Written by a SPAIN wedding photographer for couples planning a destination wedding in Spain
Spain wedding Planning and Cost guide
Are you considering tying the knot in Spain? Our comprehensive wedding planning and cost guide will provide you with all the essential information you need for a dream destination wedding. From popular regions and unique venues to average costs and activities for your guests, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the enchanting world of Spanish weddings and explore the diverse options available for creating an unforgettable celebration.
planning a wedding can be simple with the right resources
€4000
€17500
€2750
€150
average cost of wedding for 50
(suppliers not included)
average cost of wedding planner in Europe
average cost of accommodation per room per night in Europe at popular wedding destinations
for a decent wedding photographer who is experienced with travelling
What will we cover in this guide
18 wedding venues
unique selling points of the venues
top 6 places to get married in SPain
across spain within the top 10 places
why should you book or avoid a venue
across all spain
activities for your multi-day celebrations
average costs of a wedding per venue
When is the best time to get married in Spain
holiday tips for you and your guests
cost of venue, catering, florist and other suppliers
with travel tips
Spain Wedding Locations in this guide
Barcelona
Marbella
madrid
Valencia
Ibiza
mallorca
Barcelona wedding planning guide
With its stunning architecture, lively atmosphere, and Mediterranean beaches, Barcelona offers an enchanting backdrop for a wedding.
- Accessibility: Barcelona's El Prat Airport is well connected to international and domestic flights, and the city has excellent public transportation.
- Activities: Visit Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, or explore the Gothic Quarter.
- Recommended days: 3-5 days
- Average costs (50 guests): Venue: €5,000-€12,000; Hair and makeup artist: €500-€1,500; Florist: €1,000-€3,000; Catering: €6,000-€10,000.
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Casa Llotja de Mar
Jardí Botànic de Barcelona
Hotel Arts Barcelona
Jardí Botànic de Barcelona would be an excellent choice for you if you're passionate about nature, botanical beauty, and an enchanting outdoor setting. This stunning venue, with its diverse flora and beautifully landscaped gardens, provides a picturesque backdrop for a romantic and serene wedding. If you envision your special day surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a tranquil atmosphere, then the Jardí Botànic de Barcelona is the perfect place for you to celebrate your love and create lasting memories.
Casa Llotja de Mar would be a perfect choice for you if you appreciate history, elegance, and sophistication. This remarkable venue, with its blend of Gothic and Neoclassical architecture, offers a stunning setting for a refined and luxurious wedding. If you have a penchant for classic beauty, grandeur, and an appreciation for the cultural heritage of Barcelona, this is the venue for you. Imagine your wedding exuding elegance, charm, and a timeless ambiance, making Casa Llotja de Mar the ideal backdrop for your special day.
Hotel Arts Barcelona would be perfect for you if you're looking for a luxurious, modern, and upscale wedding experience. If you appreciate contemporary architecture, stylish design, and the convenience of a five-star hotel, this venue is an excellent choice. Imagine your wedding as an elegant and sophisticated event, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city skyline. At Hotel Arts Barcelona, you can expect exceptional service, high-end amenities, and a memorable, chic celebration tailored just for you.
Flight cost from UK: £250 return / Flight cost from US - $800 return
Accomodation in Barcelona: £120-150 per night
Marbella wedding planning guide
Choose from high-end beach clubs, luxurious hotels, or prestigious golf courses for an upscale, lavish wedding experience.
- Accessibility: Granada Airport offers domestic flights, and the city is accessible by train and bus from other Spanish cities.
- Activities: Visit the Alhambra, the Generalife gardens, or stroll through the Albaicín neighborhood.
- Recommended days: 2-3 days
- Average costs (50 guests): Venue: €4,000-€10,000; Hair and makeup artist: €400-€1,200; Florist: €800-€2,500; Catering: €5,000-€9,000.
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Villa Padierna Palace Hotel
Finca La Concepción
Purobeach Marbella
Villa Padierna Palace Hotel would be a fantastic choice for you if you're seeking a luxurious, elegant, and sophisticated wedding venue in Marbella. This opulent hotel offers beautiful gardens, grand interiors, and a prestigious golf course, providing a truly magnificent setting for your special day. If you envision your wedding as an exclusive and refined event with top-notch service and upscale amenities, then Villa Padierna Palace Hotel is the perfect place for you to celebrate your love and create unforgettable memories.
Purobeach Marbella is a fantastic choice if you desire a fashionable, contemporary, and beach-inspired wedding venue in Marbella. With its elegant decor, spectacular sea views, and relaxed atmosphere, this chic beach club sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration. Imagine your special day surrounded by the Mediterranean's natural beauty, immersed in a stylish ambiance, as you and your loved ones create lasting memories at Purobeach Marbella.
Finca La Concepción would be an ideal choice for you if you're looking for a romantic, enchanting, and lush wedding venue in Marbella. This stunning botanical garden features tropical plants, idyllic pathways, and magical fountains, providing a breathtaking setting for an outdoor wedding. If you envision your special day surrounded by nature's beauty and a serene atmosphere, then Finca La Concepción is the perfect place for you to exchange your vows and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Flight cost from UK: £250 return / Flight cost from US - $800 return
Accomodation in Marbella: £120-150 per night
Madrid wedding planning guide
As the capital city, Madrid provides a mix of historic charm and cosmopolitan energy, with many beautiful venues and picturesque parks for a memorable nuptial event.
