Love is celebrated in many forms and sizes—some couples dream of grand, lavish weddings, while others cherish the intimacy of a smaller, more personal ceremony.
Emily and Rob
chose the latter, and their beautiful celebration was a perfect testament to the magic of simplicity.
Their vision for the day was clear: a secluded yet accessible location that embraced the natural beauty of Crete. We are always excited to explore and curate unique venues, and since we do most of our research during the off-season, we’re always ready with fresh and inspiring options. For Emily and Rob, the choice was a breathtaking spot on the edge of the Akrotiri peninsula in the Chania region.
With just their children and immediate family present, they celebrated their love with a symbolic ceremony by a charming local church, followed by a stunning photoshoot and a toast of champagne. The day concluded with a delicious wedding dinner prepared by Private Chef Chania at their villa.
You might wonder—what role does a wedding planner play in such a straightforward event? Let us explain, and we’re confident it will save you time and eliminate any doubts about why having a planner is essential, no matter the size of your celebration.
Small Weddings, Big Preparations
Even with an intimate wedding, a significant amount of preparation goes into creating a seamless and memorable day. From the legal paperwork to selecting the perfect spot, every detail requires careful attention. Decorations, makeup, photography, transportation, a private chef, music, and anything else the couple desires—all these elements need to come together flawlessly.
It’s easy to assume that a smaller wedding is simpler to organize or that couples can handle the planning themselves. But behind the beautiful photos, there’s a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes effort. Many couples might base their assumptions on how things are done in their country of residence, but wedding planning in Crete can be entirely different. Navigating local processes, finding trusted vendors, and coordinating every detail is a job best left to professionals.
Also something else that stays behind the wedding pictures report that we wanted to share with you in this blog. As Emily & Rob had both legal and a symbolic wedding, we decided to share the difference between the two.
Legal vs. Symbolic Weddings: What You Need to Know.
Legal Weddings in Crete
Emily and Rob wanted to be officially married in Crete. This required an official legal ceremony, which involves specific documentation:
- Birth certificates with an apostille.
- Certificate of no impediment (proof neither party is currently married) with an apostille.
- If previously married, a certificate of divorce or death certificate of a previous spouse, also with an apostille.
These documents must be sent to us in advance, as we handle their certified translation into Greek. Once translated, the documents are submitted to the town hall in the region where the ceremony will take place.
Here’s an important detail: the original documents are retained by the town hall and will not be returned, so it’s crucial that you don’t submit your only copies.
Depending on the municipality’s policies, the mayor might conduct the legal ceremony at your chosen venue or request your presence in the Town Hall.
Symbolic Weddings
A symbolic wedding is ideal for couples who have already completed the legal process in their home country or, like Emily and Rob, who opted for a legal ceremony at the town hall earlier in the day. The symbolic ceremony offers the chance to fully immerse in the emotional and visual aspects of a wedding—exchanging vows in a scenic location, capturing beautiful photographs, and experiencing the joy of the moment with loved ones.
Combining the Two
Couples can seamlessly combine a legal and symbolic wedding, creating a day that meets both practical and heartfelt needs. Starting in the 2025 wedding season, we’re excited to introduce the option of Spiritual Wedding Ceremonies, offering couples a meaningful blend of tradition and spirituality. This option includes a legal wedding at the town hall in the morning, followed by a sacred symbolic ceremony at a chosen venue.
Don’t Delay Your Documents
One final piece of advice: don’t wait until the last moment to provide the necessary documents. Timely submission ensures a smooth planning process and helps avoid last-minute stress or delays.
Whether your celebration is grand or intimate, legal or symbolic, Crete Within Weddings team to bring your vision to life with care, creativity, and attention to every detail.