Many couples from all around the world dream of a authentic wedding in Spain, with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and perfect climate. It's an increasingly popular choice. Some studies estimate that there are more than 14000 international weddings here every year and the popularity for Spain weddings is growing.
This in large part due to just how much Spain has to offer couples planning a destination wedding. From Islands to rugged mountain scapes. Vibrant cities to beach retreats. With a well established and professional wedding industry to deliver on making these dreams a reality.
UNDERSTANDING THE LEGALITIES OF MARRYYING IN SPAIN
However, legally marrying in Spain can be quite complicated. Read on to understand why.
The rules are quite clear that unless you meet one of these criteria then a legal marriage is not really an option for you:
You are a Spanish citizen (passport holder),
You have legally resided in Spain for more than two years,
You are planning a Catholic Church wedding.
Indeed many Spanish couples opt to have a celebrant ceremony as well to allow them the freedom to have a more personalised wedding experience in the location that they prefer at a time they choose.
BUT DON'T BE DETERRED YOUR DREAM WEDDING IN SPAIN CAN BE A REALITY AND HERE'S HOW....
Many international couples and indeed Spanish ones too, choose an alternative: a celebrant-led wedding that allows them to have their dream ceremony in the location that they want in Spain.
UPGRADE YOUR CEREMONY EXPERIENCE WITH A CELEBRANT
A celebrant wedding is by no means a compromise—on the contrary, it is an upgrade to the experience.
This choice allows couples the freedom to create a unique, deeply personal ceremony that reflects their love story, without the restrictions of legal formalities. You don’t need to compromise on tradition either—we can still include all the customary elements of a wedding ceremony that you might want. In fact, I often have guests who, after chatting with me, are surprised to learn that it wasn’t a legal ceremony.
Of course, I never mislead anyone, and there are certain phrases I would never say to imply that it is anything other than a symbolic ceremony, but if you want a traditional feel, I'm experience and can help you create it.
On the other hand, if you’d prefer something unique and unconventional, we can tear up the rule book and design a ceremony that truly reflects who you are as a couple. The choice is entirely yours.
This is one of the topics that I get asked about most frequently by couples and even locals who are curious about the legalities of getting married in Spain. Many people are surprised to learn that a celebrant wedding is often the preferred option, allowing for a fully customised and meaningful ceremony without the stress of legal complexities.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MARRIAGE AND A WEDDING
I find it helpful when chatting with people about what I do to highlight the distinction between a Marriage and a Wedding.
A marriage is a legal contract, recognised usually by a government. Whereas a wedding is a ceremonial celebration of love and commitment. One usually, but not always follows the other and if you think about it, follows the same procedure as the birth of a baby and the death of person. In the first instance when a baby is born the parents formally register the birth with the local authorities and then at a later date the christening or naming celebrations take place. When someone dies the death is formally registered followed by the funeral afterwards.
A wedding can be as personal and unique as the couple desires, without the constraints of legal bureaucracy. Many couples choose to handle the legal paperwork in their home country before or after their Spanish wedding, allowing them to focus on the beauty and meaning of their ceremony and the full wedding experience they imagined.
The Rise of Celebrant Weddings in Spain
With legal restrictions in place, more and more couples are opting for a celebrant wedding in Spain. A celebrant-led wedding allows couples complete freedom to personalise their ceremony, choosing the location, wording, traditions, and atmosphere that best reflect their love story.
As one of the leading professional celebrants in the Costa Blanca, Murcia, and Valencia region, I help couples craft bespoke, heartfelt ceremonies that create lasting memories. Whether you envision a romantic beachside exchange of vows or a mountaintop declaration of love, I work closely with couples to ensure every detail is perfect.
WHY SPAIN, AND ESPECIALLY THE COSTA BLANCA, IS A DREAM DESTINATION
Spain is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world, and for good reason. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and average temperatures ranging from mild winters to warm, sun-soaked summers, it offers the perfect setting for a wedding at any time of year. The Costa Blanca, in particular, is a dream location for many couples, boasting golden beaches, lush vineyards, and stunning mountaintop venues. Its accessibility from major international airports makes it a convenient choice for guests traveling from around the world.
