About Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
On the northeastern shore of Crete, where the Aegean Sea curves into protected bays and the island's legendary light transforms water into liquid sapphire, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas has been redefining Mediterranean luxury for decades. This isn't just another five-star resort hosting weddings as a side business. This is one of the Leading Hotels of the World, recipient of World Travel Awards for Greece's Leading Hotel and Europe's Leading Resort Villas, with a Greek Orthodox Chapel consecrated on its grounds and a wedding legacy that spans generations of couples seeking not just beautiful venues, but transformative experiences.
Spread across 40 acres of prime waterfront estate, Elounda Beach represents a scale and sophistication that few Greek wedding venues can match. With capacity for intimate gatherings of 20 or grand celebrations of 650, multiple ceremony locations from beachfront to chapel to clifftop gardens, an arsenal of Michelin-recognized restaurants, and accommodation ranging from elegant hotel rooms to 270-square-meter private villas with infinity pools, this property doesn't compromise—it provides options for every wedding vision, budget level, and guest expectation.
The Leading Hotels of the World designation isn't marketing hyperbole—it's membership in an exclusive collection of 400 properties worldwide, vetted for exceptional standards in service, facilities, and guest experience. For wedding couples, this membership translates to tangible advantages: staff trained in anticipating needs before they're voiced, infrastructure designed for seamless event execution, vendor networks of supreme professionals, and the kind of problem-solving capability that comes from managing high-stakes celebrations routinely.
When couples describe their Elounda Beach weddings as "running smoother than we could have imagined" and having "not a single negative thing about our experience," that's not luck—that's systems refined through decades of hosting destination weddings for discerning international clientele. The wedding coordinators here, like the frequently praised Rue and Helena, aren't event planners who happened into hotel work. They're hospitality professionals who understand that destination weddings are three-day (or longer) guest experiences requiring orchestration of arrivals, accommodations, activities, ceremonies, receptions, and departures with precision that makes it all feel effortless.
Photo Gallery
Venue Spaces
Greek Orthodox Chapel
Capacity: 80 guests
Fully consecrated religious space for Orthodox ceremoniesIcon-adorned interior with traditional religious artworkSet within recreated Greek village squareSurrounded by mature gardensAir-conditioned for comfortOn-property (no external church coordination needed)Private and controlled environment
Beachfront Ceremony Area
Capacity: 200 guests
Direct beach access on private sandy coveSpinalonga Island views across bayGentle waves providing natural soundtrackMultiple setup configuration optionsCan accommodate large guest countsTransitions easily to beach reception or terrace cocktailsStunning for sunset timing
Clifftop Gardens
Capacity: 150 guests
Dramatic vantage point overlooking bayLush Mediterranean landscapingMultiple terraced levels for ceremony and cocktailsSunset views are transcendentManicured elegance with natural beautyProtected from wind by garden wallsPhoto opportunities throughout terraced gardens
Waterfront Terraces
Capacity: 150 guests
Direct sea views from every angleMultiple terrace options for different scalesSeamless indoor/outdoor flow to restaurantsString lighting for evening ambianceCan configure for ceremony, cocktails, or receptionProtected from elements while maintaining open-air feel
Multiple Restaurant Venues
Capacity: 650 guests
Dionysos: Fine dining with live music, romantic ambianceItalian Restaurant: Acclaimed cuisine, intimate settingPoolside: Casual beach-party vibe, relaxed reception optionBanquet Facilities: Large-scale gala capability (up to 650)Michelin Guide recognition for culinary qualityFull bar services at each venueClimate-controlled indoor optionsWaterfront outdoor dining terraces
Amenities
Greek Orthodox Chapel (consecrated, climate-controlled)
Multiple private beaches and sandy coves (40-acre waterfront)
Beachfront ceremony areas (200+ capacity)
Clifftop gardens with panoramic Aegean views
Waterfront terraces (multiple sizes, 20-150 capacity)
Michelin-recognized restaurants (multiple venues)
