A Stunning Kefalonia Wedding + Tips to Plan Your Own

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What if I told you there was a Greek island that was much bigger than Santorini but with a fraction of the tourists, meaning you can get chunks of this Ionian Sea getaway all to yourself during your elopement?

That’s Kefalonia! Featured as one of my favorite elopement spots in all of Greece, I love showing couples they can have all of the beauty and energy of the Mediterranean and feel like they have it all to themselves.

I’ve been photographing elopements since 2015, and the Greek Islands are hands down my favorite place to shoot, even 300+ couples later! And I’m here to give you all the tips to get you started.

Frequently asked questions Kefalonia Weddings & Elopements

How do you get to Kefalonia?

You can fly directly onto Kefalonia via their international airport (EFL) making traveling here fairly easy! You can also fly into nearby Athens and catch a bus directly to the island or grab a ferry ride from many nearby ports, like Patras. If you have a rental car, you can drive it directly onto the island via ferry ports that connect to Kefalonia. The quickest ferry crossing is 90 minutes and starts out of Kyllini (connecting to the port of Poros).

When’s the best time to visit Kefalonia?

The best time to visit Kefalonia is in April/May and September/October—avoiding both the summers and winters. That will keep you out of the tourist high season and out of the rainiest parts of the year! The weather will be mild with highs in the mid-60’s and low 70’s—which is perfect for being in wedding attire.

For the fewest crows at even the most popular spots, wake up early and get married on a weekday! You will be shocked at how few people are around, giving you a front row seat to jaw-dropping views as well as dreamy soft light to get married in. I personally also love getting portraits of couples right after sunset, when everyone is gone and the light on your skin will be perfect.

What are the best views & sights in Kefalonia?

The best spot to get married in Kefalonia is Kanali Beach. You’ll get soft golden sand, bright turquoise waters, and lots of quiet shoreline to explore! This is a quieter spot than some others, making it perfect to take a moment to yourselves.

Kefalonia is only 303 square miles—about the size of New York City! And honestly, every inch of it is truly beautiful. If you’re looking for a quick hits list, though, here are a few of my other favorites!

Myrtos Beach
Easily the most popular attraction on the island, and for good reason! Clear water and sheer white cliffs make this place absolutely gorgeous.
Melissani Cave
This underground lake with a natural skylight looks like it was ripped straight from the pages of a fantasy novel. The water practically glows.
Castle of Agios Georgios
Spend part of your elopement day in white stone castle ruins directly overlooking the sea. Come here at sunset for the full fairytale vibe.
Mount Ainos National Park
The only national park on a Greek Island, the landscapes here are jaw-dropping levels of beautiful. This is an unbeatable way to see everything from above.

Do I need a wedding planner in Kefalonia?

If you’re planning on getting legally married in Greece, a wedding planner may be helpful. I talk about this more in-depth in the section below, but getting married in Greece requires some extra planning (and, if you don’t speak Greek, some translation services).

However, if you’re handling the legal part of your marriage back in your home country, you don’t necessarily need a wedding planner to have a great elopement. I design experiences for all of my clients from scratch, and we work together to build out your ideal day! No planner needed. Just me helping you two have the best wedding day ever!

How do you get married in Kefalonia?

I’ve photographed over 150 international elopements and intimate weddings (and I’ve been photographing in Greece since 2019), so I’m well versed in how to get married in another country smoothly and without stress!

Choose your date
This doesn’t have to be set in stone! A general month, year, or season can be super helpful during the initial process and with the steps that follow. Think about things like the off-season, how much time it’ll take you to plan, if you want to invite any guests, and any other considerations that may impact your timeframe.
Hire a photographer
Hiring a photographer who is familiar with the area is a huge benefit! If you’re traveling from the states, hiring an American photographer can make the permitting process smoother and ensure that you have someone who speaks your language on hand at all times if you haven’t mastered your Greek yet!
Plan your trip & timeline
Many of the Greek Islands are close to each other, making island hopping a possibility! When you book with an experienced destination elopement photographer (like me!) you’re also getting someone who can help you breeze through international travel so that you end up with the best itinerary possible.
Make it legal
If you’re coming in from outside of Greece (i.e. if you’re American), I would strongly encourage you to handle signing your marriage license in your own country ahead of time. 9/10 couples who have destination weddings or elopements do this as it helps avoid a ton of stress and paperwork. It also means you don’t have to worry about finding a Greek officiant or getting your Greek marriage recognized in your own country.