Beyond its stunning scenery, the Costa Blanca has a well-developed wedding vendor network, ensuring that couples can find everything they need to bring their dream wedding to life. From expert photographers and talented florists to professional wedding planners and high-end caterers, every aspect of a wedding can be carefully curated with ease. This extensive network of professionals makes planning a wedding in Spain seamless and stress-free.
Another advantage of choosing Spain, and particularly the Costa Blanca, for a wedding is its easy accessibility. With three major international airports—Alicante, Murcia, and Valencia—guests can travel from all over the world with minimal hassle.
Alicante Airport, in particular, is a hub for many international flights, offering a wide range of connections to the UK, Europe, and beyond. This makes it easy for friends and family to join in the celebrations, regardless of where they are traveling from.
Spain provides the perfect canvas to create your dream wedding, whether you envision a Vogue-worthy styled event, a small and intimate ceremony, or a Spanish-themed authentic finca experience. It is also an increasingly popular choice for commitment ceremonies and modern elopements, offering couples the flexibility to celebrate their love in the way that feels most meaningful to them.
THE GROWING POPULARITY OF DESTINATION WEDDINGS
Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular for couples looking to create unforgettable experiences in stunning locations. The appeal of combining a wedding and a vacation, along with the opportunity to celebrate with close family and friends in a picturesque setting, makes destination weddings highly attractive. Additionally, destination weddings often allow for smaller, more intimate gatherings, making them a meaningful and cherished experience.
Globally, it is estimated that over 25% of all weddings are now destination weddings, with couples choosing to say “I do” in beautiful settings far from home. Each year, around 340,000 destination weddings take place worldwide, demonstrating just how sought-after this trend has become. Couples are drawn to the idea of exchanging vows in a breathtaking setting, surrounded by loved ones, while also creating lasting memories in a beautiful location.
Couples choose destination weddings for various reasons, including the opportunity to extend their celebrations into a wedding holiday, combining the magic of their big day with an unforgettable experience for themselves and their guests. Many couples also find that destination weddings allow them to escape the pressures and expectations of traditional weddings, embracing a more relaxed and meaningful approach that reflects their personalities and love story.
MY CEREMONY MAGIC
As a professional celebrant, I bring years of experience in crafting and delivering heartfelt, memorable ceremonies. My background in public speaking dates back to childhood, from being the school play narrator to delivering engaging presentations at international conferences. My love for words and storytelling has shaped my approach, ensuring that every ceremony I create is a true reflection of each couple’s journey.
I specialize in international weddings, seamlessly working across time zones and creatively engaging multilingual guests. Whether it’s a wedding, vow renewal, or elopement, I tailor each ceremony to be unique and deeply personal. I’ve conducted ceremonies in Spanish, French, and even included introductions in Lithuanian, Italian, Russian, and Greek—because I love a challenge!
More than just a celebrant, I am a teller of love stories and a creator of magical moments. I pour my heart into every script, ensuring that no two ceremonies are alike. Planning a wedding from afar can seem daunting, but I work closely with couples to guide them every step of the way. On the big day, I am there as a familiar face, ensuring the ceremony runs smoothly and is filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories.
CREATING YOUR DREAM WEDDING IN SPAIN
If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Spain, don’t be put off by the legal complexities. If Spain is your dream, make it happen! In fact, what’s on offer is so amazing that it’s an upgrade from the run-of-the-mill legal wedding experience. A celebrant-led wedding gives you the freedom to design a ceremony that is truly yours—filled with emotion, personal touches, and unforgettable moments.
I would love to help bring your vision to life. As a professional celebrant, I specialise in crafting personalized ceremonies that reflect your unique love story. Whether you're planning a wedding, vow renewal, or elopement in Alicante, Murcia, or Valencia, I am here to guide you through the process and make your special day truly unforgettable.
Let’s start planning the wedding of your dreams. Contact me today, and together we’ll create a celebration that you and your guests will cherish forever.
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