Looking for Crete wedding venues and planners with real pricing? After marrying at Metohi Istoria and vetting 20+ vendors, here’s your complete directory: 3 hand-picked venues (€8K-€50K+ budgets), top planners with direct contact info, real cost breakdowns, and recommended photographers with portfolio links. Plus legal requirements, planning timeline, and everything I learned coordinating our Chania destination wedding from abroad.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Crete Wedding Venues: Christina’s Top Picks
My handpicked recommendations based on personal experience and local knowledge. I am admittedly a little bit biased towards Chania wedding venues. If you ask me to choose between Heraklion vs Chania for weddings; my answer would be Chania. It offers much more rustic charm, elegance, and plenty of guest experience opportunities.
Metohi Istoria – Historic & Rustic – €
Capacity: Up to 120 guests | Style: Historic estate with authentic Greek charm
Why we chose it: This is where we had our wedding reception and we’ve couldn’t have chosen better. “This Greek historical site, now serving as an avocado and orange farm, captured our hearts with its 15th-century Venetian history, lush gardens, and rustic Greek charm. Such unique surroundings and sensational Greek gastronomy gave us the most magical memories.” To me, it’s one of the most charming and historic wedding venues in western Crete.
What makes it special:
- 700-year-old Venetian estate with authentic stone architecture
- Working organic farm with avocado and orange groves
- Adaptable canvas with many areas including an old olive mill (for indoor cover if needed), dining seating among fruit trees, a large dance floor, and more
- Intimate setting perfect for 50-120 guests
- Historical significance dating back to the 15th century
Explore it here more in depth on the Wedding Venue listing page.
Amirandes – Luxury Resort – €€€
Capacity: Up to 200 guests | Style: Five-star luxury resort with Minoan-inspired elegance
Why I recommend it: For couples wanting the ultimate in luxury and service without sacrificing Greek authenticity. This Grecotel resort masterfully blends modern luxury with Cretan heritage, offering couples a stress-free celebration where every detail is handled by world-class professionals.
What makes it special:
- Five-star Grecotel resort with award-winning service and facilities
- Stunning beachfront location with private access to pristine sands
- Multiple ceremony and reception options from intimate beach settings to grand ballrooms
- Full-service wedding planning team experienced with international celebrations
- Luxury accommodations for your wedding party all in one location
- Minoan-inspired architecture and design celebrating Crete’s ancient heritage
Here’s more on the venue on my Wedding Venue listing page.
Sea View by Enkipo – Modern Elegance – €€
Capacity: Up to 150 guests | Style: Contemporary venue with panoramic sea views
Why I recommend it: The perfect middle ground between rustic charm and resort luxury. Enkipo offers couples stunning Aegean Sea views with modern amenities and flexibility, ideal for those who want a sophisticated celebration without the formality of a five-star resort.
What makes it special:
- Breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Chania coastline
- Professional event coordination with attention to detail
- Flexible layout options accommodating different ceremony and reception styles
- Located near Chania for easy guest access to restaurants and accommodations
- Contemporary Greek design that feels fresh yet timeless
Here’s more on the venue on my venue directory listing.
To explore more wedding venues in Crete, here are all the listings.
Wedding Planners I Trust in Crete
Professionals who understand both Greek culture and international couples
Stepsis – Tailored Wedding Experiences – €€
Specializes in: Traditional Cretan village weddings | Style: Authentic cultural experiences with Swiss-trained professionalism
Why I recommend them: Full disclosure, I used Stepsis for Day-of Coordination. For couples who want a truly authentic Greek wedding experience without sacrificing professional standards. Stepsis founder Natasa combines formal hospitality education from Switzerland with deep Cretan roots, creating magical celebrations that feel genuinely Greek while meeting international expectations.