If you really want to get legally married in Greece, plan on spending at least a couple of days in Athens submitting paperwork before heading to Kefalonia and make sure you start the process at least a few weeks before! You can find more information here.
Get married!

How much does it cost to get married in Kefalonia?

It costs about $300 to get legally married on Greek soil. But that cost can vary depending on if your personal documents need translation, if wedding notices are required (they are for Greek citizens), etc. If you’re not signing your legal paperwork in Greece, then that cost drops off!

Most of my very favorite spots on Kefalonia are actually free to access (including gems like the Ainos National Park)! Some of them are only accessible by boat, which can be an additional cost if you need to charter a ride.

The majority of the couples who hire me invest most of their budget into their trip (flights, transportation, lodging) and their photography—so that they have help planning and their full experience documented, because it’s what is most important to them.

As the average cost of a wedding is $30,000-$35000 in the U.S.A.—even if you have to travel internationally to get married in Kefalonia, usually your trip plus a photographer who helps you plan will come in well below that.

I have a full cost of eloping guide that you can check out here!

Kefalonia Wedding Photos

Kaitlynn & Chance’s Kefalonia Wedding

Kaitlynn & Chance originally reached out to me with a dream of the Mediterranean and told me that their perfect day included a walk where cliffs were overlooking water and a great meal. I knew instantly that Kefalonia was the perfect fit for them out of all of the options out there! I put together a day for them full of white pebbled beaches, a beautiful villa to stay at, and plenty of absolutely flooring views for them to start and end their day at!

A couple stands on a rocky hillside at dusk, overlooking the sea and a distant coastline. The woman in a white dress holds up a lit lantern, while the man beside her holds another lantern, both casting warm light in the twilight.

A modern house at night with bright lights, large windows, and an outdoor area featuring a tiled swimming pool reflecting the building. The interior, visible through the glass, is illuminated and furnished.

A couple stands and talks inside a warmly lit room at night, visible through a large window, with their reflections appearing in the still water of a nearby pool outside.

A couple dressed in wedding attire stands on a rocky hilltop at sunset, smiling and looking out at the scenic mountain landscape with warm golden light illuminating them.

A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky mountain ridge at sunset, holding hands and gazing at each other, with warm sunlight casting a golden glow over the landscape.

A couple stands outdoors at sunset, holding hands and gazing at each other. The woman wears a white dress and the man wears a dark suit and glasses. Warm sunlight highlights their faces and hair.

A couple stands close together on a mountain ridge at sunset, with the sun low in the sky and a forested slope in the background. Both are out of focus, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.

Two people hold hands gently, one wearing a patterned shirt and brown suit, the other with a ring on their finger and wearing a dress with lace trim. Warm, soft lighting creates an intimate and tender atmosphere.

A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky hilltop, embracing and surrounded by dramatic, mountainous terrain. The view overlooks a vast, misty landscape with distant water under a clear sky.

A couple, dressed formally, stands hand in hand on a rocky mountain slope, overlooking a vast coastline and distant land under a cloudy sky.

A couple in wedding attire stands on rocky terrain, overlooking a vast, calm sea under a clear sky. The expansive horizon merges with the tranquil water, creating a peaceful, romantic scene.

A bride and groom stand together on a rocky mountain slope under a clear blue sky, with distant mountains and a hazy horizon in the background.

A bride and groom stand on rocky terrain, embracing and smiling at each other, with pine trees and mountains in the background under a clear sky.

A bride and groom stand together on a rocky mountain ridge, surrounded by distant forests and hills under a bright, clear sky with the sun shining above.

Aerial view of a villa with a red-tiled roof, patterned swimming pool, and large stone patio. A couple in wedding attire lies on the patio, surrounded by greenery and rocky landscape.

A modern white house with flat roofs and large windows, surrounded by flowering plants and rocky landscaping, sits under a clear blue sky with trees in the background.

