Planning a Destination Wedding in Spain
Spain has become increasingly popular for couples seeking a memorable destination wedding. With its dramatic landscape and rich culture complemented by the warm Mediterranean climate, it can be considered an ideal place for a couple to say, “I do.”.
Planning a destination wedding to Spain involves all aspects of selection that one may think of-from venue selection to coping with local customs and legal requirements. It gets very, very overwhelming trying to get it all together across the waters. But with proper preparation and guidance, this Spanish wedding could be an experience that one will never forget.
Choosing Your Spanish Wedding Location
Spain has diverse regions, each having a unique charm. The most popular areas for destination weddings include:
- Costa Blanca: It is famous for its lovely beaches and villages by the sea side.
- Barcelona: Modern and historic, it provides a city filled with excitement.
- Andalusia: Its villages with whitewashed houses and Moorish architecture provide a scenic view.
- Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Ibiza offer great island settings.
- Madrid: The capital city has various urban classy venues.
Our venue is on the Costa Blanca. In making your selection you may want to take into account ease of travel for guests, accommodation and the type of backdrop you would like for the photos of the wedding.
Legal Requirements for Marrying in Spain
This does present some challenges regarding legally marrying in Spain if you are a non-resident. It is very common to have a symbolic ceremony/wedding blessing in Spain after having legally married in your own country. This simplifies the whole process, yet still enables a beautiful Spanish celebration. The majority of our weddings are blessings.
Timing Your Spanish Wedding
The best time to plan a destination wedding in Spain depends on the location and, of course, your preference. Generally speaking, late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) boast pleasant temperatures and less tourism. Summer months can be extremely hot, while winter weddings boast very comfortable temperatures.
Keep in mind that certain wedding venues can fill up months in advance, in which case you would have to plan well in advance to accommodate both your date and location.
Spanish Wedding Traditions
Incorporating local customs will make your destination wedding in Spain really one of a kind. Following is a list of customs you could incorporate into your wedding day:
- Orange blossoms: worn by Spanish brides for good luck.
- Arras: Exchanging 13 coins during the ceremony symbolizes the commitment of the couple to share their fortune.
- Cutting of the groom’s tie: The best men cut the groom’s tie into small pieces during this funny tradition, selling pieces to the guests.
- Spanish guitar: Live Spanish guitar during the ceremony or the reception may create a romantic atmosphere.
Food and Drink
The Spanish kitchen is loved all over the world, and this should definitely be reflected in your wedding menu. You can serve traditional dishes like paella, gazpacho, and jamón ibérico. For dessert, a Spanish wedding cake or a tower of churros is an equally mouthwatering alternative to the traditional wedding cake.
Spanish wines are not to be forgotten, and a nice touch will also be adding a sangria station for an ongoing refreshment through the evening in honor of your guests. During your food tasting you will be introduced to the different dishes and wines. A great day out so make sure you book a taxi to get home.
Working with Local Vendors
When planning a destination wedding in Spain, make sure to work with local vendors that can help create an authentic Spanish wedding experience. Look for:
- Photographers familiar with the best spots for wedding photos
- Florists who are in a position to source beautiful flowers that are possibly native to the region.
- Caterers experienced in preparing local cuisine. At Rebate almost everything is local.
The in house wedding planner will be indispensable to help orchestrate these vendors and support you through language barriers.
Accommodations and Guest Experience
When having a destination wedding, it’s important to take into consideration the experience of your guests as well. Share information with them regarding:
- Recommended accommodations at various price points
- Options for transportation in the local area
- Attractions and activities nearby
Activities in groups can be organized either before or after the wedding for your guests to get some information about where they are and other guests. Included in all of our packages, coaches bring your guest to Rebate for the wedding and at the end of the night, the coaches take them back home.
Budget Considerations and cost of a destination wedding in Spain
While a destination wedding in Spain can be less costly than a wedding at home in many countries, the costs can very much depend on what you choose. Some of the costs to consider may well be:
- Travel and accommodation for you and your partner
- Venue rental
- Catering
- Decorations and flowers
- Photography and videography
- Entertainment
Remember, if you plan to visit the venues or meet vendors prior to the wedding, you will need to budget for various trips to Spain. Our all-inclusive packages make for a stress-free experience, and you would only need to visit once for food tasting. But of course, there is no shame in having a few extra trips out to Spain before the wedding!
A wedding in Spain means the creation of a very special, exclusive, and unforgettable celebration. In the weddings held within Rebate, the ‘wow’ factor is completely there, and your guest will remember your wedding day for years.
Every little detail should be thoughtfully planned. You can make your wedding a reflection of your own style with flair and beauty that only Spain can add. In this country, there are amazing locations, delicious food, and so much richness in its culture for which couples love to start their married life together.
If you are thinking of having a destination wedding in Spain, bear in mind that the most sought-after wedding venues get booked up rather far in advance, so you should start planning early in order to make sure your desired date and venue are reserved in advance. Click here to contact us. Our team is ready to listen to you. Start a chatting with us now and begin to plan the wedding you have dreamed of – click here
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This article is a general article about destination weddings in Spain. Hopefully it helps you to move forward in your destination wedding planning. Our venue is located on the Costa Blanca between Alicante and Murcia. Due to the amount of weddings we do at Rebate, we cannot offer wedding planning outside our venue. If you would like to have a local recommendation for a wedding planner that covers other areas, feel free to contact us!