READING TIME: 3 min 8 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/2026
UPDATED: 01/02/2026
Some wedding planners discover their calling through years of industry experience. Others feel it the moment love, place, and purpose align. For Maria Sarma, owner of Santorini Wedding Planners, it began with a deeply personal milestone — her own wedding on the iconic caldera. She began her journey in that very office as an assistant wedding planner and, over the course of the next ten years, grew into its owner — shaping Santorini Wedding Planners with experience, intuition, and a deep understanding of the island.
After moving from Athens to Santorini, Maria married on the island in 2011, planning every detail herself. That experience didn’t just mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life; it confirmed a direction she already felt drawn toward.
“Planning my own wedding on the caldera was my very first personal connection to wedding planning. That experience confirmed that this was exactly what I wanted to do.”
Soon after, Maria began working as an assistant wedding planner, and what started as a role quickly became a passion. Working with couples from all over the world, understanding their stories, and translating emotions into meaningful celebrations felt instinctive.
With over ten years in the wedding industry, Maria’s approach is shaped by experience — but driven by people.
“The creativity, the connection with people, and the opportunity to bring meaningful moments to life on such an important day is what I love most.”
For Maria, the most rewarding part of her work comes after the last song fades and the celebration ends.
“When couples tell me their wedding day wouldn’t have been the same without me, that’s everything. Knowing I helped create memories they will cherish forever is incredibly rewarding.”
This emotional connection is at the heart of Santorini Wedding Planners — weddings designed not just to look beautiful, but to feel deeply personal.
Rather than offering fixed packages, Maria prefers a fully customized approach. Every proposal is shaped by the couple’s guest count, vision, and priorities.
Every wedding is unique, so I prefer to create personalized proposals rather than fixed packages.
Beyond the wedding day itself, Maria also assists with pre- and post-wedding events, including welcome dinners, rehearsal evenings, and farewell gatherings — ensuring a cohesive experience for both couples and their guests.
Living on Santorini year-round has given her invaluable local insight and trusted relationships across the island. This allows her to coordinate events seamlessly and recommend professionals she truly believes in.
The planning journey always begins with connection.
“I always start with a video call so we can get to know each other better.”
From there, Maria guides couples through venue selection based on style, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Once the date and location are secured, she carefully builds the wedding day step by step — introducing trusted vendors and refining details to stay true to the couple’s original vision.
Thanks to her long-standing relationships with venues across the island, Maria is not limited to a select few locations.
This allows me to recommend the venue that truly suits each couple, rather than working only in specific places.
When it comes to contracts, Maria’s advice is simple and universal.
“Always read the terms and conditions carefully, paying attention to the fine print. This applies not only to weddings, but to any professional agreement.”
Regarding weather, Santorini’s climate is famously dry from April to October, but Maria encourages early conversations about contingency plans — especially since not all venues offer indoor alternatives. Thoughtful preparation brings peace of mind.
Challenges, she says, are rare — and manageable.
“Experience, calm communication, and preparation always help turn potential challenges into smooth outcomes.”
Maria believes staying on budget is about flexibility, not sacrifice. By offering alternative proposals and helping couples prioritize what truly matters, she ensures every celebration feels intentional and balanced.
Timelines, too, are never one-size-fits-all.
“Some couples want private moments after the ceremony, others want to be with their guests every second. The timeline should reflect how the couple wants to experience their day.”
For couples currently planning their wedding, Maria emphasizes one essential element — trust.
“Take the time to find the right wedding planner for you — someone you trust and feel comfortable with.”
She also encourages couples to book well in advance and to listen to their instincts.
If you don’t feel that trust, it’s probably not the right match. It’s better to keep searching until you find someone who truly understands your vision.
Maria’s goal remains clear: to create elegant, meaningful weddings that feel authentic — while ensuring a calm, enjoyable planning experience from start to finish.
On an island as breathtaking as Santorini, beauty is guaranteed. What Maria Sarma brings is something deeper — intention, understanding, and celebrations shaped with care, clarity, and heart.