A tree with clusters of small, round, orange fruit among dense green leaves, lit by sunlight from the left side.

A pair of brown boots, blue floral flats, a bundle of white flowers, a plaid scarf, and a piece of driftwood are arranged on a stone floor, with sunlight and shadows cast across the scene.

A lace wedding dress hangs on a wooden hanger from a door in a sunlit room with stone flooring, light-colored walls, and two white chairs in the foreground.

A couple in formal attire sits at a wooden table under a shaded patio, talking and smiling. The patio has stone flooring and is surrounded by light-colored walls and outdoor furniture.

A couple sits at a wooden table, holding hands. Each has a plate of salad and a glass of white wine. The woman is wearing a lace dress, and the man is wearing a patterned shirt with suspenders. Their faces are not visible.

A couple sits at a wooden table, toasting with wine glasses. The woman wears a light pink lace dress and the man wears a floral shirt with suspenders. Plates of food are in front of them, and they are smiling at each other.

A woman in a light, flowing dress sits on a chair, while a man stands behind her in suspenders and a patterned shirt. They are in front of a rustic stone wall with plants, under a white archway.

A couple sits closely together; the woman in a white lace dress holds greenery, and the man in a floral shirt with suspenders embraces her, kissing her head affectionately. They both appear content and relaxed.

A seaside village with houses clustered along the shoreline, set at the base of a large, brown, rocky hill under a clear blue sky. A stone wall lines the waterfront promenade.

Several goats walk along a sandy path near a calm, blue sea under a clear sky, with the horizon visible in the background.

A couple in wedding attire walks along a quiet, sandy beach with calm water and a rocky, tree-dotted hillside in the background under a clear sky.

A bride in a flowing white dress holding a bouquet stands on a pebbled beach, looking to the side, while a man in a brown suit stands a few feet away, gazing in the opposite direction, with the calm sea in the background.

A couple stands on a pebbled beach in front of calm blue water under a clear sky. The woman in a light dress holds a bouquet, while the man in a dark suit looks away. Both are facing slightly left, with serene expressions.

A couple stands on a tranquil beach at dusk; the woman in a wedding dress leans her head on the man's shoulder, holding a bouquet, with calm blue water and a clear sky in the background.

A couple stands close together on a pebbled beach under a clear blue sky, with calm ocean water stretching to the horizon behind them.

Two people at the edge of a clear, shallow body of water with pebbles beneath; one person stands with pants rolled up and feet in the water, while another sits nearby with bare feet on the pebbly shore.

A bride and groom stand hand in hand at the edge of a tranquil beach, partially in the water, facing distant mountains under a bright sun in a clear sky.

A couple dressed in wedding attire stands at the edge of a beach, with mountains in the background and sunlight shining above. The bride’s gown touches the water as they look at each other, creating a romantic scene.

Three gold rings are placed on a smooth round stone, surrounded by an assortment of light gray pebbles and stones, creating a natural and textured background.

A couple in wedding attire stands closely together on a rocky beach, with steep, rugged cliffs and a calm sea in the background under soft, natural light.

A couple stands close together on a rocky beach; the man in a dark suit kisses the woman’s head as she leans on his shoulder, holding a bouquet of greenery and wearing a lacy, light-colored dress.

A couple in wedding attire sits closely together on a rocky, pebbled ground inside a large cave, with soft natural light illuminating the scene.

A couple embraces under a rocky overhang; the person in a white lace dress with glasses closes their eyes and rests their hand on the other’s head, while the person in a dark suit leans in close.

A couple poses intimately beneath large rocky formations; the woman wears a lacy, white wedding dress and the man, in a suit, gently embraces her, creating a romantic, rustic atmosphere amid a rocky landscape.

A woman with curly red hair and glasses stands on a rocky beach wearing a sleeveless, lace wedding dress, holding a small bouquet and smiling softly. Large rocks and water are visible in the background.

A man with glasses and a beard stands outdoors, wearing a brown suit with a floral-patterned shirt. He is buttoning his jacket and looking at the camera, with a blurred rocky background behind him.

