So, you’re dreaming of a wedding in Spain? Sunny beaches, historic cathedrals, flamenco dancers, and a never-ending supply of tapas—what’s not to love? But before you start envisioning yourself saying “Sí, quiero” in a Spanish castle, there’s one big decision to make: Do you want a civil or religious wedding?
This guide will take you through the legal requirements, pros and cons, and best venues to help you choose the perfect wedding style for your big day. Let’s break it down (with a touch of humor, because wedding planning should be fun, right?).
1. Civil Weddings in Spain: Simple, Modern, and (Mostly) Bureaucratic
A civil wedding is the go-to choice for couples who want a secular, legally recognized marriage without religious affiliations. If you’re a modern couple who prefers to write your own vows, hold your ceremony anywhere you want, and avoid church paperwork—this might be for you.
How to Legally Have a Civil Wedding in Spain?
Before you say “I do,” Spain says “Show me your paperwork.” Here’s what you’ll need:
📌 Passports or national IDs (your gym membership doesn’t count).
📌 Birth certificates, translated into Spanish and legalized.
📌 Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) proving you’re free to marry.
📌 Residency proof—at least one of you must have lived in Spain for two years or be a Spanish resident.
You’ll submit these to the Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil) or Town Hall (Ayuntamiento), where they’ll process your application (translation: make you wait a few months before approving it).
💡 TIP: Many foreign couples find the civil wedding process in Spain complicated due to residency rules, so they legally marry in their home country and then have a symbolic ceremony in Spain instead.
Best Places for a Civil Wedding in Spain
✔️ Barcelona City Hall – A beautiful historic building in the heart of the city. Website
✔️ Ibiza Beach Resorts – Exchange vows with the Mediterranean as your backdrop.
✔️ Mallorca Vineyards – Because what’s better than a wedding and wine?
Pros and Cons of a Civil Wedding in Spain
✅ Legal in most countries (no need for extra recognition).
✅ Customizable – Write your own vows, choose your music, and get creative.
✅ Can be held in gorgeous locations (courtyards, gardens, beaches, etc.).
❌ Residency requirements can be a headache for foreigners.
❌ Processing times vary, so book early to avoid stress.
2. Religious Weddings in Spain: A Sacred and Stunning Tradition
Spain is deeply Catholic, and Catholic weddings are the most common religious ceremonies. The best part? A Catholic wedding is legally binding, meaning no separate civil ceremony is required.
What You Need for a Catholic Wedding in Spain
A church wedding comes with its own set of paperwork (of course it does!), including:
📌 Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation certificates (issued in the last six months).
📌 Marriage preparation course certificate (yes, you have to attend a class!).
📌 Permission from your local diocese if you’re a foreign couple.
This process usually takes six months, so start early!
Best Churches for a Catholic Wedding in Spain
💒 Sagrada Família (Barcelona) – A jaw-dropping basilica for a grand, unforgettable wedding. Website
💒 Seville Cathedral – A Gothic masterpiece in Spain’s most romantic city. Website
💒 Toledo’s Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes – A fairy-tale setting steeped in history.
Pros and Cons of a Religious Wedding in Spain
✅ Legally binding – No need for a separate civil ceremony.
✅ Iconic and historic venues – Say your vows in a centuries-old cathedral!
✅ Perfect for couples who value religious traditions.
❌ Paperwork and permissions can be complex.
❌ One partner must be Catholic, and pre-marriage courses are required.
3. Symbolic Weddings: The Wild Card Option
Not a Spanish resident? Want to skip the paperwork? Go for a symbolic wedding!
This allows you to:
✨ Get married anywhere you want—beaches, castles, vineyards… you name it.
✨ Skip the legal hassle—do the paperwork at home and just enjoy the moment in Spain.
✨ Make it uniquely yours—write your own vows, blend traditions, and have a friend officiate.
Best Places for a Symbolic Wedding in Spain
🏰 Alhambra Palace (Granada) – A Moorish palace that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
🌅 Clifftop ceremony in Mallorca – Say “I do” with the Mediterranean waves below.
🌳 Countryside estate in Andalusia – Think olive groves, whitewashed villages, and sunset magic.
4. Which Wedding Type is Right for You?
| Feature |
Civil Wedding |
Religious Wedding |
Symbolic Wedding |
| Legally recognized? |
✅ Yes (but requires residency) |
✅ Yes (if Catholic) |
❌ No, only ceremonial |
| Customizable? |
✅ Yes |
❌ Limited |
✅ Yes, completely |
| Paperwork required? |
📑 Yes, extensive |
📑 Yes, church documents |
📑 None |
| Residency required? |
✅ Yes |
❌ No (for foreign Catholics) |
❌ No |
| Top Venues |
Town halls, gardens, vineyards |
Historic churches, cathedrals |
Beaches, castles, mountains |
FAQs About Getting Married in Spain
❓ Can foreigners have a legally recognized wedding in Spain?
✅ Yes, but civil weddings require residency. Many foreign couples opt for a symbolic wedding instead.
❓ Can non-Catholics have a church wedding?
✅ One partner must be Catholic, and permissions are required.
❓ How long does it take to get married in Spain?
⏳ Civil weddings can take months due to paperwork. Catholic weddings need six months’ preparation.
❓ Where’s the best place for a destination wedding in Spain?
💡 Barcelona, Seville, Mallorca, Granada, Ibiza, and Toledo are top picks for their stunning locations and romantic settings.
Let’s Capture Your Love Story in Spain!
No matter which wedding type you choose, one thing is certain—you’ll want to relive those moments forever. As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing the emotions, landscapes, and intimate details that make your wedding truly magical.
📸 Check out my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
💰 Explore photography packages: Investment Page
📩 Let’s chat about your dream wedding in Spain: Contact Me
Spain is calling—let’s make your wedding as beautiful, unique, and unforgettable as your love story! ❤️
