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How to Plan a Wedding in Spain – Costs, Timing & Legal Tips
For couples who want clarity before they say “sí, quiero”.
Planning a destination wedding in Spain is exciting — but it also comes with questions. Where do you start? How early should you book? What does a wedding actually cost here? And how does the legal process work?
Here’s your complete, practical guide to planning a wedding in Spain with confidence.
1. When to Start Planning Your Wedding in Spain
The ideal booking window is:
12 to 18 months in advance
Why so early? Because Spain’s most iconic venues — beachfront villas, medieval castles, masías, vineyards — book fast.
If you’re planning for a prime-date Saturday between May and October, securing the venue early is essential.
If you’re flexible with weekdays or months, you’ll have more availability and often better prices.
2. The Best Season to Get Married in Spain
Spain is beautiful all year round, but the wedding season has clear rhythms:
May to October: Warm, sunny, vibrant — the classic season
July & August: Hotter, perfect for beach weddings
September: The golden month — ideal temperatures and stunning sunsets
November to April: Off-season, cozy, intimate, and more budget-friendly
Winter weddings in castles, vineyards, or historic estates are increasingly popular for couples who want a unique atmosphere at a friendlier price point.
3. How Much Does a Wedding in Spain Cost?
Budgets vary depending on style, guest count, and venue — but here’s a realistic guideline:
Most international couples invest:
50,000 to 120,000 euros
What determines the total cost?
Venue type (villa, masía, castle, hotel, beach club)
Catering (Spain offers incredible gastronomy and generous portions)
Décor and florals
Photography and videography
Music and entertainment
Guest logistics (transfers, activities, accommodations)
Planner and coordination fees
Spain offers exceptional value for money compared with France, Italy, UK or the US — but it’s still important to approach planning with a realistic budget.
4. Legal vs Symbolic Weddings in Spain
This part confuses many couples, so let’s make it simple:
Legal (civil) weddings in Spain usually require residency
Symbolic weddings are the choice for 95% of international couples
If you’re not Spanish residents, the easiest and most popular option is:
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Complete the legal paperwork in your home country
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Celebrate a symbolic ceremony in Spain (indistinguishable from a real one)
Symbolic ceremonies offer full freedom to customize your vows, structure, and style — without the paperwork complications.
If you do want a legal wedding in Spain, it’s doable, but it requires:
Residency or religious membership documentation
Translations
Apostilles
Appointments
A wedding planner can guide you through the entire process so there are no surprises.
5. How Spain4Weddings Simplifies Everything
We guide you through:
Venue selection
Budget planning
Vendor booking and negotiation
Legal or symbolic ceremony steps
Guest logistics, transfers, activities
Full wedding-day coordination
Our job is to anticipate obstacles and create a smooth, joyful experience from start to finish.
Because planning a wedding abroad shouldn’t feel overwhelming — it should feel exciting, inspiring, and beautifully organized.
Ready to Plan Your Wedding in Spain?
If you want clarity, confidence, and expert guidance for every step of planning your destination wedding in Spain, we’re here for you.
Book your consultation here: weddings@spain4weddings.com
Spain is waiting — let’s make your celebration unforgettable.
