-day package with a Santorini wedding photographer to ensure ample coverage of the event. A full-day package will allow the photographer to capture every detail of the wedding day, from the bridal preparation to the party.

Santorini Wedding Photography Locations:
How Many to Include?

Based on our experience as wedding photographers in Santorini, we always advise our clients to keep things simple and choose one or a maximum of two locations for their wedding photo shoot. It’s best to select a beautiful spot that is near the venue. A wedding day is a full-day occasion, and let’s face it, you don’t want to spend time driving to several locations for a few shots that won’t really matter in the end.

If you like to include multiple locations for your wedding photo session in Santorini, it’s a great idea to book a next-day shooting. By booking your wedding photographer for an additional 2-3 hours, you can enjoy a stress-free session at the best photography spots of the island. This will be the perfect opportunity to capture stunning shots at the golden hour with the legendary Cycladic sunset as your backdrop.

Discuss with your photographer in Santorini the specific accents
you want to emphasize in your photos

To ensure that your wedding photography in Santorini meets your expectations, it’s crucial to communicate with your photographer regarding the specific accents you want to highlight in your photos. This includes discussing the types of shots you want to capture and any important moments or details that hold significance for you. By clearly conveying your vision, your Santorini photographer can work with you to create a personalized and meaningful photo album that truly captures the essence of your special day. Remember that your wedding day is all about you, and your photographer is there to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Schedule family photos

Family photos are an important aspect of every wedding. They capture memories with loved ones that will be treasured for years to come. To ensure that everyone is present and ready for the shoot, it’s essential to schedule family photos in advance. It’s also helpful to discuss your desired combinations of family members to the photographer. By planning ahead and communicating clearly, you can make the most of your family photo session and create beautiful memories.

Choose a long and lightweight veil

Santorini is a windy island, and it’s not uncommon for bridal veils to fly during the ceremony. As photographers, we love to use this as a detail and make the most of it, but it can sometimes make the bride uncomfortable. To avoid any discomfort, we suggest selecting a long veil made of lightweight fabric, allowing it to move freely without damaging the hairstyle. Alternatively, the bride can hold onto the veil during the ceremony.

Consider an updo for your bridal hairstyle

As previously mentioned, Santorini can be very windy. While this is certainly a concern for brides who want to look their best on their big day, it also provides a unique opportunity to showcase a hairstyle that is both elegant and practical. In fact, one of the best choices for a bridal hairstyle in Santorini is an updo, as it will keep your hair from flying around while also allowing you to show off any intricate details or accessories you may have chosen. Additionally, depending on the style you choose, an updo can help keep you cool in the warm Mediterranean climate, allowing you to enjoy your wedding day without worrying about your hair becoming a sweaty mess.

Use talcum powder

Santorini can become quite hot, especially during the summer months. To keep your skin feeling fresh and dry, you may want to consider using baby powder. It creates a barrier on your skin that prevents moisture buildup. Plus, applying the powder can make for some interesting photo opportunities during the preparation process.

Keep the Preparation Room Tidy and Neat during Wedding Photography in Santorini

The preparation of the bride and groom is always filled with energy and emotions. It’s a time when everyone is enthusiastic and excited for the upcoming event, with everyone getting ready and focused on the task at hand. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the space where the couple prepares can quickly become chaotic and cluttered. As photographers, we understand the importance of capturing the most beautiful photos and recommend keeping the room clean and tidy to ensure that the focus remains on the emotions.

Get matching robes for your bridesmaids and create a Cohesive Bridal Party Look

Having the bridesmaids dressed in matching gowns and robes can elevate the overall aesthetic of the wedding and create stunning photography. By coordinating the attire of the bridal party, you can create a sense of unity and togetherness that will be reflected in your wedding photos. This allows your photographer to capture the essence of your bond and the joy of the occasion. Matching robes or gowns can also serve as a tangible keepsake for your bridesmaids, reminding them of the beautiful memories shared on your special day.

Bring your wedding invitation for additional details

When packing for your destination wedding, don’t forget to bring your wedding invitation. Although it may seem like a small detail, it can make a big difference in the quality and overall look of your wedding photos. The invitation can be photographed alongside your wedding rings, bouquet, or other details to create a cohesive and personalized look that captures the essence of your special day.

Bride reveal: Do a first look with your father

Have you considered having a first look with your father? This is a beautiful photo opportunity that you won’t want to miss. It allows you to capture a special moment between you and your dad before the busy day begins. Be sure to plan ahead and discuss all the details with your Santorini wedding photographer to make your wedding day even more special and memorable.

Write your vows on a paper

Writing your vows on paper with a pen may seem like an old-fashioned approach in today’s digital age, but it’s a choice that can add a special and personal touch to your wedding day. Not only does it allow you to physically hold your words and thoughts, but it also provides a unique opportunity for your wedding photographer to capture some beautiful shots of them.

Do not hold any microphone

Although it may seem like a good idea to hold a microphone while reading your vows, it can actually be a common problem for most photographers. Many people don’t know how to hold it properly and end up hiding their faces, which can detract from the beauty of the moment. Trust us, you’ll want to remember every detail of your wedding day.

When putting the ring on your partner’s finger, avoid hiding it with your hand

When placing the ring on your partner’s finger during the wedding ceremony, it’s important to avoid hiding it with your hand. This is a common issue for photographers, as it can make capturing a clear shot of the moment difficult. Instead, be mindful of your hand placement and ensure that the ring is visible to the camera. We always show our clients how to do this before the wedding to ensure that we capture a beautiful and memorable shot of this special moment.

Guests should not hold phones

During the ceremony, many guests often want to take photos of the couple. However, this often leads to them keeping their phones in front of their faces throughout the event, resulting in photos that capture only this aspect. To avoid this, kindly ask your guests to avoid their phones during the ceremony. Remind them that there is a professional photographer present, who will do a much better job of capturing all the moments.

Empty the pockets

It is common for individuals to carry various items in their pockets, including but not limited to mobile phones, wallets, and other essentials. However, for family and friends’ photos with the newlyweds after the ceremony, it’s better to empty pockets to avoid any odd details in the pictures. While it might seem like a trivial issue, having bulging pockets in the wedding photos can ruin the entire picture.

Bring an extra pair of shoes

Santorini is an island that features many levels and stairs. However, be mindful that walking from the ceremony venue to the photography location can be challenging. To make it more comfortable, consider switching from high heels to your favorite Nike or Adidas sneakers or any other flat shoes. Doing so will help you avoid damaging your bridal shoes and reduce the risk of injuring yourself.

Don’t sweat the details!

Santorini is a beautiful island that features many levels and stairs. However, be mindful that walking from the ceremony venue to the photography location can be challenging. To make it more comfortable, consider switching from high heels to flat shoes. Doing so will help you avoid damaging your bridal shoes and reduce the risk of injuring yourself.