Photo by Zuzanna Panaretou
More and more Jewish couples are choosing Greece for their wedding, and honestly, it makes complete sense. Greece has a natural warmth that feels instantly familiar: the sunlight, the hospitality, the rhythm of the islands, the closeness to Israel, and a Jewish history that stretches back thousands of years.
It offers the kind of beauty that transforms a wedding into an unforgettable experience, with ceremonies on cliffs overlooking endless blue, Shabbat dinners by the sea, private estates surrounded by olive trees, and long summer evenings spent celebrating with your favorite people. It’s a place where tradition and modern elegance come together naturally.
And with the right guidance, Greece is wonderfully accommodating for Jewish and kosher weddings of every level of observance.
Photo by Orestis Zoumpos Photography
But as with any international destination wedding – especially one in a country where you may not speak the language – planning can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we sat down with the team from Sirtaki Events, founded by Israeli couple Anat and Yonathan – who loved their own destination wedding in Greece so much they moved to sunny Chalkida to help other couples make the day of their dreams come true – and got the downlow on what it takes to plan a kosher wedding in Greece.
As Jewish event planners, Anat and Yonathan have a deep understanding of Jewish wedding traditions, and their entire team is knowledgeable about the customs and nuances of Jewish weddings. They handle everything from arranging a rabbi to kosher-certified (or kosher-style) catering, managing the legal aspects of the day to arranging walkable accommodations for guests who observe Shabbat. They’re all about making the planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible for their couples – and they’ve shared some great nuggets of wisdom with us, so do read on!
Photo by Bendosa Photography
Where do we even start?
According to Anat and Yonathan, almost every couple asks this first. They like to start with a conversation about your traditions, your level of observance, and the type of celebration you imagine. From there, they guide their couples through locations, venues, kosher needs, rabbinical options and timelines, turning the entire journey into something clear and structured right from the start.
Photo by Bendosa Photography
What kosher options are available in Greece?
This is another top question. The answer? Much more than most couples expect.
Though you might not think of Greece as a kosher hot spot, it’s absolutely possible to arrange fully certified kosher catering with proper supervision – or to create a kosher-style menu that honours Jewish culinary traditions without requiring certification.
For couples who want a completely controlled kosher environment, the Sirtaki team can build a full kosher kitchen from scratch – bringing in the chef, the mashgiach, and all the necessary equipment. This makes it possible to host a proper kosher wedding even on remote islands with no existing kosher facilities.
Photo by Girogos Papacharalampous from Or and Paul‘s Irish-Israeli Jewish Wedding
Can we have an Orthodox or Reform rabbi?
This comes up a lot too, and whatever denomination of rabbi you’re looking for, the answer is yes. Orthodox rabbis are based in Athens and Thessaloniki and regularly officiate for international couples. If you prefer a Reform ceremony, the Sirtaki team can arrange for a rabbi to fly in from Israel or nearby European countries and coordinate all the logistics. Whatever your choice, they’ll make sure your ceremony is exactly as you envision it – spiritually, culturally, and halachically.
Photo by Girogos Papacharalampous from Or and Paul‘s Irish-Israeli Jewish Wedding
Is there a mikvah available?
If you’re planning to visit the mikvah before your wedding, you’ll find established mikvaot in Athens and Thessaloniki. If your wedding is on an island or in a region without one, the Sirtaki team can organise a halachically approved sea immersion, guided by a rabbi. They help you choose a private location, coordinate the timing, and ensure the experience feels respectful, calm, and meaningful.
Photo by Bendosa Photography
What’s the difference between kosher-style and fully certified kosher?
Kosher-style keeps the menu within Jewish culinary guidelines but without supervision.
Fully certified kosher requires approved ingredients, utensils, processes, and a supervising mashgiach. The Sirtaki team can help you decide what fits your needs and then handle all the arrangements, whichever way you decide to go.
Photo by Girogos Papacharalampous from Or and Paul‘s Irish-Israeli Jewish Wedding
Are there kosher hotels in Greece?
There are a few, mostly in the Athens–Chalkida area.
Elsewhere in Greece, Sirtaki Events can create the kosher environment you need – whether that means a private kosher kitchen, imported products, or a fully supervised setup tailored to your level of observance. No matter where you want to marry and what level of kashrut you need, they can make it work.
Photo by Orestis Zoumpos Photography
How do we manage Shabbat during a destination wedding?
With thoughtful planning, very easily. If you opt to work with Sirtaki, they’ll take care of accommodation placement, lighting arrangements, ceremony timing, Kiddush, Shabbat dinner, and Havdalah, ensuring everything aligns with your needs while still allowing you and your guests to relax and enjoy the weekend.
Photo by Bendosa Photography
Is a kosher wedding more expensive?
It can be, especially when you need full supervision, imported products, or kitchen kashering. Kosher-style weddings, however, often fall within the same cost range as regular weddings. The Sirtaki team explains every cost clearly and helps. you build a budget that feels comfortable.
Photo by Bendosa Photography
Do we need a DJ experienced in Jewish weddings?
Anat and Yonathan’s stance on this one is that it’s not mandatory, but it does elevate the atmosphere. They work with both Israeli DJs and Greek DJs who know exactly how to handle hora sets, chair dances, and Israeli music and will match you with someone who fits your style and energy.
Photo by Girogos Papacharalampous from Or and Paul‘s Irish-Israeli Jewish Wedding
Will our chuppah be recognized by the Israeli Rabbinate?
If the wedding is performed by an approved Orthodox rabbi following halachic procedures, then yes. The Sirtaki team will guide you through all the necessary steps and ensure your documentation is completed correctly.
For symbolic or Reform ceremonies, they’ll help you handle the civil element separately so everything is legally valid.
Photo by Orestis Zoumpos Photography
Thinking About a Jewish or Kosher Wedding in Greece?
Get in touch with Sirtaki Events today, and tell them what you’re dreaming of, what traditions matter to you, and what kind of celebration feels right for your families. From there, their team will guide you through every step, so your wedding in Greece feels effortless from beginning to end.
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