How to Propose in Santorini: Romantic Marriage Proposal Ideas

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Adam & Laura's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

Bumble

What is your love story?

We met up in Alpharetta, Georgia over sushi and wine. After a few more dates, I just knew she was the one!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Best priced flight was to Greece!

What is your proposal story?

I thought Greece would be a prime location for a proposal. I looked up photographers in the area and Spyros came up under flytographer. At that point, we set up a gameplan and it was executed flawlessly.

Best tip for proposing in Santorini

Wear good walking shoes! Especially in the summer.

Proposed in Santorini in November

Photo Shoot Location: Oia Village

Spyros in Santorini for Flytographer

Finn & Hannah's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

Music Festival

What is your love story?

I met Hannah on a rainy night at a music festival. We connected immediately and spent the whole weekend getting to know each other. The first few months of our relationship we were doing a bit 'long distance', but I knew pretty early on that she was someone special because she is kind, caring, beautiful and fun. Our relationship has moved pretty swiftly but it's been brilliant! She is a wonderful partner (now fiance!) and I know that we will build a great relationship, family and life together.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We had plans to go to Europe for a few months and when we started talking about rings (the proposal was not a complete surprise - incidentally I would recommend the fellas getting a bit of input on rings from their partners) I knew I wanted to propose in Europe. Santorini ticked all the boxes for my dream proposal - amazing views and sunsets, nice restaurants and (depending on where you are staying) not needing to drive anywhere after the proposal. Having the choice of great proposal photographers through Flytographer also certainly helped!

What is your proposal story?

We travelled to Santorini by ferry on the day of the proposal and luckily the weather was good as we had a horror ride a couple of days earlier. Checked into our amazing location (shoutout to Afroessa Hotel in Imerovigli would 10/10 recommend) and I got in touch which Spyros my photographer to put together a plan of attack. Recommended to Hannah that we got for a little walk before getting a drink, went down to the proposal spot and popped the Q! Then after Spyros took the initial pics we had a whirlwind photoshoot for the next while before going to dinner (for real). As luck would have it, each year Santorini recreates the volcanic eruption by fireworks and it happened to be the same night as the proposal! We watched the fireworks and then went back to the hotel where the last surprise was roses and balloons in the hotel (organised by Afroessa) which was really fun.

Best tip for proposing in Santorini

I would lean on your photographer re their recommended time of day for a proposal in terms of lighting (try and do the sunset/golden hour as it's really beautiful) and location, as they will know what works re crowds. I would probably avoid Oia purely on the basis of crowds, as you don't want another thing to stress about. Imerovogli is really good in that regard, and also a great place to stay I think, its smaller and quieter with great views and bars/restaurants. Other than that relax and enjoy it! Its meant to be a fun moment so make it fun.

Proposed in Santorini in September

Photo Shoot Location: Imerovigli Village

Spyros in Santorini for Flytographer

Jeffrey & Rebecca's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

Coffee Meets Bagel

What is your love story?

Rebecca and I met on the night I was leaving to go solo backpacking in Japan for 3 weeks. But we didn't meet in person, we met on a dating app: Coffee Meets Bagel. I told her to download WhatsApp so we could keep in touch and I could send her photos of my adventures while I was gone. Then, when I got back, she traveled for a week and I thought we'd never actually meet in person. Finally, we met and...I didn't think she liked me. But I was persistent and we went on a 2nd date and by the 3rd date, I knew she liked me back. We've lived mostly in Los Angeles, but at 9 months into our relationship, I got a job in Chicago and invited her to join me on the adventure and she said yes, but only after I had lived there 3 months solo. Our lives brought us back to Los Angeles 3 years later and finally, after nearly 6.5 years, I asked her to marry me in beautiful Santorini. Rebecca has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met and that was what initially and still does draw me to her.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I wanted something truly unique and while I'm not hating on Oia or anyone who gets their engagement photos there (or other photos) as it's a beautiful place, it felt a bit stereotypical to me. If you google Greece, most of the photos that pop up are there. But Fira has this imperfect beauty nestled among the perfection that is Santorini (it also happens to be a bit less touristy and crowded.) I had seen Stathis past pictures and really wanted a long distance shot on top of a structure like a church. Fira was the only place we were able to accomplish that while still having a view of the caldera and water.