Poolside dining and casual reception spaces
Banquet facilities (up to 650 guests)
Bridal Suite and luxury villa accommodations
50+ room/villa types (28-270 sqm)
Private pools in villa accommodations
Penthouse Spa with full wellness treatments
Fitness center and personal training
Tennis courts and sports facilities
Mini golf and table tennis
Kids' Club with supervised activities
Indoor/outdoor children's play areas
Multiple swimming pools (heated, infinity, private)
Direct beach access with water sports
Conference facilities and meeting rooms
Business center with services
Complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout
Airport transportation coordination
Multilingual concierge services
Car hire and local transportation
Gift shops and boutiques
Hair salon and beauty services
24-hour room service
Laundry and dry cleaning services
Babysitting services available
Safe deposit boxes
Currency exchange
Baggage storage
Wheelchair accessibility throughout main areas
Free parking (ample spaces)
Security and gated property
Leading Hotels of the World membership benefits
Services Offered
Dedicated wedding coordinator (pre-wedding meetings, day-of management)
Personal assistance with marriage license (town hall coordination)
Timeline design and vendor coordination
Rehearsal coordination
Setup and breakdown management
Guest arrival and accommodation coordination
Multi-day event programming support
Greek Orthodox Chapel access for religious ceremonies
Civil ceremony coordination (beachfront, gardens, terraces)
Floral design and venue decoration
Bridal bouquet and groom's boutonniere
Music and entertainment coordination
Sound system and microphone equipment
Seating arrangements (ceremony and reception)
Ceremony program printing coordination
Professional photographer (2 hours included in packages)
Digital delivery of all photographs (7-14 days post-wedding)
Additional photography hours available
Videography services coordination
Drone photography options (subject to local regulations)
Photo booth and fun station coordination
Michelin-recognized cuisine across multiple restaurants
Customized wedding menus (€90+ per person starting)
Wine pairing and sommelier services
Full bar services and signature cocktails
Cake design and presentation
Dietary accommodation (allergies, religious, preferences)
Tasting sessions pre-wedding
Multi-course gala dinners
Casual poolside receptions
Rehearsal dinners and post-wedding brunches
Welcome cocktails for arriving guests
Room service for wedding party
Bridal spa packages (massages, facials, body treatments)
Wedding party group spa experiences
Hair styling and makeup services on-site
Manicure and pedicure services
Groom grooming and spa treatments
Day-before relaxation packages
Room block coordination (50+ accommodation types)
Group rates and packages for wedding guests
Welcome gift coordination for guest rooms
Kids' Club supervision during wedding events
Activities programming for early-arriving guests
Excursion booking (Spinalonga Island, local attractions)
Transportation from Heraklion Airport
Concierge services for all guest needs
Rehearsal dinner venue and coordination
Post-wedding brunch or pool party
Anniversary party coordination (multi-year returns)
Vow renewal ceremonies for older couples
Live entertainment booking (Greek music, DJs, bands)
Dance floor and lighting design
Fireworks coordination (subject to permissions)
Good to Know
From port:70 km, 67 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Elounda Beach offers exceptional flexibility with capacity ranging from intimate gatherings of 20 guests to grand celebrations of 650 guests. The Greek Orthodox Chapel accommodates 50-80 for ceremony, the beachfront handles 200+, clifftop gardens host 100-150, waterfront terraces range from 20-150 depending on configuration, and banquet facilities can accommodate up to 650 for large-scale galas. The 40-acre property provides multiple venue options to match your guest count perfectly.
Yes, Elounda Beach features a fully consecrated Greek Orthodox Chapel built in traditional Cycladic style with whitewashed walls, blue dome, and icon-adorned interior. This is a functioning religious space for Orthodox ceremonies, eliminating the need to coordinate with external village churches. The chapel is air-conditioned, set within a recreated Greek village square amid resort gardens, and controlled entirely by your wedding timeline. For couples seeking authentic Orthodox ceremonies without destination wedding logistics complications, this is a rare and valuable amenity.
