How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Spain: A Musician’s Guide
Planning a destination wedding in Spain is a dream for many couples—sun-drenched coastlines, stunning historic venues, delicious food, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. But while Spain offers the perfect romantic backdrop, organizing a wedding from abroad can be a bit overwhelming. As a professional guitarist who plays exclusively for English-speaking weddings in Spain, I’ve had the privilege of being part of more than 600 unforgettable celebrations. Here’s my guide to planning a smooth and magical destination wedding
1. Choose the Right Region.
Spain offers a wide range of stunning wedding destinations:
But of all of them, one stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Andalusia, and particularly, the Costa del Sol - Think olive groves, Moorish architecture, ancient cities steeped in history, and sun-drenched beaches.
Hundreds of stunning venues to choose from.
Quickly and cheaply accessible from Europe and with direct links from the USA and Canada.
Both flights and accommodation are available year round
This is the "destination wedding" capital of Europe for good reason. It has 315 days of sunshine per year! A huge number of native English speaking wedding suppliers, and it caters for every budget.
The coast is cosmopolitan and international. While inland is still typically Spanish with a rich culture and stunning scenery.
Whatever your dream wedding looks like, this is where it can become a reality.
Best of all it can double as your perfect honeymoon destination, or lend itself to extending your celebration with family and friends for as long as possible!
2. Hire a Local Wedding Planner (Especially If You Don’t Speak Spanish)
A good English-speaking wedding planner in Spain is worth their weight in gold. They’ll help you:
Coordinate legal or symbolic ceremonies.
Communicate with venues and suppliers.
Create a seamless schedule and contingency plans.
Bonus: They often have trusted vendor lists, including musicians like me!
3. Book Key Vendors Early.
Many popular wedding dates book up fast in Spain, especially from May to October. Prioritize your key vendors:
Venue
Caterer
Celebrant
Hair and makeup
Photographer/ videographer
Musician / Band / DJ
Transport
Florist
For live music, decide what moments you'd like covered:
Welcome drinks
Ceremony (entrance, signing, exit)
Cocktail hour
Dinner
As a solo guitarist, I often provide gentle, elegant background music that suits everything from a rustic finca to a formal beachfront ceremony.
I can also provide a sound system for a dinner playlist and a cordless microphone for speeches.
4. Make the Ceremony Personal and Memorable
Destination weddings tend to be smaller and more intimate—perfect for adding personal touches. Here are a few ideas:
Walk down the aisle to a favorite song played live. Professional wedding musicians can tailor each piece to exactly the length needed, with no sudden stops or repeats,
Include a reading or poem meaningful to your relationship.
Blend Spanish and English elements for a unique fusion.
Live music brings emotional depth that recorded tracks just can’t match—it creates a moment guests remember forever.
5. Embrace the Local Culture (Without Stressing Over It)
Include subtle nods to Spain without losing your own identity. Some ideas:
Spanish guitar music before the ceremony.
Tapas and sangria at cocktail hour.
Flamenco dance performance after dinner.
You don’t need to go overboard—just enough to let your guests feel like they’re part of something special and local.
6. Trust Your Team and Enjoy the Day
Once everything’s in place, let go and soak it all in. The best weddings I’ve seen are the ones where couples are relaxed and present. Your vendors (like your musician!) are there to handle the details so you can enjoy the music, the food, and the people who came to celebrate with you.
Planning a wedding in Spain? I’d love to be part of your day. I specialize in playing for English-speaking couples and work all over the Costa del Sol and inland. Feel free to get in touch to check availability or ask any questions about live music options