Best tip for proposing in Santorini

If you plan on doing it in Oia, go in the early morning to beat the cruise ship crowds; otherwise, enjoy having tons of people in every photo. Regardless, do it at sunrise if you want more pictures without people and sunset if you don't mind a lot of people nearby. Also, have 1 person wear a bright color to pop in the photo (we chose a red dress while I wore dark blue slacks and brown dress shoes.) The contrast made the photos even more beautiful.

Proposed in Santorini in September

Photo Shoot Location: Fira Village

Stathis and Christina in Santorini for Flytographer

Weston & Lindsey's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

Proposed in Santorini in July

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Kris in Santorini for Flytographer

Taylor & Mikayla's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

We met initially through college and we reconnected through co-ed softball 5-6 year later and we started to hang out constantly and I worked the courage up to ask her out on a date for Valentine’s and after that the rest is history.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

The beautiful scenery!

Proposed in Santorini in July

Photo Shoot Location: Imerovigli Village

Kris in Santorini for Flytographer

John & Sophia's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

Sophia and I met in high school. Our first interaction was her pointing out a lanyard I had of my favorite sports team and it happened to be her favorite sports team too, and she soon became one of my best friends. We started dating in January of 2017, going on dates and whatnot, and I became close with her like I have with no one else. In December of 2018, my father passed away somewhat unexpectedly, and she was physically by my side during those last few moments, and that's when I knew she was the one. I wanted someone who was by my side through the best of times and the worst.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I chose Santorini and the chapel for a few reasons. 1, Santorini was on Sophia's bucket list to travel to. 2, when deciding on where to do it, I got a recommendation from Spyros our photographer about a chapel on the side of a mountain which was named San Antonio, which Antonio (Anthony) was the middle name of my father.

What is your proposal story?

We got into Santorini on June 8th and went to our stay in Pyrgos. We get in, took a brief nap since we had just been traveling from the United States for over 24 hours, and then got ready. I was attempting to figure out a way to hide the ring, so conveniently, I put the box and the ring in my back pocket with my wallet and my shirt nicely covered both. During the drive to Imerovigli, if we were talking on foot, I tried to be as polite as I could and let her walk in front of me (as much as I was being polite, I was just as much trying to get her to not see the ring in my pocket.) We got to Imerovigli and met Spyros, our photographer, and headed down the mountain. We took some photos, all while trying to keep Sophia in front of me so she wouldn't suspect anything. We got down to the chapel, and we both had a loss for words. We took some photos, then I looked at Pyrgos to make sure this was the right time (it was), and as Sophia fixed her hair and looked back at me, I started to drop on one knee, while reaching in my back pocket to grab the ring. She immediately knew what was about to happen, and I saw her face light up and her presence go into a slight state of shock. She immediately put her hands on her face as I opened the box, and as soon as I got to the words "Will you marry me?" she immediately said yes and kissed me. She then took a step back, and we proceeded to remove all her other rings from her hands and place the most important ring on her finger. When we did that, we hugged, I explained the location to her, and that's when we both started to tear up even more and embrace each other.

Best tip for proposing in Santorini

Sunset is a must. There are multiple places you could go (private or in public) that are fantastic. We visited the light house on the southern portion of the island at sunset which was breathtaking. Oia is a great spot as well, but beware, there will be people on the major streets, but there are many side streets and locations that are not as heavily trafficked that are stunning. If you are going somewhere that you have to walk a lot, make sure to either wear comfortable walking shoes for the entire proposal, or bring them with you so at the shoot you can change shoes. Have fun with the shoot as well. It isn't about capturing the stereotypical shots and looks. Be you.

Proposed in Santorini in June

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Spyros in Santorini for Flytographer

Andrei & Jessa's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

I volunteer with a special needs nonprofit and she is a special needs teacher. Met through allstarsclub

What is your love story?

I'm adopted from Russia she's adopted from China and has a sister with special needs. I help with special needs in denver and she's a special needs teacher. She started volunteering with our nonprofit and we clicked and we feel like the couple from Up. I knew she was the one as soon as we met. Wow she loves the special needs community and Jesus as much if not more than me. Only thing we are having to work through is that she can beat me in Mario Kart 10 times out of 10.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

4 years ago I visited santorini as a single bachelor. I met an older gentleman who was sitting on his store balcony painting scenes of oia and he gave me a rock. I told him if I ever get a girlfriend I'd come back and he could meet her and I'd propose in this town. 4 years later I told my gf I'm taking you to santorini she didn't believe me but once the flights were booked she was in shock. I even have a photo hanging in our house of the blue domes and staircase that I took back in 2019. I told her this is where ill propose one day and she would always laugh. I'm excited to go home and say that again and watch tears well up in her eyes.

