Getting Married in Kefalonia
There are very few more romantic destinations than Kefalonia, which makes it the perfect place to go when planning a wedding. From the untouched and empty blue flag beaches that surround the island with jaw-dropping views out to sea and a coastline that rises and falls spectacularly to meet the crashing waves (and crustal clear waters) to the thick lush forests and impressive mountains at the heart of the island; from the endless valleys filled with olive and orange groves to the magical underwater caves and fields of wildflowers Kefalonia is truly a magical destination and the perfect place for a wedding. Throw in the fascinating ruins from earthquakes and wars, the incredible wildlife and charming local people and you will find yourself falling in love with the island as well as your spouse.
The only problem you will encounter is choosing which of the hundreds of stunning locations is the perfect spot for your wedding. From wineries to chapels to perfect untouched beaches looking out a shimmering Ionian sea in Kefalonia you can find your dream spot, without spending an absolute fortune. Weddings can be arranged in Orthodox or Catholic churches, in historic chapels or even in some of the beautiful old hotels. Some people get married on the beach and then have a reception in one of the local tavernas or even get catering delivered to their villa. Others book a hotel to handle the reception or even arrange a package at a winery. Other ideas include:
– Getting married on Myrtos Beach, one of the world’s most famously beautiful Blue Flag Beaches
– Getting married in Asos chapel, built in 1627
– Getting married in any of the beautiful chapels or old monasteries scattered around the island.
– Garden weddings
– Hotel weddings
– Vineyard weddings
– Historic village (and ruins) weddings
-Argostoli or Skala Town Hall
Once you’ve decided where and how you want to get married the next thing to work out is how you organize it. The simplest way to do it is to is to choose a package offered by one of the many large tour operators. They will help you in most aspects of planning the wedding and will give you a list of possible locations for the wedding ceremony. Then they will help you sort out all the precise details to make your wedding day perfect.
Alternatively you could hire one of the many locals who operate as wedding planners and who take care of every little detail on the island. Local wedding coordinators have the advantage of knowing all the other businesses and venues on the island (not just the ones the tour operators have deals with) and can tailor-make your wedding to perfection. However, make sure they have a good reputation and have been operating for some time and don’t hand over your money until you have met them in person on the island.
Finally, bear in mind that for a wedding to be legal it must be performed either in a registry office or in a church. It must be performed by either a mayor, deputy mayor or a local priest.