San Giorgio dei Greci Wedding

San Giorgio dei Greci: the Greek Orthodox church of Venice

San Giorgio dei Greci is the church of Venice's Greek Orthodox community. It was built in the 16th century in Castello, a short walk from St Mark's. Inside, a golden iconostasis glows in candlelight. Outside, the bell tower leans visibly over the Rio dei Greci, a landmark for photographers.

Venice's Greek community was one of the largest foreign communities of the Republic. Next to the church, the Hellenic Institute's museum of icons tells its story.

A Greek Orthodox wedding in Venice

Ceremonies follow the Orthodox rite and are arranged with the parish, which sets the requirements and the photography rules.

Portraits around Castello

The leaning campanile reflected in the Rio dei Greci makes a beautiful first portrait, best taken from the bridge over the canal. The Riva degli Schiavoni and the Bridge of Sighs are a few minutes' walk away.

A Greek Orthodox wedding day in Venice, step by step

• Getting ready in a hotel near St Mark's or the Riva.
• Arrival at the church, with the leaning campanile behind.
• Betrothal with the exchange of rings.
• Crowning with the stefana, the common cup and the dance of Isaiah.
• Family photos in the courtyard and by the Rio dei Greci.
• Portraits on the Riva degli Schiavoni at golden hour.

The church through the seasons

The courtyard and the canal outside are partly shaded, which keeps the light soft. In summer, the interior is cool and dark, with candlelight glowing on the gold. In winter, the Riva nearby gives beautiful low light for portraits. Orthodox Easter and the great feasts are busy times for the community.

Photographing an Orthodox ceremony

The ceremony has a precise order and moves around the church, so we study it in advance with the couple and the priest. The golden iconostasis and the candles give warm, rich images, but the light is low: we use fast lenses and avoid flash.

Getting there for guests

The church is about ten minutes on foot from St Mark's, and five from the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop.

Receptions and stays near San Giorgio dei Greci

Castello and the Riva degli Schiavoni offer many options for a reception after an Orthodox ceremony: the grand hotels along the Riva, such as the Hotel Danieli, with terraces over the lagoon, and the quieter restaurants of Castello for a more intimate dinner. For larger Greek and multicultural weddings, the Lido and island resorts provide space for music and dancing late into the night.

Many guests stay in Castello, which is quieter than San Marco and close to both the church and the waterfront.

Planning timeline for an Orthodox wedding in Venice

Contact the parish of San Giorgio dei Greci early to check dates and requirements, including documents from your home church. Couples who want the marriage to be legally valid often marry civilly at home or at the Comune and celebrate the Orthodox rite in Venice. Once the date is confirmed, plan the koumbaros' role, the stefana and the reception, and share the order of service with the photographer.

Not marrying here? Photos at the leaning campanile

The leaning bell tower over the Rio dei Greci is one of the most unusual sights in Venice. Even without a ceremony, it makes a striking stop in a Castello session, with gondolas passing on the canal below.

Dress code and etiquette for guests

In an Orthodox church, modest dress is expected, and some guests may wish to cover their shoulders. The ceremony is long and often takes place standing, so comfortable shoes help. Guests should avoid flash and phone photos during the rite, leaving the coverage to the photographer, and wait in the courtyard afterwards for the family groups with the leaning campanile behind.

Planning tips for San Giorgio dei Greci

• Photograph the leaning campanile from the bridge over the Rio dei Greci.
• Candlelit interiors need a photographer used to low light.
• Walk to the Riva degli Schiavoni for golden-hour portraits.

San Giorgio dei Greci: frequently asked questions