Greek Orthodox Destination Wedding

SomethingBlue01

Hello,

I'm posting this on a few different message boards hoping to find someone who has any information. I know I'm kind of taking a shot in the dark. My fiance and I are both Greek, and it means a lot for us to get married in a Greek Orthodox church. However, we've only been engaged for a few weeks and we're already stressed out. Our guest list is getting bigger and bigger, and I'm starting to entertain the idea of a small destination wedding. I was wondering if anybody knows of any Greek Orthodox churches in beautiful areas? I know there's 2 in Hawaii and one in the Bahamas but I have no idea what kind of area they're in. Has anyone been to these churches? I also wouldn't mind getting married in a picturesque area of Florida, California or anywhere that's beautiful and will be a nice trip for my family. Any suggestions? Greece is way too far, I was looking to stay close to the states.

Thanks!

ElisabethJoanne

I know the denomination thing is a bit different with the 'dox, but why not just look on your Church's website for parishes, then ask about the neighborhood/wedding planning on relevant local boards?

There's a bunch of Greek Orthodox parishes in California, which is where I'm from. Cities that might work well for a destination wedding:
Anaheim - home of Disneyland
Belmont - San Francisco suburb, on-site reception hall, really nice Priest (This church is a few miles from my Anglican Catholic parish.)
Long Beach and Los Angeles - 'nough said
Novato - Northern suburb of San Francisco, close to Napa
Oakland, Vallejo - Northeast of San Francisco
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara - California's central coast; these are the California cities I'd recommend for a destination wedding for a laid-back event near the beach (I'm thinking reception, obviously; "laid back" hardly describes a 'dox wedding)

RebeccaJac

I'd offer suggestions from Minnestoa... but I don't think you're going for that vibe

naomikb

I like EJ's idea of staying in the US. I don't have any suggestions for specific locations though. I do want to say - don't let the planning get you down. You and your FI should plan the day you want, not the day your families want. And the girls on here have lots of suggestions and are a great resource. Once you get the location and guest list under control the rest is easier!

ochemjenn

No advise about churches. 

Jumping off from GJones's post: DH and I honeymooned in West Palm Beach and it was fantastic.  If you get married there I would suggest staying for your honeymoon.

SomethingBlue01

The more I think about it, the more I think I just want an intimate wedding with just my family and his in a nice area where our families can bond in the days leading up to the wedding. Then we can have a reception in our hometown a few weeks after. Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I'll definitely look into them!

ravenray

There is a beautiful Greek church in Sacramento, CA.   St. Anna's I think.  I am Russian Orthodox and I am having a destination wedding in San Francisco.   You might also want to look at the cathedrals near you. I bet there is one in New York.