Crete

The classic choices

Some seaside chapels have become established favourites because they are easily accessible by car and require little additional preparation, such as arranging electricity or water.

Saint Constantine, Gouves

Undoubtedly the best-known seaside chapel in the Heraklion area. It combines very easy access, convenient parking and proximity to reception venues.

Saint George at Sarandaris

Located near Hersonissos in a truly beautiful setting. Nearby parking is the main difficulty, unless the reception is held at one of the neighbouring hotels.

Saint Panteleimon, Kommos

One of the most popular choices in recent years. Close to Matala in southern Heraklion, it can be perfectly combined with a beach party.

Saint Nicholas in Agios Nikolaos

A lovely site with plenty of greenery and views over the small harbour of Katholiko. It offers easy access and parking, close to the town and its major hotels.

Panagia Kamariani, Gerani

A very popular choice among residents of Rethymnon, thanks to its easy access from the nearby city and its proximity to reception venues.

Agia Paraskevi, Hersonissos

A beautiful chapel partly built into the rock, overlooking the picturesque harbour of Hersonissos. Nearby hotels and reception venues are an advantage, although parking can be difficult during the high season.

Saint Dionysios, Kato Stalos

A tiny chapel that has become a well-known wedding choice near Chania. It enjoys a lovely setting and provides easy access to nearby reception venues.

Agii Apostoli, Chania

Built in one of the most beautiful parts of Chania, overlooking the beaches of Agii Apostoli and Glaros. Access is easy and convenient.

Saint Panteleimon, Istron

A beautiful chapel almost at the water’s edge, easily reached from the main road through Istron. Its proximity to Agios Nikolaos also makes it a favourite among local residents.

Holy Spirit, Malia

A beautiful chapel beside the small harbour of Malia. It is easily reached from the Heraklion–Agios Nikolaos highway and offers ample space and convenient parking.

More options in Heraklion

Saint Nicholas, Hersonissos

A historic church built on the site of an early Christian basilica, right by the sea in a place of exceptional natural beauty. Noise from the neighbouring resorts can be a drawback, especially during the high season.

Saint Paul, Kali Limenes

Built on a hill with panoramic sea views, beside the Cave of Saint Paul. It is accessible by car but lies far from large urban reception venues, making it ideal for a catered event or beach party.

Saint Paul at Kali Limenes

Built on a hill with panoramic sea views, beside the Cave of Saint Paul. It is accessible by car but lies far from large urban reception venues, making it ideal for a catered event or beach party.

Agia Marina, Analipsi

A very picturesque chapel at Analipsi near Hersonissos, with easy access and ample parking.

Evresi, Agia Pelagia

This is not exactly a church but a small roadside shrine on the main beach of Agia Pelagia. It could be a charming option for a very small ceremony.

Saint Basil, Fodele

A chapel right beside the sea and the national road. Passing traffic can cause some disturbance, but the tavernas of Fodele are close enough for the reception.

Saint Myron, Kastri

A spacious church by the sea at Kastri Viannou in southern Heraklion. It can be combined with a reception at one of the local tavernas and is particularly suitable for smaller weddings or baptisms.

Koudoumas Monastery

One of Crete’s most beautiful monasteries, set on the wild southern coast of Heraklion. Access involves a long dirt road and the ceremony must be arranged with the monks. A celebration can be held on the beach.

Saint Nikitas Monastery

A beautiful historic monastery in the rugged Asterousia Mountains of southern Heraklion. It is reached by a rough dirt road or by boat from Tsoutsouras, and a reception could be arranged at the monastery or near the spring at Maridaki.

Agia Varvara, Malia

A lovely seaside setting east of Malia. The ceremony can be followed by a beach celebration, a reception at a nearby hotel or an event in Sissi or Malia.

More options in Chania

Saint Nicholas, Georgioupolis

One of the most photographed wedding backdrops in Crete, chosen by both Greek and international couples. This unique chapel is built on a rocky pier and appears from a distance to be floating on the sea.

Saint Spyridon, Marathi

Located at the northern edge of Marathi, beside the sea, with easy access. A reception can be held at the local tavernas or in Chania.

Saint Charalambos, Chora Sfakion

A beautiful cavernous chapel built into the rock directly above the sea. It can be combined with a reception at a taverna in Chora Sfakion or Frangokastello.

Agii Theodori, Stomio Chrysoskalitissa

A picturesque and isolated chapel on the road to Elafonissi. A reception could be arranged at Elos or Chrysoskalitissa.

Saint Onoufrios, Ravdoucha

A small cavernous chapel beside the sea at the beautiful beach of Ravdoucha. It can be combined with a reception at the tavernas by the beach or in the village.

Agia Paraskevi, Falassarna

A small church above the magnificent beach of Falassarna, ideally suited to a beach party after the ceremony.

Saint Catherine, Sfakia

Located above Loutro, close to the road leading up to Anopolis. It offers extraordinary views over the Sfakian Sea and Loutro and is a favourite chapel among many visitors to the area.

Panagia Chrysoskalitissa

A beautiful historic monastery near Elafonissi. Couples must contact the abbot and obtain permission before arranging a wedding ceremony here.

Panagia Choni

A picturesque chapel in a remarkable seaside landscape east of Nopigia, Kissamos. It is reached by an easy dirt road and can be combined with a reception anywhere around Kissamos.

Saint George, Sfakia

Set above Vrissi Beach and the harbour of Chora Sfakion. The ceremony can be followed by a meal at one of the harbour tavernas.

Saint Spyridon, Stefanou

The chapel of Saint Spyridon stands above the spectacular Stefanou Beach at Seitan Limania. It is close to Chania and Akrotiri and is accessible by paved road.