What is your proposal story?

She knew we were coming to oia but didn't know where we were staying or when I'd ask. She thought we'd stay in some place off the strip but instead I booked us luxus vip right next to the blue domes. Sunday morning told her to get ready for church and then a photographer came into our front porch at sunrise. She was completely shocked I had a photographer that day (she thought we'd do it in evening or afternoon). I got down on one knee and proposed. I had a custom UP adventure box with the ring that said you and me we are in a club now. We spent the next 2 hours walking around santorini with our photographer exploring the empty streets just loving life and capturing those moments.

Best tip for proposing in Santorini

Hire a professional do it by or before sunrise. Look up cruise boats and do it on a day with 1 or 2 cruise boats if possible. Spend that extra grand and stay in the place you dream about. Don't cut corners and do it right. You only do this once you never want to say I wish I had done this. I feel like our engagement was perfect.

Proposed in Santorini in June

Photo Shoot Location: Oia Village

Stathis and Christina in Santorini for Flytographer

Kadeem & Samantha's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

Proposed in Santorini in May

Photo Shoot Location: Imerovigli to Fira

Stathis and Christina in Santorini for Flytographer

Gregory & John's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

John and I met at a mutual friend's party that neither of us were planning to be at. We had our first date the following weekend and I started letting my friends know that this was the guy I was going to marry.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I had been to Santorini previously and knew right away that if I was lucky enough to find the one, proposing at the top of the caldera would be a magical moment in our lives.

What is your proposal story?

I arranged a photo shoot through Flytographer. They set me up with Ioannis, a very experienced photographer in Santorini. We communicated by email about setting up the proposal experience during one of the shots. John was completely surprised and we were able to capture the moment perfectly!

Proposed in Santorini in September

Photo Shoot Location: Imerovigli Village

Ioannis in Santorini for Flytographer

Nicholas & Brianna's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

High school sweet hearts!

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Santorini is the island of love!

What is your proposal story?

Woke up early to watch the beautiful Santorini sunrise in Oia.

Best tip for proposing in Santorini

Understand lighting, tourist spots. Kris, our photographer, knew this and was able to make appropriate recommendations to maximize our special moment.

Proposed in Santorini in August

Photo Shoot Location: Oia Village

Kris in Santorini for Flytographer

Krista & Jacqueline's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

Work

What is your love story?

We work together in the Emergency Room, Jackie’s a Pharmacist, I am a nurse! We had an instant connection and were friends for a while before realizing our feelings for each other. I (Jackie) knew Krista was the one because I couldn’t help but want to talk to her and be around her all the time. She made me laugh nonstop and I just loved being with her. No matter what it is we are doing I always have the best time simply because she is with me. I (Krista) knew Jackie was the one because I never felt this safe with another person before. My feelings are always valid, I feel like the most perfect person in the world when I’m with her, and there isn’t a time I don’t want to be around her.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We had this Eurotrip planned for a few months and once I decided I wanted to propose, I knew Greece would be the most magical spot. The background, architecture, and ambiance of Santorini is once in a lifetime.

What is your proposal story?

I had an entire speech planned in my head and I kept reciting it the entire morning. Even when we were in the taxi on our way to the photo shoot I had an entire speech planned in my head and I kept reciting it the entire morning. Even when we were in the taxi on our way to the photo shoot Jackie said I didn’t say one word! I was so nervous! When we got to the spot, Stathis gave me the signal and I was so nervous that I took off my shoes when we had quite a bit to walk on these really sharp rocks! But I had the ring in my hand, And Jackie and Jackie was waiting for me so I kept going;. at one point I thought I cut myself. When we got to the spot I took a few pictures and then I got down on one knee. When we got to the spot I took a few pictures and then I got down on one knee. Jackie was in complete shock but all we kept doing was laughing, I was crying also and all I could say was “ I had a whole thing planned but I’m hysterical crying, will you marry me?”

