The Island of Zakynthos (also known as Zante), Greece is the 3rd largest island of the Ionian Sea is known for its stunning beaches and coves, breathtaking scenery and inviting turquoise waters. You could get lost exploring the islands picturesque villages and admiring the dreamy natural landscapes at every turn. Zante is also home to the endangered sea Turtles Caretta-Caretta, which every year hide their eggs in the beaches fine white sands.
Weddings in Zante are for those couples that want to incorporate a little bit of paradise into their day, whether this is on a private island, or a private villa overlooking the horizon, whatever your aspiration, we have something to suit you. Get in contact with us and tell us all about your dream wedding in Zante.
We aim to make your wedding a day to remember, just sit back and let us work our magic!
When to get married in Zante?
Zakynthos has a typical Mediterranean climate. The season starts with warm sunny days and cool evenings in April, continuing into May. The hot sunny days start towards the middle of June and last throughout most of August. September sees a return to more warm days rather than hot and often the pleasant weather lasts into October, however this is when the evenings turn cool so a covering is recommended.
Days are longest from May until the middle of August with sunset between 8pm and 9pm.
We plan weddings in Zante from early May through to mid October.
How much?
Weddings in Zante are very cost effective, with weddings for 25 people starting around 5500euros, this sample price includes the legal work, venue hire, food, some drinks, decoration and evening entertainment.
The island has quite a developed wedding market meaning that we can source pretty much anything you desire from fireworks to ice cream carts and even vintage cars!
Who does it suit?
Weddings in Zante are perfect for families due to the islands picturesque safe beaches, the island has an incredible variety of restaurants and bars and endless activities. Although, there is also a great night scene for those that seek it out, so is just as much fun for younger couples and their guests, looking for a more lively atmosphere. In either case, Zante provides a great experience for guests without breaking the bank.
Zante’s most popular wedding venue and one of the most sought after locations in the whole of Greece for weddings is Cameo Island. It’s easy to see why Cameo Island is a favourite spot for couples wanting to tie the knot in Zante, connected to the mainland by a long wooden bridge and surrounded by clear waters, Cameo Island is the kind of location you dream about. Besides the islands obvious beauty, what makes the island even more admirable for weddings in Zante is that the beach and cove area can be hired completely exclusively for your wedding. Your ceremony on Cameo Island will take place in the sheltered bay with unspoilt views out to sea and can be as relaxed or formal as you like, whether you envision a standing or seated ceremony with or without decoration, you can guarantee a beautiful wedding either way. Cameo Island is only available for your wedding ceremony, but we have a stunning selection of reception venues across the island where you can continue your wedding celebrations.
If you want to combine your wedding and holiday into one, then our luxury villa in Keri is the perfect place to do so. The villa is located in the quiet village of Keri on a 21 acre property. Your ceremony will take place in the garden which overlooks the Ionian Sea, followed by dinner under the olive trees. Private catering will be brought to the villa and the garden also features a private bar available for your wedding. The villa has 3 large bedrooms plus a sofa bed, so can accommodate up to 8 people in total and a 5 or 7 night stay is required depending on the time of year.
One of our newer venues for weddings in Zante, and now one of our favourites, Serenity is a beautiful location belonging to a fine dining restaurant in Argassi village. The venue is sat right on the seafront and you will have use of your own private terrace and bar for your ceremony and reception. There are gorgeous views out to Zakynthos Town and the mainland from the terrace, as well as breathtaking sunset views (we recommend a sunset photo shoot here so that your photographer can capture some amazing couple shots as the sun sets in the distance).
The Balcony Boutique Hotel is located in the popular resort of Tsilivi, up a small hill and overlooks the whole of Tsilivi Beach. Your wedding ceremony here will take place on the outdoor terrace which boasts incredible sea views and your wedding dinner and reception will take place indoors, where you will have your own private room and terrace to make use of. The Balcony is perfect for those wanting amazing views and a stylish wedding setting.
Hidden away in the resort of Akrotiri is where you’ll find the Tranquil Terrace. This venue has a rustic vineyard feel to it, so is ideal if you want something a little bit different to the norm, plus it’s completely exclusive for just you and your wedding party! You will say I do against the ocean backdrop followed by drinks and dining in the pretty courtyard. The area is surrounded by beautiful plantation, so there are some gorgeous photograph opportunities here.
A wedding at Agios Sostis is perfectly combined with a Cameo Island ceremony (you can see Cameo Island from here!) or you can have both ceremony and reception at Agios Sostis. This beautiful beachfront venue is the perfect setting for relaxed, yet stunning, traditional beach weddings in Zante. You will enjoy traditional Greek cuisine served meze style (like a true Greek!) whilst taking in your gorgeous surroundings. Following dinner, why not opt for a spot of Greek dancing? This is sure to get your guests up and out of their seats ready for a night of dancing under the stars!
