When envisioning a dream wedding destination, many minds drift to iconic backdrops such as the Greek cosmopolitan island of Santorini or the pastel hues of an Amalfi Coast village.
But a new international study reveals a delightful surprise: Antiparos is now stealing the spotlight as a top global wedding destination, remarkably ranking 4th worldwide for 2025.
A comprehensive study by Destify, a leading platform specializing in international weddings, has cast a new light on sought-after “I do” locations.
Their research, based on an in-depth analysis of global internet searches and social media presence (specifically TikTok and Instagram engagement), assigns Antiparos an impressive popularity score of 80.7 out of 100, placing it among the elite. This recognition is particularly striking given the island’s more understated profile compared to its famous Cycladic neighbors.
The global top five “I do” destinations, according to Destify, showcase a fascinating blend of established romance and unexpected allure:
Positano, Italy, leads the pack with a commanding score of 93.5/100. Its iconic Amalfi Coast scenery, vibrant bougainvillea-draped balconies, and unparalleled romantic ambiance make it a social media darling, ranking second in hashtags on both Instagram (72,410) and TikTok (35,455).
Close behind is the Atacama Desert in Chile, with a score of 93.4/100. This surprisingly captivating destination tops global Google searches (6,520 per month) and Instagram hashtags (94,900), offering a magical, surreal setting ideal for extraordinary, starlit ceremonies.
In third place is Todos Santos, Mexico, scoring 81.6/100. This bohemian coastal town blends simplicity with natural beauty, drawing significant engagement on TikTok (30,528 hashtags) and Instagram (30,920 hashtags).
Breaking into this elite group and defying expectations, Antiparos, a small and typically tranquil island in the Cyclades, has emerged as the fourth most sought-after wedding destination for 2025. Its appeal lies in its authentic Greek charm, offering couples an escape from the bustling crowds often found on islands like Mykonos or even Santorini.
The data speaks volumes: Antiparos averages 4,720 global searches per month – ranking second only to Atacama – indicating a strong, burgeoning interest from couples worldwide. Its robust social media presence, with 33,120 hashtags on Instagram and 7,230 on TikTok, further confirms its growing desirability. The island’s picturesque landscapes, sense of serene isolation, and quintessential Cycladic simplicity provide an idyllic backdrop for a truly dreamy ceremony by the Aegean Sea, attracting those who seek a more intimate and authentic Greek island experience for their special day.
Rounding out the top five is Tivat, Montenegro, a cosmopolitan but relatively lesser-known gem, with a score of 77.7/100. Despite lower search volumes (just 550 per month), Tivat boasts an impressive social media footprint (71,610 Instagram hashtags, 27,191 TikTok hashtags). It offers a luxurious yet more affordable alternative to other European high-end destinations, making it a compelling “hidden gem” for discerning couples.
Antiparos’s unexpected rise in the global wedding scene underscores a shift in preference towards more authentic, less commercialized destinations. Its growing popularity is a testament to its unique allure, offering couples the magic of a Greek island wedding with an intimate and unforgettable touch.
Antiparos may not be the most glamorous of the Cyclades group of Greek islands, compared to Mykonos or Santorini, but it still attracts Hollywood stars and celebrities every summer.
For many Greeks and foreign visitors, Antiparos is one of the best-kept secrets of the Cyclades, a hidden gem that attracts thousands of loyal travelers every summer and is only half an hour by boat from its ‘parent’ island Paros.
Among the Hollywood stars attracted to Antiparos is Tom Hanks, who loves the island so much that he bought a summer house there along with his wife of Greek descent, Rita Wilson. The Hollywood star knows the picturesque island well and visits almost every summer.
In the past few years, Hollywood luminaries Nia Vardalos, Whoopi Goldberg and Matthew McConaughey have visited the island.
In 2021 Jeff Bezos, while cruising the Aegean aboard a luxury yacht, had dinner on Antiparos with Tom Hanks, Anderson Cooper and Greek PΜ Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The dinner was hosted by billionaire businessman Barry Diller and his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.
