It’s hard not suffer from a serious case of wanderlust when you’re watching Mamma Mia. The is movie based on the highly successful West End Show of the same name and stars Julie Walters, Piers Brosnan and Meryl Streep. The film follows the story of a young girl trying to uncover the identity of her biological father and the cheery and unapologetically cheesy plot is interwoven with Abba hits. What’s not to love?
Thousands of fans have obsessed over the stunning beaches, clifftops and scenes in this much loved family classic and it’s only natural that soon-to-be-wed couples have wanted to recreate the film’s iconic wedding scene in their special day. But where is it filmed?
The chapel we see Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper say their ‘I do’s’ in is located in the small island of Skopelos in the west of the Aegean Sea. Skopelos is one of several islands in that area and is offer one of the most unspoiled areas of natural beauty in the world. The island is full of olive groves, orchards and pine forests littered with scenic walking trails. The island is also covered in coves covered by cliffs which can often only be reached by boat. The beaches on the island are a combination of pebbly bays to sandy carpeted retreats.
The island’s capital, Skopelos Town is charming and serene by night and upbeat by night. The town is surrounded by green hills and is full of whitewashed cottages which scatter through to the waterfront. The town’s old quarter, Kastro is set high in the hills and features a Venetian castle with panoramic sea views. By day and particularly at night, you are sure to be entertained with people spilling out of tiny bars and restaurants.
The chapel of Agios Ioannis sits delicately 100 metres above the sea on a cliff edge in the north-east coast of Skopelos Island. After climbing the 105 steps that lead to the chapel, be advised that it was only used for filming outside location shots for the film as the building itself was too small (it can fit up to 13 people). The charm of the quaint stone building, however, cannot be detracted from. No one knows when the Agios Ioannis chapel was built, which adds to its magical appeal, alongside its breath-taking setting.
Although only authorised Greeks are officially allowed to marry in the chapel, there are tales of foreign visitors changing their religion for a chance to recreate the Mamma Mia wedding! Despite the chapel from the film being out of bounds for visitors to marry in, many companies now offer Mamma Mia inspired wedding packages on the island that are certain to give you and your loved one a wedding of a lifetime.
Before you wed in paradise, be sure to cover you and your partner by signing up for an EHIC card https://www.ukehic.com/. The European Health Insurance Card (which has replaced the E111 in 2006) will entitle you to treatment for free or at a reduced cost in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries.