Why I Chose Andros
as the Perfect Wedding Destination
Andros Weddings Through My Lens:
A Photographer’s Travel Guide for Couples
As a wedding photographer in Greece, I often get asked which island is my favorite for destination weddings. The answer comes easily: Andros. This island has a soul of its own—wild yet elegant, authentic yet full of possibilities. Every time I come here, I discover new corners, new light, and new stories waiting to be told.
For couples planning their wedding in Greece, I want to share not just my love for Andros, but also the places and experiences that make it truly unforgettable.
Romantic Spots in Chora
The Chora of Andros is unlike any other Cycladic capital. It’s not just whitewashed houses, it’s neoclassical mansions, marble fountains, and Venetian arches that whisper history.
Some of my favorite places for photography in Chora include:
- The main pedestrian street, lined with old mansions and bougainvillea.
- The Kairis Library square, a charming spot full of atmosphere.
- The Venetian Castle, standing proudly on a rocky islet, connected by a picturesque stone bridge, an unforgettable place for dramatic couple portraits.
- The edges of town, where balconies overlook the endless Aegean, offering breathtaking sunset views.
- The Statue of the Unknown Sailor, overlooking the sea at the end of the main street, carries both emotion and grandeur, a powerful spot for sunset photos that blend love and legacy.
Chora is timeless, elegant, and endlessly photogenic. It’s the perfect setting for pre-wedding or day-after sessions.
Top Beaches for Wedding Photos in Andros
One of the things that makes Andros unique in the Cyclades is its variety of beaches, over 30 in total, each one with a distinct character.
- Tis Grias to Pidima (Lady’s Jump) – Perhaps the most iconic beach on the island. The dramatic rock formation rising from turquoise waters makes it a spectacular spot for portraits.
- Agios Petros Beach – A long sandy beach, perfect for romantic sunset walks and relaxed couple sessions.
- Batsi – The island’s main beach town, combining the Cycladic spirit with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Along its beachfront you’ll find cozy cafés, seaside bars, and restaurants offering fresh local cuisine. It’s perfect for both casual, colorful photography and enjoying Andros’ easy-going nightlife.
- Vitali Beach – A more remote location with rugged cliffs and crystal-clear water, perfect for adventurous couples looking for something wild and natural.
- Achla Beach – One of Andros’ most stunning and untouched beaches. Accessible by dirt road or boat, it’s home to the Achla River and lush greenery, a rare sight in the Cyclades, ideal for swimming, exploring, or peaceful moments by the water.
- Zorkos Beach – Wide, wild, and windswept, Zorkos captures the raw beauty of northern Andros. It’s a favorite for visitors seeking a sense of freedom, authenticity, and connection with nature.
Each beach provides a different atmosphere, whether elegant, dramatic, or laid back and as a photographer, I love guiding couples to the spots that reflect their personalities best.
Beautiful Churches for Weddings in Andros
For couples dreaming of a church wedding in Andros, the island offers some of the most enchanting settings I’ve ever photographed:
- Panagia Thalassini – Built on the rocks, right above the sea, it’s the most iconic chapel of Andros and magical at sunset.
- Agia Mone – A historic monastery with serene courtyards and a sense of quiet spirituality.
- Agios Kyprianos – Nestled on a seaside cliff near Batsi, this whitewashed chapel overlooks the deep blue Aegean and offers an atmosphere both peaceful and cinematic, perfect for couples who want a ceremony close to the sea.
- Agia Thekla – Surrounded by nature and open skies, this small countryside chapel feels timeless and authentic, offering a gentle, romantic setting for vows away from the crowds.
These churches are not just locations they are experiences. The sound of waves, the mountain breeze, or the golden light at dusk add something deeply emotional to every wedding.
Best Wedding Venues in Andros
As for wedding venues in Andros, the island has options for every style of celebration, from rustic estates to chic modern spaces and even a winery. Some of my personal favorites are:
- Methexis – A modern venue that beautifully blends Cycladic architecture with minimalist design. Methexis is all about atmosphere: clean lines, warm lighting, a spacious courtyard, and an elegant indoor hall that flows naturally for dinner and dancing.
- Topos – A stylish seaside restaurant located right on the golden sands of Agios Petros. It’s ideal for relaxed yet sophisticated receptions, where guests can dine with their feet almost touching the sea. The blend of contemporary design, fresh local cuisine, and the sound of the waves creates a setting that’s effortlessly romantic, especially at sunset.
- Paraporti Estate – Spacious, rustic, and warm. Ιt’s ideal for intimate weddings under the stars. The setting evokes the feeling of a countryside celebration, elegant but natural, where guests can dance barefoot and enjoy the island’s night sky.
- Lemonies Estate – A place that truly feels timeless. Surrounded by lemon and olive trees, with traditional Andriotic stone architecture, it offers a romantic, garden-like ambiance. It’s a venue that captures the essence of the island, simple beauty, authenticity, and a sense of peace.
- Kourtesis Winery – For couples who love fine wine and local culture, this working vineyard is a dream. It combines Andros’ agricultural heritage with refined hospitality. A working vineyard with elevated views toward Chora and the Aegean, pairing local wine culture with a refined, open-air setting, perfect for ceremonies among the vines and golden-hour receptions.
Each of these venues offers not just a space, but an experience, something authentic and memorable that stays with you long after the wedding day.
Why I Recommend Andros for Destination Weddings
What I love most about photographing weddings in Andros is the island’s authenticity.
Unlike more crowded Cycladic islands, Andros still feels genuine. It’s big enough to offer variety, yet quiet enough to keep the sense of intimacy, and it’s only a short trip from Athens, just two hours by ferry from the port of Rafina.
For couples, this means you can have it all:
A ceremony in a cliffside chapel,
Portraits in Chora’s elegant streets,
A reception in a vineyard or estate,
And photos by beaches that feel untouched.
Beyond its coastline, Andros also hides another kind of beauty, its ancient hiking trails and natural springs. Stone paths wind through green valleys, waterfalls, and traditional villages, offering endless opportunities for exploration and unforgettable photo sessions surrounded by nature.
As a photographer, Andros gives me light, landscapes, and emotions that I could never tire of.
For couples, it offers the chance to create a wedding that is not only beautiful but also deeply personal.
And for those planning their special day from abroad, I’m always happy to connect you with experienced local wedding planners on the island, professionals who can help with everything from venues and accommodations to transportation, decoration, and logistics. Their knowledge of Andros makes every detail smooth and effortless, so couples can simply enjoy the experience.
Through my lens, Andros is not just a wedding destination, it’s a love story waiting to be told.
Sotiris Kotsanis
Athens, Greece
