So, you’ve decided to tie the knot in Spain? ¡Felicidades! You’re in for a wedding filled with golden sunsets, flamenco beats, and more sangria than your guests can handle. But before you jet off to your Spanish fairy tale, let’s make sure you’ve got everything covered—because while Spain is effortlessly romantic, wedding planning never is.
Here’s your ultimate destination wedding checklist for Spain, packed with expert tips, must-know legal details, and dreamy venue ideas—plus a little humor to keep the stress away.
1. Pick Your Dream Spanish Wedding Location
Spain is home to breathtaking landscapes and historic venues, so choosing just one location might be the hardest part of planning. Here are the top contenders:
🌿 Barcelona & Catalonia – Modernista Charm & Beach Bliss
Think Gaudí’s surreal architecture, sun-drenched beaches, and vineyard weddings in the nearby Penedès region.
✨ Best Venue: Masia Egara – A dreamy 16th-century estate near Barcelona.
💃 Seville – The Heartbeat of Spanish Romance
Imagine a sunset ceremony under orange trees with a flamenco guitarist playing in the background.
✨ Best Venue: Hacienda de San Rafael – A picturesque countryside retreat.
🏝️ Ibiza & Mallorca – Boho Beachfront Magic
For couples who want barefoot vows on the beach or luxury clifftop resorts with views of the Mediterranean.
✨ Best Venue: 7Pines Ibiza – Clifftop views, turquoise waters, and total island vibes.
🏰 Granada & Toledo – Fairytale Castles & Historic Palaces
If you’re dreaming of a Game of Thrones-worthy wedding, these cities boast some of Spain’s most awe-inspiring castles and palaces.
✨ Best Venue: Parador de Toledo – Old-world elegance with panoramic views of the city.
2. Get the Legal Stuff Sorted (Before the Tapas Distract You)
If neither of you is a Spanish resident, getting legally married in Spain can be tricky. But don’t worry—there are workarounds!
Your Options:
✅ Civil Ceremony: At least one of you must be a resident for two years. (Not ideal if you don’t live here!)
✅ Catholic Church Wedding: Recognized worldwide, but requires 6 months of paperwork and approval from the local diocese.
✅ Symbolic Ceremony: The easiest (and most popular) option—get legally married at home, then celebrate your dream wedding in Spain.
💡 PRO TIP: Want the official Spanish wedding experience? Consider a Catholic ceremony—it’s legally recognized and can take place in some of Spain’s most stunning churches!
👉 Need official details? Visit Spain’s Civil Registry.
3. Timing is Everything – When to Say “Sí, Quiero”
Spain is stunning year-round, but some months are better than others:
☀️ Spring (April–June) – Mild weather, blooming flowers, fewer tourists.
🔥 Summer (July–August) – Gorgeous but HOT (like, let’s-move-this-to-8PM hot).
🍷 Fall (September–October) – Golden vineyards, perfect temperatures, vino season!
❄️ Winter (November–March) – Romantic off-season vibes, great for castle weddings.
💡 PRO TIP: Avoid August—it’s peak tourist season, and many locals go on vacation. Your vendors might be sipping sangria in the Canary Islands instead of answering emails.
4. Budget Like a Pro (So You Can Splurge on Sangria)
Spain is more affordable than Italy or France, but costs can add up. Here’s a rough estimate:
💒 Venue & Catering: €5,000–€20,000
📸 Photography & Videography: €2,000–€6,000 (Totally worth it—memories last forever!)
🌸 Florals & Decor: €2,000–€5,000
🎶 Music & Entertainment: €1,000–€4,000
✈️ Guest Accommodation & Travel: Varies
💰 TOTAL ESTIMATE: €15,000–€50,000+
💡 MONEY-SAVING TIP: Choose a weekday wedding or go for off-season rates (winter weddings can save you thousands!).
5. The Guest Experience – Because It’s More Than Just One Day
Your guests are traveling all the way to Spain, so why not turn your wedding into a mini-vacation?
🏰 Pre-Wedding Fun: Tapas tours in Seville, wine tasting in La Rioja, or a sunset cruise in Ibiza.
💃 Post-Wedding Recovery: A beach day in Costa Brava or a spa retreat in Mallorca.
🛏️ Accommodation: Block hotel rooms or suggest Airbnb stays near your venue.
👉 Book experiences via GetYourGuide.
6. The Ultimate Wedding Packing List
📜 Marriage documents (If required)
👗 Wedding attire (or go full-Spanish with a flamenco-inspired gown!)
🕶️ Sunglasses & SPF (Spanish sun is no joke!)
💃 Dancing shoes (or a second outfit for sangria-fueled dance-offs)
📷 Photography must-haves (or just hire me to capture the magic!)
7. FAQ – What You Need to Know
Q: Can foreigners get legally married in Spain?
A: Only if one partner is a resident. Most couples opt for a symbolic ceremony.
Q: What are the best wedding venues in Spain?
A: Barcelona mansions, Ibiza beaches, Seville haciendas, and Granada castles top the list!
Q: How much does a destination wedding in Spain cost?
A: Anywhere between €15,000–€50,000, depending on the venue and guest list.
8. Let’s Capture Your Love Story!
Your Spanish wedding deserves to be beautifully documented—the golden light, the stolen glances, the crazy dance floor moments. As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in timeless, storytelling photography that lets you relive your day for years to come.
✨ Get inspired by real wedding stories: Your Happy Moments Blog
📷 See my photography packages: Investment Details
💌 Let’s talk about your dream wedding! Contact Me
Ready to create unforgettable memories in Spain? Let’s make it happen! 🚀
