Be honest — if you’ve ever pictured saying “I do” somewhere far from home, Spain has probably made your shortlist. And we don’t blame you! Who can resist those gorgeous coastlines that double as stunning wedding backdrops, old stone chapels that ooze romance, and flamenco music that can turn any reception up a notch? And let’s not forget, wine just hits different under the Spanish sun.

But planning a wedding abroad isn’t just booking a pretty venue and calling it a day. You want it to feel like you, not just a Pinterest board. It’s about finding little ways to bring Spain’s charm into your day while keeping it real for you and your people.

So before you get buried in mood boards, take a breath. Here are a few honest, practical tips to help you plan a wedding in Spain that’s stylish, personal, and full of soul, just like you want it to be.

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Choose a Region That Reflects Your Story

Spain has so much variety that no two weddings ever feel the same. A celebration in the hills of Andalusia will be nothing like one in the Basque Country or out on the Balearic Islands.

If you love the idea of whitewashed villages and olive groves, the south might be your spot. Prefer the sea? The Costa Brava’s rugged cliffs and clear coves are hard to top. Or maybe you’re after culture, amazing architecture, and that big-city vibe — then celebration spots in Barcelona are worth a look. 

Wherever you end up, choose a venue that reflects the true beginning for your happily ever after.

Plan a Visit in Advance

It’s tempting to plan your whole destination wedding from miles away — but if you can swing it, give yourselves the gift of a planning trip. It’s practical, sure, but it can also be a pre-wedding moon.

Use the time to scout local vendors, get a feel of the venues, try the food, and picture how your day will really feel. Wander the narrow streets, you might sneak away to for photos. Breathe in the local flowers that could end up in your bouquet. Notice how the light shifts throughout the day — especially that golden hour when Spain seems to glow.

Planning a wedding abroad shouldn’t feel like ticking boxes. It’s part of the adventure.

Embrace Local Traditions (and Make Them Your Own!)

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One of the best parts about getting married somewhere new is adding a bit of local flavour. Spain has so many lovely traditions you can borrow or put your own spin on.

You might exchange arras — thirteen coins that symbolise prosperity — during your ceremony. Alternatively, you could hire flamenco dancers or musicians to add some extra magic and fun. Perhaps you’ll opt for a local cava instead of Champagne, or select small bottles of olive oil or Spanish wine to remind you of this place long after the day is done.

Choose the bits that make you smile and skip what doesn’t. When your wedding feels rooted in the place you’re in, it becomes so much more than a day,  it becomes part of your story.

Work With Local Experts You Trust

Having the right people on your side makes all the difference when you’re planning a wedding from miles away. A good local wedding planner who knows the area inside and out can help you handle everything, from paperwork you didn’t even know you needed to the little cultural details that make your day feel special (and run smoothly).

Take your time to find your people. Ask for recommendations, read reviews, and go with your gut — you want a team that feels like family on the day. If you find a florist who just gets your style, a photographer whose photos make you feel something, and a planner who keeps you calm when things get messy, you’re already winning.

And don’t be shy about leaning on their experience — they’ll know what works (and what really doesn’t) in that corner of Spain.

Think About the Guest Experience

Your guests are flying all the way to Spain for you. Make it feel like more than just a wedding day.

A welcome get-together is a great way to bring everyone together. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Maybe it’s a casual tapas night at a neighbourhood bar or a paella lunch by the sea. Little moments like this help everyone relax and get to know each other before the big day.

Think about what will make their trip smoother, too. Share clear travel details, a few places to stay at different price points, and a short guide to local things to see or do. A small handwritten note waiting in their room is such a simple gesture, but it means so much.

Your wedding is, of course, about the two of you, but it’s also about the people who show up to stand by you. Take care of them, and you’ll feel that love coming right back to you all weekend long.

Be Prepared for the Paperwork

Here’s the practical bit — yes, the legal side can be tricky! Spain has specific residency requirements if you want a civil wedding recognised by local authorities. Many couples choose to do the legal bit at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Spain instead.

If you do want to make it official in Spain, start early. Gather your documents, check with local authorities, and ask your planner or venue for help. Nothing kills the vibe like last-minute paperwork stress!

Dress for the Climate and the Setting

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You’ll be in that dress all day, under the Spanish sun, maybe walking through narrow streets or across a stretch of sand. It should feel easy, not clingy or stiff. You want to move, hug people, dance, not think about sweat marks or shoes that pinch.

When the sun dips behind the hills, you’ll be glad you brought something soft to wrap around your shoulders. Not because someone told you to, but because you want to stay in the moment, not rush inside just to warm up.

It’s not about following a checklist. It’s about feeling good in your own skin, from that first step down the aisle to the last song of the night.

Finally, Enjoy Your Big Day

You’ve come all this way — don’t rush through it! Breathe in the fact that you’re starting your married life somewhere that feeds your spirit. That’s the true magic of a wedding abroad.