The wedding is an extremely important event, and therefore it must take place in a unique and original setting. If you are in love with Greece, do not hesitate to consider this option – you will see that it is not difficult to organize a wedding in a Greek location, even if you come from another country. Skopelos is one of the most loved and popular places in Greece, thanks to the notoriety it gained with the famous movie Mamma Mia! So if you really want to have this kind of a wedding, find out all the information you need to plan the party in sunny Skopelos!
Table of contents
1. How to find the perfect wedding venue in Skopelos?
Skopelos is a charming island that is located between the islands of Skiathos and Alonissos. Its vibe is unique and the landscapes and beaches it offers are truly gorgeous. This island stands out for its turquoise water, pine forests, but also for its traditional architecture, which you can see in the picturesque villages. Skopelos is a bigger island than Skiathos and attracts many tourists every year. On the North Coast you can find impressive cliffs and special bays, and on the South Coast, the waters are calmer, the beaches have golden sand, and pine trees create a pleasant shade. The capital is Skopelos Town, and here you can find unique houses, which stand out for their architecture. You can also find a multitude of bars, restaurants and cafes worth exploring. The second most famous city is Glossa, which is located on the West Coast. In these cities you will be able to discover traditional houses, but also multiple churches built in a specific architectural style.
Here are some places that are worth discovering when you are looking for wedding venues in Skopelos. These are the most important places that you will find there:
Churches and monasteries
The Chapel of St. John Kastri is extremely popular, because it is the very church you can see in the movie Mamma Mia. It is located on top of a hill and offers a view that takes your breath away. More and more couples want to get married in this place, and the ceremonies usually take place at the base of the church. But if you want to try a more private place, you can go to the Episkopi monastery. This is an ancient monastery that has a small chapel. During spring, you will find a beautiful garden, full of grapes and flowers.
The beaches
In Skopelos you can find both large beaches, which give you a generous space to set up your wedding decor, as well as intimate and secluded beaches, perfect for those who want to have their wedding in a more secluded place and away from tourists. For example, if you want to find a perfect spot with a gorgeous sunset, you can opt for Amarantos or Milia Beach. Amarantos is a very famous location, thanks to the sequences that appear in the movie Mamma Mia. The location is also called The rocks of eternal beauty, and here you will discover a wonderful sunset, which you will be able to enjoy with your guests. Milia Beach is a fairly long beach, located 30 minutes from Skopelos Town. The landscapes are extraordinary, and the panorama offers you a view of Skiathos, in the light of a unique sunset. Panormos beach is one of the best beaches in Skopelos, but you should know that it is a pebble beach (just like most of the beaches in Skopelos). But you can always wear swimming shoes, just to protect your feet. Near Panormos you will find other beaches (such as Milia, Glysteri and Kastani).
2. Skopelos venues – How about a wedding on the beach?
Planning a beach wedding can seem like a challenge – but with the right help, you’ll find it’s not that complicated. The beach can be the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding, as you can organize both the religious ceremony and the actual party here. To organize such a wedding, it is good to collaborate with a wedding planner who can give you the advice and services you need. So, here are the things to think about if you want to consider a beach wedding:
The location
Choosing the perfect location can be a difficult process, considering that there are a lot of wonderful beaches in Skopelos. To be able to make a first selection, you have to think, first of all, if you want an isolated and secluded beach, or a bigger beach that will give you the space you need for a grandiose setting. Depending on this aspect, you will be able to choose certain beaches. It is also recommended to ask your wedding planner on what beaches you can organize such an event, in order to obtain all the approvals you need. Surely your wedding planner will know exactly who to call or which locations allow such events. Of course, you also need to consider accessibility and how your guests can get to the venue (depending on this, you’ll also need to think about the most efficient ways to transport all your wedding guests).
The set-up
The setting of your wedding depends on two essential factors: natural and artificial decor. You will notice the natural decor when you start looking for the ideal location, but don’t forget that you have to take into account some important aspects. For example, you have to take into account the season in which you are going to organize the wedding, the temperature, the amount of shade or sun, the presence or absence of trees, and many other details that can influence the final decoration. In addition, the artificial decor will be placed in this natural scenery exactly how you want (tables, chairs, decorations, etc.). All these things need to be put together, so you can see if all the elements can work out as smoothly as possible.
