On July 18th, when “Mamma Mia!” the movie hits theaters in the U.S., you’ll get to see more of this gorgeous Greek island. One of the 11 Sporades Islands off the eastern shore of Greece, Skopelos is the greenest Greek Island and has been officially proclaimed “The Green and Blue Island,” where the “green of the pine-trees and the dense forest mix with the deep blue of sea and sky” to create the picture of unrivalled natural beauty, an idyllic land in a small paradise in the very heart of Greece. With its romantic scenery, caves, picturesque little houses, magnificent churches and crystal-clear water caressing beautiful beaches and coves, Skopelos is a dream wedding destination!

After seeing “Mamma Mia!”, you just might want to tie the knot in the church used in the film, so let me tell you a little about it. The wedding takes place at the spectacular Agios Ioannis church, situated 329-feet high on a sea rock that juts out over the misty Aegean. The church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is one of 360 on the island. Part of the building was ruined by the 1967 earthquake, but it has been reconstructed. There are 105 steps carved into the rock leading to the chapel.

Not only is the scenery a sight to behold, there are a number of charming hotels and villas for rent on the island. You can’t imagine a more romantic place for a honeymoon. You can easily find these hotels and villas online. Some villas sleep as many as eleven people, and of course, heavenly villas just for two are available as well. Elissiaos villa at the left sleeps six and has a private swimming pool, which is fairly common. Secluded and surrounded by colorful flowers and shady trees, the villas provide an ambience that you and your wedding guests will long remember.

It’s no surprise that the interiors of the villas are as quaint and relaxing as the exteriors, like the Kyparissi villa shown here. If you’re like me, you can’t wait to see the movie! And if you’re looking for a destination wedding venue, pay attention to the scenery! You’ll leave the theater humming ABBA music and imagining your wedding on Skopelos!

Susan