Getting Married in Spain: A Complete Guide for UK Couples

Spain is one of the most popular destination wedding locations in Europe for UK couples — and for good reason. With flight times of just around 2.5 hours from London (and other major UK cities), beautiful sunshine, stunning beaches, historic cities, and romantic countryside venues, Spain offers everything you could dream of for a wedding abroad.

However, while Spain is incredibly appealing, British couples must also understand the legal and logistical realities of getting married there. In this guide, I’ll explain what you’re likely to encounter when planning a destination wedding in Spain — whether you’re considering a civil (legal) ceremony or a symbolic celebration.

In This Guide, You’ll Learn:

• The difference between civil and symbolic ceremonies

• What documents UK couples need

• How long the process takes

• The best places in Spain to get married

• Whether you need a wedding planner

• Common mistakes to avoid

• Which option most UK couples choose

1. Civil (Legal) vs Symbolic Ceremonies in Spain

Civil (Legal) Ceremony

Spain is sunny most of the year, but summers can be very hot. Spring and autumn often offer perfect weather with fewer crowds. Wedding season typically runs from late spring (April/May) through autumn (September/October).

When I first moved to Spain, I quickly realised just how much paperwork can be involved — and weddings are no exception. Understanding the legal requirements early on is essential, and this is where having an experienced wedding planner can make a huge difference.

Before you get swept away creating Pinterest boards and venue wish lists, it’s important to understand the legal side of getting married in Spain.

2. Documents UK Couples Need for a Legal Marriage in Spain

If you opt for a civil wedding, you’ll need:

• Valid passports

• Full birth certificates

• Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)

• Proof of marital status (single, divorced, widowed)

• Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)

• Official Spanish translations of all documents

• Apostille certification

Important: Spanish authorities will not accept documents in English. Everything must be officially translated into Spanish.

Tip: Start gathering documents 3–4 months in advance to allow time for translations and registry processing.

Typical Timelines

• Civil weddings: 8–14 weeks (including paperwork and registry approval)

• Symbolic ceremonies: 2–8 weeks

• Quick symbolic weddings: Sometimes possible in 1–2 weeks, depending on venue availability

Is a Symbolic Wedding “Less Real”?

Absolutely not.

Symbolic weddings are:

• Emotionally meaningful and deeply personal

• Fully customisable (you can include your own traditions and vows)

• More relaxed and intimate — it often feels like a celebration and holiday combined

For most UK couples, the Spanish celebration is what truly feels like their wedding day.

3. Best Places in Spain for UK Couples to Get Married

Barcelona

Barcelona offers vibrant city energy, iconic architecture, rooftop venues, historic buildings, and incredible light for photography. With amazing food, nearby mountains, and sea views, it’s ideal for couples who love cosmopolitan settings with Spanish charm. Summer heat can be intense, so timing is important. It’s also my favourite city — and where I live.

Costa Brava

Known for dramatic coastlines, hidden coves, and elegant villas overlooking the Mediterranean, Costa Brava is incredibly romantic. Slightly cooler than Barcelona and picture-perfect for intimate seaside weddings, it offers stunning natural light — a dream for wedding photography.

Mallorca (Majorca)

Mallorca is perfect for couples seeking luxury. Think vineyards, grand estates, and high-end villas surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The local wine is exceptional — I highly recommend doing a wine tasting before your wedding to choose something special for your guests.

Ibiza

Ibiza is ideal for boho, sunset, or party-style weddings. While it’s known for nightlife, it also has some of the most beautiful wedding venues in Europe — stylish, unique, and full of energy. You can go full celebration mode or keep it relaxed and elegant.

Andalusia & Costa del Sol

Expect rustic fincas, olive groves, Moorish architecture, and endless sunshine. This region is perfect if you’re looking for something quieter, warmer, and deeply romantic. Guests often never want to leave — it’s rustic elegance at its best.

Valencia & Alicante

These regions offer coastal towns with castles, vineyards, and beautiful beaches. Quieter than Barcelona, with warmer weather and a relaxed seaside feel, they’re ideal for couples wanting a balance of tradition and coastal charm.

4. Do You Need a Wedding Planner in Spain?

A destination wedding planner can save you time, stress, and money, especially when navigating Spanish logistics and language barriers.

Wedding planners often handle:

• Venue sourcing and bookings

• Vendor coordination

• Paperwork guidance

• On-the-day coordination

Typical Wedding Planner Costs in Spain:

• Full planning: €3,000–€6,000+

• Partial planning: €1,500–€3,000

• On-the-day coordination: €800–€1,500

Even a short consultation can prevent costly mistakes. Planners can visit venues on your behalf, assist with contracts, and recommend trusted local vendors — often with preferred pricing. Many UK couples say hiring a planner was one of their best decisions.

Have a look at one of my wedding blog posts here to get a feel for the kind of wedding photography I offer for Spanish destination weddings.

5. Common Mistakes UK Couples Make

• Starting too late: Paperwork and venues take time

• Underestimating travel logistics: Flights and accommodation increase closer to the date

• Confusing symbolic with legal: This decision should be made early

• Ignoring seasonal weather: Summer heat and peak tourist months can be overwhelming

• Not using local vendors: Can lead to higher costs and availability issues

• Booking too late: Popular venues and photographers book 12–18 months ahead

• Skipping a site visit: Lighting, layout, and accessibility are often overlooked

6. Is Getting Married in Spain Right for You?

Consider:

• Budget: Destination weddings can be cost-effective, but travel costs may limit guest numbers

• Guest list: Elderly relatives may prefer a UK legal ceremony

• Wedding type: Civil vs symbolic

• Your dream setting: Beach, city, countryside, or island

Many couples also host a celebration in the UK after their Spanish symbolic wedding.

7. Which Option Do Most UK Couples Choose?

Most UK couples choose a symbolic ceremony in Spain and legally register their marriage in the UK.

This offers:

• Venue flexibility

• Faster planning timelines

• No residency or registry stress

• A beautiful, relaxed celebration

I’ve personally gone through the civil process in Spain — even with an EU passport — and it was still long and stressful.

8. Final Thoughts: Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding in Spain

Whether it’s a beach in Costa Brava, Ibiza, or Valencia, a historic city like Barcelona, or a rustic villa in Andalusia, Spain offers unforgettable wedding experiences.

Next steps:

• Decide between civil or symbolic

• Start paperwork early

• Choose your region and visit if possible

• Consider a wedding planner for a stress-free experience

With thoughtful planning, your Spanish destination wedding will be everything you’ve imagined — and more.

If you’d like to discuss your wedding photography or see real wedding stories, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to hear all about your plans.