Where can I get married while traveling in Macedonia?
If you have decided to hold your wedding celebration in this country, you are incredibly lucky, because in Macedonia any event becomes unforgettable. Thousands of tourists visit this country every year, and some of them go just for the sake of holding their wedding in one of the following places:
- Macedonia’s numerous monasteries and fortresses, suitable for those who want to experience union with the traditions of this country combined with the euphoria of their own wedding;
- picturesque lake shores, where the tourist infrastructure is quite well developed;
- numerous restaurants that offer dishes prepared according to folk recipes — they will make your wedding truly colorful and unforgettable.
The results of the unique mixture of cultures can be seen in Macedonia at every step and a visit to this country is a unique chance to kill several birds with one stone — to have an unforgettable wedding, to learn the customs and traditions of several national groups living on the territory of this country and to enjoy the unique natural beauties that have inspired and still inspire many poets and artists.
Lake Ohrid
This lake is located on the border of Macedonia and Albania and is one of the best places for weddings. Modern Macedonians quite often hold this celebration both on the shores of the lake, admiring the amazing views from beach restaurants, and during leisurely cruises on rented yachts. Couples who want to have their wedding here have one culinary recommendation — be sure to include the local fried trout in your menu. It is sure to please both you and your guests.
Monastery of St. Naum
On the very border with Albania and on the shores of the aforementioned lake is a place where hundreds of pilgrims, tourists and believers who want to get married flock to every year. This place is unique because there is a sarcophagus containing the relics of St. Naum. It is said that if you put your ear to it, you can still hear the heartbeat of this man. For Orthodox Christians, this is a unique chance to have a memorable wedding near such a culturally significant place.
Kale Fortress
In the north of Macedonia is the town of Skopje, in the heart of which stands a unique architectural monument and an object of national pride of the Macedonian people — the Kale Fortress. This construction had a great military and political significance in ancient times. Nowadays it is a center of mass pilgrimage of tourists and a musical stage. Many famous artists such as Alter Bridge, Halestorm and Massive Attack have performed within the walls of the fortress. Here you can spend a few unforgettable days and have a gorgeous photo shoot in medieval style.
Ideas for an original wedding in Macedonia:
1. Mass wedding
Those who wish to marry just in Macedonia can take part in an annual event called Wedding in Galičnik. This event takes place on July 11, thousands of guys and girls in national costumes take torches and in the night, followed by the wedding, organize a majestic procession. This celebration is organized to pay tribute to the unique and inimitable folk traditions. Your couple can be a part of this action.
2. Stone Bridge
Let’s go back to Skopje, a city in the north of Macedonia. Here is one of the iconic monuments of architecture — the legendary stone bridge over the Vardar River. The construction of this structure was started back in the times of the Roman Empire. Nowadays, the bridge is part of an important transportation channel connecting new and old Skopje. What does this structure have to do with a wedding? Legend has it that whoever crosses this bridge with good thoughts will be happy for the rest of his life. It’s a great idea for a wedding ceremony. It also offers a breathtaking view of the city.
3. Plaoshnik
A wedding is a very beautiful and solemn event, so it should be held in an equally beautiful place. Plaoshnik, a unique tourist complex located on the shore of Lake Ohrid, is the best choice. This place is famous for its unique architectural monuments restored by experienced restorers. A great place for the first family photo shoot.
Unique wedding traditions specific to Macedonia:
- In ancient times, a girl used to sit on a horse during a wedding; the belief is that if she was confident in the saddle, the family would be happy in the future;
- on the eve of the wedding it was customary to shave the groom and use wine instead of water and soap;
- it is customary to bake a silver coin in the wedding bread, the one who will get it according to the belief will celebrate the wedding next.
Macedonia is truly unique and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. If you decide to hold a wedding here, you can be sure that you will get so many impressions that words cannot express. The wedding is a very exciting moment, so it will not be superfluous to have the support of an agency, which will prepare all the necessary documents and book places in the hotel and restaurant.
