Wedding
photographer
SYMI
Symi. A wedding
destination in the
Dodecanese
destination in the
Dodecanese
01sm
arChive Visual Storytellers | Based in Greece. Available worldwide.
02 | WEDDING Photography IN SYMI
We have photographed and filmed weddings on Symi in every season. We have worked in Agia Marina, the Analipsi chapel, the Old Markets hotel, Iapetos Village Hotel, and Yachta. We have covered receptions by Pantelis and multi-day celebrations lasting three or more days across the island.
Our work on Symi follows our editorial style. We have scouted and photographed places like the harbour at sunrise, the stepped alleys of Kali Strata above Gialos, and the old market quarter many times. Each location changes with the light throughout the day. The sun and heat must always be taken into account. Knowing where to be and when is part of the preparation.
Post ceremony wedding portraits in Chrisopigi
SELECTED SYMI WEDDINGS
Weddings in Symi, across the island's most distinctive wedding venues and locations.
03 | Our APPROACH ON SYMI
We plan ahead and arrive on Symi at least two days before the wedding. The island requires it. Ferry schedules are fixed, locations are spread across the island, and the light changes significantly depending on where you are and the time of day. We spend that preparation time scouting, planning the day's rhythm, adapting to each couple's style and coordinating with the wedding planner if there is one. Understanding what each location will look like when it matters.
For smaller events, we often have the option of flying to Rhodes.
For smaller events, we often have the option of flying to Rhodes.
arChive Visual Storytellers
Greece • Worldwide
04 | CRUISING AROUND THE ISLAND
A big part of every Symi wedding takes place on the water. Pre-wedding cruises with Captain Yiannis on the Poseidon, day-after trips to Agia Marina, and private cruises to Seskli and Agios Georgios beach are more than just extras. On Symi, they are often at the heart of the celebration.
We photograph and film at sea during these cruises. The light on the open sea between Symi and Seskli, arriving by boat at Panormitis, and discovering a private cove for the first time are the moments that often characterize our work in Symi. Our favourite moment is entering the port with the sunset ahead of us, the couple at the bow of the boat.
Day after session in Kastro
05 | BOOKINGS
Our studio works on a limited number of weddings each year across Greek Islands and selected destinations. Most involve travel, multi-day coverage, and collaboration with planners operating at an international level. If you are planning your wedding in the Dodecanese (Rhodes or Symi) and our work aligns with what you are looking for, you are invited to request an appointment.
06 | The island
Symi, a Dodecanese island near Rhodes, offers something special to couples who choose to have their destination wedding there. The harbour at Gialos, with its neoclassical mansions in ochre and terracotta rising up the hillside above the water, is one of the most striking sights in the Greek islands. Beyond the harbour, the island becomes more peaceful, with places like Pedi, Marathounda, the monastery at Panormitis, and quiet coves you can only reach by boat.
Weddings here are defined by the island’s unique geography. Most ceremony chapels and monasteries, reception venues, and portrait locations are linked by water rather than roads. On Symi, couples plan their wedding around the sea just as much as the schedule.
Weddings here are defined by the island’s unique geography. Most ceremony chapels and monasteries, reception venues, and portrait locations are linked by water rather than roads. On Symi, couples plan their wedding around the sea just as much as the schedule.
Wedding photography and film on Symi, across the island's chapels, hotels and coastline. Our work on Symi has covered ceremonies at the Analipsi chapel, Agia Marina beach, and the Agios Thomas chapel in Pedi, civil ceremonies at Iapetos Village Hotel and Yachta, and multi-day celebrations extending to Panormitis, Seskli and Agios Georgios beach. Based in Athens, arChive Visual Storytellers photographs and films destination weddings across the Dodecanese and the Greek islands.
06 | FAQ
Do you photograph and film weddings on Symi together, or are these separate services?
We provide both photography and film as a single studio. On Symi, the day often includes several locations, boat rides, and celebrations that can last two or three days. Having one team handle both means your images and film are created together, from the same visual direction perspective, and feel like one complete story.
For you, this means a single point of contact, a more discreet presence on the day, and a final result that feels like a single story instead of two separate products.
For you, this means a single point of contact, a more discreet presence on the day, and a final result that feels like a single story instead of two separate products.
Which ceremony venues on Symi have you worked at?
