Information
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Greek wedding Traditions
Greek Orthodox weddings are full of meaning, history, and joy. Whether you’re familiar with the traditions or experiencing them for the first time, here are a few of the moments you’ll see during the day:
The Ceremony
The service takes place in the church and is known as the Sacrament of Marriage. Unlike many Western weddings, there are no spoken vows. Instead, the marriage is sealed through a series of ancient rituals that symbolize the couple’s union before God and their community.
The Ring
During the Service of Betrothal, the priest blesses the wedding rings and places them on the couple’s right hands. The rings are exchanged three times, reminding the couple of their mutual promise and of God’s presence in their lives.
The Crowns (stefana)
Perhaps one of the most distinctive traditions is the crowning. The bride and groom are crowned with matching wreaths joined by a ribbon. The crowns symbolize both the joy and responsibility of marriage, and the ribbon represents the unity between husband and wife.
The Common Cup
The couple shares wine from the same cup, taking three sips each in honor of the Holy Trinity. This is called the Common Cup and is not Holy Communion, but rather a symbol of the shared life they are beginning together — with all of its joys and challenges.
The Dance of Isaiah
Led by the priest, the couple circles the altar three times while still wearing their crowns. This joyful procession, accompanied by hymns, represents their first steps together as husband and wife, taken in the presence of God and the church.
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Our Schedule
2:30 PM
Exchange vows at
St.Anthony's Greek Orthodox
Church.
5:00 PM
Sip and savor amidst laughter
and joy as we celebrate the start of a
new chapter.
7:00 PM
Revel in a sumptuous feast
under the candlelight, followed
by an evening of dancing and
merriment.
Q&A
What is the dress code for the wedding?
d
We kindly ask our guests to wear formal attire for the ceremony and reception. For women, mid- to floor-length gowns are encouraged, and for men, suits or tuxedos are preferred.
Will transportation be provided between the ceremony and reception?
c
Yes, transportation will be available. A 50-person shuttle will be provided, with priority given to out-of-town guests. Pickup and drop-off details will be shared closer to the wedding date.
Are there hotel options near the reception venue (Ebell Long Beach)?
v
Yes, we’ve listed a few nearby hotel options for your convenience:
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Best Western Plus Hotel at the Convention Center
517 E 1st Street, Long Beach, CA 90802
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Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown
500 E First Street, Long Beach, CA 90802
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Marriott Long Beach Downtown
111 E Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802
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Hyatt Regency Long Beach
200 S Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802