- Accessibility: Madrid-Barajas Airport is a major international hub, and the city has an extensive public transportation network.
- Activities: Explore the Royal Palace, Retiro Park, or take a day trip to Toledo or Segovia.
- Recommended days: 3-5 days
- Average costs (50 guests): Venue: €3,000 - €9,000; Hair and Makeup Artist: €150 - €300; Florist: €1,000 - €2,500; Catering: €3,750 - €7,000 (€75 - €140 per person)
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Finca La Montaña
Palacio de Liria
Palacio de Cibeles
For a romantic, intimate, and serene wedding in the countryside near Madrid, Finca La Montaña is the ideal choice. This charming estate, with its rustic elegance and lush surroundings, provides a picturesque setting for your special day. Picture yourself saying "I do" amidst the tranquility of nature, creating lasting memories with your friends and family at Finca La Montaña.
If you're dreaming of a majestic and sophisticated wedding in Madrid, Palacio de Liria is the perfect choice for you. This elegant palace, rich in history and exquisite art, offers a luxurious atmosphere for your special day. Envision celebrating your love surrounded by splendid architecture and opulent gardens, creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones at Palacio de Liria.
If you're dreaming of a majestic and sophisticated wedding in Madrid, Palacio de Liria is the perfect choice for you. This elegant palace, rich in history and exquisite art, offers a luxurious atmosphere for your special day. Envision celebrating your love surrounded by splendid architecture and opulent gardens, creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones at Palacio de Liria.
Flight cost from UK: £250 return / Flight cost from US - $800 return
Accomodation in Madrid: £130-170 per night
Ibiza wedding planning guide
Embrace the island's free-spirited atmosphere with a bohemian beach wedding or a sunset ceremony at a clifftop venue.
- Accessibility: Ibiza Airport offers international and domestic flights, and the island is also accessible by ferry.
- Activities: Relax on stunning beaches, visit the old town of Dalt Vila, or explore the famous Hippy Market.
- Recommended days: 4-6 days
- Average costs (50 guests): Venue: €5,000-€15,000; Hair and makeup artist: €500-€1,500; Florist: €1,000-€3,000; Catering: €6,000-€12,000.
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Elixir Shore Club
Atzaró Agroturismo
La Escollera
Elixir Shore Club is an outstanding option for you if you desire a chic, coastal, and elegant wedding venue in Ibiza. This stylish beach club features breathtaking sea views and sophisticated event spaces, providing a romantic backdrop for your celebration. Envision exchanging vows on the shores of the Mediterranean, with a seamless blend of glamour and laid-back charm, making your special day unforgettable at Elixir Shore Club.
If you're looking for a luxurious, authentic, and tranquil wedding venue in Ibiza, Atzaró Agroturismo is the perfect choice. This idyllic rural retreat, surrounded by lush gardens and orange groves, offers a peaceful atmosphere for your special day. Imagine celebrating your love in an enchanting setting, with exceptional service and a focus on wellbeing, creating cherished memories at Atzaró Agroturismo.
For a relaxed, intimate, and beachfront wedding in Ibiza, La Escollera is the ideal choice. This charming venue, nestled on the shores of Es Cavallet beach, boasts stunning views and exceptional Mediterranean cuisine. Picture yourself saying "I do" with the soothing sound of waves as your backdrop, enjoying warm hospitality and delicious fare, creating lasting memories with your friends and family at La Escollera.
Flight cost from UK: £290 return / Flight cost from US - $850 return
Accomodation in Ibiza: £150-200 per night
Mallorca wedding planning guide
This beautiful island in the Balearic archipelago boasts stunning beaches, mountains, and charming villages, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed family friendly wedding.
- Accessibility: Palma de Mallorca Airport is well connected to international and domestic flights, and the island is also accessible by ferry.
- Activities: Relax on beautiful beaches, explore charming villages, or visit the Drach Caves.
- Recommended days: 4-6 days
- Average costs (50 guests): Venue: €4,000-€12,000; Hair and makeup artist: €500-€1,500; Florist: €1,000-€3,000; Catering: €6,000-€10,000.
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Cap Rocat
Son Marroig
Finca Son Mir
For a luxurious, exclusive, and unique wedding experience in Mallorca, Cap Rocat is the ideal choice. This former military fortress, transformed into a boutique hotel, boasts awe-inspiring architecture and panoramic sea views. Picture yourself saying "I do" in a truly exceptional setting, enjoying first-class service and the utmost privacy, creating lasting memories with your friends and family at Cap Rocat.
If you're seeking a breathtaking, historic, and romantic wedding venue in Mallorca, Son Marroig is the perfect choice. This stunning estate, perched on a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean, offers an unforgettable setting for your special day. Imagine celebrating your love amidst dramatic landscapes, exquisite architecture, and unparalleled views, creating cherished memories with your loved ones at Son Marroig.