What makes them special:
- Personal attention from founder Natasa at every wedding from planning to day-of
- Specializes in traditional Cretan village weddings and cultural experiences
- Swiss hospitality training combined with authentic local expertise
- Handles complex logistics including legal paperwork for international couples
- Limited capacity approach ensuring exceptional quality and attention
- Proven track record transforming Pinterest dreams into Mediterranean reality
Here’s a closer look at their pictures and their contact information.
Kiss from Fleur – Boutique Wedding Planning – €€
Specializes in: International destination weddings | Style: Boutique planning with personalized styling
Why I recommend them: For couples who want a planner that truly understands the unique challenges of destination weddings. Kiss from Fleur brings an international perspective with meticulous attention to detail, perfect for couples planning from abroad who need someone to be their eyes and ears on the ground.
What makes them special:
- Boutique approach with personalized service for each couple
- Experienced with international couples and cross-cultural celebrations
- Full-service planning from venue sourcing to day-of coordination
- Styling expertise to create cohesive, beautiful design
- Fluent in multiple languages for seamless vendor communication
- Understanding of both Greek traditions and international wedding expectations
For more details and to contact, check the vendor page here.
Photographers Who Capture Crete’s Magic
Visual storytellers who know the island’s most beautiful spots
HannaMonika Wedding Photography – Fine Art Storytelling – €€€
Specializes in: Greek island destination weddings | Style: Fine art approach with natural, romantic documentary storytelling
Why I recommend them: Hanna and Slavomir were our wedding photographers. They have that rare combination of technical excellence and genuine warmth that makes couples feel like they’re being photographed by talented friends. With 16+ years living in Greece and a perfect 5.0 rating across 83 reviews, they understand both the logistics of island weddings and how to capture those fleeting moments that make your celebration uniquely yours.
What makes them special:
- Husband-wife team based between Crete and Santorini with deep local venue knowledge
- Perfect 5.0 rating across 83 WeddingWire reviews with 100% recommendation rate
- Fine art aesthetic using both film and digital to create timeless, editorial-quality images
- Ellwed Award winner for Best Wedding Greece 2019 Natural ability to make couples feel comfortable and authentic in front of the camera
- Extensive experience with international couples from across Europe, USA, and beyond
- Coverage across all Greek islands including Mykonos, Paros, Hydra, and mainland locations
- Fluent in English and Polish with cultural understanding for diverse celebrations
- Personal approach that goes beyond photography to support throughout the planning process
To see an example of their work and their contact information, you can visit their full contact page here.
Le FIL Photography – Artistic Composition – €€
Specializes in: Destination wedding photography across Europe | Style: Minimal and creative approach with artistic composition
Why I recommend them: Andreas understands the unique beauty of Greek destinations and knows how to capture those magical moments that make destination weddings so special. As someone who’s planned my own wedding in Greece, I appreciate photographers who can work seamlessly across different European locations while maintaining that artistic eye that makes your photos timeless.
What makes them special:
- Based in Athens with deep knowledge of Greek wedding venues and lighting
- Extensive experience in destination wedding photography throughout Europe
- Minimal, artistic approach that captures authentic moments without being intrusive
- Fluent in both Greek and English for seamless communication with international couples
- Creative composition skills that turn your wedding day into visual storytelling
- Understanding of both traditional Greek wedding elements and modern destination celebrations
- Experienced working with couples planning from abroad who need reliable, professional service
Check out more of Andreas’ photographer and contact information here.
To further explore wedding photographers, please check my Greece Wedding Photographer directory. Remember, almost all photographers travel across Greece for weddings.
Christina’s Story: Why We Chose Crete for Our Destination Wedding
Choosing a dream wedding destination can be challenging. As a Greek in the Netherlands with a Polish fiancé, and friends and family worldwide, we needed the perfect location. One that combined a dream location with practicality.
Read on to discover why we chose Crete for our destination wedding and had an unforgettable celebration at the historic Metohi Istoria.
Why a Destination Wedding Beat a Hometown Celebration
Before planning our Crete wedding, we decided to invite only people we loved. These individuals had to play a part in our future together. We wanted no stress or drama. The wedding had to be in a beautiful location.
