Introducing our complete guide on everything you need to know to elope in Spain!
Being professional wedding planners, we know the appeal Spain has for couples who want to elope in a romantic and unforgettable place.
This guide will provide the top places to elope in Spain ranging from lively cities to peaceful countryside and pretty coastlines. Whether you have a dream of getting married in the historical streets of Barcelona or the beautiful beach of the Costa del Sol, we will give you all the details you need to plan a perfect elopement.
Are you prepared to take a crucial step toward your elopement in this beautiful country? If the answer is yes, join us for a journey through Spain, where we will define when couples should elope and how to make their day unforgettable.
Everything You Need To Know To Elope in Spain
Spain Elopement: Basics For Every Couple
Congratulations on choosing Spain as the backdrop for your elopement! If you are willing to have a wedding ceremony, this country has a lot of romantic and intimate places for your special day.
As wedding planners who focus solely on creating unforgettable moments, we present the ultimate guide to eloping in Spain. Here, you'll find all you need to know about how and where to elope in Spain without the headache of legalities.
In Spain, as in the rest of Europe, the wedding bureaucracy is rather long and complicated for foreign couples. Wedding ceremony for non-residents is not recognized by the country whether it is a religious or civil ceremony. Even for residents, the process can last for months which creates planning stress. This is where the symbolic ceremony comes to the fore.
Symbolic Ceremonies: A Customized Party
Choosing a symbolic event lets you concentrate only on the love celebration without legal obstacles. Your ceremony can be personalized completely to tell your story thus, making it intimate and romantic.
Picture saying your vows with the awe-inspiring Teide Volcano in Tenerife as your backdrop or in the midst of the ancient cities of the Basque Country.
The text of a symbolic ceremony is typically crafted by an officiant who tailors it to your relationship, adding personal details that make the moment even more special. This personal touch makes the ceremony even more touching and sentimental than a civil one.
Our Advice: Combine Legalities and Romance
We would personally advise you to get legally married in your country and have a symbolic event in Spain if neither you nor your partner have Spanish citizenship.
In this manner, you can still say your wedding vows in a lovely and private place without dealing with legal procedures in a foreign country. Also, this way you can concentrate only on the celebration and make sure that your marriage is recognized legally in your country.
Choosing the Perfect Location
The possibilities are limitless when it comes to an idyllic place for your civil or symbolic wedding ceremony.
A wedding ceremony is attractive because it may be held anywhere you like, such as in front of historical sites, on a golden coastline at sunset, or in the tranquil countryside of Andalusia.
Why not have your destination wedding in the charming coastal town of San Sebastian, famous for its beautiful beaches and lively Spanish culture?
You may also decide to exchange vows in a beautiful public park located in the center of Spanish cities such as Barcelona or Valencia. Why not consider a private villa with views of the sea that provides an intimate and exclusive atmosphere?
More about wonderful elopement destinations in Spain you may learn in the paragraphs that follow.
Spain's Greatest Elopement Destinations
So, begin a journey across Spain's beautiful cities and islands, each offering a unique backdrop for your big or small wedding. From the historic streets of Madrid to the sun-kissed beaches of Mallorca, let's explore the perfect settings to legally marry and create memories to last a lifetime.
10 best places where to elope in Spain:
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Seville
- Segovia
- Mallorca
- Menorca
- Valencia
- Tarragona
- Malaga
- Toledo
Madrid: Ancient Architecture and Boho Chic Vibes
If you are thinking of eloping in Spain, the capital should be your first choice! Below, find out why.
Capital of Spain, Madrid combines old-world elegance with modern boho chic vibes, making it an ideal wedding destination all year.
Madrid, as a large city, offers a variety of venues for your dream wedding, from a big event in a historic mansion to a modest gathering in a stylish rooftop bar.
It's up to you to choose to get married among the renowned architecture of the Royal Palace or hold a bohemian ceremony in the lush grounds of Retiro Park.
While you party with your closest friends, don't forget to record every moment with a skillful wedding photographer.
Barcelona: Beachside Beauty and Dynamic Culture
Barcelona is a big city in Catalonia full of life characterized by a large crowd, especially in the summer months, as well as a mix of cultures from the Roman ruins to Catalan modernism.
With its gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, Barcelona makes a great location for a beach wedding ceremony during the summer or spring.
Exchange your vows to the music of the waves, then have your reception at a beachside restaurant with breathtaking views of the sea.
For couples seeking old-world elegance, the Gothic Quarter offers small lanes and historic buildings perfect for romantic strolls and beautiful wedding photos.
