Wedding in Greece on Crete

A magical place in the southernmost part of western Crete. Elafonisi beach is one of Europe’s singular sights. Instead of a lengthy description, the occasionally used phrases “the European South Pacific” and “paradise on earth” would probably suffice. Although the word beach is used, Elafonisi is in fact a natural formation – a link between Crete and the islet of Elafonisi.

Elafonisi lies 76 km west of Chania and 5 km south of the Chrysoskalitissa monastery. Elafonisi is a protected Natura 2000 area. The island is full of dunes with sea lilies and junipers (similar to cedar trees). The endangered Caretta caretta turtles and several rare animals nest on the island, and it is therefore strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals or sand from this area. Exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water, reminiscent of the Caribbean, have formed on both sides of the peninsula. In the middle of the peninsula the water does not exceed 1 metre, forming small lagoons, and the beach is ideal for children. The eastern side of the beach is well organised and has the most people.

Wedding ceremonies take place on Friday afternoons.

The exotic beach of Falassarna lies 59 km from Chania and 17 km west of Kissamos. It is situated in the western part of Cape Gramvousa. At the northern end of the beach are the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Falassarna. The area around Falassarna is magnificent and its Natura site is a protected area. If you have time and are looking for something romantic, you can wait for the sunset, which is considered the best on Crete.

Falassarna bay is one of the best-known beaches in Greece; it has been named the best beach on Crete and is one of the 10 best beaches in Europe. Falassarna extends over a large area and in fact consists of five consecutive beaches, of which the 2 largest central ones are the most popular. The sand at Falassarna is white and the colour of the water is tropical. You really will be enchanted by the sea and its turquoise hue. The main beach of Falassarna is called Pacheia Ammos (coarse sand). It is an exotic beach 1 km long and 150 metres wide. This beach hosts the most visitors in the area, but because of its length it is never crowded.

Wedding ceremonies take place on Friday afternoons.

Kiani beach lies 30 minutes from the town of Chania. It is an extensive sandy beach with only a small number of tourists. A superb place for your wedding. It is situated not far from the village of Kalyves, where there are also hotels.

Wedding ceremonies take place on weekday afternoons.

Georgioupolis beach is a large sandy beach extending 1-1.5 km to the east. Here stands the small romantic white church of Agios Nikolaos. It is set on a pier that leads straight out into the sea. The beach is sandy and fully organised with sunbeds and parasols, which mostly belong to the local hotels and are free for their guests. The sea is clean and the beach has been awarded the European Blue Flag. You can spend your time here not only swimming and sunbathing, but also on water sports. There are restaurants and cafés offering everything you might need.

Official wedding ceremonies take place on the beach. At the chapel itself you can only take photographs or hold a symbolic wedding ceremony.

Civil wedding ceremonies on weekday afternoons.

The long sandy beach of Episkopi lies 1 hour from the town of Chania and 20 minutes from the town of Rethymno. It is situated between Georgioupolis and Rethymno. It is a 4 km long sandy beach with only a small number of tourists.

Wedding ceremonies take place on weekday afternoons.

The harbour in Chania is dominated by a lighthouse built by the Venetians, which stands at the end of the pier, guards the entrance to the harbour and is the symbol of the town of Chania. The Venetians built it in 1570 from blocks of stone; it was renovated in 1830. It is 21 metres tall. It is especially charming after dark, when it is lit up. The interior cannot be viewed.

Only a symbolic wedding ceremony is possible.

Fortezza is the Venetian fortress of the town of Rethymno, which lies on the northern coast of Crete some 80 km west of the capital Heraklion. It is an extensive complex of fortifications from the 16th century. It is the main landmark of the town of Rethymno. From the fortress walls, which stand 30 m above the sea, there is a beautiful view of Rethymno in all its beauty.

Wedding ceremonies take place on the fortress walls with a magnificent view of the whole coast, on weekday afternoons.

This romantic place full of greenery is ideal for a wedding ceremony. We recommend booking a longer photo session on the beach as well.

The Panorama hotel provides an ideal setting for your wedding, and its experienced staff will make sure all your dreams come true for this exceptional and precious moment of your life. It is an ideal place for wedding receptions, with incredible views of the sea. It also offers suites and rooms with a private pool and an adults-only wing, Panorama Blue. These are enchanting terraces providing a vibrant setting with fresh gardens beside a beautiful beach.

The beautiful private Palm Tree beach with its palms and magnificent view of the sea is just the right place for your wedding day. It is a private spot roughly 15 km from Rethymno. Wedding ceremonies take place on weekday afternoons at sunset. Nearby is Episkopi beach, well suited to photography. You can also book a boat to bring the bride to the ceremony. Full-day hire, price on request.

The farm is located in the Rethymno district in the village of Adelianos Kampos. The farm and its buildings are in perfect harmony with the landscape. On the farm you will find an olive press, a water mill, a wood-fired oven, a general store, a wine cellar, workshops, a church and guest houses. Civil ceremonies can take place in front of the little church, in the olive orchard or on the square. You can pay extra for a private room before the wedding, where you can either change or get ready for the wedding. The price of the room is 150 EUR, and with champagne and fruit 170 EUR. For full-day hire the price is on request.

Using a Cretan winery as the venue for a wedding can make for a calm, pleasant and enjoyable day to celebrate your love and commitment. Brides who want a Cretan winery wedding do not have to go far for this magnificent scenery, for this rustic setting and, of course, for delicious wine. This ideal space is located in a traditional Cretan village in the Chania district, close to the village of Vryses Apokoronas. You will be surrounded by olive trees in rustic countryside, and your guests can look forward to a romantic wedding with a beautifully laid dinner in the courtyard. At the winery only wedding ceremonies and receptions are possible; accommodation is not. For that we recommend the Georgioupoli or Almyrida area by the sea, or Apokoronas inland.

Official wedding ceremonies in this area are not possible on the beach, only at the register office. The legal part of the ceremony can be held at the town hall, and a symbolic wedding ceremony on the beach can follow. If you are interested, we will send a price quotation.