A guide to a church wedding in Spain
Getting Married in Spain. Popular Churches and Destinations in Andalucia
Dreaming of a romantic wedding in Spain, surrounded by historic churches and stunning landscapes? Spain, with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque towns like Marbella, Nerja, and Frigiliana, offers a beautiful backdrop for couples looking to exchange vows in a church setting. Getting married abroad should definitely not mean you have to compromise on your dream wedding.
If you’re considering tying the knot in Spain and have your heart set on a church ceremony, here’s a comprehensive guide to legally marrying in Spain.
Legal Requirements
Before planning your church wedding in Spain, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements:
Residency Requirement: One of the parties must have been a resident in Spain for at least two years prior to the marriage. However, this requirement can be waived if you obtain a special permit or marry in a Catholic church.
Civil Ceremony: A civil ceremony must precede a church wedding. This civil marriage provides the legal foundation for your union, and you’ll need to obtain a marriage certificate from the local civil registry.
Documents: Prepare the necessary documents, including valid passports, birth certificates, certificate of marital status, and proof of residency. These documents must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and legalized with an apostille.
Pre-marital Course: Some regions in Spain require couples to attend a pre-marital course or interview as part of the marriage process.
Popular Churches and Destinations in Andalucia
Each of these towns offers a unique setting for a church wedding, and you really are spoilt for choice for what ever vibe you are planning for your wedding. Marbella old town is famous for its charm and luxury or perhaps you imagine a hill top Spanish village for a more intimate and local feel.
Marbella
Known for its luxurious settings, Marbella provides a perfect blend of glamour and history for your wedding day.
Church of La Encarnación: Located in Marbella’s charming Old Town, this grand church is surrounded by narrow, cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings, creating a romantic and timeless setting. It is a popular choice for a Marbella wedding and with so many luxury venues for your reception and amazing weather guaranteed it is no surprise Marbella is a great destination.
After the ceremony, Marbella’s famous old town is full of gorgeous locations for couples portraits. Beautiful walls covered in colourful flowers or any of its cobbled streets really represents Marbella and Spanish style for stunning couple shots.
Photography Tips: The rustic feel of Marbella’s old town is full of Spanish charm and I have a few favourite spots for couples portraits within a couple of minutes walk from the church. Most venues nearby will be either blessed with a beach side view. Perfect for sunset photos or a green tropical oasis, possibly with a mountain view a little further inland are all are fab in my opinion for stunning wedding photography.
Nerja
Nerja is an idyllic coastal town along the Costa del Sol, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and a perfect combination of history and beach beauty. The sea is always turquoise and the streets are full of atmosphere its no surprise Nerja is extremely popular for a destination wedding in Spain.
Church of El Salvador: El Salvador Church is a classic example of Andalusian architecture set in a bustling square in the heart of Nerja. The church is a stones throw to the famous Balcón de Europa which offers impressive views of the coastline, providing a dramatic and romantic setting for wedding portraits. The nearby beaches, with their cliffs and clear waters really puts Nerja on the list of a top wedding destination for a church wedding.
Photography Tips: Nerja’s Balcón de Europa is popular with coupes for wedding portraits. Family photos and confetti shots can be done in the square infront of the church. You really only have to walk a few hundred metres to have stunning arches with a asea view and quaint Spanish streets with cobbled stones and the sunset behind. Its a great place to get married.
Frigiliana
Just a short drive from Nerja, Frigiliana is a beautiful, traditional Andalusian village known for its cobbled streets, Moorish influences, and breathtaking hilltop views.
Church of San Antonio: This small, charming church perched at the very top of the mountain village of Frigiliana offers a more intimate wedding experience. Its simple yet elegant whitewashed exterior, coupled with the surrounding narrow streets, makes it perfect for couples seeking a more rustic and traditional setting. With panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Sierra de Almijara mountains, this village provides a natural, peaceful atmosphere for portraits.
Photography Tips: Frigiliana’s maze of streets, with their steep slopes and whitewashed walls, offer endless opportunities for capturing candid, intimate moments. The village’s elevated position means you’ll have panoramic views for romantic sunset shots, with the mountains and countryside providing a perfect backdrop. The combination of natural light and traditional architecture results in timeless, artistic wedding photos.
Andalucia is perfect for a destination wedding
Andalucia’s blend of historic churches, scenic landscapes, and charming towns offers a perfect setting for a destination wedding. With careful planning, legal considerations, and the right locations, you can create not only a magical ceremony but also breathtaking photos that will forever remind you of your special day. Whether it’s the grand churches and coastal allure of Marbella and Nerja or the rustic charm of Frigiliana, each of these Andalusian gems offers a unique and unforgettable backdrop for your wedding.
