DESTINATION WEDDINGS IN SPAIN
Destination Weddings in Spain
Why Get Married in Spain?
Spain is one of the most coveted wedding destinations in the world — and for good reason. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, world-renowned cuisine, and a stunning diversity of landscapes ranging from Mediterranean coastlines to medieval inland castles, getting married in Spain is an experience your guests will never forget.
Madrid, in particular, is an exceptional destination wedding hub. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport offers direct connections to over 180 destinations worldwide, making it easy for your international guests to arrive. And from the capital, you can access weddings in historic palaces, vineyard estates, Andalusian country houses, or rural mountain retreats — all within a few hours' drive.
At Este Sapo Tiene Novia, we are Madrid-based wedding planners who specialize in destination weddings for international couples. We speak Spanish and English fluently, we know the legal requirements for foreign couples getting married in Spain, and we have a solid network of vendors — photographers, caterers, florists, musicians — across the entire country.
Exceptional Climate
Over 300 days of sunshine a year. Spring and autumn are ideal for outdoor weddings — mild temperatures, golden light, and no rain. Summer months are also popular, especially along the Mediterranean coast.
Unique Venues
From baroque palaces in central Madrid to olive-grove estates in Toledo, vineyards in La Rioja, or villas with Mediterranean views — Spain offers a variety of settings for destination weddings that you'd be hard-pressed to find in any other European country.
Gastronomy & Wine
Spanish cuisine is recognized as one of the finest in the world. A wedding menu in Spain is, in itself, a memorable experience for your international guests: Iberian ham, fresh seafood, designation-of-origin wines, and a tradition of celebrating around the table that few cultures can match.
Excellent Connections
Madrid-Barajas is the largest flight hub between Europe and Latin America, with direct connections to almost every corner of the globe. Your guests — wherever they're coming from — can reach Spain without complicated layovers.
Competitive Pricing
Compared to other European wedding destinations like France, Italy, or the United Kingdom, Spain offers exceptional value for money. You can host a luxurious wedding for a budget that in other countries would barely cover a standard celebration.
Culture & Tradition
Spanish weddings have a special energy: the joy, the dancing, the live music, the endless toasts, guests chanting "¡Que se besen!" ("Kiss! Kiss!"). If you want your wedding to be a real party — not just a ceremony — Spain is your place.
Ceremony Types
Spain recognizes three types of ceremony, and foreign couples may choose any of them. We advise you on which best suits your legal situation and personal wishes.
Civil Ceremony
The civil ceremony is the only one with full legal effect in Spain for both residents and non-residents. It takes place before a judge or civil registrar in your chosen municipality. For foreign couples, documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish. The process can be started from your home country in advance, and we guide you through every step. This is the most popular option for international couples who want to be legally married in Spain.
Religious Ceremony
Catholic weddings have full civil recognition in Spain under the Concordat with the Holy See. Other religious denominations (Evangelical, Jewish, Islamic) are also legally recognized if registered as religious entities. Catholic weddings require at least one party to be baptized. Exact requirements depend on the diocese and chosen parish, but we know the process and can guide you through every step.
Symbolic Ceremony
The symbolic ceremony has no legal effect in Spain, but it's growing in popularity every year, especially among international couples. The advantage is total freedom: you can choose any location (a private garden, a vineyard, a rooftop with a view), any officiant, any ritual. Many couples choose to marry legally in their home country before or after, and celebrate their wedding in Spain symbolically with the style they truly want. For us, these weddings are some of the most moving and personal ones we plan.
Legal Requirements
Getting married in Spain as a foreign national is perfectly possible, but it requires preparation and time. The paperwork isn't complicated if you know what you need — and we handle the entire process, so you only have to worry about enjoying it.
Required documentation
- Birth certificate (with Apostille of The Hague if required by your home country)
- Certificate of marital status (single, divorced, or widowed as applicable)
- Valid passports for both parties
- Sworn translations into Spanish of all foreign documents
- In some cases, a consular registration certificate in Spain
Recommended timelines
Start the process at least 3 to 6 months in advance. The Civil Registry needs time to review and approve all documentation, and timelines can vary by municipality. We recommend starting as soon as you have your date and venue confirmed — the sooner, the better.
Consular registration
If you want your marriage celebrated in Spain to be legally recognized in your home country, you'll need to register it at the relevant consulate. We'll walk you through the necessary steps and help you prepare the documentation for that post-wedding process.
We handle the entire legal process on your behalf. You talk to us once, and we contact the Civil Registry, track the file, and keep you informed at every step. You don't need to understand Spanish bureaucracy — that's what we're here for.