Saint John the Theologian, Sfakia

A very picturesque little chapel above the harbour of Chora Sfakion, its whitewashed walls visible from afar.

More options in Rethymnon

Saint Paul, Saktouria

Set in a prominent position above the beach. The ceremony can be followed by a reception in Agia Galini or at the local tavernas.

Agia Marina, Argoules

A picturesque chapel in a small cove near Rodakino, reached by a dirt road. It lies some distance from large reception venues.

Saint Savvas at Preveli

If permission can be obtained for a wedding inside the palm grove of Preveli, at the chapel beside the river and beach, the experience will certainly be unforgettable.

Ascension Church, Panormos

A spacious and well-maintained church beside the sea, with lovely views over the harbour of Panormos Mylopotamou. A reception can be held at the local tavernas or in nearby Bali.

Mount Vouvala, Melambes

Mount Vouvala at Melambes offers sweeping views over the South Cretan Sea, although access is by dirt road.

More options in Lassithi

Ascension Church, Papadiokambos

A beautiful church at the water’s edge in Papadiokambos, Sitia, ideal for couples wishing to marry near the town of Sitia.

Saint Dionysios, Mirabello

Many small chapels stand along the rugged coast of Upper Mirabello, near Neapolis in Lassithi. Saint Dionysios is one of them and can be approached from Plaka in Elounda.

Saint Andrew, Finokalias

A small monastic establishment beside the sea in the Finokalias area, quite isolated and far from the main towns.

Saint Anthony Sfoungaras

Another seaside chapel of Upper Mirabello, in the Kato Selles area. It is reached by paved road but remains quite remote and can be combined with a meal at the small local tavernas or at Vlychadia.

Saint Nicholas, Xerokambos

A wonderfully picturesque chapel in the enchanting landscape of Xerokambos, Sitia. A reception may be arranged in Xerokambos or Zakros.

Saint Panteleimon, Mavros Kolymbos

One of the most easily accessible churches in the Ierapetra region, with the main road passing just below. It can be conveniently combined with a reception anywhere in the province of Ierapetra.

Ascension Church, Elounda

Located at Poros in Elounda, perhaps the most picturesque part of the area, beside the windmills, the ancient salt pans and the stone bridge over the Elounda canal.

Kapsa Monastery

If permission can be obtained to marry at this monastery, the occasion will remain unforgettable for everyone. The setting is exceptional, overlooking the sea and the Gorge of Pervolakia.

Faneromeni Monastery, Ierapetra

Offering panoramic views across Mirabello Bay and relatively easy access. It can be combined with a reception in Agios Nikolaos or Pachia Ammos.

Faneromeni Monastery, Sitia

Another monastery dedicated to Faneromeni, this one near Skopi in Sitia and especially beloved by local residents. The reception may be held at the monastery or in the town of Sitia.

Saint Nicholas, Milatos

This picturesque chapel stands at the easternmost edge of Milatos, where the road ends, overlooking the rugged coast of Mirabello.

Prophet Elijah at Vigla, Skinia

A location with boundless views over the sea. It is no coincidence that the chapel was built where a Venetian lookout post once watched over the coast.

Prophet Elijah at Vigla, Skinia

A location with boundless views over the sea. It is no coincidence that the chapel was built where a Venetian lookout post once watched over the coast.

Saint Nicholas, Pachia Ammos

Situated in the loveliest part of Pachia Ammos, this well-kept church has a spacious courtyard, very easy access and a convenient location between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra.

The hard-to-reach choices

If you are looking for something entirely different, including places accessible only by boat or on foot, consider these exceptional choices.

Holy Cross, Loutro

A picturesque chapel on the E4 trail between Loutro and Chora Sfakion, close to Glyka Nera Beach. It is generally accessible only by boat or on foot.

Saint George, Balos

A magical setting at Balos Lagoon. The chapel stands on Cape Tigani and overlooks the entire lagoon.

Saint Paul at Selouda, Sfakia

One of Crete’s most enchanting landscapes, where pine trees descend all the way to the sea. It is a beautiful wedding location if boat transport is arranged from Chora Sfakion, and there is a small taverna nearby.

Saint Nicholas, Koufonissi

The only church on the island of Lefki, now known as Koufonissi. Access can be arranged from the harbour of Atherinolakkos or Makrigialos.

Saint Nicholas, Chrissi

The only chapel on the exotic island of Chrissi, also called Gaidouronissi, beside the small harbour of Spilios. The island is reached from the port of Ierapetra.

Agii Pantes, Agios Nikolaos

Agii Pantes is a protected islet directly opposite the harbour of Agios Nikolaos. Special permission is required.

Agii Theodori, Thodorou

The islet of Thodorou, opposite Agia Marina near Chania, takes its name from the church of Agii Theodori.

Saint Nicholas, Mochlos

This picturesque chapel stands inside the archaeological site on the islet of Mochlos, Sitia. It is reached by boat from Mochlos or even by canoe—so why not a bride arriving by canoe?

Ascension Church, Dia

The Ascension chapel on Dia is the first landmark greeting visitors as they enter the island’s harbour. Access is by boat from Heraklion or Gournes.

Saint Anthony at Charei, Sougia

A picturesque church surrounded by dense vegetation east of Sougia, on the southern coast of Chania. It is reached from the small harbour of Sougia.

Saint Phocas, Kolokytha

A beautiful church on the enchanting Spinalonga Peninsula. No road reaches the site, but transport can be arranged with excursion boats from Elounda or Plaka.

Saint Panteleimon, Spinalonga

Religious ceremonies are indeed held on Spinalonga, with transport arranged by boat from Elounda or Plaka. The occasion can be perfectly combined with a reception in either village.