As wedding planners with a goal to make the day ideal, we guarantee that your Barcelona wedding will be a perfect blend of refinement and cultural energy.
Seville: A Romantic City With a Rich History
Seville is the most picturesque city in the south of Spain, which stands out for its delicious food and lively gypsy culture.
Couples looking for a lovely wedding venue will be enchanted by its romantic appeal and rich history. Imagine saying "I do" to your partner in the courtyard of Seville's Alcázar, surrounded by centuries of beauty.
If you want a true Spanish experience, hold your reception in a traditional hacienda or ancient palace, where good food and flamenco dancers will create the ideal mood for an unforgettable evening.
With sunny days all year, Seville invites lovers to experience its warmth and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Segovia: Fairy Tale Environments
Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is rich with fairy-tale places and historical grandeur, making it ideal for a romantic destination wedding.
Consider exchanging vows in the shadow of Segovia's famed Aqueduct, a symbol of the city's history. After concluding the marriage, celebrate in the gorgeous courtyard of a medieval castle or a rustic Spanish villa surrounded by grapes.
The old architecture of Segovia provides a wonderful backdrop for your wedding photographer to capture every minute of your big day.
Segovia presents an amazing year-round wedding venue that will provide you with a remember-forever fairytale experience.
Mallorca: Destination Wedding in Island Paradise
Want to elope in Spain? Consider Mallorca!
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is a paradise island that welcomes couples to marry on its stunning beaches. For couples seeking a beach wedding, Mallorca's magnificent waves and sands are perfect.
Imagine vow renewal under a traditional bamboo canopy overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, followed by a sunset reception at a beachside restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
Our Mallorca wedding packages ensure that your wedding day in this island paradise is faultless, with every moment captured by a professional wedding photographer.
Menorca: Tranquil Island Charm
The peaceful sister island of Mallorca, Menorca provides a serene environment to those seeking an isolated and tranquil wedding destination.
Menorca is great for a bohemian beach wedding due to its clean beaches and laid-back atmosphere away from the crowds.
You can get married in a private cove overlooking the turquoise ocean, followed by a romantic dinner under the stars at a modest seaside restaurant.
Menorca's year-round wonderful weather and gorgeous surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for your wedding photographer to capture every detail of your special day.
Whether they are barefoot ceremonies on the beach or rustic celebrations in a traditional finca, Menorca weddings are peaceful and beautiful.
Tarragona: Ancient Ruins and Seaside Beauty
Tarragona, found along the beautiful Costa Dorada, is a city with ancient history and coastal beauty, providing a distinctive wedding venue.
Pledge the vows in the old Roman ruins of Tarragona’s amphitheater with the beautiful beaches sprawling in the background.
For those who would like to mix history and nature, hold your reception in a beachfront venue with a 360-degree view of the sea.
The all-year-round good weather in Tarragona guarantees a perfect celebration whether it’s a summer beach wedding or a snug winter gathering in a historic hacienda.
We specialize in wedding planner services in Tarragona that will ensure a perfect and memorable day from the ceremony to the reception.
Valencia: Colorful Mediterranean Celebrations
Valencia, a city of Mediterranean romance and exuberant festivals, offers numerous options for your wedding day.
Exchange your wedding vows in an antique church with complex embellishments, or hold an outdoor ceremony in the center of the city's charming old town.
Because of Valencia's proximity to the shore, couples can have a beachfront elopement ceremony followed by a reception at a coastal restaurant.
Valencia, with its all-year pleasant climate, provides a celebration full of Mediterranean beauty and unforgettable experiences.
As wedding planners, we strive for a perfect balance of traditional elegance and contemporary style for your Valencia wedding.
Malaga: Sunny Beaches and Cultural Wealthes
Malaga is a city situated along the Costa del Sol, with sun-kissed beaches and cultural resources, making it a great location for a wedding celebration.
Get married in a medieval cathedral with breathtaking views of the sea of the Mediterranean, or enjoy a beach wedding with sand under your feet.
Following the civil ceremony, treat your guests to a beachside chiringuito with fresh seafood and local delights.
Our Malaga wedding preparation services are designed to make your elopement in Spain run smoothly and pleasurable, from ceremony to reception.
Toledo: Medieval Magnificence
Finally, during your elopement in Spain, consider Toledo as well. Toledo is a city of ancient majesty and everlasting beauty that offers a historical backdrop for a beautiful destination wedding.
