Are All Greek Wedding Vendors Really on Holiday in August?

One thing you have to know about Greek culture is that Greeks take their holidays, and especially their religious holidays, very seriously. They love every opportunity to celebrate, keep traditions alive and spend time with family.

The 15th of August, known in Greece as Dekapentavgoustos, is the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and one of the country’s most important religious public holidays. It is a day of church celebrations, family gatherings and local festivals. Many Greeks and Europeans also plan their summer holiday around this period, often taking one or two weeks off before or after 15 August.

So, are all Greek wedding vendors on holiday in August?

The honest answer is: yes, and not really.

Some wedding vendors, venues and local businesses will be away for part of August. Others will be working at full speed, especially on the Greek islands and in popular destination-wedding locations. August is one of Greece’s busiest tourism months, and weddings absolutely do take place.

The Truth About Greek Wedding Vendors in August

August is also one of the hottest months of the year in Greece. For that reason, many Greeks and people from around the world, take their annual summer leave during this period, often before or after 15 August.

Some vendors, services and venues may be closed or on holiday, while others will be working as usual. There are also smaller companies, and restaurants that may close for ten days or even longer during the summer. It really depends on the location and the type of business.

On the Greek islands and in tourist destinations, most businesses remain open because August is peak season. Hotels, restaurants, venues and wedding suppliers are busy with visitors and events. The exception is often 15 August itself, when many people attend church services, family lunches or local celebrations.

Contrary to popular belief, Greece does not shut down for the entire month of August. You will still find shops, services, restaurants and wedding vendors open. Weddings are still happening, just often with a little more planning, patience and flexibility required.

If you are planning a Greek Orthodox church wedding, there is one important detail to keep in mind: church weddings are generally not performed from 1 to 15 August, during the Dormition Fast and the Assumption period. Always confirm the available dates directly with your church or priest before securing your venue and suppliers.

If You’re Planning a Greek Wedding in August, Here’s What Vendors Actually Do

Most Greek wedding vendors in August are still working. There are weddings planned, guests arriving from abroad and events happening across the country.

At the same time, some suppliers will take one or two weeks off work. And then there are a few who will still reply to messages even while they are on holiday!

The most important thing is not to expect every email to be answered immediately. If a supplier is quiet for a few days, do not worry. They may be busy with weddings, away for a short break or simply taking time to celebrate the holiday with their family.

Should You Avoid Planning Your Greek Wedding in August?

If you can choose another date, August may not be the easiest month for a Greek wedding. But that does not mean you should avoid it completely.

If August is your absolute must-have wedding month, you can still plan a beautiful wedding. You just need to prepare more carefully and book things earlier.

Planning or attending a Greek wedding in August means navigating the intense summer heat, the influx of tourists, peak-season prices and the vibrant outdoor celebrations that come with Greek summer. Careful preparation is essential, especially when it comes to accommodation, transport and your wedding-day comfort.

And if you are deep in your wedding planning stage and have not heard back from your suppliers, do not panic. Take this time for yourself and dive into your Wedding Planning Audit!

Ask yourselves: “Are we good?” and “Are we on track?”

Carefully review your timeline. Look at what has been booked, what is almost booked and, most importantly, which tasks you have been putting off. If needed, revise your plans and use this quieter period to get organised.

This is your wedding planning audit time.

Reasons Why August Can Be a Difficult Wedding Month in Greece

Reason No 1: Peak Summer Season

August is peak season in Greece. Prices are often higher, and accommodation can be harder to secure, especially for larger groups.

The islands are full of Greek and international visitors, as many people take their summer holiday at this time. Expect busier roads, longer queues and more crowded ferry ports and airports.

If you are planning an island wedding, it is especially important to book accommodation and transport well in advance.

Reason No 2: It Is Very Hot

You really do not want to stand in a long wedding dress, full makeup and strong Greek sunshine while temperatures reach 35°C, 38°C or even 40°C.

An August wedding can still be wonderful, but the timing matters. A late-afternoon or sunset ceremony is often much more comfortable than a midday event. Think about shade, water, fans and keeping your guests cool—especially older guests and children.

Reason No 3: The Quiet Period

Many suppliers, producers and smaller companies do not operate at full capacity in August. Some close for holidays, which can make planning more difficult if you need last-minute changes.

Maybe you suddenly need extra menus printed, signage updated or a supplier confirmation. If the printing office is closed or your vendor is away, you may have to find new suppliers in a rush.

Your emails may go unanswered for a few days. You may receive an out-of-office reply, your phone calls may go to voicemails which could add more stress to your planning.

This is why August is not the best month for last-minute wedding planning.

But Your August Wedding Can Still Happen

Many Greek and destination wedding vendors work throughout August, full time. Your wedding will definitely happen, especially if you have planned ahead and secured your key suppliers early.

A symbolic wedding is usually easier to organise in August, as government offices and church schedules are not involved. But even if you are planning a civil or religious wedding, August can work beautifully with the right preparation well in advance.

If August is your absolute must-have wedding month, go for it. Just be prepared for a little more planning, a little more patience and a little more heat than in other months.

And if you need help along the way, we are here for you with useful tools, local knowledge and the Greek wedding community.