Plan a Same-sex Destination Wedding in Spain

Spain is a great place to get married. With its balmy weather, its culinary richness, its amazing variety of wedding venues and landscapes, it’s difficult to go wrong.

Even better, it has a thriving and embracing LGBT community.

Wedding planner Natalia Oritz gives us the lowdown on planning a destination wedding in Spain.

Local knowledge

When planning a destination wedding, there’s always the temptation to hire an English wedding planner, for ease more than anything else – it cuts out the long-distance Skype calls and instead allows you to meet face-to-face.

But, as Natalia explains, it’s not always a good idea because they lack the local knowledge of an on-the-ground planner:

“Hiring an experienced wedding planner who lives and works in the country you want to marry is important.

They will have so much more local knowledge than a planner based in a different country.

They’ll know the best vendors, the best venues, how to negotiate local deals and how to get you the most for your money.”

They will also know which regions are more accepting of LGBT couples than others, which is crucial when you’re planning a gay destination wedding.

“In Spain, Barcelona and Madrid are probably the two most LGBT welcoming cities. Madrid has one of the largest Pride parades in Europe.”

Costs and Logistics

Transportation can be expensive in Spain, and Natalia suggests trying to save on costs by hosting your wedding and reception at the same venue.

“Hotels, castles and estates are good options for this,” she explains. “They often offer all-inclusive wedding packages that factor in everything you need for your big day.”

Know The Seasons

Summer (June – August) is always the most popular season for wedding, but for some couples and their guests, the hot Spanish climate can be too much.

Consider whether you’d rather marry in the heat, the warm or the cold. Spring (mid-March-May) in Spain tends to be warm, and nights cool; Autumn (September-November) is cooler with a chance of rain; and Winter (December – mid-March) can be cold and dry unless you choose the Canary Islands, which remain warm.

Choosing Your Location

Spain’s landscapes are vast and varied.

If you want to play on a winter theme, the North of Spain has beautiful mountains which are often covered in snow during the winter.

And in summer, you have the pick of the bunch – beaches, countryside, cities, you just need to find your favourite!

“Couples often choose a city wedding because they are easier for guests to access; those planning a destination wedding in Spain often go for locations that are less than an hour from an airport.

But a city venue can limit your space – if you want something with more space to roam, head to a Spanish castle or villa in the country.”

Spanish Styling

According to Natalia, the hottest wedding trends in Spain are:

1. Watercolour wedding invitations
2. Natural headpieces, shoes and colourful veils for brides
3. Outdoor ceremonies and banquets

Expert Recommended: Wedding Venues In Spain

Snow-capped mountains, postcard perfect beaches and historic cities filled with art and sculpture from some of the world’s greatest artists, Spain-based wedding planner Natalia Oritz, shares her favourite Spanish destination wedding venues.

Beach Weddings Venues in Spain

Spain has incredible white sandy beaches, and the beautiful blue sea provides a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding photographs.

1. Boo Restaurant & Beach Club is an exclusive restaurant located on the beach of Nova Mar Bella, in Barcelona, Catalonia.

2. Restaurant next to the beach in Arenys de Mar in Barcelona, and a delicious seafood banquet in the restaurant next to the beach.

3. Miramar la Ribera located on the shore of the Mar Menor and with a view of the sea. It has a capacity for 200 diners.

Mountain Weddings Venues in Spain

If you are seeking a Spanish wedding venue with spectacular views with unforgettable surroundings, try these.

1. Finca Comassema estate is an exclusive venue in the beautiful Sierra de Tramuntana in Mallorca, with exclusive views of the valley and a capacity for 400 people.

2. Hotel Consolación – located in one of the most beautiful and undiscovered regions of Spain; the Matarraña.

3. La Baronia – Surrounded by woods and nature, La Baronia enjoys excellent views over the village of Sant Feliu de Codina and the Vallès Oriental.

Castle Weddings Venues In Spain

Feel like royalty surrounded by epic ancient architecture in a country that loves to party: marry in a Spanish castillo.

1. Palace of Aldovea – is a luxurious XVIII century palace just 25 km from the Madrid, in Finca Aldovea de San Fernando de Henares.

2. Castle of Vinelas was designed to be a fortress palace, built in the XVII century and belonged at different times to Spanish monarchs and aristocrats.

3. Spectacular XIII century Catalan house has a capacity of up to 200 guests and has accommodation for 26 people.

Villa Weddings Venues in Spain

Perfect for more intimate, personal weddings, Spanish villas can be one of the more affordable destination wedding options that still offer plenty of room and some stunning views.

1. Mas Torroella is an exclusive Catalan estate from the XIV century, renovated with the greatest luxury and preserving its original charm to celebrate unforgettable events.

2. Casa del Mar, a paradise being built originally in the fourteenth century as a rural farmhouse.

3. Casa Manuel is a typical house on the island of Formentera, located in the countryside, with capacity for 14 people.

About Natalia

Natalia has been planning weddings in Spain for eight years.

Born in Russia, she moved to Spain in 2005 and has given magazine interviews all over the world, and was a guest speaker at an international wedding conference Italy’s Lake Como in 2016.

Discover how she can help you plan your destination wedding in Spain by getting in touch with her direct at NataliaOrtizEvents.com