Sacred same-sex elopement in Ortigia, Syracuse

Karhlia and Kendyl’s wedding is one of those celebrations that stays with you long after the last candle goes out. A same-sex destination wedding held on a private rooftop terrace in the heart of Ortigia, the ancient island quarter of Syracuse — this was not simply a beautiful day. It was a statement: that love in all its forms belongs in the spotlight of the most breathtaking places on earth, and Sicily is one of them.

For Karhlia, whose family roots run deep into Sicilian soil, the choice of Ortigia was deeply personal. She speaks Italian, and through her, the couple shared authentic local traditions with Kendyl’s family and their guests who had travelled all the way from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Planning an LGBT wedding in Sicily means navigating a country with its own rhythms and traditions — and I was honoured to guide Karhlia and Kendyl through every step, creating a day that felt both true to their identity and immersed in the culture of this extraordinary island. If you are looking for an experienced same-sex wedding planner in Sicily, this is exactly the kind of celebration I love to create.

The ceremony and reception took place at Terrazza Killiche — an intimate rooftop venue with views over the Ionian Sea — transformed three times in a single day: first into a ceremony space for their vows, then into an elegant candlelit dinner, then into a dance floor under the stars. There was no transport within Syracuse: guests walked the baroque streets between moments, and that unhurried pace set the tone for the whole day. Sustainability was woven into every detail — rechargeable lamps, locally sourced ingredients, minimal florals repurposed from the ceremony arch directly onto the dinner table. Private chef Marco Dagati created an extraordinary Sicilian menu, reimagining classics from caponata to a live gluten-free cannoli tower that had every guest talking. This wedding was planned as part of our Sacred Syracuse package, designed for couples who want the full magic of Ortigia — ceremony, dinner, dancing — in one extraordinary location.

If you are a same-sex couple dreaming of an elopement or intimate wedding in Sicily — in Ortigia, Taormina, or anywhere across this island — I would love to hear your story. Sicily is a place where love is celebrated loudly, where the light is unlike anywhere else, and where every corner holds a backdrop worthy of your most important day.