top 5 best wedding venues in marbella, spain
WEDDING VENUE GUIDE FOR COUPLES LOOKING FOR A PERFECT PLACE TO GET MARRIED IN MARBELLA BY A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
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As a seasoned wedding photographer based in Spain, I know how important it is to find the perfect venue for your special day. Marbella, with its sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture, and enchanting landscapes, has become a top choice for couples from around the world. In this article, we will explore the top 5 wedding venues in Marbella, Spain, while also delving into the legalities and helpful tips to ensure a smooth and memorable experience. Whether you’re a local or planning a destination wedding, this guide will help you find the ideal backdrop for your unforgettable celebration.
WEDDING PLANNINGS TIPS BY SPAIN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
While I am a wedding photographer, I hope my guides will help you to plan the most amazing wedding in Marbella.
Hola, lovebirds! ???? If you’re dreaming of tying the knot in sunny Spain, you’re in for a treat. Marbella, with its golden beaches, lively vibes, and those oh-so-Instagrammable spots, is a favourite for couples worldwide. And who can blame them? As a spain wedding photographer who’s clicked a zillion love stories here, I’ve got the 5 best places to say “I do.” So, buckle up, because we’re about to explore the top 5 wedding venues in Marbella. And trust me, each one’s got its own sprinkle of magic. But first, let’s chat about some must-know legal stuff (because nobody wants wedding day hiccups, right?). Let’s get this fiesta started!
The legalities to know before getting married in Marbella
Marbella is a stunning destination for a wedding, and there are plenty of amazing venues to choose from which we will cover in a minute, but before that let’s talk some of the legalities we face when planning a wedding in Marbella to cover some groundwork and set expectations.
If you’re a foreigner considering getting married in Marbella, there are a few things you should know about. First of all, you’ll need to obtain a so-called “Certificate of No Impediment” from your country’s consulate or embassy in Spain. This document essentially states that there’s no legal reason why you shouldn’t be allowed to marry. You’ll also need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, as well as evidence of your single status, such as a divorce certificate if applicable but most importantly you can only go down the civil marriage route if you have been actually a Spanish residents for at least 2 years. Once all the paperwork is in order, you can tie the knot at any registered civil ceremony venue in Marbella.
Just be sure to bring along your original documents so that they can be officially registered. And then all that’s left is to enjoy marital bliss in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
Now it does sound complicated and the reality is that most people get lost in the bureaucracy even if they speak fluent Spanish (not even talking about the cost of these certificates) so this is where I HIGHLY recommend a local wedding planner and do a symbolic ceremony instead which you can hold in lots of weddings venues or on the sandy beaches of Marbella just by having a celebrant. Some might say this is a win-win scenario. Alright, let’s dive into our top 5 choice for wedding venues when planning a wedding in Marbella!
Villa Padierna Palace Hotel & Spa
This luxurious venue offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, making it the perfect setting for an elegant Marbella wedding. There is also a world-class spa on site, so you and your guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
The venue can accommodate up to 264 people, and it is only 45 mins drive from Malaga Airport, but equally you can get through from Gibraltar. The venue is fully licensed for civil weddings but it is also just 30 mins away from the nearest Catholic church, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.
Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa
If you’re looking for a fairytale setting for your Marbella wedding, look no further than Finca Cortesin. This gorgeous venue features manicured gardens, a stunning chapel, and a world-class golf course. Your guests will be truly blown away but your wallet will feel it too.
With 67 suites on site and 43.000 sqm land including the swimming pools this venue only offers exclusive reservation options which will cost around 67.000EUR per night. At least it did in 2021.
The Marbella Club
This is not something we could skip for sure! With 2 private beaches, 11 tennis courts and a world-renowned golf course, The Marbella Club is the perfect choice for luxury-loving couples. The venue also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces, making it a versatile option for your big day. When it comes to convenient and luxury this is really the ideal venue for all those modern couples who would want the best, and also like to live for the moment.
Heated Pools, 24 hours butler service and even with the private SPAs overlooking the sea, you are truly in the luxury range here. The hotel also offers you to stay in the Villa Del Mar which will cost you around 25.000EUR per week per 14 people in the peak summer time, but only around 10.000EUR between November and March when the temperature is still around 20C.
Casa de La Era
If you’re after a more intimate Marbella wedding venue, Casa de la Era is a great option. This charming country house can accommodate up to 250 guests and features beautiful gardens, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a traditional Andalusian patio. Casa de la Era is located in the countryside just outside Marbella town centre, so it’s perfect for couples who want a rustic setting for their big day.
The venue also offers accommodation for up to 8 guests, so your friends and family can enjoy a relaxing stay before and after the big day. One of its best feature is the Roman style Amphitheatre where the ceremony will take place as your guests look on from the tiers of seats. Best part of it, you can easily do a movie night or two with all your guests a night before the wedding, or just enjoy the space as an incredible dance floor for a great party.
Puerto Banús – Hire a private yacht
If you want your Marbella wedding to be truly unique, consider getting married at Puerto Banús. This world-famous marina is home to some of the most luxurious yachts in the world, and it’s the perfect place to host an unforgettable Marbella wedding.
And yes, we understand this is not your typical “venue”, but it is incredibly private and luxurious to get married on a yacht, or even better, to charter a few of them for your guests! This will be an exclusive event that people will talk about for years. That said this is the more tricky option as you would need someone truly local to be able to help you but you MUST go by the reviews. There are lots of cash tips switching hands to offer you the best yachts and I would definitely go with someone reputable.
Looking for a Wedding celebrant in Spain?
Debbie Skyrme, an award-winning Celebrant in southern Spain, crafts personalized bilingual wedding, elopement, and vow renewal ceremonies. Known for her warmth, she weaves your unique love story into a perfect celebration in English, Spanish, or both.
Don’t forget to book your destination wedding photographer in Marbella too – In fact, why not check out my dedicated Marbella Wedding photographer page and learn more on how can I capture your incredible wedding day.