Updated: January 2026
There is a specific stillness to Santorini that you only truly understand once you have stood on a terrace in Imerovigli as the heat of the day begins to break. Having recently returned from documenting a celebration on the island, I was reminded that Santorini is not just a backdrop. It is an active participant in the wedding story. The way the light reflects off the lime washed walls at midday is unlike anywhere else in Europe. It is brilliant, demanding, and requires a technical hand to master.
I am Ross Hurley, a luxury editorial wedding photographer. My approach is defined by my background in the national press, where I spent years learning to anticipate moments before they happen. For modern couples planning a destination wedding in Santorini, I provide a calm and highly experienced perspective that prioritises art and atmosphere over generic poses.
The Santorini Aesthetic: Digital Precision & 35mm Film
I have always been drawn to the iconic minimalism of the Greek islands. There is something truly extraordinary about the way the Aegean sun interacts with the famous white washed architecture of Santorini. It creates a luminous, high key aesthetic that is the hallmark of a luxury destination wedding. To capture this look perfectly, I utilize a hybrid approach that celebrates the brilliance of the landscape.
I use digital precision to ensure every fine detail of the ceremony is captured with absolute clarity, from the texture of the stone to the subtle movements of the day. However, I often recommend the addition of 35mm film photography for the portrait sessions. The nostalgic grain of film is the perfect partner for the Santorini light. It preserves the brightness of those iconic white walls while adding a cinematic warmth and depth to skin tones. This combination of modern clarity and textured film ensures your gallery feels like a high end editorial story that remains true to the soul of the island.
A Diverse Perspective Across the Island
Every Santorini venue offers a different lighting narrative. Whether I am documenting an intimate elopement at Dana Villas, a luxury reception at Rocabella, or a private estate celebration in Pyrgos, I adapt my process to the specific geography of the site.
I have observed that the most successful Santorini weddings are those that respect the island rhythm. My role is to guide you through the landscape, finding those hidden pockets of shade in the blue domed alleys and timing your portraits for the exact twenty minute window when the sun dips behind the caldera.
Regional Expertise: From Santorini to Rhodes
This expert led approach extends across my work throughout Greece. While I love the minimalist volcanic aesthetic of the Cyclades, I also frequently work as a Rhodes wedding photographer. In that location, the challenge shifts from white washed plaster to the golden medieval textures of the Dodecanese. Navigating these regional differences is what allows me to provide a bespoke and highly qualified experience for international couples.
Planning with Experience
Most of my clients are international couples from the UK, US, and Europe who value clear communication and a professional handling of travel logistics. As a specialist destination wedding photographer, I have navigated the specific challenges of the Greek islands, from the windswept cliffs to the unique light timelines. I work closely with your planners to ensure the day feels effortless, allowing you to focus on the experience while I document the story. I am currently accepting weddings for the 2026/2027 season.
Enquire About Your Santorini Wedding
If you are planning a wedding in Santorini and are looking for a photographer whose approach is calm, editorial and quietly confident, I would love to hear about your plans. You can enquire below to check availability and receive more information about the experience I offer.
Santorini Wedding Photography FAQs
Are you based in Santorini or do you travel from the UK?
I am based near London and travel across Europe for weddings. I travel specifically for your celebration with all arrangements and location scouting handled eighteen months in advance. Arriving from the UK allows me to bring a fresh editorial perspective to the island while providing the total reliability and clear communication that international couples expect when planning from abroad.
How do you handle the tourist crowds in places like Oia and Imerovigli?
Crowd management is a vital part of Santorini wedding photography. Having documented numerous weddings on the island, I know the timing and hidden viewpoints that allow for intimate portraits away from the public eye. My role is to navigate the landscape strategically, ensuring your photographs feel private and serene, even during the peak of the summer season.
Do you work alongside Santorini wedding planners?
Yes. I regularly collaborate with both local Greek planners and international coordination teams. We work together to align the ceremony and portrait sessions with the most flattering light on the caldera, ensuring the photography flow feels natural and unhurried throughout the day.
How far in advance should we book a Santorini wedding photographer?
Santorini is a globally sought after destination, and key dates from May to September often book twelve to eighteen months in advance. Because I only take on a limited number of destination commissions each year to ensure the highest quality of service, I recommend reaching out as soon as your date is confirmed.
Do you document multi day wedding experiences in the Greek Islands?
Yes. Many Santorini celebrations extend beyond the wedding day to include welcome dinners, private boat trips, or relaxed beach gatherings. I can create a bespoke collection that documents your entire Greek island experience, providing a cohesive visual narrative that captures the atmosphere of the whole trip.
What is your approach to the intense Greek sun and high temperatures?
Santorini’s light is brilliant but can be challenging. My background in the national press has taught me to work intuitively with high contrast environments. I use specific technical exposures and a hybrid of digital and 35mm film to ensure that skin tones remain soft and natural, even under the midday sun, while preserving the luminous detail of the island’s famous white architecture.