Finca Son Mir is an excellent option for you if you desire a rustic, charming, and authentic wedding venue in Mallorca. This lovingly restored 17th-century estate, surrounded by olive groves and lush gardens, provides a serene atmosphere for your celebration. Envision exchanging vows in a picturesque setting that combines Mallorcan tradition with modern elegance, making your special day unforgettable at Finca Son Mir.
Flight cost from UK: £180 return / Flight cost from US - $850 return
Accomodation in Ibiza: £100-150 per night
Valencia wedding planning guide
Host your wedding in a futuristic architectural marvel or enjoy traditional Valencian cuisine in a charming countryside estate
- Accessibility: Valencia Airport offers international and domestic flights, and the city has an efficient public transportation system.
- Activities: Explore the City of Arts and Sciences, visit the Oceanogràfic, or relax on the beaches.
- Recommended days: 3-4 days
- Average costs (50 guests): Venue: €4,000-€12,000; Hair and makeup artist: €400-€1,200; Florist: €800-€2,500; Catering: €5,000-€9,000.
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Masía Xamandreu
L'Hemisfèric
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
Masía Xamandreu is an excellent option for you if you desire a traditional, elegant, and enchanting wedding venue in Valencia. This impressive 18th-century mansion, surrounded by lush gardens and majestic palm trees, provides a romantic atmosphere for your celebration. Envision exchanging vows in a picturesque setting that combines Valencian history with timeless beauty, making your special day unforgettable at Masía Xamandreu.
L'Hemisfèric is a remarkable option for you if you're looking for a futuristic, innovative, and unforgettable wedding venue in Valencia. Located within the City of Arts and Sciences complex, this visually striking building features a planetarium, an IMAX cinema, and a laserium, providing a truly unique setting for your special day. Imagine celebrating your love in an awe-inspiring atmosphere, surrounded by cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art technology, creating lasting memories at L'Hemisfèric.
If you're seeking a modern, avant-garde, and architecturally stunning wedding venue in Valencia, Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía is the perfect choice. This iconic opera house, with its striking design and innovative event spaces, offers a truly unique setting for your special day. Imagine celebrating your love amidst world-class acoustics, contemporary elegance, and a touch of artistic flair, creating cherished memories at Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía.
Flight cost from UK: £200 return / Flight cost from US - $800 return
Accomodation in Valencia: £100-150 per night
The best time of the year to get married in Spain varies depending on the region you choose for your special day. In cities like Barcelona, the ideal months for a wedding are typically from May to October. During this time, the weather is warm, sunny, and generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). However, it's important to note that peak tourist season in Barcelona falls between June and August, which can lead to higher costs for wedding services and accommodations. For a more budget-friendly option, consider planning your wedding in the shoulder months of May, September, or October, when the weather is still pleasant, and prices are more likely to be lower.
When it comes to the beautiful island of Mallorca or the vibrant city of Valencia, the best months for a wedding are similar, from April to October. The Mediterranean climate in both locations offers warm, sunny weather, and clear skies, making it perfect for outdoor ceremonies and celebrations. In Mallorca, July and August can be particularly hot, so if you prefer milder temperatures, opt for the months of May, June, September, or October. Similarly, in Valencia, the peak tourist season falls between June and August, which can result in higher wedding costs. To strike a balance between lovely weather and affordable prices, consider planning your Spanish wedding during the shoulder months for an unforgettable experience.
Can I get legally married in Spain as a foreigner?
Getting legally married in Spain as a foreigner can be a complex process, due to the strict residency requirements and extensive paperwork involved. At least one of the partners must be a resident in Spain for a minimum of two years, and both partners must provide numerous documents, such as birth certificates, passports, proof of residency, and, if applicable, divorce or death certificates from previous marriages. These documents usually need to be translated into Spanish and may require an Apostille stamp. The process can be time-consuming, and navigating the bureaucracy can be challenging.
Considering these complexities, many foreign couples choose to have a symbolic ceremony in Spain instead of a legal wedding. A symbolic ceremony allows you to celebrate your love and commitment in a beautiful Spanish setting, without having to deal with the legal formalities. You can have a friend or family member officiate the ceremony, or hire a professional celebrant who can personalize the event to reflect your unique story and values.
To ensure that your marriage is legally recognized in your home country, it's advisable to have a civil ceremony there before or after your symbolic celebration in Spain. This approach simplifies the legal process and allows you to fully enjoy the beauty and romance of your Spanish wedding without any added stress. Remember to check the specific requirements for legal marriage in your home country and plan accordingly.
Want to learn more about destination weddings in Spain
our top 5 wedding venues in Marbella
My Destination Wedding Portfolio Gallery
Spain Wedding Photographer
Based in Marbella (after 15 years of living in London) and with over 350+ wedding experience, I am the ideal photographer for British, American and European couples getting married in Spain.
Having a dedicated destination wedding photographer will give you incredible results at these fantastic venues.
I am proud to be one of the top wedding photographer in Spain which allowed me to create this wedding portfolio.