Once we’d decided on Greece, the obvious question came up. Should we get married in my hometown of Thessaloniki? Having decided on a stress-free wedding, the answer was No!
While Thessaloniki is special, Greek weddings in your hometown can throw even the best-laid plans out the window.
A friend recently married his Cretan fiancée in her hometown on the island of Crete. The couple spent a year meticulously planning every detail of their dream Greek destination wedding. A 100-person seated dinner. Forty extra people turned up! Greeks like to show up for weddings, even uninvited.
My mum requested 90 extra bonbonnieres (Greek wedding favours). We knew we had to choose a location for our destination wedding. It needed to be far enough to avoid any unplanned guests!
I later found out she held three separate celebrations in Thessaloniki to involve those we didn’t invite. You can’t fault the love and warmth of the Greeks. However, my nerves couldn’t handle any surprises on our painstakingly planned day.
We had been charmed by the Greek island of Crete. And fell in love with it after spending a few weeks there. We were particularly captivated by the Chania area on the western side. So we decided to start planning our dream destination wedding in Crete. A 45-minute plane journey from Thessaloniki, it was a safe distance to prevent any impromptu guests!
So Much More Than Just a Wedding Location.
We married in Chania. It is a region in western Crete with a distinctly wholesome and charming vibe. The food is fabulous, and the people are warm. While the hospitality is unparalleled!
Our reception was at Metohi Istoria. It is a Greek historical site now serving as an avocado and orange farm. It caters to private events. We loved its history, lush gardens and rustic Greek charm. Such unique surroundings and sensational Greek gastronomy gave us the most magical memories.
The island’s beauty, warm hospitality and unique experiences make it idyllic for a destination wedding. From my own incredible experience, I’d highly recommend it to anyone planning a destination wedding in Greece.
Why Choose Crete for Your Wedding
Crete is the largest Greek island, easily accessible, and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever seen.
Crete offers a unique wedding location with the most magnificent backdrop. It is the perfect honeymoon destination. It is also a wonderful holiday spot for your guests.
We chose Crete for our destination wedding for several practical and emotional reasons. However, with guests coming in worldwide, accessibility was vital. Experiences for all tastes were essential. History, beaches, fine food and wine, hiking, culture, architecture – it has it all.
Easily Accessible
Two international airports, Heraklion and Chania, offer easy access for European and international travelers. Both airports provide connections and flights via Athens. Athens is a must-see for those wanting to explore further afield.
Perfect Climate for Weddings
Boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s ideal if you’re planning a beach wedding in Crete.
Summer can get hot and is very popular with tourists. Spring and Autumn are also worth considering, with pleasant days and fewer crowds.
We got married in May, and the weather was perfect.
Award-Winning Beaches
Crete has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Elafonsi Beach, on the southwestern side of Crete, won TripAdvisor’s prestigious award as the top beach in the world. It’s famous for its spectacular turquoise waters and pink sand, created by tiny crushed seashells.
Even nearer to Chania are Falassarna Beach and Balos Lagoon, on the island’s western side. Both were featured in TripAdvisors Travellers Choice Best of the Best Beaches Awards.
Magnificent Scenery for Wedding Photos
Crete’s diverse, unspoilt landscape is awe-inspiring, with snowcapped mountains, meticulous beaches and remarkable nature trails. It provides the perfect backdrop for stunning wedding photographs.
Samaria Gorge is one of the longest hiking trails in Europe (16 km). It’s ideal for hike enthusiasts who want a challenging yet highly rewarding trek.
This spectacular trail leads you through the lush natural beauty of Crete. Rugged terrain guides you through the white mountains, a nature-lovers paradise with rivers, native wildlife, and ancient ruins. The trail ends at the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea.
Mediterranean Cuisine
Cretan gastronomy is outstanding and offers a truly memorable experience. In traditional Greek cuisine and Cretan cooking, chefs use fresh seasonal produce. They also use delicious local fish and meats to create their dishes.