This is one of our best hidden gems for weddings in Zante, located inland near to Tsilivi. A Country House Wedding is perfect if you want to experience the Zante countryside and the stunning rustic greenery at this venue provides an amazing backdrop for your wedding photographs. You will say ‘I Do’ on top of the steps against the rustic exterior of the Country House, followed by dinner and dancing on the large grounds.
Let’s get to know Zante better
Where to stay
Zante is a large island, so you may be wondering where to stay for your wedding holiday. There is not much to find in the North and West (with the exception of some small villages, villas and beaches), but these areas are mainly mountainous and you certainly won’t find any tourist resorts in these locations, although they are well worth a visit if you’re hiring a car as there are some beautiful landscapes to see. In the East is Zante’s capital, Zakynthos Town with beach resorts either side. The South of Zante is a well developed area, with a mix of resorts aimed at tourists and some which although have a well developed tourist market, have still kept their traditional Greek charm. Our weddings in Zante take place in the East and south.
Do note that transport can be arranged to and from your wedding for you and your guests, so as long as you don’t mind travelling, staying in the same resort as your wedding venue isn’t a must.
Zakynthos Town
Zakynthos Town is just 10 minutes from the airport and is a good place to stay if you want to be amongst the islands history. You will find a selection of apartments, suites and luxury hotels to suit different budgets. There is also a harbour, as well as shops, cafes, bars and tavernas. The town is also within walking distance or a short bus ride away from the nearby beach resorts.
Tsilivi
Located north of Zakynthos Town is where you will find the resort of Tsilivi. Tsilivi is where most of our couples and their guests stay for weddings in Zante as it is perfect for couples, families and groups of friends, with many restaurants, tavernas, bars (both relaxed and lively) and entertainment. Tsilivi is also home to a 2km blue flag sandy beach with shallow waters, perfect for swimming and water sports. There are many accommodation options here, from budget to luxury.
Alykes/Alykanas
A little bit further up north are the resorts of Alykes/Alykanas.
Alykes is a good location for families, with golden sands and shallow waters for little ones to splash in as well as some relaxed beach bars. There are accommodation options here at affordable prices.
Alykanas is more like a traditional sea side village, with traditional restaurants and cuisine as well as some bars with a relaxing atmosphere. There are several accommodation types such as contemporary hotels, studios, apartments and traditional villas.
Argassi
Further down South of the island, passed Zakynthos Town is Argassi. Argassi is known to be a beach resort, but doesn’t have a sandy beach. The seafront is mostly rocky but there are a few small stretches of dark sand too. The seafront is lined by many bars and restaurants for you to enjoy and there are a number of accommodation options. Argassi is also a good central location between Zakynthos Town and Vasillikos where there are some amazing beaches.
Vasillikos
You’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches on the island in Vasillikos, as well as scenic views and vast olive groves. There are a few beach bars and tavernas, but generally it’s a quiet area. There are a number of polished studios, villas, hotels, and other high-end accommodation options in Vasillikos.
Kalamaki
Kalamaki is another popular resort, located south of the island and has a 5km beach of vibrant gold sand and a relaxed atmosphere. The resort is particularly popular with young families due to the shallow waters. As the beach is a nesting ground for turtles during the summer, there are no beachfront hotels, bars or tavernas here and water sports are not allowed. There is however a main road set back from the beach where you will find many places to eat and drink as well as lots of accommodation options inland.
Laganas
The lively resort of Laganas is located west of Kalamaki. Laganas is the islands ‘hotspot’ for nightlife. You will find a wide selection of bars and clubs here. Places to stay in Laganas usually range from self-catering apartments to reasonably priced hotels.
Agios Sostis
Agios Sostis is a small resort, next to Laganas but a lot quieter. The area is very family orientated as well as being a romantic spot for couples. There is a small selection of accommodation options, as well as beachfront tavernas and bars to visit.
Keri
If you’re looking for a romantic resort away from the hustle and bustle with breathtaking views, then Keri is the ideal location, located on the southern tip of the island. Keri is a small developed village with a harbour and a handful of tavernas. Keri has a selection of villas, hotels and self catering apartments to choose from. During the day in Keri, you can take a boat trip to the mystical sea caves and explore some of the nearby beaches and coves.
Cuisine
Zante offers an incredible selection of restaurants and tavernas where you can experience traditional Greek cuisine and local dishes. In addition to the Greek cuisine, there are also many restaurants offering international cuisine including Chinese, Indian and English dishes.
Eating and drinking out in Zante is generally not expensive, but there are a selection of luxury and high end restaurants and cocktail bars in some resorts should you prefer this.
The Greeks love their food and are proud of their cuisine. As you are in the Mediterranean, you can expect to experience dishes with lots of meat, feta cheese, fish, olive oil, and vegetables. Some of their favourite dishes include:
- Tzatziki – a famous combination of Greek yoghurt, cucumber and garlic. Nobody makes it quite like the Greeks do!
