Are you dreaming of a magical wedding under the sun? Look no further than Crete, Greece, an island that caters to all your wedding desires. With a rich cultural heritage and gorgeous scenery, Crete is an idyllic location for your special day. This guide will take you through the traditional Cretan wedding customs, stunning beach wedding venues, and luxurious resorts that cater to all types of weddings.

Traditional Cretan Wedding Customs

Immerse yourself in Cretan traditions by incorporating them into your wedding ceremony. Two must-have dishes at any Cretan wedding are Gamokoulouro, a wedding bread, and Gamopilafo, a wedding pilaf. All wedding guests wear a white scarf on their heads or around their necks, which symbolizes purity and fertility. Lastly, your wedding party should close with a Mantinada, a Cretan song often improvised and always entertaining.

If you or your partner are from Crete, it is likely that the party will have a minimum of 800 attendees. This is because Cretans have a penchant for grandiosity, as evidenced by their notion of a “small wedding” involving around 300 guests, which is no exaggeration.

Beach Weddings in Crete

Crete is a beautiful and popular destination for beach weddings, with its crystal-clear waters, stunning sunsets, and breathtaking landscapes. The island’s numerous beaches offer a range of wedding venues, from small and intimate to grand and lavish. Whether you prefer a quiet, secluded cove or a bustling, popular beach, Crete has it all.

One of the most popular locations for beach weddings in Crete is the region of Chania, which boasts some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. From the popular and lively Platanias and Agia Marina beaches to the more secluded and tranquil Marathi and Stavros beaches, Chania offers a wide range of options for couples seeking a beach wedding. The region also offers plenty of wedding planners and vendors who specialize in beach weddings, ensuring that every detail is taken care of.

Another popular location for beach weddings in Crete is the region of Rethymnon. With its picturesque beaches, stunning sunsets, and scenic coastal villages, Rethymnon is a romantic and idyllic setting for a beach wedding. The region’s beaches range from the busy and lively Bali and Adelianos Kampos beaches to the secluded and tranquil Souda and Triopetra beaches.

Wedding Venues in Crete

Crete offers an array of breathtaking wedding venues, from luxurious resorts to traditional churches. Here are a few top picks to inspire you:

Stella Island Luxury Resort: This adult-only, 5-star luxury resort offers two picturesque chapels as well as fantastic facilities for your reception.
Creta Palace: This beachside resort boasts a modern minimalist and marble decor and aims to promote local and organic cuisine in the most traditional way.
White Palace Luxury Resort: This resort is the perfect choice for a wedding with shades of white and blue. The stunning views of the Aegean, the beautiful sandy beach, and the minimalistic modern architecture offer a complete marriage package.
Minos Beach Art Hotel: This boutique-style hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea offers a private deck reaching the crystal sea, and the whole place can be booked just for you and your guests.
Amirandes Grecotel: This resort offers a range of venues for your wedding, including on-site restaurants, private villas, and a traditional chapel.
Church of Agios Titos: For those who want a more traditional wedding, the Church of Agios Titos offers a tailored package to the traditions of Crete.

Crete Wedding Planner

If you’re planning to get married in Crete, hiring a wedding planner is a smart decision. With so many options available, it can be challenging to make the right choice on your own. A wedding planner in Crete will help you select the perfect wedding package and customize it to your liking. They will also provide you with insider knowledge about the region, ensuring that you get the best possible experience on your big day.

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a wedding planner is the peace of mind that comes with it. If something unexpected happens, your planner will be there to sort everything out for you. They will also help you with the necessary paperwork, including marriage licenses, permits, and legal documents. With a wedding planner by your side, you can relax and enjoy your special day without any worries.

No matter what kind of wedding venue you have in mind, a wedding planner in Crete will be able to help. Whether you’re looking for a beach wedding, a mountain wedding, or a traditional Greek wedding, they will know all the details of the region and provide you with the best possible options.

Crete Wedding Packages: An essential part of planning your dream wedding in Crete

Wedding packages are an essential part of planning your dream wedding in Crete. They provide a starting point for couples to tailor their big day to their liking. The packages are not limiting in any way, and the possibilities are endless. Whether you choose a religious or civil wedding, Crete offers a wide range of options to suit your needs.

Church weddings are the most popular way to get married in Crete, with locals planning their marriages this way. Religion plays a crucial role in Cretan and Greek culture, and a priest usually facilitates the marriage ceremony. After the ceremony, you can invite guests to the wedding celebration, usually held at a wedding venue or resort.

Civil weddings are an excellent alternative for couples who dream of getting married in an exotic location, such as on the shores of a sandy beach. A legal representative can visit the site of your choice to make your marriage official, and you can hold the reception at the same location. This is convenient for both you and your guests.

Couples can choose a wedding package that suits their needs, from an intimate ceremony with just the couple to a grand celebration with a thousand or more guests. You can also choose unique locations for your ceremony, such as an olive grove or a mountaintop. The possibilities are endless, and wedding planners have the know-how to make it happen.

Same-sex wedding ceremonies are also becoming increasingly popular in Crete. Although the Greek state does not fully recognize same-sex civil unions, couples can still have a symbolic non-binding marriage. And like traditional weddings, these ceremonies can be nothing short of spectacular.

In conclusion, Crete wedding packages are a great starting point for couples looking to plan their dream wedding. Whether you choose a religious or civil ceremony, a grand celebration or an intimate one, Crete has something to offer for every couple. With the help of wedding planners, couples can tailor their wedding to their liking and make it a day to remember.

Understanding the Costs: Budgeting for Your Dream Wedding in Crete

When it comes to planning a wedding in Crete, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost. As mentioned earlier, the prices can vary significantly depending on the type of wedding you want to have, the number of guests, and the services you require. However, with the help of a wedding planner, you can stay within your budget and still have a beautiful wedding.

It is essential to note that the cost of a wedding in Crete can differ depending on the type of marriage you choose. A civil wedding ceremony tends to be more affordable, as it involves fewer fees and paperwork compared to a religious wedding ceremony. Additionally, you may also need to consider translation and documentation services, which can be costly.

Aside from the essential fees and costs for the ceremony, there are other expenses to consider, such as transportation, accommodation, and food costs for your guests. You may also need to hire additional services such as photographers, videographers, florists, caterers, and other professionals, which can increase the overall cost of your wedding.

Despite these potential costs, hiring a local wedding planner can be an excellent way to save money and avoid any last-minute complications. They can help you find affordable vendors, negotiate better prices on your behalf, and guide you through the process, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. With the help of a wedding planner, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

The average expenses for a wedding in Crete usually range from €15,000 to €30,000. Nonetheless, this is just an estimate, and the actual cost will depend on your specific preferences and the suggestions of your wedding planner.

Key Points to consider before your Wedding Day

Here are the key points to consider before your wedding:

Gather all the necessary documentation for your wedding, especially if it’s a religious one.
Determine the style and budget of your wedding with your partner.
Inform your guests at least a year in advance to give them enough time to make travel arrangements.
Book your vendors and wedding venues as soon as possible.
Plan and book a professional photographer for your wedding day.