Local producers make Cretan olive oil from lush ancient olive groves. It is some of the finest in the world. People use it generously in cooking.
Cretan cheeses are a must-try. Try Graviera and Myzithra. The traditional Cretan dish Dakos is also a must-try. It consists of cheese, tomatoes, olives, capers, oregano, and Cretan olive oil. Delicious!
Warm Greek Hospitality
The people of Crete actively practice ‘Philoxenia’. It means being a ‘friend to a stranger’. They extend warm hospitality to every visitor they meet.
Cretans make visitors feel right at home with their genuine warmth, welcoming smiles, and usually lots of home-made food!
It’s customary to offer diners free desserts in restaurants. Diners are also offered a glass of Tsikoudia, a grape moonshine. It is often homemade in smaller venues.
Fascinating History
Crete is brimming with history and mythology. It’s full of ancient sites and examples of Greek architecture influenced by the Minoans, Venetians and Ottomans. Legend has it that Zeus, King of the Greek gods, was born on the island.
Crete is home to the oldest civilisation in Europe, the Minoans. It has numerous must-see archaeological sites. This includes the Palace of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age site linked to the myth of the Minotaur.
Cretans are famous for their fighting spirit, influenced by the hardships encountered during the Ottoman rule.
The occupation during World War II was also an intense and brutal time. Despite the devastation, the Cretans relentlessly battled for liberation.
Periods in history that have shaped the independent, proud Cretans of today.
Wine & Wineries
The ancient Minoans began winemaking in Crete 4,000 years ago. The Romans and Byzantines continued the tradition. They traded Cretan wines across the Mediterranean.
The climate and lush, fertile soil contribute to various indigenous grapes that give the wines unique flavours. Beautiful wineries span the island, offering you an abundance of choices. Many offer unique wedding venues, as well as tastings.
Our favourite is Moschato Spinas, a refreshing white wine with fresh fruit and flowery notes.
We explored many wineries on the island. This included Lyrarakis and Dourakis. We even considered them as romantic wedding venues in Crete.
Sometimes words or even images can’t do it justice, here’s a nice video of Crete from the Greek City Times newspaper.
Crete Wedding Cost: Real Budget Breakdown
Budget breakdown based on our actual wedding and additional vendor budgeting research.
Our celebration details:
- Guest count: 100 international guests
- Venue: Metohi Istoria (historic estate)
- Month: May (perfect weather, shoulder season pricing)
- Style: Rustic Greek elegance with authentic cuisine
Estimated budget ranges for different wedding sizes:
Intimate Celebration (20-40 guests)
- All-in range: €8,000 – €15,000
- Perfect for: Couples wanting authentic Greek experience
- Includes: Venue, traditional Cretan feast, photography, basic florals
Classic Crete Wedding (50-80 guests)
- All-in range: €15,000 – €30,000
- Perfect for: Traditional celebration with international guests
- Includes: Full venue hire, multi-course dining, planning services
Large Celebration (100+ guests)
- All-in range: €30,000 – €50,000+
- Perfect for: Big fat Greek wedding experience
- Includes: Exclusive venue access, premium catering, full planning
Christina’s money tip: May and September offer the best value – perfect weather without peak season pricing. Also, venues like Metohi Istoria that are the venue rental at the base level allow for you to customize and choose what to spend money on. The cost of the base wedding venues in Crete can be quite affordable compared to other more popular islands.
Get personalized accurate pricing: use our Greece Destination Wedding Cost Calculator.
To compare across islands and more details on wedding venue pricing across Greece, check out Complete Wedding Venue Cost Guide.
For a deep dive on other islands and costs, I’ve written a few articles here:
- Santorini Elopements & Weddings: Complete Cost Guide & Hidden Savings
- Corfu Wedding Costs: What You’ll Actually Pay
When to Get Married in Crete
The season you get married in Greece not only impacts your weather, but also your budget and your guest attendance.