- Lamb kleftiko – lamb slow cooked and marinated in olive oil, garlic, onion and lemon
- Gyros – traditionally made using lamb, beef, or pork combined with tomato, onion, and a yogurt sauce on pita bread
- Seafood – and lots of it!
- Dolmades – stuffed vine leaves
- Baklava – a tasty sweet pastry
Most restaurants in Zante and all of our wedding venues can cater for special dietary requirements, so rest assured you and your guests will be catered for should you have any specific menu requirements.
Hotels and Accommodation
Zante has a vast variety of accommodation options for you and your guests to choose from for your wedding holiday, ranging from budget to luxury, including hotels, apartments, suites and villas. Here are just few of the hotels that the island has to offer for both families and couples:
Family Friendly Hotels in Zante:
- Aqua Bay Suites/Hotel – Tsilivi
- Planos Bay Hotel – Tsilivi
- Louis Zante Beach – Laganas
Luxury Hotels good for couples in Zante:
- Lesante Blu – Tragaki
- Zante Maris Suites (adult only) – Tsilivi
- Lesante Hotel and Spa – Tsilivi
Currency
The currency in Zakynthos is euro.
Attractions/Must Visit Locations
Your wedding holiday in Zante wouldn’t be complete without experiencing some of the islands best attractions! From the famous Shipwreck Beach to the hidden blue caves, there is so much to see and do on this gorgeous island.
Shipwreck Beach
Starting with the islands main attraction and one of the most picturesque locations in Greece, Shipwreck Beach (also known as Navagio Beach) is located on the north coast of the island and is a stunning beach cove surrounded by impossibly blue water and 200 meter high cliffs. Set in the middle of the beach is a decaying ship, there are many rumours as to how the ship ended up ashore, but it certainly adds to the charm of this spectacular location. The beach cove can only be accessed by boat, or you can admire Shipwreck Beach from the cliffs above.
Zakynthos Town
Zante Town is full of history and a joy to explore on foot. The town’s main church, Agios Dionysios is a must visit, as well as the venetian castle set in the village of Bohali and the Byzantine Museum located on the main square. Its paved streets and squares are also filled with bakeries, cafés, boutiques, and jewellery stores.
Blue Caves
The Blue Caves are located at Cape Skinari on the northern tip of the island. The caves can only accessed by water and you can get on a boat to visit them from Zakynthos Town. Within minutes of reaching the location, you’ll be floating through a magnificent set of limestone sea caves and natural arches. The name matches the colour of the water, which beautifully reflects the colour of the sky.
Keri Caves
There are also small sea caves and natural arches to be explored in the South West, in Keri. You can book a boat tour to the Keri caves from Limni Keriou, Agios Sostis or Laganas and can look forward to swimming into the caves and exploring the crystal clear waters.
Porto Limnionas
Porto Limnionas is one of the top secluded swimming spots on the island. Located on the west coast, it can be reached via a newly laid road from the village of Agios Leon. This is a good snorkelling location and there are caves and even an underwater bridge to be found. There is also a small taverna here where you can sit and enjoy the splendid views.
Turtle Island
Turtle Island is a hatching ground for the loggerhead sea turtle, located off Laganas Bay in the South of the Island. Turtle Island is actually named Marathonisi and is completely uninhabited. You can book a turtle-spotting cruise from the mainland, but the island must be cleared by sunset in the summer to allow the turtles to come ashore to lay their eggs.
Keri Cliffs and Lighthouse
The Keri lighthouse sits on top of 300 meter cliffs, with magnificent views. From this point you will enjoy the magical views of steep shores, endless sea, romantic sunsets and wild natural beauty. There is also a restaurant that sits on the cliff top where you can be wined and dined while enjoying the views.
Needless to say, Zakynthos is a pretty spectacular island and a much loved and desired location for weddings in Greece. The island will leave you and your guests with memories to treasure for a lifetime. If you’d like to discuss your dream wedding in Zante, please contact weddings@thebridalconsultants.com or call us on 07460 734428
Photo Credit – Lesante Blu | Shipwreck Beach
Lisa founded The award winning Bridal Consultants in 2004
From the first year planning just a few weddings she's now planned over 1600 weddings abroad with her small team of specialists around the world.
She's an authority on weddings abroad and is often appears on Local BBC radio to discuss wedding planning related issues. She's the agony aunt for the glossy mag Brides Abroad where she solves problems from brides planning their own weddings abroad.
From the first year planning just a few weddings she's now planned over 1600 weddings abroad with her small team of specialists around the world.
She's an authority on weddings abroad and is often appears on Local BBC radio to discuss wedding planning related issues. She's the agony aunt for the glossy mag Brides Abroad where she solves problems from brides planning their own weddings abroad.
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