Faq

Weddings & Other Special Days

The Estate & The Celebration

Reflecting the exclusivity and atmosphere of our 15th-century monument.

Will the estate be exclusive to us during our celebration?

Metohi Istoria is your private sanctuary. As a protected boutique venue, we host a limited number of events each week to ensure the entire 1,000-square-meter estate is dedicated solely to your story, allowing your wedding or special day to unfold as a thoughtful journey.

What are the available hire hours for the venue?

Our standard venue hire is available from 13:00 until midnight. We also offer the option to extend your celebration until 02:00 upon request.

When can vendors and the couple arrive for setup?

Vendor access and setup begin at 13:00 as per our standard contract. Should you choose to book our luxury preparation suite, an earlier arrival may be arranged upon discussion to ensure a relaxed start to your day.

What is the guest capacity at the Metohi?

The estate flows organically across multiple stone-fenced levels. We comfortably welcome up to 150 guests for open-air dining and receptions. For more intimate gatherings, our indoor Oil Mill Hall offers an atmospheric setting for up to 60 guests.

Is the venue licensed for Civil or Legal ceremonies?

Yes, our historic grounds offer a striking, legally recognized backdrop for Civil ceremonies. From grape-covered courtyards to the dramatic façade of the old building, you can host your entire legal proceedings on-site.

Do you have a church within the estate?

While we do not have a chapel inside the walls of the Metohi, a historic Orthodox Church—sharing the same 15th-century heritage as our estate—is located just a short 150-meter stroll away. Guests can enjoy the convenience of our private parking before walking through the local landscape to your ceremony.

Do you have a backup plan for inclement weather?

While we enjoy the gentle Cretan climate, we value peace of mind. Our indoor Oil Mill Hall serves as a seamless backup option. Additionally, should unforeseen circumstances arise, we are open to rescheduling within a 10-day window (subject to availability) at no extra charge.

Planning & Investment

Clear guidance on the foundation of your event.

Do you offer venue wedding packages or pricing guides?

As a boutique venue, we believe every wedding should reflect the couple’s unique aesthetic. Rather than standard packages, we provide tailored quotes through our Partner Planners or our In-House Coordination services upon venue hire.

Do you offer an in-house wedding planner?

We provide dedicated In-House Coordination to oversee the venue logistics and flow of your day. While we do not offer full-scale wedding planning, we cooperate with an excellent selection of professional planners and will gladly recommend the right partner based on your specific brief and vision.

What is the venue rental rate and how is it structured?

We operate on a flat-fee rental basis rather than a per-person rate. We provide tailored quotes that reflect the unique nature of each celebration. Please submit a request via our website contact form and we will provide a proposal based on our current rates and any available seasonal incentives.

Does pricing differ between weekdays and weekends?

No, our venue hire remains the same for both weekdays and weekends. While rates do not change based on the day of the week, they may vary between high and low seasons.

What does the rental fee include?

The fee includes exclusive use of the estate, outdoor music installation, cleaning services, private fenced parking, and venue oversight to ensure everything unfolds seamlessly.

What is the payment schedule and cancellation policy?

To secure your date, a pre-agreed deposit is required. The final payment is settled one month prior to the event. In the event of a cancellation, the venue withholds the pre-payment to protect the exclusivity of our limited calendar.

How do we secure a date?

To officially hold your date, we require a digitally signed rental agreement and a deposit. Once you have chosen your date, we will guide you through our streamlined booking process.

Culinary, Spirits & Vendors

Ensuring excellence through professional standards.

Do you provide in-house catering or work with preferred partners?

We work with a curated list of trusted culinary partners aligned with the rhythm of the estate. While we offer In-House Coordination to bridge the logistics, all catering and bar services are contracted separately to ensure a bespoke menu.

How are beverages and spirits managed?

We do not operate an in-house bar, giving you the freedom to work with specialized bar companies. There is no corkage fee; however, we take guest safety seriously:

a. Source: Self-supplied alcohol must be purchased from a licensed retail shop with a valid receipt provided to us.

b. Responsibility: Your catering/bar team must oversee consumption to prevent over-intoxication and strictly forbid service to minors.

Are we required to use your preferred vendors?

We welcome external talent, provided they meet our high standards. To comply with strict EU regulations and avoid high administrative fines in Greece, all vendors must be managed through a professional planner or our In-House Coordination.

a. Documentation: All vendors must provide legal business papers and insurance for their personnel to be permitted access to the estate.

The Guest Experience & Stay

Helping your loved ones feel at home in Crete.

Is there a suite available for the bridal party?

We offer a dedicated preparation suite on the upper terrace for day-use. It is a calm, luminous sanctuary designed for the wedding party to prepare and enjoy the panoramic views before the ceremony begins.

Is there on-site lodging for our guests?

The Metohi is a preserved monument reserved for celebrations. However, we are just five minutes from the heart of Chania. We are happy to recommend a boutique selection of nearby accommodations upon venue hire, though final bookings remain with you or your planner.

What should our guests expect from the local climate and "Istoria"?

The Cretan light is at its most beautiful during the golden hour. We suggest a light wrap for the evening as the coastal breeze settles over the olive, citrus, avocado, and mango trees. To enrich your guests' stay, we can recommend local experiences—from olive oil tastings on the estate to exploring the Venetian charm of Chania’s Old Town.

Is guest parking available?

Yes, a secure, fenced parking area for approximately 100 cars and mini-vans is included in your rental at no extra cost.

Do you accommodate large coaches and buses?

Mini-buses and vans may enter the estate to use our private parking. Large coaches may pause at the front gate for guest drop-off; from there, guests follow a scenic 80-meter rustic path through avocado and olive groves leading to the main castle entrance.

FAQ