Our Services for International Couples
We plan destination weddings throughout Spain, based in Madrid. We have experience working with couples from the UK, US, France, Germany, Latin America, and beyond. We know what it means to plan a wedding from a distance, and we've designed our services so that distance is never an obstacle.
Bilingual coordination ES / EN
The entire process — meetings, documentation, vendor communications — can be managed in Spanish or English according to your preference. You don't need to speak Spanish to get married in Spain with us.
Vendor network across Spain
We have trusted vendors in Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Valencia, Seville, the Costa Brava, and many other locations. Photographers, caterers, florists, musicians, photo booths, officiants — we know the best and we know who to work with.
Travel & accommodation advice
We help you find accommodation for the couple and guests, recommend restaurants for pre- and post-wedding dinners, and arrange transfers if needed. We want your entire experience in Spain to be perfect — not just the wedding day itself.
Cultural guidance
Weddings in Spain have their own traditions and rhythms: the aperitivo that stretches on, dancing until dawn, gifts of thanks for guests. We explain what to expect and how to blend your own traditions with Spanish ones to create a truly one-of-a-kind celebration.
Full logistical management
We handle all operational logistics: schedules, run-of-show documents, vendor coordination, contingency management. On your wedding day, you only need to arrive, enjoy, and get married. We take care of everything else.
Virtual meetings
We work with couples from around the world through video calls, email, and collaborative platforms. You don't need to travel to Madrid for every planning meeting — only for venue visits and, of course, the big day itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a wedding planner in Madrid?
The cost depends on the type of service (full planning or day-of coordination), the scope of the wedding and the season. Full planning covers everything from venue search to the last detail on the day; day-of coordination is the option for couples who have planned their wedding independently but want professional execution on the day. Contact us via the form for a personalised quote with no obligation.
How far in advance should I hire a wedding planner?
For full planning we recommend contacting us 12-18 months in advance, especially if you have popular Madrid venues in mind that book up more than 18 months ahead. For day-of coordination, 3-6 months is usually sufficient. The earlier we start, the more options we will have available for you.
Can foreigners get married in Spain?
Yes, civil ceremonies in Spain are open to all nationalities. Foreign couples need to obtain a certificate of no impediment from their home country, duly apostilled, along with identity documents and birth certificates. Specific timelines and requirements vary by nationality; we guide you through every step of the process.
What documents do international couples need to get married in Spain?
The usual documents are: valid passports for both parties, birth certificates with the Hague Apostille, a certificate of civil status (single, divorced or widowed) also apostilled, and sworn translations into Spanish of all foreign documents. In some cases a consular registration certificate is required. Timelines vary by nationality, so we recommend starting the process at least 3-6 months in advance.
Do you organise weddings outside Madrid?
Yes, our base is in Madrid but we specialise in destination weddings across Spain: Toledo, Segovia, Andalusia, Costa del Sol, La Rioja, Valencia and more. If you have a specific location in mind, get in touch — it is very likely we have trusted vendors in that area.
What is the difference between full planning and day-of coordination?
Full planning covers the entire process from the start: venue search, vendor selection, budget management, wedding design and day-of execution. Day-of coordination is designed for couples who have planned their wedding independently but want a professional to execute the plan on the day, coordinate vendors and handle any issues that arise. Talk to us to find out which fits your situation best.
How many weddings do you organise per year?
We deliberately limit the number of weddings we take on each season to guarantee personalised attention for every couple. Quality over quantity — when we work with you, you are truly at the centre of our attention. That is why we recommend contacting us as early as possible to confirm availability on your date.
What types of wedding ceremonies are available in Spain?
Spain offers civil ceremonies (at a town hall or approved venue), Catholic church weddings, other recognised religious ceremonies (evangelical, Jewish, Islamic), and symbolic ceremonies. For non-resident foreigners, only civil ceremonies at a Spanish registry office are straightforwardly legally binding without additional paperwork. Symbolic ceremonies are fully valid as a celebration — many couples marry legally in their home country and hold a symbolic ceremony in Spain.
Do you work with international photographers and vendors?
Yes. We have a curated network of bilingual photographers, caterers, florists, musicians, and other vendors across Spain. We can also coordinate with vendors the couple brings from their home country — we are used to working in multilingual, multicultural teams. Our goal is always to build the best team for your specific wedding.
Do you speak English?
Yes — our team is fully bilingual in Spanish and English. All communication, vendor coordination, contract review and wedding-day management can be conducted entirely in English if you prefer. You do not need to speak Spanish to plan your wedding in Spain with us.
Dreaming of a Wedding in Spain?