Getting married in spain: the complete guide for UK and US couples

For many couples, getting married in Spain feels like the perfect balance of beauty, atmosphere, and ease. The setting is romantic, the light is incredible, the food is exceptional, and the whole experience feels relaxed in a way that is hard to recreate elsewhere.

For UK and US couples, Spain is one of the most attractive destinations for a wedding abroad. It offers the feeling of a true destination celebration, while still being elegant, welcoming, and full of possibility.

If you are considering getting married in Spain, this guide will help you understand what to expect, how to plan, and which choices will shape the experience from the very beginning.

Why are so many UK and US couples getting married in Spain?

There are many reasons why couples choose a wedding in Spain, but the biggest one is often how it feels. A wedding here naturally creates a slower, warmer, more immersive atmosphere.

Spain is ideal for couples who want:

•  beautiful weather 
•  elegant outdoor venues 
•  exceptional food and wine 
•  a refined but relaxed setting 
•  a multi-day celebration with family and friends 

For UK and US couples especially, getting married in Spain often feels like a more personal and memorable alternative to a traditional wedding at home.

Can UK and US couples legally get married in Spain?

This is one of the most common questions when planning a wedding in Spain.

In many cases, UK and US couples choose to complete the legal marriage in their home country and then have a symbolic wedding in Spain. This is often the most straightforward option and gives couples much more flexibility.

A legal wedding in Spain may be possible depending on your nationality, residency status, and the local requirements in the area where you plan to marry. Because the process can vary, many couples prefer not to rely on legal paperwork abroad as part of the main celebration.

That is why a symbolic wedding in Spain is such a popular choice. It allows you to focus on the experience, the setting, and the meaning of the day itself.

Legal wedding at home, symbolic wedding in Spain

For many destination couples, this is the best of both worlds.

You handle the legal part at home, often quietly or with a small formal moment, and then celebrate your wedding in Spain exactly as you imagine it.

This approach gives you:

•  more freedom with venue choice 
•  less stress around paperwork 
•  more flexibility in the ceremony 
•  a smoother planning experience 
•  more space to focus on your guests and overall wedding atmosphere 

For most couples, the symbolic ceremony in Spain still feels like the true wedding day in every way that matters.

Is a symbolic wedding in Spain still meaningful?

Very much so.

In fact, many couples find it far more personal than a formal legal ceremony. A symbolic wedding in Spain gives you the freedom to create something that feels deeply reflective of your relationship and style.

You can personalise:

•  your vows 
•  the ceremony wording 
•  the music 
•  the language 
•  the timing 
•  the setting 
•  meaningful rituals or readings 

This often results in a ceremony that feels more intimate, emotional, and beautifully your own.

When should you start planning a wedding in Spain?

If you are planning a destination wedding in Spain, it is wise to begin 12 to 18 months in advance. This is especially important if you are hoping for a spring or summer wedding, or if you have a specific venue in mind.

Planning early gives you more choice and more calm.

It also allows time for:

•  venue sourcing 
•  supplier selection 
•  guest communication 
•  travel and accommodation planning 
•  styling and design decisions 
•  building a well-paced wedding weekend 

The earlier the foundation is in place, the smoother the process tends to feel.

How do you choose the right wedding venue in Spain?

Choosing the right wedding venue in Spain is about more than finding a beautiful backdrop. It is about finding a place that supports the entire experience.

A venue should work well for your guest count, your preferred style, the flow of the day, and the atmosphere you want to create.

Things to consider include:

•  distance from the nearest airport 
•  nearby accommodation options 
•  privacy and exclusivity 
•  weather backup options 
•  venue layout 
•  catering flexibility 
•  noise restrictions 
•  whether it suits a ceremony, dinner, and party 

The most successful wedding in Spain is one where beauty and practicality are equally considered.

Which part of Spain is best for your wedding?

The best location for your wedding in Spain depends on the style and feeling you are drawn to.

Marbella and Southern Spain

A strong choice for couples who love polished luxury, beautiful weather, and a glamorous Mediterranean atmosphere.

Mallorca

Perfect for an elegant island celebration with sea views, charming fincas, and a relaxed but elevated feel.

Ibiza

Ideal for couples who want laid-back luxury, creative styling, and a more modern destination wedding atmosphere.

Costa Brava

A lovely option for couples drawn to romantic coastal views, understated elegance, and a more intimate feel.

Inland Spain

Beautiful for those who want privacy, nature, heritage, and a wedding setting with authentic character.

How much does getting married in Spain cost?

The cost of getting married in Spain depends on many factors, including your guest count, venue, location, priorities, and the level of service and styling you want.

A wedding in Spain can feel effortless when it is well planned, but that does not mean it happens without thoughtful budgeting.

Your destination wedding budget may include:

•  venue hire 
•  catering and drinks 
•  wedding planning 
•  floral design and styling 
•  photography and videography 
•  lighting and sound 
•  music and entertainment 
•  stationery 
•  beauty services 
•  transport 
•  additional events such as a welcome dinner or farewell brunch 

For couples planning a luxury wedding in Spain, the focus is often on creating an experience that feels seamless, refined, and beautifully considered.

How do you create a smooth guest experience?

Guest experience is one of the most important parts of a destination wedding in Spain. When guests are travelling from the UK or the US, clear communication and thoughtful planning make a huge difference.

Guests should feel informed, welcomed, and looked after from the beginning.

This includes:

•  sending a save the date early 
•  sharing travel information clearly 
•  suggesting accommodation options 
•  organising local transport where needed 
•  creating a helpful wedding website 
•  outlining the full wedding weekend schedule 

When your guests feel relaxed and well guided, the whole celebration feels more enjoyable.

Why work with a destination wedding planner in Spain?

Planning a wedding in Spain from abroad comes with many moving parts. A destination wedding planner helps bring structure, clarity, and consistency to the entire process.

At BEST DAY EVER Events, we support couples with both the practical and creative side of planning, ensuring the wedding feels cohesive, personal, and beautifully executed.

This can include:

•  finding the right venue 
•  building the right supplier team 
•  managing timelines and communication 
•  developing the styling direction 
•  coordinating logistics 
•  supporting the guest journey 
•  overseeing the wedding day itself 

For UK and US couples, having a trusted planner on the ground in Spain often changes the entire planning experience.

What makes a wedding in Spain unforgettable?

A beautiful wedding in Spain is never just about the setting. It is about the way everything comes together.

The atmosphere. The pace. The people. The design. The warmth of the celebration. The sense of being fully present in a place that feels both beautiful and meaningful.

What makes getting married in Spain so special is the combination of:

•  a strong sense of place 
•  thoughtful guest experience 
•  refined styling 
•  emotional connection 
•  an effortless flow to the celebration 
•  time to truly enjoy it all 

That is what turns a destination wedding into something your guests will remember for years.

Final thoughts on getting married in Spain

Getting married in Spain is a wonderful choice for couples who want more than a traditional wedding day. It offers beauty, atmosphere, and the chance to create a celebration that feels deeply personal from beginning to end.

Whether you are dreaming of an intimate finca wedding, a coastal villa celebration, or a full wedding weekend in the Spanish sun, the right planning makes all the difference.

At BEST DAY EVER Events, we create weddings in Spain that feel stylish, considered, and genuinely personal. Always with a strong sense of atmosphere, flow, and guest experience.

If you are planning on getting married in Spain and would love expert guidance, we would be delighted to hear more about your plans.