.Choosing the Best Music for Your Destination Wedding in Spain: A Guide for English-Speaking Couples
Planning a destination wedding in Spain? One of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of your big day is the music. Whether you’re getting married on a beach in Marbella or in a historic villa in Seville, choosing the right type of music for each part of your wedding will create the perfect atmosphere.
As a professional wedding guitarist in Spain working exclusively with English-speaking couples, I’ve helped many brides and grooms choose the best music for their ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Here’s a guide to help you decide whether to hire a live musician, DJ, or use a playlist—for each stage of your wedding day.
1. Welcome Drinks: Live Spanish / Latin Guitar
Spanish destination weddings almost always start with welcome drinks. A selection of chilled drinks are offered to guests as they arrive at the venue from wherever they are staying. This gives everyone time to reacquaint and cool down.
The welcome drinks normally last for about 30-45 mins before everyone makes their way to the ceremony area.
This is the perfect time to introduce a little local flavor, with some live Spanish / Latin guitar!
2. Wedding Ceremony Music: Live Guitar for a Romantic Touch
Best option: Live solo musician (guitarist, violinist, harpist)
Your wedding ceremony is the most emotional moment of the day. Live music adds a deeply personal and timeless touch that recorded music just can’t match. The other, often overlooked benefit is that a professional wedding musician can completely tailor the piece to the exact length needed. Making it as short or as long as your entrance, and making it end beautifully as you arrive. No repeated beginning or abrupt ending! If the flower girl decides to take a little detour, or if walking in your heels takes a little longer than you anticipated it's ok, you're covered.
Seating: Acoustic calming guitar to help get your guests settled in their seats and prepared for your grand entrance.
Processional: Acoustic guitar version of your chosen entrance song or you may choose to have a separate song for your Bridesmaids or entourage.
In Spian there can often be a sand ceremony, candle lighting ceremony, coin ceremony or ring blessing, and some soft music at this point can be very poignant.
Signing of the register: Soft background pieces (Spanish guitar, romantic classics)
Recessional: Joyful, upbeat music to celebrate the “I do”
I tend to differ from most live musicians at this point - I offer my couples the option of me playing a recorded piece e.g. the original "signed, sealed, delivered", through my sound system. This is the only part of the ceremony where a solo musician can't complete with an original upbeat recording, and I love my couples to get exactly what they want.
Why live music works for destination weddings in Spain: Many venues are outdoors or echo beautifully—perfect for acoustic guitar or instrumental music.
3. Cocktail Hour: Elegant Background Music
Best option: Live instrumental music or curated playlist
The cocktail hour is the time for those special photos, and to chat over cava and canapés. Background music should enhance the mood, not dominate it. Various groups will need to be gathered for the photos at different times and a "performance" can make it difficult to drag people away.
Live Spanish guitar or instrumental pop works well in most Spanish venues.
A carefully curated playlist is a good alternative if budget is a consideration.
4. Wedding Dinner: Keep It Subtle and Classy
Best option: Low-volume instrumental music (live or pre-recorded) The exception is the couple's grand entrance. This should be announced, and something upbeat and meaningful should be played as they make their way to their seats.
Dinner is all about good food, conversation, and ambiance. Keep music elegant and non-intrusive.
Live guitar with classical, Spanish, or love song covers is ideal.
Alternatively, a Spotify playlist of soft jazz, acoustic, or instrumental tracks can work too.
Avoid music playing during speeches and toasts.
The cake cutting can have it's own appropriate song.
5. First Dance: A Moment to Remember
Best option: Live band or recorded version of your special song
The first dance is an emotional moment, whether it’s choreographed or spontaneous.
Live version of your song adds a personal, memorable touch.
Original track is better if you are not using a full band or have a DJ.
6. Party Time: Get the Dance Floor Moving
Best option: Wedding DJ or live band
This is the moment to let loose. You’ll want:
A professional wedding DJ in Spain who can read the crowd
Or a live wedding band to energize your guests.
Budget-friendly option: Combine a DJ with a live instrument (e.g., guitarist, saxophonist, percussionist) for an unforgettable performance.
7. Pre-Wedding Welcome / Post-Wedding Brunch: Chill Vibes
Best option: Live acoustic music or relaxed playlist
Many destination weddings include either a welcome mixer or a next-day brunch, or both. Keep it relaxed with:
Live Spanish guitar to set the tone
A casual playlist with soft background music
Final Thoughts: Blending Live Music with Technology
You don’t have to choose only one type of music provider. Many couples blend live music (for ceremony or drinks) with a DJ for the party, and use a playlist during transitions. It’s all about choosing what works for your vision, your venue, and your guests.
My sound systems are perfect for blending live and recorded music for any size venue.
I can play an individual song through my looper and fade it out if needed, or play an entire Spotify playlist through dinner using Bluetooth. I can also provide cordless mics to introduce the couple at dinner and for the speeches. Covering all of your music and microphone needs from welcome drinks up to the first dance!
Need a Live Guitarist for Your Destination Wedding in Spain?
I provide elegant, romantic guitar music for English-speaking couples getting married in Spain. Whether you’re planning a wedding in Marbella, Malaga, Granada, or anywhere along the coast, I’d love to help create the perfect atmosphere for your big day.
📩 [Contact me here] to check availability or request a quote.