Picture this: You’re standing under the golden Spanish sun, a warm breeze carrying the scent of orange blossoms and sizzling garlic from the kitchen. Laughter echoes across the courtyard, wine glasses clink, and a long rustic table is filled with the most incredible food you’ve ever seen.
This isn’t just a wedding. This is a Spanish wedding feast.
If you’re dreaming of an authentic Spanish wedding, the menu is just as important as the venue, the dress, or even the vows. After all, in Spain, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a celebration, a ritual, and an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re planning your big day in Seville, Madrid, Valencia, or Barcelona, here’s how to craft the perfect traditional Spanish wedding menu that will have your guests saying “¡Olé!” after every bite.
1. Tapas: The Ultimate Icebreaker
Before we get into the main courses, let’s talk about the real MVP of Spanish cuisine—tapas.
Imagine your guests arriving at the reception, greeted with platters of small, flavorful bites, each one a delicious introduction to what’s to come. Tapas encourage mingling, sipping, and laughing—exactly what a wedding should be about!
Must-have tapas for your Spanish wedding:
🥖 Pan con Tomate – Crusty bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and sea salt. Simple, yet divine.
🐷 Jamón Ibérico – The crown jewel of Spanish ham, aged to perfection and best enjoyed with a glass of Cava.
🦐 Gambas al Ajillo – Sizzling shrimp cooked in garlic and olive oil. Watch your guests fight over the last one!
🥔 Patatas Bravas – Crispy potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli. A comfort food classic.
🧀 Manchego & Membrillo – Nutty Manchego cheese paired with sweet quince paste. A match made in heaven.
👉 Pro Tip: If you want to impress, go for a jamón carving station—a master slicer (yes, that’s a real job) will serve paper-thin ham slices right in front of your guests. Trust me, they’ll be talking about it for years!
2. First Course: A Fresh & Flavorful Beginning
Spanish weddings typically serve a light first course, full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
🥣 Gazpacho or Salmorejo – A refreshing, chilled tomato soup (gazpacho) or its creamier, richer cousin (salmorejo). Perfect for summer weddings!
🐙 Pulpo a la Gallega – Galician-style octopus with olive oil, paprika, and sea salt. Tender, smoky, and absolutely addictive.
🥬 Ensalada de Naranja y Bacalao – A bright and citrusy salad with salt cod, olives, and oranges—a staple in Andalusia.
📍 Where to try it: Hosting your wedding in Seville? Check out Abades Triana for a riverside dining experience with a menu that screams “Spain!”
3. The Main Event: A Feast for the Senses
The main course at a Spanish wedding isn’t just about eating—it’s a full experience, often prepared in front of guests, served family-style, and meant to be enjoyed slowly.
🥘 The Star of the Show: Paella
Paella isn’t just a dish—it’s a spectacle. Cooking it over an open flame, with saffron-infused rice and fresh local ingredients, is an event in itself.
🔥 Popular Wedding Paella Variations:
- Paella Valenciana – The original, made with rabbit, chicken, and green beans.
- Paella de Mariscos – Packed with shrimp, mussels, and squid, perfect for a coastal wedding.
- Paella Mixta – The best of both worlds: meat and seafood in one glorious dish.
- Vegan Paella – Featuring mushrooms, artichokes, and seasonal veggies.
📍 Where to try it: Getting married in Valencia? Don’t leave without trying the legendary La Pepica for the most authentic paella experience!
🍖 Other Iconic Spanish Wedding Mains
🐷 Cochinillo Asado – Whole roasted suckling pig, famous in Segovia, traditionally so tender it’s cut with a plate.
🐟 Bacalao a la Vizcaína – Basque-style cod in a rich tomato and red pepper sauce.
🥩 Solomillo Ibérico – Grilled Iberian pork tenderloin, served with roasted potatoes.
4. Sweet Endings: Desserts to Fall in Love With
No wedding menu is complete without something sweet. Spanish desserts are simple but packed with flavor, and they pair perfectly with a glass of dessert wine.
🍰 Tarta de Santiago – Almond cake from Galicia, decorated with the iconic St. James cross.
🍩 Churros con Chocolate – Because no one can resist fried dough dipped in thick, velvety chocolate!
🍮 Flan – A classic caramel custard, smooth and creamy.
🔥 Crema Catalana – Spain’s crème brûlée, but with a citrusy twist.
👉 Pro Tip: Want a fun late-night snack? Set up a churros & chocolate bar for guests to grab a warm treat before hitting the dance floor!
5. Drinks & Toasts: Because No Spanish Wedding Ends Early
Spain is known for fantastic wines, refreshing cocktails, and strong spirits—so your drinks menu should be just as memorable as the food.
🥂 Cava – Spain’s version of Champagne. The perfect toast drink!
🍷 Rioja & Ribera del Duero Wines – Rich reds that pair beautifully with Spanish cuisine.
🍹 Sangria – A wedding staple! Red or white, packed with fresh fruit and a splash of brandy.
🍸 Tinto de Verano – A light, refreshing mix of red wine and lemon soda.
🔥 Pacharán & Orujo – Traditional Spanish digestifs to keep the party going.
📍 Where to try it: For a spectacular wine-pairing wedding dinner in Barcelona, check out Can Majó.
Final Thought: Your Spanish Wedding, Your Story
A Spanish wedding menu isn’t just about the food—it’s about celebrating love, life, and the joy of being together. Whether you go for a traditional paella feast, a tapas-style reception, or a mix of both, your guests will walk away raving about the flavors, the experience, and that one uncle who had a little too much Rioja.
And while the food will be unforgettable, let’s make sure your wedding photos are too!
💛 If you’re looking for stunning, emotion-filled photos that capture every magical moment—from your first toast with Cava to the last bite of churros—I’d love to be part of your big day!
📸 Check out my portfolio: yourhappymoments.net/blog
💍 Explore my wedding photography packages: yourhappymoments.net/investment
📩 Let’s chat about your dream wedding: yourhappymoments.net/contact
Cheers to love, laughter, and a wedding feast your guests will never forget! 🥂✨