The Perfect Wedding Calendar
Peak Season (July-August)
- Longest days, warmest sea, guaranteed sunshine
- Crowds, premium pricing, strong meltemi winds
- Budget impact: +40-60% vs shoulder season
Sweet Spot (May-June, September-October)
- Perfect weather, fewer crowds, better vendor availability
- Golden hour lighting, comfortable temperatures for guests
- Budget impact: Standard pricing
- Christina’s choice: We got married in May, and the weather was perfect.
Off-Peak (November-April)
- Lowest prices, authentic local experience
- Planning note: Indoor backup essential
Crete-Specific Weather Considerations
- Temperature range: May averages 22°C (72°F) – ideal for outdoor celebrations
- Wind patterns: Western Crete (Chania area) is more sheltered than eastern areas
- Sunset timing: Best viewing from Chania and western beaches
Planning Your Crete Wedding
The essential timeline and logistics
18-Month Planning Timeline
18-12 months before:
- Research and visit venues (we spent weeks in Crete before deciding)
- Book your top choice venue and planner
- Save the dates: Give international guests maximum notice
12-6 months before:
- Finalize guest list and send invitations
- Book photographers, florists, and other key vendors
- Begin legal paperwork process
6-3 months before:
- Confirm final headcount with venue
- Order wedding attire and rings
- Plan guest welcome events and activities
3-1 month before:
- Final dress fitting and beauty trials
- Confirm all vendor details and timelines
- Prepare welcome bags with local treats
Planning Your Crete Wedding
The essential timeline and logistics
18-Month Planning Timeline
18-12 months before:
- Research and visit venues (we spent weeks in Crete before deciding)
- Book your top choice venue and planner
- Save the dates: Give international guests maximum notice
12-6 months before:
- Finalize guest list and send invitations
- Book photographers, florists, and other key vendors
- Begin legal paperwork process
6-3 months before:
- Confirm final headcount with venue
- Order wedding attire and rings
- Plan guest welcome events and activities
3-1 month before:
- Final dress fitting and beauty trials
- Confirm all vendor details and timelines
- Prepare welcome bags with local treats
Guest Experience Planning
Getting married in Crete provided the perfect opportunity to bring our loved ones together. They could extend their stay and experience everything Greece has to offer. Immersing themselves in the history and culture and soaking up the warm hospitality.
Many flew in from Europe, the USA, Brazil, India, Australia, and Canada. They typically stayed on for a week beyond our wedding celebrations. Everyone was excited to explore Crete. They also wanted to visit Athens, with the Acropolis and other historical sites. For most, it wasn’t just a wedding trip, it was a Greece vacation with a wedding in between!
Planning in some optional guest experiences and activities can make their trip feel more complete, worthwhile, and adventurous.
Guest activity ideas:
- Welcome dinner at a traditional Cretan taverna – Semiramis
- Boat trip to Balos Lagoon
- Wine tasting at local vineyards or Monastary – Holy Trinity Monastary
- Olive Mill tour at local Olive Grove – Terra Creta
- Cocktails at Chania Old Town and Venetian harbor – Pallas
- Day trip to Knossos Palace and Heraklion
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Crete
What you need to know about the paperwork
Essential Documents
For civil ceremonies:
- Timeline: 8+ days minimum between document submission and ceremony
- Key documents: Birth certificates, passports (all with Apostille stamps)
- Where: Municipal office in Chania, Heraklion, or authorized venue
- Language: Greek translator required for ceremony
For symbolic ceremonies:
- Flexibility: Any venue, any officiant
- Requirements: Minimal – just venue permissions
- Christina’s tip: Most international couples choose symbolic for venue flexibility, then complete legal paperwork at home.
Documentation Process
As an expat planning from abroad, I learned that preparation is key. The Greek bureaucracy can be complex, but with proper planning, it’s manageable.
