Crete is an exciting sunshine destination where you will enjoy a warm welcome on this largest and most southerly of the Greek Islands. It is a land of landscapes, sunshine, sand and mountains, history and hospitality and so much more. Eastern Crete boasts some of the island’s most beautiful coastlines, with the resorts of Hersonnissos, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos as particular favourites for wedding couples. Ruth from Sun & Snow Weddings tells us what you need for a wedding in spectacular Crete.
Images courtesy of Sun & Snow Weddings
You can hold your ceremony at many beautiful locations around the island, ranging from quiet beaches, by the lakeside, outside a tiny Mamma Mia-style chapel, or even a stunning Greek wedding venue, complete with a chapel and on-site caterers. Crete is a summer destination and the season runs from May to October, the most popular times being May, June and September when the weather is a little cooler.
Types of Marriage Ceremony
Most UK couples choose to have a civil ceremony and personalise it with their own music, poems, readings and their own vows to each other. Civil ceremonies can take place anywhere in suitable locations, which you can check with your wedding planner.
Couples can get married outside the churches (i.e. on the grounds), but only couples who are Greek Orthodox can marry inside a church.
Legal Paperwork
The wedding paperwork in Greece is very specific, and can be different in each Town Hall. It is advisable to use a local wedding planner who can ensure your paperwork is correct and that you meet all the legal requirements and deadlines.
The minimum paperwork required for a Greek marriage is: the couple’s birth certificates, passports and Certificates of No Impediments. Extra documentation is required if either the bride or the groom have changed their names, been married before or widowed, etc. Your wedding planner will be able to advise on this according to your circumstances. The birth certificates, Certificates of No Impediment and any other supporting documents must all carry The Hague or Apostile stamp, which is obtained from the Legalisation Office in the UK.
All documentation needs to be translated into Greek by an approved translator to be accepted by the Registrar.
Two witnesses are required at the ceremony to sign official papers.
A local wedding planner can organise everything for you, right down to the last detail, using the best suppliers for your particular needs. The planner knows the local area very well and can advise on every aspect of your holiday, not just your wedding, so you can relax and enjoy a stress-free holiday as well as an amazing wedding day.
Images courtesy of Sun & Snow Weddings
Whether your dream wedding is a small family affair by the sea or a ‘Big Fat Greek Wedding’, contact Ruth at Sun & Snow Weddings – where every bride and groom are individual and not just a number! Ruth has been arranging weddings for more than 10 years in Greece, Lapland and the UK.
We have lots of great weddings abroad advice on Confetti!