Best tip for proposing in Santorini

It’s a little windy so make sure you have hairspray. Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off if you decide to not wear shoes during your photo shoot. It’s better to have a tan!

Proposed in Santorini in July

Photo Shoot Location: Oia Village

Stathis and Christina in Santorini for Flytographer

Caleb & Lea's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

When her left lung collapsed twice from a spontaneous pneumothorax in 2016 and she was hospitalized for weeks. I couldn't imagine life without her and knew then and there that this is the person I want to dedicate my life and love to.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

She loves Greece and has been looking forward to going there for as long as I've known her. The country is so beautiful and romantic, I could think of no location more perfect!

What is your proposal story?

I booked for 6:30 PM without realizing that we would quickly adapt to the local schedule for μεσημέρι (mesiméri) so we had just woken up from a delicious lunch infused coma looking exactly like we had done just that. I woke us up with what I now realize is the lame excuse of visiting an art gallery for a vague event they were having and it was really important we get there on time. It's difficult to stress that as a priority when all you want to do is go back to sleep! On the way there I started to get nervous and totally forgot the exact series of actions I was supposed to take after spotting our photographer and sort of winged it which he VERY graciously adapted to (Thank you Stathis!!!). Of course I forgot what I had planned to say to her in that moment as well but I just spoke from the heart and told her how grateful I was to have had these years and experiences we have shared together and that I'd like to continue for our lifetimes. Our photographer captured the moment PERFECTLY and I couldn't be happier with the photos. It's huge to have that moment captured to remember for the rest of our lives. We look back on the pictures we have taken during our travels often and it's priceless to be able to see and remember this particular one with such details.

Best tip for proposing in Santorini

Book early! The evening is very busy, you want your photographer to be able to focus on what they do best and the effort of navigating crowds and timing shots between fellow tourists walking through interferes with that. Any time during the day is beautiful here, not just near sunset!

Proposed in Santorini in June

Photo Shoot Location: Oia Village

Stathis and Christina in Santorini for Flytographer

Alexandre & Rosemarie's Proposal Story in Santorini

How did you meet?

School

What is your love story?

I know because every time I look in her eyes, I love her even a little bit more.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I knew I wanted to propose during a vacation. The question was just when and where. When we booked our tickets to greece I knew that I had to do it there, and what better place to do it in greece than on Santorini?

What is your proposal story?

We had a wonderful day touring the island. Then it was time to hike to Imerovigli for the secret meeting with our photographer, Spyros, and the nerves started to creep in. We had a 30 minutes walk up until reaching the shoot location, which revealed to be somewhat challenging for us. The view of Santorini's caldera was just amazing however. We initially missed the photoshoot location, for which we needed to take a subtle and narrow alleyway. We eventually made it, 20 minutes later than planned, and discovered this magnificent spot that is surrounded by Santorini's beauty. A place I am going to remember for the rest of my life. We next found Spyros, who was just a unknown guy for my partner, and asked him if he would take some pictures of us. After a few shots, I kneeled down and pronounced: Rosemarie, veux-tu m'épouser? Which stands for Rosemarie, will you marry me in french. After a long and emotional silence, she said yes, like her breadth had been taken away from her. We recomposed ourselves before continuing the photoshoot. We roamed the town of Imerovigli until it was over, as fast as it started. We had so much fun. Feelings and emotion that vastly transcend words. They will stay with us forever.

Best tip for proposing in Santorini

If you climb Imerovigli be sure to have a loose schedule, because it takes more time than the GPS says if you take the route overseeing the caldera.

Proposed in Santorini in May

Photo Shoot Location: Imerovigli Village

Spyros in Santorini for Flytographer

Having a Greek background, Santorini seemed to be the perfect location for a romantic and picturesque proposal! It will now definitely hold a special place close to our hearts.

What is your proposal story?

I wanted a really personal and romantic proposal with the backdrop of the beautiful Caldera. I organised a private dinner at a beautiful restaurant that was decorated beautifully with a floral arrangement and love heart shaped candle arrangement. I told Kat that I had organised a nice dinner for her birthday that had just passed (as we were previously working in the UK and did not get a chance to properly enjoy the birthday celebrations). We arrived at the private dinner and upon arriving took Kat in the centre of the candle arrangement and popped the question! She said yes!

Proposed in Santorini in July

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Kimonas in Santorini for Flytographer