We have photographed and filmed ceremonies at Agia Marina beach, the Analipsi chapel (accessible only by boat),and the Agios Thomas chapel in Pedi. We have also covered civil ceremonies at Iapetos Village Hotel above the harbour and at Yachta. Each venue has its own lighting, logistics, and character. If you are still choosing a venue, we can talk through what each one offers for photography, timing, and the flow of your day.
Beyond the ceremony venue, where on Symi do you photograph?
On foot, we like the stepped alleys of Kali Strata above Gialos, especially during the first or last hour of daylight. The Old Market quarter is another favorite. The neoclassical waterfront of Gialos looks its best early in the morning before the day-trippers arrive.
On the water, we capture the open sea between Symi and Seskli, arriving by boat at Panormitis, and the first glimpse of a private cove. Entering the port at sunset with the couple at the front of the boat is a classic Symi moment that always stands out.
Most weddings include two or three of these special moments. We look for them in the days before your ceremony and photograph them as your day unfolds.
On the water, we capture the open sea between Symi and Seskli, arriving by boat at Panormitis, and the first glimpse of a private cove. Entering the port at sunset with the couple at the front of the boat is a classic Symi moment that always stands out.
Most weddings include two or three of these special moments. We look for them in the days before your ceremony and photograph them as your day unfolds.
What is the best time of year for a wedding on Symi?
The wedding season runs from May to October. Just as in Rhodes. June and September usually have the best balance: plenty of sunlight, but not as hot as July and August, and the island is quieter. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with more visitors from Rhodes. Early or late summer means you’ll have more of the island to yourself.
Late autumn weddings can work for very small, intimate gatherings, but ferry service is limited, and some venues may be closed for the season.
Late autumn weddings can work for very small, intimate gatherings, but ferry service is limited, and some venues may be closed for the season.
How does planning work for a Symi wedding?
We usually start planning six to twelve months before your wedding, beginning with a video call to talk about your plans, venues, and the style you want. After that, we plan the flow of the day, including the ceremony timing, boat transfers, and the moments that matter most to you.
We arrive on Symi at least two days before your wedding. Ferry schedules are set, and many locations are spread out along the coast, with some only accessible by boat. We use this time to scout locations, coordinate with your planner if you have one ( we can also suggest one if you haven’t), and get a feel for each spot at the right time of day. For smaller weddings, we sometimes fly to Rhodes and travel to Symi from there
We arrive on Symi at least two days before your wedding. Ferry schedules are set, and many locations are spread out along the coast, with some only accessible by boat. We use this time to scout locations, coordinate with your planner if you have one ( we can also suggest one if you haven’t), and get a feel for each spot at the right time of day. For smaller weddings, we sometimes fly to Rhodes and travel to Symi from there
How large is your team for a Symi wedding?
ur usual team is two people: one handles photography, the other films, and both work together to direct the day. For more demanding weddings or when events happen in different places at the same time, we bring in more team members as needed. For Casey and Alex's wedding on Symi, we had a team of five. We can also offer aerial coverage if the location and weather allow. As a rule of thumb we always consider preparation places and number of guests to suggest a proper team size.
We decide on the team size during planning, based on what your day needs.
We decide on the team size during planning, based on what your day needs.
How is the work delivered, and when?
A curated preview of your photographs arrives within a few weeks of the wedding. The complete edited gallery and designed album presentation are ready within 20 weeks. The film follows the same timeline, depending on length and the editing approach agreed in advance. Expedited delivery is available on request.
The full delivery is digital. Fine art prints, an album, or extended film cuts can be added to suit the work.
The full delivery is digital. Fine art prints, an album, or extended film cuts can be added to suit the work.
How is the work priced for a Symi wedding?
We base our pricing on your day: how long we’ll be there, whether you want both photography and film, the size of the team needed, and what you’d like delivered.
Travel and accommodation costs for our team are listed separately and agreed in advance. After we talk through your plans, we’ll send you a written quote.
Travel and accommodation costs for our team are listed separately and agreed in advance. After we talk through your plans, we’ll send you a written quote.
Is there a written agreement?
Yes. Once the work has been agreed, a written service agreement is signed by both parties.
The agreement sets out what has been planned, what is included, the timing of the work, and the terms around privacy and image use.
Nothing is left to memory or assumption. It is a working document that protects both you and the studio equally.
The agreement sets out what has been planned, what is included, the timing of the work, and the terms around privacy and image use.
Nothing is left to memory or assumption. It is a working document that protects both you and the studio equally.
