The ultimate Santorini proposal guide (a must read)

Table of contents:

1. Introduction 
2. Choosing the ideal location
   • At a lookout point
   • On your hotel’s terrace
   • On a dedicated wedding venue
3. All things photo - video
   • How it works
   • What most people book vs what you should book
   • Do you really need video?
   • The next day session
4. Three things no-one is going to tell you
   • Traffic, parking and black magic
   • Everyone wants your hard earned money
   • She knows..
5. Investment
   • 1-3k
   • 3-8k
   • 8-15k
6. Abstract
   • Avoiding cringiness at all cost
   • Concepts I want to do in the future
7. Now what? Let’s forge an action plan  
8. Outro 

1. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations, you've made it to the guide!

Stick with it, as it'll provide you with all the information you need for a successful proposal in Santorini.

It’s a 10 minute read but there’s also a video version here (for the lazy ones)

This guide will teach you everything you need to know in order to organize a successful proposal in Santorini. Not to mention, it will save you hundreds of dollars so give it some love.

Over the last 6 years me and my team have shot over 300 proposals in Santorini, (more by now) ranging from 500€ all the way to 30k.

2. CHOOSING THE IDEAL LOCATION

Let’s explore three options for your proposal, weighing the pros and cons of each.

2.1. At a lookout point

Pros:

• Inexpensive 
• Awesome background
• Can be anywhere
• Surprise factor 8/10

Cons:

• You might have to walk a bit to get to the good spots
• No back up plan in case of bad weather
• No fancy setups available (might need permissions)

2.2. On your hotel’s terrace

Pros:

• Cheaper than a venue
• Controlled environment
• Can be decorated

Cons:

• Might be difficult to reach (especially in Oia)
• Expensive transportation fees by the suppliers
• Limited private dinner options
• Privacy 5/10
• Surprise factor 7/10

 2.3. On a dedicated wedding venue

Pros:

• Controlled environment
• Room for impressive decorations and flower setups
• Can use fireworks (fountains or ever sky fireworks)
• Event coordinator on the day
• Privacy 10/10
• Unlimited private dinner options

Cons:

• Can get expensive pretty quick
• Very limited available dates, especially during sunset time

3. ALL THINGS PHOTO - VIDEO

3.1. How it works

First, you should decide whether you are going to propose at the beginning or at the end of the session. This decision will shape the story we are going to tell, the locations we are going to visit and the whole vibe of the session. In general it is better to propose at the end of the photography session.

Before you arrive in Santorini, casually mention to her that you’ve booked a photographer for a two-hour session, and then avoid bringing it up again. If she asks for more details, you can say you booked it through a platform like Airbnb or as one of the hotel’s recommended activities. This story works every time.

Let us know what you told her and leave the rest to us. We’ll then create a detailed timeline with all the information you’ll need for the day. (Pick up spots, meeting point, order of events etc)

When we meet (you can expect a team of two, a photographer and a videographer) we’ll discreetly hide a microphone under your shirt to capture your speech and play our roles perfectly.

You’ll know when to pop the question.

3.2. What most people book vs what you should book

We don’t offer pre-set packages here. You can book as many hours as you need whether it’s photo, video or both. Most people opt for a two-hour session, which typically results in about 100 fully edited images and a 2-5 minute highlight film (including the proposal speech).

Two hours is a great choice but if you really value photography and want the best possible experience, I recommend booking four hours split across two days.

Some choose to go the extra mile and have their next-day session in Milos.

Have you seen this place?

3.3. Do you really need video?

Cringe proposal videos are all over the web, spreading like a virus.

When you think of a Santorini proposal video the first thing that comes to mind is a couple standing in a heart-shaped arrangement of candles surrounded by rose petals, Ed Sheeran (or, worse yet, John Legend) playing in the background, followed by a generic drone shot filmed at a completely different time of day.

I’m sorry you won’t find any of that here.

If that’s what you’re after, there’s no need to continue reading this guide. There are plenty of packages out there offering a small balcony, some rose petals, and a bottle of cheap champagne for 350€.

However, if you want an original and soulful narrative with immersive sound design, if avant-garde cinematography speaks to your soul, then welcome to our world.

Your proposal video will help you remember who you were better than photography ever will.

3.4. The next day session

The 4 hour option split into two days is just awesome for both of us. Not only you will get the opportunity to explore an other village, but you will also add significant value to your gallery and film.

Two days, multiple sets with different outfits on different locations. Imagine two parallel realities, a person’s dream of the past or a vision of the future; this approach will give us flexibility during the editing stage.

Our best videos to this day were crafted within those four hours.

Yes, it requires some extra effort to wake up early, and it does cost a bit more, but in the end, it will all be worth it. The result is a timeless story told in layers; capturing your journey in the most vivid and cinematic way possible.

4. THREE THINGS NO-ONE IS GOING TO TELL YOU

4.1.  Traffic, parking and black magic.

Traffic in Santorini, especially during peak hours can make you hate this place more than your ex.

For context, Santorini is 115 times smaller than Hawaii but attracts over two million visitors annually (compared to Hawaii’s nine million).

While renting a car can save you money and provide flexibility, it’s not always the easiest option. If you’re staying in Fira, Oia, or Imerovigli, finding a parking spot can feel like a game of chance.

For your proposal day, I strongly recommend booking private transportation. It eliminates unnecessary stress and ensures everything runs smoothly.

Our operations manager can handle the booking for you, guaranteeing that you’ll arrive on time and with no hassles.