A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand along a sandy beach near the shoreline, leaving footprints behind them. Their long shadows stretch out on the sand beside them.

A couple in formal attire stands on a beach, facing the calm sea at sunset; two small model sailboats float on the water in the distance.

A couple lies on smooth pebbles, embracing each other. The person in a white lace dress rests their head on the other’s chest, both wearing glasses and wedding rings, eyes closed, appearing peaceful and content.

A couple lies on a pebbled beach near the shore, embracing each other, with gentle waves and a calm sea stretching into the distance under a clear sky.

Aerial view of a person lying on a sandy beach near the shoreline, with gentle waves and clear green water meeting the sand. The scene is calm and minimalistic, highlighting the solitude of the beach.

Aerial view of a couple in wedding attire lying on a sandy beach near the shore, with waves gently meeting the land and the sea displaying shades of turquoise and green.

A sunlit rocky cliff slopes down to a calm blue sea, with golden light casting shadows on the rugged terrain. The coastline curves gently, and the sky above is clear, creating a tranquil coastal scene.

A scenic coastal landscape at sunset, featuring a curved beach nestled between steep cliffs and calm, deep blue water, with the sun setting behind distant hills.

A couple in wedding attire embraces on a cliff overlooking a calm bay at sunset, with warm sunlight illuminating the scene and mountains in the background.

A bride and groom stand on a rocky cliff overlooking a bay at sunset, embracing as the sun sets behind distant mountains, casting a golden light over the water and landscape.

A couple in wedding attire lovingly embrace on a cliff at sunset, with warm sunlight illuminating their faces and a scenic view of water and mountains in the background.

A couple in formal attire holds hands while standing on a rocky cliff, overlooking a calm sea and distant mountains at sunset. The sky glows with warm orange and purple hues.

A couple in wedding attire walks along a hillside at dusk, holding lanterns, with a serene coastline and calm sea in the background under a fading sunset sky.

A bride and groom holding lanterns stand hand in hand on a hilltop at dusk, overlooking a calm body of water and distant mountains under a colorful sunset sky.

A couple stands on a rocky hillside at dusk, holding lanterns that softly illuminate their faces and clothes. Behind them, a calm body of water and silhouetted mountains appear under a colorful sunset sky.

A couple kisses while holding a glowing lantern at dusk, with a blurred sunset and mountains in the background. The scene is warmly lit, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Kefalonia Wedding Photographer

I’m a destination elopement photographer who’s been lucky enough to visit all 7 continents and over 40 countries—and for the last decade I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing adventure elopements all around the world.

If you’re looking for an experienced traveler who can help you navigate the logistics and unknowns of a destination elopement (or intimate wedding)—you’re in the right place! I had my own destination elopement so I know exactly how magical it is and I’m insanely passionate about creating the most incredible experience possible for you!

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

Kefalonia Wedding & Elopement Packages

Planning any kind of wedding (even a small one like an elopement) can be stressful—which is why I include extensive planning help in all of my elopement photography packages.

You won’t have to worry about how to find the best locations, when the best time of day for lighting is, or deal with any annoying logistics. With 300+ elopements planned & photographed all over the world, I’m ready to be your guide to getting married your way (and having the incredible photos to prove it).

includes:

8+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae with relaxed sightseeing & exploring

The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™

Unique & secluded locations, bespoke activity ideas with pre-vetted guides, fun & luxurious lodging options, an experience-focused timeline, mood board & personalized styling suggestions, travel advice, VIP Planning Guide, and customized packing checklists

Free initial planning consultation call, direct access to Maddie Mae via text & email, unlimited planning consultations, unlimited collaboration & revisions, pre-vetted local vendor recommendations, and advice &and help with permits & marriage licenses

Guided + FUN photography experience, empathetic posing & directing, creative GIFS &and drone photography, hand-crafted editing, full-resolution image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, & print, complementary album design, and convenient print ordering

My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in the World

Starting at $13,200 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography

Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.

No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.

Contact me to check if I have your date available and for a free planning consultation with me!

INQUIRE FOR AVAILABILITY & MORE INFO

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant  

For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

About Maddie Mae Elopement
Packages & Pricing Contact Me