Take your vows in a 300-year-old church with intricate features, or arrange the wedding in a historic palace with ancient walls. Toledo's old-world beauty provides endless opportunities for gorgeous wedding photos that capture every detail of your special day.
Toledo offers a wedding event that transports you back in time, whether it's a large event in a historical location or a small gathering in a traditional courtyard.
When Should You Elope in Spain?
As a seasoned destination wedding planner team, specializing in Spain's Mediterranean climate, we unveil the perfect settings for your intimate ceremony, year-round!
From the vibrant blossoms of spring to the sun-drenched beaches of summer, the rich hues of autumn, and the cozy charm of winter, Spain offers a canvas of options for your special day.
Spain's climate ensures sunny days, making it an ideal destination to elope from your home country. Whether it's the peak season allure of summer or the serene beauty of off-peak months, each season in Spain promises unique experiences.
Spring
With its beautiful landscapes and moderate temperatures, springtime in Spain is ideal for a dream elopement.
Picture vow renewal in a national park full of colorful flowers or in a small Spanish town, where the air is filled with the scent of blossoms.
For those looking for a religious ceremony, bustling towns like Seville and Barcelona have historical cathedrals and lovely streets to make the occasion unique.
Spring in Spain promises golden beaches, breathtaking scenery, and one-of-a-kind experiences, from the Mediterranean charm of the coast to the picturesque Spanish islands such as the Canary Islands.
Summer
Summer is the time of year when couples come to Spain for an elopement under the warm Mediterranean sun.
The Balearic Islands, with their gorgeous beaches and blue waters, are ideal for a beachfront elopement ceremony.
Valencia and Malaga are two cities that also provide beautiful beaches and a vibrant urban atmosphere. Imagine saying "I do" with the ocean waves as background music while partying with your family in a beach villa.
Summer in Spain is undoubtedly synonymous with beach weddings, and the Canary Islands offer a tropical paradise for couples looking for an unforgettable elopement.
Autumn
Autumn in Spain brings milder temperatures and a burst of colors, making it ideal for elopement.
The Balearic Islands are great for an intimate wedding in the fall due to their sunny days and lovely scenery. A symbolic ceremony on a vineyard in La Rioja or Catalonia encapsulates the essence of the season, complete with wine-themed festivities and spectacular views.
For those looking for a mix of culture and incredible nature, Spanish cities like Granada or Toledo may be great historical destinations for an autumn elopement.
The Canary Islands are also beautiful in the fall, with their moderate climate and diverse scenery suitable for elopements.
Winter
Spain winter season elopement in Spain allows couples to embrace the country's intimate charm. Imagine a candlelit event at an ancient Spanish castle or a charming chapel in the countryside, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Even in the winter, the Balearic Islands make an excellent location for elopements by the Mediterranean Sea, with isolated coves for private weddings. With mild winters and beautiful scenery, Spanish islands such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria make for a nice retreat as well.
A couple can also opt to hold a joyful party in a Spanish city like Madrid or Seville, where Christmas lights, historic architecture, and holiday markets create a lovely backdrop.
Winter elopements in Spain are perfect for a modest ceremony by the fire or a lavish party under the winter' warm sun.
Conclusion: Elope In Spain For a Dream Wedding
We are wedding planners who are passionate about creating unforgettable events, therefore we developed an all-inclusive guide to eloping in Spain. To choose the perfect wedding venue and make amazing memories, we will take you from the historic streets of Madrid to the sun-kissed beaches of Mallorca.
Spain offers a plethora of attractive sites, and which of them should you decide on? Whether you like to spend your time surrounded by historical buildings and bohemian atmosphere in Madrid or enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean coast and vibrant culture of Barcelona, as well as romantic Seville with its rich historical background, you will certainly find the right destination for your wedding in Spain.
Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage City, has a fairytale-like landscape with lovely historical sites. Mallorca and Menorca offer a tranquil island atmosphere ideal for barefoot beach ceremonies or rustic parties in ancient fincas.
Tarragona, with its historic buildings and seashore beauty, provides a unique destination wedding setting, while Valencia's lively Mediterranean celebrations guarantee amazing experiences as well.
What time of year is optimal to elope in Spain? There is no single answer to that. Every season has its own beauty, from the blossoms of spring to the sunny beaches of summer, the warm colors of autumn, and the comfort of winter.
Whether it's a romantic wedding in a national park with colorful flowers or a seaside elopement under the warm Spanish sun, all of the seasons bring unique memories and emotions.