LGBTQ+ Destination Weddings in Spain: A Guide for UK Couple
Spain is such a lovely place to get married. Whether you're dreaming of a ceremony overlooking the Mediterranean, a beautiful villa filled with your favourite people or a relaxed celebration in the Spanish countryside, there are so many ways to make your wedding feel like you.
For LGBTQ+ couples travelling from the UK, Spain offers the chance to celebrate your relationship in the sunshine, surrounded by the people who matter most.
I'm Sabrina, a UK-born destination wedding photographer based in Barcelona.
The best places for an LGBTQ+ destination wedding in Spain
Barcelona
Barcelona has a bit of everything: beautiful architecture, a lively atmosphere, incredible food and the Mediterranean right on your doorstep. It's a great choice if you want a wedding that combines city life with a relaxed, Mediterranean feel.
It's also just a short journey from Sitges, a popular seaside town known for its LGBTQ+ scene, welcoming atmosphere and beautiful beaches. If you fancy combining your wedding with a few days by the sea, it's definitely worth considering.
Marbella and the Costa del Sol
If your idea of a perfect wedding involves sunshine, beautiful beaches and long evenings outdoors, Marbella could be the place for you.
There are gorgeous beachfront venues, private villas and elegant gardens to choose from, whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a bigger wedding with friends and family travelling over from the UK.
The Spanish countryside
Or if you'd rather escape the crowds, a traditional Spanish finca or private country estate can be a wonderful option. Think beautiful gardens, warm evenings and everyone spending a few days together somewhere special.
These venues are particularly lovely if you want your wedding to feel relaxed and personal, with plenty of time to enjoy the company of your favourite people.
Choosing a wedding venue where you feel comfortable
Your wedding should be about the two of you and the life you're building together. There's no need to follow traditions that don't feel right or make decisions based on what other people expect.
When looking at venues, it's worth asking about their experience of working with LGBTQ+ couples and making sure you feel comfortable with the people you'll be working with. The same goes for your photographer and other suppliers. You deserve to feel welcomed, listened to and completely at ease planning your day.
As a bisexual woman myself, I know how important it is to feel comfortable, accepted and free to be yourself. I'd love every couple I photograph to feel that way on their wedding day.
Spain has recognised same-sex marriage since 2005. However, the legal requirements for couples travelling from abroad can vary. Many international couples choose to complete the legal paperwork in the UK and have a symbolic ceremony in Spain instead, giving them more flexibility over their celebration.
Finding a wedding photographer who gets you
For me, the best wedding photographs are the ones that bring you straight back to how the day felt. The laughter during the speeches, the hugs you weren't expecting, the happy tears and the moments you might not even have realised were happening.
My approach is relaxed and unobtrusive. I like to blend into the background, get to know the people around me and let the day unfold naturally. I'm not there to turn your wedding into a photoshoot; I'm there to tell the story of what actually happened.
I want you to feel comfortable being yourselves in front of my camera. Your relationship doesn't need to fit a particular mould, and neither does your wedding. Whether you're planning something intimate in Barcelona, a beach celebration in Marbella or a destination wedding elsewhere in Spain, I'd love to capture it in a way that feels honest and personal to you.
Planning your LGBTQ+ destination wedding in Spain?
If you're starting to plan your wedding from the UK, my advice is to begin with the place and atmosphere that feel right for you. From there, you can find a venue and suppliers who understand your vision and help bring it all together.
Get in touch and tell me a little about your plans. I'd love to hear what you're dreaming of! You can also take a look at my destination wedding photography portfolio to see more of my work. My style is natural and documentary, capturing the real moments and emotions of your day as they unfold.
