Eloping in Spain: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Wedding Destination
Dreaming of a romantic and intimate wedding elopement in a breathtaking, unique location? Look no further than Spain! This stunning country has everything you need for a perfect elopement experience, from diverse landscapes and historic landmarks to delicious cuisine and vibrant culture. Whether you're envisioning a beach wedding elopement with the Mediterranean Sea as your backdrop, or exploring the charming streets of Seville with your one and only, Spain has it all. But with so many options to choose from, how do you find the perfect wedding destination for you? In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about eloping in Spain, including the weather at various times of the year as well as our top Spanish wedding destinations and experiences that will make your big day truly unique. So, grab a drink of sangria, and let's dive right in!
Why Choose Spain as Your Wedding Destination
Spain provides everything you may expect in a wedding and honeymoon destination. The land of "jamon" and "siestas" also includes a number of distinct regions, each with its own distinct charm and attractions, as well as a whopping 16 national parks, each distinctive and stunning in its own way. Whether you want to marry in a bustling city, charming countryside, or on a calm beach while enjoying the soft Mediterranean breeze, Spain has the ideal setting for you.
One of the biggest reasons why Spain is so popular with destination weddings is because of the country's warm climate and sun that shines over 300 days per year! So no matter what date you choose for your Spanish elopement, you can rest assured knowing you have great odds that your wedding day will be filled with sunshine and blue skies. The country's mild winters also mean that you can get married in Spain all year round.
Another reason why Spain is a great place to elope is because of how inexpensive it is. Compared to the US, the UK, and other European countries, Spain offers excellent value for money. You can have a beautiful wedding in Spain without breaking the bank. The country also has a range of different accommodation options, from luxury 5-star hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and quirky Airbnbs.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Spain
Spain has a Mediterranean climate, which means that the summers tend to be quite hot and dry, while the winters are mild and wet, yet still quite sunny. The best time of year to elope in Spain depends on how quickly you want to elope, your location preferences, and your taste.
If you're looking for a beach wedding elopement, then the summer months of June to August are the best time to visit. The Mediterranean Sea is warm and inviting, and the beaches are at their busiest. However, because this is prime tourist season, you should book your accommodations well in advance.
If you prefer a more temperate environment, the spring and autumn months of April to June and September to November are ideal. The temperature is warm but not too hot, and there are fewer tourists, making it an excellent time to explore cities, towns, and natural beauty spots since the weather is ideal for sightseeing.
If you're planning a winter wedding, then the southern regions of Spain, such as Andalusia and the Canary Islands, are the best places to visit as they’re still quite warm, around 60 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 - 20 degrees Celsius. The weather is mild and sunny, and there are fewer tourists around.
Top Destinations for Eloping in Spain
Spain has a big variety of different destinations that could be perfect for your elopement, each with its own unique highlights and experiences. Here are some of the top destinations for eloping in Spain.
A Picturesque City Elopement: Barcelona and Madrid
Barcelona and Madrid are two of Spain's most active, vibrant, and fun cities. Both cities offer beautiful architecture (such as the signature Gaudi park & buildings in Barcelona), world-class museums (like El Prado in Madrid), and vibrant nightlife with lots of options for going out. Barcelona is well-known for its Gaudi architecture, while Madrid is famous for its vibrant tapas bars, and dancing. Both cities are wonderful choices for an elopement in Spain and are well-connected to other Spanish destinations that can serve as your honeymoon!
After your elopement in Barcelona, head to Costa Brava, a stunning area of natural beauty located on the coast between France and Barcelona. There you’ll find an abundance of wonderful little towns with pristine beaches, such as Begur, Parafugell, Cadaqués, and many more!
If, however, you prefer the Spanish capital for your wedding ceremony, consider heading to the wonderful and unique cities such as Toledo and Segovia, or if you’re up for adventurous hikes and beautiful nature, visit the Guadarrama mountains.
The Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza
The Balearic Islands are a series of four islands located just off the coast of Barcelona in the Mediterranean Sea. The islands are well-known for their stunning beaches that don't tend to be very crowded, pristine waters, and charming little traditional villages. Mallorca, the largest of the islands, is recognized for its beautiful scenery and luxury resorts. Menorca is quieter and more laid-back, with fewer tourists, while Ibiza is famous for its party scene. Just off of Ibiza, you’ll find Formentera, which is full of quiet villages and hidden beach spots. The Balearic Islands are an excellent choice for beach elopement because they provide plenty of gorgeous coastal sites that will make your special day truly unforgettable.
The Andalusian Dream: Seville and Granada
Andalusia is a Spanish region in the south. The region offers a stunning combination of Arabic and European culture, which can be seen in its beautiful buildings, delectable food, and rich history. Andalusia's capital, Seville, is noted for its magnificent Alcazar palace and Gothic church. The Alhambra Palace and Moorish architecture are both famous in Granada. Both cities feature a variety of intimate wedding ceremony locations, including ancient palaces and lovely gardens.
Andalusia is rich in rolling hills, hilly and colorful scenery, hidden trails, and more, in addition to an abundance of remarkable sites around the city. For your honeymoon in Andalusia, consider visiting the adventurous Doñana National Park and Sierra de las Nieves in Granada, then head to Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve in Almería, where you can bathe in the Spanish sun.
Find out more about our elopement packages in Seville and our elopement packages in Granada.
The Canary Islands - Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and more
The Canary Islands are a collection of islands in proximity to Western Sahara just off the coast of Africa. The islands are well-known for their beautiful weather with year-round sunshine, magnificent sandy and rocky beaches, and breathtaking scenery which varies from island to island. Tenerife is known for its volcano and national park, whereas Gran Canaria is noted for its stunning cliffs and sandy beaches. But you don’t have to stop there. The Canary Islands also include La Palma, La Gomera, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, all of which could be a wonderful choice either for your beach wedding elopement in Spain or for your honeymoon afterward. After the ceremony, you and your partner can go island hopping and do some whale and dolphin watching, go scuba diving with turtles, or enjoy the month-long Carnival if you get eloped in the spring!
In fact, the Canary Islands are home to four national parks, including the Teide, Garajonay, Timanfaya, and La Caldera National Park, all known for their unique features and a great choice for an elopement in Spain. The Garajonay National Park in La Gomera is a Unesco-protected site and looks like a scene straight out of a Jurassic Park movie. Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote has a desert and volcanic type of landscape and offers camel rides for those seeking adventure. La Palma is also known as “The beautiful island” and features La Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve offering once-in-a-lifetime hiking trails. Or finally, you could climb to the top of Mount Teide, a stunning volcano in Tenerife, and get a picture like the one you can see below.
Take a look at our Canary Island Elopement Package to learn more.
Spanish elopement packages and services
If you're looking for a stress-free elopement in Spain, then you might want to consider opting for an elopement planning service. At Somewhere Crazy, we have terrific Spanish wedding planners who specialize in elopements and intimate weddings. We can assist you with everything from locating the ideal site to planning the ceremony and giving you several options for experiences and activities following your elopement. We can also provide you with a variety of extra services, such as hair and make-up, photography, videography, and more!
Consider our Standard Spanish Elopement Package, which includes everything you'll need for your special day. Our Standard Elopement Package includes a wedding planner who will be with you every step of the way, the celebrant, the bouquet and buttonhole, and a photographer. Our Extra Services include a hair and make-up artist, a videographer, and any additional bespoke activities that you’d like to add on. Our elopement packages usually last 4-5 hours and include a photo shoot in various locations so that you can take home incredible photos that mark the beginning of your first steps as a married couple.
Conclusion: Making Your Dream Wedding a Reality in Spain
Spain is a truly magical destination for an elopement. It provides all you need for the perfect wedding day, with its gorgeous scenery, rich culture, and pleasant climate. Whether you're looking for a beach wedding, a city elopement, or a tranquil countryside escape, you’ll be able to find it in Spain. With the help of a Somewhere Crazy wedding planner, you can make your dream wedding a reality in this stunning country. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Spanish elopement today!
Get in touch with our elopement planners today!