4.2.  Everyone wants your hard earned money.

Ever seen those shops in Thailand where you can buy a souvenir, book a boat trip, get a tattoo, eat a steak, and have a head massage - all from the same place and by the same person?

Well, Santorini is not that bad but hotels tend to offer multiple services beyond accommodation that can be really low quality. From transportation to private dinners, boat tours, event planning, and even photography - it’s often the receptionist or a relative managing it all.

If you think that organizing your proposal through your hotel’s receptionist is a good idea, then think again.

Quality matters, especially for a once-in-a-lifetime moment like this.

4.3.  She knows.

Let’s be honest, the probability of her not finding out your plans is very low. By the time you start wondering if she knows it’s too late. At this point you should prioritize the quality of your proposal over the surprise factor.

Sure you can always propose while doing scuba diving in Maldives but I recommend that you keep it simple - a thoughtful and personalized proposal under Santorini’s sunset will stay with her forever.

5. INVESTMENT

This topic could easily have a guide of its own. However, I’d like to give you a glimpse of what’s possible across different budget ranges. To help you better visualize the options, we’ve included photos for each category. Keep in mind that these are general estimates and should be taken with a grain of salt.

5.1.  1-3k

In this range you can plan a proposal at a lookout point.

You can consider the following services:

• Private transportation to and from your hotel or restaurant.
• 2-3 hours with your photographers and videographers.
• A photo session in one or two villages (depending on the time of day)
• Private dinner at one of Santorini’s best restaurants.

5.2.  3-8k

In this range you are looking for a proposal in a private terrace or a small venue.

• Private transportation to and from your hotel or restaurant.
• Photography and videography (over 3-5 hours in total) including multiple add-ons like drone and fast delivery.
• Some thoughtful decoration and floral touches (e.g., an arch, a bouquet and a centerpiece).
• Maybe a private musician
• Private dinner at one of Santorini’s best restaurants

5.3.  8-15k

In this price range you can have a more extravagant proposal in a private venue or yacht.

• Private transportation throughout the day.
• Photography and videography for multiple hours split across two days.
• A high-end conceptual film with a personalized script inspired by your story; tailored to your aesthetic.
• Enhanced photo and video options like a larger team, expedited delivery, drone footage etc.
• Impressive decorations such as canopies, chandeliers, or mirror aisles.
• Luscious floral arrangements
• A private musician
• Fireworks
• Private dinner at the venue (fully private)

For the 1% who want to go all out, some proposals can cost over $30k, featuring highly customized and detailed arrangements.

However, don’t be discouraged if your budget is more modest - what truly matters is the thought and care you put into it.

Focus on creating a moment that reflects your personality and aesthetics.

6. ABSTRACT

6.1.  Avoiding cringiness at all costs.

Rose petals on the floor and marry me signs…  For how long will we have to witness this absurdity?

We’ve been here since 2018 and almost nothing has changed.

There is only one place for those objectively outdated and vulgar setups: the past.

I’d much rather see you proposing at the top of a church or at the edge of a cliff, against the wild beauty of the caldera than copying that cringe concept you saw on instagram the other day.

6.2.  Concepts we want to shoot in the future.

• A proposal on the volcano. We’ll pick you up from Ammoudi bay with our private speedboat. The captain will drop us off at the volcano in about 15 minutes. The dark rocks absorb the sun and create that sweet natural contrast. Sunsets can be absolutely magical and as you may have already guessed, no-one will be around. Privacy: 10/10, surprise factor 10/10 and the list goes on.
• A proposal on the top of the little chapel that lies behind Skaros rock. Yes it’s a 20 minute hike and it can be windy, however if you are after an adventurous photoshoot it is an option you should consider. Such an awesome place that I don’t get to visit often.

Every now and then I get those “Do whatever you want” type of requests and they bring a smile to my face.

Of course I want to know what you have in mind but I’m also expecting you to be open to ideas and recommendations.

There are infinite concepts for your proposal in Santorini but the more unconventional the concept, the harder the execution. What truly elevates a proposal is the location and the decoration. Things like “I want the drone to bring the ring” won’t work well.

7. NOW WHAT? LET’S FORGE AN ACTION PLAN

Now that you know almost everything you need to know before you pop the question it’s time to make an action plan.

Let’s start by minimizing the chances of her finding out. Having five different chats with suppliers on WhatsApp is not a good idea—stick to emails instead.

The booking process has to be quick end efficient.

Do the following in ascending order:

1. Book a consultation call with us.
2. We’ll connect you with the right professionals (if needed) and have them secure the venue for you.
3. Choose the decoration and flowers (if applicable)
4. Men we are very bad liars so practice the role before you tell your partner that you booked a photographer for your holidays in Greece.
5. Put down the deposits to secure the dates as soon as possible.
6. Delete all the conversations on WhatsApp, email and social media.
7. Buy a slim ring box. There are many options on Etsy and Amazon.
8. Don’t tell anyone that you are going to propose.

8. OUTRO

Thanks for making it to the end of the guide. I hope you found it useful and inspiring.

Remember, Santorini has its own rhythm and it differs from all the other places in the world when it comes to weddings and proposals.

Like everything in life, the Instagram vs reality chasm is real but there are ways to tackle the difficulties and create the right conditions for those magic moments you’ve been dreaming of.

Let’s be honest, no fancy flowers or shinny rings can make your partner love you more. Within those six years I’ve witnessed both the most genuine and the most staged proposals you can image. We can say with great confidence that a successful proposal has nothing to do with the budget. What truly matters is the intention and thoughtfulness behind your gesture.

Whatever you choose, we are wishing you best of luck!