Picture this: You’re standing under the golden Spanish sun, a warm breeze swaying the palm trees, and the sound of a Spanish guitar serenading your love story. Your partner looks into your eyes, and as you’re about to say, “I do,” a thought hits you—Wait… can we even get legally married here?
The good news? Yes, non-residents CAN get married in Spain! The bad news? It’s not always as easy as sipping sangria on a beach. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
Let’s break down how to get married in Spain as a foreigner, where to have your dream wedding, and the smartest way to navigate Spanish bureaucracy (without losing your mind).
Can Foreigners Legally Marry in Spain? Here’s What You Need to Know
Spain is one of the most romantic wedding destinations in the world, but it doesn’t just let anyone walk in and tie the knot. Whether or not you can legally marry here depends on your residency status and the type of ceremony you want.
Option 1: Civil Wedding (Legal & Recognized Internationally) 🚨
This is the official way to get married in Spain, but it comes with rules:
✅ At least one of you must be a resident of Spain (for at least two years) OR a Spanish citizen.
✅ You’ll need a ton of documents: birth certificates, passports, a certificate of no impediment (basically proof you’re single), and all of it must be translated & legalized.
✅ Paperwork can take months to process—start early if you’re going this route!
💡 If neither of you is a resident, a civil wedding in Spain is unfortunately not an option. But don’t panic—there’s a workaround!
Option 2: Catholic Wedding (Legally Binding & Easier!) 💒
If at least one of you is Catholic, this might be your golden ticket. Catholic weddings in Spain are legally recognized, and you don’t need to be a resident.
✅ Requirements: Baptism, confirmation, and pre-marriage courses.
✅ The Church handles the legal paperwork for you (bless them 🙏).
✅ Takes about 6 months to organize, so plan ahead!
Option 3: Symbolic Wedding (The Best & Most Stress-Free!) 💍
Here’s what most international couples do: legally marry in their home country first, then have a beautiful symbolic ceremony in Spain.
✅ No legal restrictions, no paperwork headaches.
✅ You get a stunning Spanish wedding without dealing with residency rules.
✅ Guests won’t know the difference (trust me, all they care about is the party).
Best Wedding Locations in Spain for Non-Residents
Spain has EVERYTHING—romantic beaches, medieval castles, vineyards, and historic palaces. Here are some jaw-dropping locations:
🏝️ For Beach Lovers: Mallorca & Ibiza
Dreaming of a sunset wedding by the sea? Spain’s islands offer breathtaking coastal venues.
📍 Mallorca – The charming town of Valldemossa is straight out of a fairytale.
📍 Ibiza – Beyond its nightlife, Ibiza has romantic beachside villas perfect for weddings.
🔗 Visit Mallorca’s wedding venues
🔗 Explore Ibiza wedding locations
🏰 For a Fairytale Wedding: Seville & Granada
📍 Seville – Get married in the Royal Alcázar, a Moorish palace dripping with history.
📍 Granada – The Alhambra Palace views will leave your guests speechless.
🔗 Explore Seville’s wedding venues
🔗 Discover Granada
🍷 For Wine & Countryside Vibes: Barcelona & Madrid
📍 Barcelona – Vineyards, mountaintop estates, and the stunning Montserrat backdrop.
📍 Madrid – Rustic haciendas and dreamy countryside estates surround the capital.
🔗 Find Barcelona’s vineyard venues
🔗 Discover Madrid wedding locations
What to Expect at a Spanish Wedding
Spain doesn’t do quick ceremonies and early nights. A Spanish wedding is a full-day event that often goes until sunrise. Here’s what to prepare for:
🎶 Live music & flamenco vibes – Even if you don’t hire dancers, you NEED a Spanish guitar.
🍷 Non-stop food & wine – Spanish weddings are a gastronomic marathon (tapas, seafood, paella—you name it).
💃 Partying until sunrise – If you think the reception ends at midnight, think again. Spaniards don’t stop.
How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Spain Without Losing Your Mind
✔ Start early – Spain is a top wedding destination, so venues book out a year in advance.
✔ Hire a local wedding planner – Trust me, they’ll handle all the legal drama so you don’t have to.
✔ Think about the weather – Spring & fall are perfect, while August is crazy hot.
✔ Hire a photographer who knows Spain – (Spoiler alert: That’s me! 😏)
FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions
❓ Can tourists get legally married in Spain?
➡️ Only if one of you is a resident or Spanish citizen. Otherwise, you’ll need a religious or symbolic wedding.
❓ How long does it take to process wedding paperwork in Spain?
➡️ Civil weddings take months due to bureaucracy. Catholic weddings take about 6 months to prepare.
❓ Is it expensive to have a wedding in Spain?
➡️ It depends! A luxury wedding in Ibiza will cost $$$$, but you can find affordable venues in the countryside.
❓ Do I need a visa to get married in Spain?
➡️ No special visa is required for weddings, but make sure your guests check Schengen visa rules.
Let’s Make Your Spanish Wedding a Reality!
Spain is calling, and your dream wedding is waiting. Whether you’re planning an intimate beach elopement in Ibiza or a lavish palace wedding in Seville, I’ll be there to capture every sun-drenched kiss and dance-floor moment.
📸 See my wedding stories & portfolio: Click here
💰 Explore my photography packages: Check them out
💌 Let’s bring your vision to life! Get in touch: Contact me
Can’t wait to hear your love story—¡Nos vemos en España! 🇪🇸✨
