Getting married in Spain is more than choosing a beautiful destination. It is the beginning of an unforgettable experience filled with sunshine, culture, gastronomy, music, breathtaking landscapes and the people you love most.
From romantic countryside fincas and historic palaces to Mediterranean beach venues and intimate elopements, Spain offers endless possibilities for couples dreaming of a destination wedding with soul.
At That’sAmore, we help international couples plan elegant, personal and stress-free weddings in Andalusia and Southern Spain. As multilingual wedding planners, we guide you through every step — from finding the perfect venue and selecting trusted local vendors to coordinating the wedding day itself.
Why get married in Spain?
Spain is one of the most inspiring places in Europe for a destination wedding. The country combines beautiful weather, rich traditions, incredible food, historic architecture and a warm Mediterranean lifestyle that makes every celebration feel special.
For international couples, Spain offers a unique balance: it feels romantic and exciting for guests, while still being well connected, accessible and full of professional wedding suppliers.
Can foreigners get married in Spain?
Yes, foreigners can get married in Spain, but the process depends on your nationality, residence status, personal circumstances and the type of ceremony you want.
According to Spain’s official public administration portal, if both parties are foreigners, they may marry in Spain under the same provisions as Spanish citizens or according to the personal law of either party. The marriage must meet the legal requirements and, once celebrated, it must be registered in the Civil Registry to be fully recognised.
That said, many international couples choose to complete the legal marriage in their home country and celebrate a symbolic wedding ceremony in Spain. This is often simpler, more flexible and ideal for destination weddings where the priority is the experience, the setting and the celebration with guests.
How long does it take to plan a wedding in Spain?
For a destination wedding in Spain, we recommend starting 12 to 18 months in advance, especially if you want a popular venue, a spring or summer date, or a full wedding weekend with guests travelling from abroad.
A typical planning timeline looks like this:
12–18 months before
Choose your destination, define your approximate guest count, set your budget and start searching for venues.
9–12 months before
Book your venue, planner, photographer, caterer, music and key suppliers.
6–9 months before
Work on design, accommodation, guest logistics, ceremony details, flowers, rentals, stationery and transportation.
3–6 months before
Confirm menu, timeline, legal or symbolic ceremony details, beauty team, seating plan and final supplier meetings.
Final month
Review every detail, finalise the schedule, confirm supplier arrivals and prepare the wedding day coordination plan.
With a wedding planner, you do not need to manage all of this alone. Our role is to make sure every decision connects beautifully and every supplier knows exactly what needs to happen.
Civil, religious or symbolic wedding in Spain: what is the difference?
Civil wedding in Spain
A civil wedding is legally recognised in Spain when all requirements are met and the marriage is properly authorised and registered.
Before the wedding can take place, couples usually need to provide documentation showing that there is no legal impediment to the marriage. The official Spanish administration explains that those who wish to marry must provide evidence that they meet the requirements and that there are no impediments to the marriage. This process may be handled by the Civil Registry, a notary or another authorised official, depending on the case.
Religious wedding in Spain
Spain also recognises certain religious weddings, provided the legal requirements are met and the marriage is later registered correctly. The official Spanish administration states that marriages celebrated in religious form may be recorded in the Civil Registry through the certificate issued by the officiating minister.
Symbolic wedding ceremony in Spain
Many couples legally marry in their home country before travelling, then celebrate a personalised ceremony in Spain with their family and friends. This option gives you much more freedom: you can choose the location, wording, music, rituals, timing and overall atmosphere without being limited by legal formalities.
For many international couples, this is the easiest and most meaningful way to celebrate their wedding in Spain.
What documents do you need to get married in Spain?
The exact documents depend on your nationality, civil status, residence and the type of wedding. However, international couples may commonly be asked for documents such as:
- Valid passports or identity documents
- Birth certificates
- Certificate of no impediment or equivalent document
- Proof of marital status
- Divorce decree or death certificate, if previously married
- Proof of residence, where applicable
- Official translations into Spanish
- Apostille or legalisation of foreign documents
Because requirements can vary, you should always confirm the exact list with the Civil Registry, consulate, church or legal authority involved in your case.
How much does a wedding in Spain cost?
The cost of a wedding in Spain depends on location, number of guests, venue, catering, design, entertainment, accommodation needs and the level of production you want.
As a general guide, destination weddings in Spain can range from intimate elopements to full luxury wedding weekends.
Some of the main factors that affect the final budget are:
- Venue rental
- Catering and bar service
- Number of guests
- Florals and decoration
- Photography and videography
- Music and entertainment
- Lighting and technical production
- Transport and guest logistics
- Pre-wedding and post-wedding events
- Wedding planning and coordination
At That’sAmore, we help you understand what is realistic for your priorities and create a supplier selection that fits your budget, style and expectations.
Why choose Andalusia for your destination wedding?
Andalusia has a special kind of beauty. It is romantic without trying too hard, elegant without feeling cold and full of traditions that make a wedding feel alive.
Here, your guests can enjoy more than one wedding day. They can discover local food, Spanish wines, flamenco, historic towns, beach sunsets and slow Mediterranean evenings.
For destination weddings, this matters. Your wedding becomes not only a celebration, but a complete travel experience.
Ready to plan your wedding in Spain?
Your wedding in Spain should feel exciting, personal and beautifully organised — not stressful or confusing.
Whether you are just starting to explore locations or already have a date in mind, we would love to hear your story and help you understand what is possible.
Tell us about your dream wedding in Andalusia and we will guide you through the next steps.