Required documents (with Apostille):
- Birth certificates (translated to Greek)
- Certificates of No Impediment
- Divorce decrees (if applicable)
- Passport copies
Planning tip: Start the legal process 6-12 months before your wedding date to avoid stress.
For a deeper view on the legal steps and timelines of getting married in Crete, as:
- US citizen, Greece legal marriage requirements.
- UK citizen Greece legal marriage requirements.
- Australian citizen, Greece legal marriage requirements.
Getting to Crete & Where to Stay
Transportation and accommodation guide for your guests
Transportation Hubs
Flying to Crete:
- Airports: Chania (CHQ) and Heraklion (HER)
- International connections: Direct flights from major European cities
- Transfer time: 20-45 minutes to main wedding areas
- Transport costs: Taxi €25-50, bus €3-8, car rental €25-40/day
Ferry connections:
- From Athens: Piraeus → Heraklion (9 hours, €35-65)
- Frequency: Daily connections year-round
- Pro tip: Book early for summer travel – ferries fill up fast
Where to Base Your Wedding Party
Chania – For Historic Charm Lovers
- Vibe: Venetian old town with waterfront dining
- Accommodation range: €50-300/night
- €€€€ – The Tanneries Hotel
- €€ – Halepa Hotel
- Best for: Couples wanting culture and nightlife for guests
- Wedding venue access: 15-45 minutes to most venues
Rethymno – For Beach and History
- Vibe: Medieval town meets resort beaches
- Accommodation range: €60-250/night
- Best for: Families and multi-generational groups
- Wedding venue access: Central to island locations, note the extended 1.5 hour drive to either international airport
Heraklion – For Convenience
- Wedding venue access: Eastern Crete venues
- Vibe: Modern city with archaeological sites
- Accommodation range: €45-200/night
- Best for: Large groups needing variety of hotels
Frequently Asked Questions about Crete Weddings
Planning Basics
May, June, and September offer the perfect combination of beautiful weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable pricing. We got married in May and couldn’t have asked for better conditions – warm sunny days, comfortable evenings, and fewer tourists than summer months.
Realistic budget ranges: €8,000-15,000 for intimate celebrations (20-40 guests), €15,000-30,000 for classic weddings (50-80 guests), and €30,000+ for large celebrations. Our experience showed that authentic venues like Metohi Istoria offer better value than tourist-focused locations.
Depends on how hands-on you’d like to be during the planning process. Most vendors speak English and I went with a Day-of coordinator myself. A planner will elevate your budget 5-10%. A great planner, on the other hand, can make your wedding much more stress-free.
Location & Guest Logistics
Chania is the preferred choice for most destination weddings in Crete. Chania offers the Venetian Old Town charm, better venue variety, closer proximity to stunning beaches like Balos and Falassarna, and more romantic atmosphere. Heraklion works better for couples wanting proximity to Knossos Palace, modern amenities, and easier airport access for large guest groups. We chose Chania for its authentic charm and western Crete’s natural beauty.
For Chania weddings, guests love staying in the Venetian Old Town for walkable restaurants and atmosphere. Luxury options include The Tanneries Hotel, mid-range choices like Halepa Hotel. For Heraklion weddings, city center hotels provide convenience and variety. Beach lovers prefer hotels in Rethymno or seaside resorts. Christina’s tip: Block-book accommodations 6-12 months early, especially for May-September weddings when hotels fill up quickly.
Yes, with proper venue selection. Venues like Metohi Istoria have ground-level access and minimal stairs. Avoid clifftop locations in Oia-style venues if you have guests with mobility concerns. Always discuss accessibility during venue visits.
Cultural Elements
Absolutely! Popular traditions include the stefana (wedding crowns), dance of Isaiah, rice throwing, and traditional music. Our venue embraced these customs and helped explain their significance to international guests. We smashed a pommegranate (Rodi) as we entered to our reception! The planners I’ve included above have great knowledge on Greek traditions. Read more here about local Greece Wedding Traditions.
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