The resort offers 50+ room and villa types spanning 28 to 270 square meters, accommodating every budget and preference. Options include studios for budget-conscious guests, mid-range suites for couples, family bungalows with multiple bedrooms, and luxury villas up to 270 sqm with private infinity pools and dedicated staff. This variety allows you to house all guests on a single property—from college friends to VIP family—without forcing anyone into inappropriate accommodation tiers. The Bridal Suite provides newlywed sanctuary with upgraded villa-level luxury.
Elounda Beach occupies the upper tier of Greek wedding venues with dinner starting at €90+ per person (excluding beverages). Couples should anticipate total investment of €30,000-100,000+ depending on guest count, season, accommodation needs, and customization level. This positions well above village tavernas but aligns with comparable luxury Mediterranean resorts. The comprehensive packages bundle venue, coordination, accommodation, multiple restaurant options, photographer (2 hours included), chapel access, florals, spa access, and Leading Hotels service standards—providing value through coordination efficiency and included amenities that would require separate bookings elsewhere.
Three distinctions set it apart: (1) Leading Hotels of the World membership—only 400 properties worldwide meet these standards, ensuring service, infrastructure, and vendor networks refined through decades of high-stakes events. (2) The consecrated Greek Orthodox Chapel on property, eliminating external church coordination for religious ceremonies. (3) Scale and variety—40 acres with multiple ceremony locations, 5+ venue spaces, Michelin-recognized restaurants, 50+ accommodation types, and capacity from 20 to 650 guests. You design your vision rather than adapting to venue limitations.
The Mediterranean climate extends viability beyond typical May-October peak season. Spring (April-May) offers wildflowers, greener landscapes, and mild temperatures perfect for outdoor ceremonies. Autumn (September-October) provides optimal conditions with warm swimmable seas, moderated temperatures, harvest-season cuisine, and photographers' favorite golden light. Summer (June-August) guarantees sunshine and beach-party vibes. Even winter appeals for intimacy and reduced costs, with mild temperatures averaging 15-17°C and the indoor chapel removing weather dependency. The resort operates year-round maintaining full services.
Multilingual capability is woven throughout operations—staff communicate comfortably in English, German, Greek, Russian, and more, not just at the front desk but among waitstaff, coordinators, and spa personnel. Concierge services coordinate airport transportation from Heraklion (one hour transfer), marriage license assistance at town hall, excursion bookings, and guest needs. The coordinators specialize in destination wedding logistics: arrival orchestration, accommodation management, activity programming for early arrivals, and seamless three-day (or longer) guest experiences. This eliminates the anxiety international travelers feel navigating unfamiliar destinations.
Wedding packages include access to multiple Michelin-recognized restaurants across the property, with menus designed by award-winning chefs using Crete's legendary ingredients (olive oil, honey, herbs, cheeses). Options range from traditional Cretan taverna-style feasts to refined Mediterranean fine dining to international fusion. Reception dinner starts at €90+ per person with wine pairings, sommelier services, and presentation standards that make every course memorable. The culinary team seamlessly accommodates dietary restrictions (allergies, religious, vegan, preferences) and customizes menus to reflect couple preferences, seasonal availability, and cultural traditions.
The 40-acre resort provides extensive on-property amenities: multiple pools, private beaches, Penthouse Spa, fitness center, tennis, water sports, Kids' Club, restaurants, and bars—all accessible without leaving campus. Beyond the resort, Elounda village (walking distance) offers authentic Cretan character, nearby Agios Nikolaos (15 minutes) provides cosmopolitan dining and shopping, and excursions to Spinalonga Island (former leper colony turned archaeological site) make popular day trips. The combination gives guests weekend options from resort relaxation to Greek cultural immersion to active adventures.
Each wedding receives a dedicated coordinator (names like Rue and Helena are frequently praised in reviews) for pre-wedding meetings, timeline design, vendor coordination, rehearsal management, and day-of execution. Services include marriage license assistance at town hall, setup and breakdown, guest arrival coordination, multi-day event programming support, ceremony and reception seating arrangements, sound system setup, and that crucial problem-solving capability that makes complex logistics appear effortless. The coordinator becomes your single point of contact for venue, accommodation, restaurants, spa, activities, and all resort services—eliminating the need to manage multiple vendor relationships.
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