Transport and accommodation
Transport and accommodation are things you should not ignore as they need to be decided and scheduled ahead of time. Take into account the number of guests, the cities from which the invited people come, but also the place where they have to arrive. Together with your wedding planner, you can analyze various options, to see which are the most advantageous options for the selected dates. Keep in mind that there is no airport in Skopelos, so you can only get there by ferry. The ferry can be taken from several ports (such as Thessaloniki, Volos, Agios Konstantinos, Kymi, Mantoudi, Skiathos, etc.). Accommodation is also important – you can opt for hotel accommodation, in a resort, or you can choose one or more villas that you can rent from the locals.
Resources and services
Whether it’s about catering and bar service, whether it’s about the photographer, the videographer, or other necessary services, you have to consider these things when choosing the location. In some places, these resources may be more difficult to access, so you have to think about all the details from the beginning. For example, if you want to bring ready-made food, you have to take into account its transport, but also its storage and preservation at the wedding location. If you want to collaborate with a local tavern, which is right on the beach you have chosen, the organization will certainly be simpler – but you need to make sure that they have the necessary staff to cope with such an event. It is best to write down all the things you want on paper – this way your wedding planner will know what options to offer you based on your wishes. The good thing is that a wedding planner has access to multiple services and products, having relationships and connections that you could not use if you were to plan this on your own. So, planner and all you have to do is communicate what your expectations are and the planner will act according to your requirements.
The budget
The budget is very important when organizing a wedding. Taking into account this detail, you will be able to choose everything related to the location, accommodation, set-up, services, etc. Therefore, before starting the actual process, you must set a budget. Thus, the wedding planner will know which options should give you, within the budget you proposed. If you have no limits in terms of money, you will be able to take into account all that you want. But if you have a certain amount of money you’d like to spend on your wedding party, it can be frustrating to research options that you will then realize you can’t afford. So by setting a budget you will be able to make the first selection, eliminating the options that do not fit into that budget.
3. Weddings in Skopelos, Greece – Why is this the ideal destination?
There are several advantages that are worth considering, especially if you are still undecided about whether Skopelos is the ideal destination for your wedding. Even though there are many aspects to consider, there are a few important things that you should not ignore when it comes to planning a wedding in sunny Greece. Here are some details that will convince you that this is the right place for your wonderful event:
Local traditions and the taste of Greek cuisine
Greece is known for its specific culinary dishes, which you can easily add to your wedding menu. But, beyond the standard dishes and recipes, you can also try some local dishes. The Greek islands are unique, even if they are similar to each other – so you’re sure to find local traditions and dishes worth discovering. For example, you can opt for dishes such as kritama, strifti cheese pie, or marouli salad. You can create a Greek menu that includes several traditional dishes, or you can create a varied menu that includes various dishes from all over the world. It all depends on your tastes and your wishes!
Great beaches
More and more couples are in love with the idea of having a wedding in Greece, because Greece is affordable, is close to many European countries, and it offers you great beaches. So if you want to have a wedding on the beach, Greece is the right country for such a thing. Skopelos is an island steeped in history, which stands out for its gorgeous landscapes, turquoise water, and wonderful beaches, which are worth discovering. Therefore, a wedding in Skopelos can be the perfect choice, especially if you are a fan of the movie Mamma Mia! Another advantage that this island can offer you is related to the fact that it is not easily accessible (there is no airport there) and therefore you will find fewer tourists compared to islands that are equipped with an airport and where you can find frequent flights, at accessible prices.
In conclusion, Skopelos is a unique island that is worth exploring especially in the warm season. However, the seasons have their charm depending on where you see them unfolding, so don’t hesitate to consider off-season periods to organize your event. If you’ve decided that a beach wedding is the perfect choice for you, consider all the tips and tricks you will receive from the wedding planner you choose to work with. You will surely succeed in creating a unique and original concept that will create unforgettable memories for you and your guests. Don’t be afraid to come up with creative and bold ideas that will turn the whole wedding into your own true fairytale. The wonderful landscapes of Skopelos, local traditions, and tasty food are just some of the advantages you can enjoy if you choose this unique location! You will surely feel great and you will manage to organize a unique party, in every way!
Photo source: pixabay.com
