How to Plan a Spain Elopement: Everything You Need to Know {Updated for 2024!}
For those who are looking to throw out the wedding rule book and say f*ck it- keep reading.
If you know Spain, you love Spain. It’s hella laid back and insanely gorgeous- which makes it one of the best places to elope in the world.
Home to stone castles, snow-capped mountains, quiet countrysides, and modern cities, Spain is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries to elope. With a variety of activities, food, and more, this bustling country is perfect for couples looking to have an adventurous (or urban!) elopement.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to plan your very own Spain elopement, from the top 6 places to elope to boutique lodging options, and course where to chow down. Because you know that we all go to Europe for the foooood.
Learn about how to elope in Spain with this thorough guide which covers:
How to get a marriage license in Spain
Can Foreigners Elope in Spain?
Unfortunately, foreigners can’t legally elope in Spain unless one partner has been a legal resident in Spain for at least 2 years. However, this does not mean your elopement is ruined. In fact, most couples who elope in Spain have a civil ceremony in their home country then a symbolic one in Spain.
A common scenario:
File the paperwork in your home town and do an informal (or not!) courthouse thing to make it legal.
Travel to Spain for your elopement and hire an officiant to perform a symbolic ceremony. Or self-solemnize.
Witnesses and officiants for Spain elopements
Stay tuned for more information on witnesses and officiants for an elopement in Spain.
Best places to elope in Spain
Spain is home to 16 national parks, numerous lakes, and landscapes like the desert, mountains, and forest, making this area extremely diverse. Below are just a few of the many different types of scenery you can experience on your elopement day.
Picos de Europa National Park
Located in Northern Spain, Picos de Europa National Park is a well-known national park composed of forested mountain ranges filled with lakes, wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. This is one of the more popular national parks, so be prepared for visitors.
Bardenas Reales
Near Zaragoza, Bardenas Reales is a desert-like region filled with canyons, colors, and epic structures. It’s almost like you’ve stepped into the Grand Canyon. This is perfect for couples looking at having a desert elopement somewhere very unique.
Lakes of Covadonga
Lakes of Covadonga are two glacial lakes in Northern Spain. There’s a hiking trail that takes you around the lakes and to other beautiful lookout points around the area.
Barcelona
Barcelona is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in all of Spain. Whether you want to elope or simply enjoy the scenery here, Barcelona is for everyone. Plus, there are a variety of activities and amazing restaurants to enjoy on your elopement day.
Tossa De Mar
Tossa De Mar is a quaint coastal town near Barcelona. Known primarily for its old architecture, this slice of Spain has some incredible beaches to explore. This location is pretty busy during the summer months, so consider having a weekday elopement during the off-season, or during sunrise/sunset in the summer.
Cuevas del Drach
Cuevas del Drach are caves located on the island of Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. Imagine exchanging vows in a place as epic as this one!
I recently partnered with an elopement planner in Spain and here are her additions to this list. I’ll add more information as it comes in- stay tuned!
Mallorca
Malaga
Grenada
Seville
Rhonda
Cordoba
Jaen
Marbella
Best time to get married in Spain
One of the great things about Spain is the weather.
In fact, the weather in Spain is so mild and mostly dry that anytime of year is a great time to elope.
However, the two best seasons to elope are:
spring
fall
Both of these months bring good weather, small crowds, and plenty of fun activities to do. In the winter months, the northern part of Spain will get snow while the southern part stays dry.
Pro tip: Avoid visiting Spain in the summer. Prices increase, there are huge crowds, and you need to plan months in advance when it comes to booking reservations for things.
Best places to stay in Spain
Spain has some incredible cities and coastal towns to explore. Below are some of our favorite Airbnbs in the larger cities.
Madrid
Barcelona
Bilbao
How much it costs to elope in Spain
One of the best things about eloping ANYWHERE is the budget!
Your elopement could be as big or as small as you’d like it to be. If you’re looking to have a higher-end elopement filled with flowers, hair and makeup, fancy lodging, etc., and are flying from the United States, expect to pay anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000.
However, if you’re looking for something much simpler and you’re traveling from the United States, a budget-friendly elopement could cost you anywhere from $10,000 - $30,000.
Traveling from Europe? It’ll be a bit cheaper, but not by much.
A sample breakdown of the cost of an elopement in Spain:
Estimated cost of an amped-up, dream elopement: $25,000
Photo/Video team $12,000
Wedding dress / attire $1,000-$5,000
Marriage license $100 (this varies)
Officiant $500
Flowers/Archway $1000-$3000
Hair /makeup $650
Elopement reception/celebration $1000-$5000
Travel and Accommodation $2000-$6000
Estimated cost of a simple elopement in Spain: $15,000
Photo/Video team $8,000
Wedding dress / attire $1,000-$3,000
Marriage license $100 (this varies)
Officiant $500
Flowers $400
Hair /makeup $650
Elopement reception/celebration $500
Travel and Accommodation $2000-$4000
Things to Know Before Visiting Spain
The public transportation system in Spain is amazing! If you’re eloping somewhere close to a big city, renting a car isn’t necessary.
Dinner is served late. People don’t usually have dinner until 9-10pm, so plan accordingly, as some restaurants don’t open until late at night.
If you stay in large cities like Madrid or Barcelona, be aware of pickpocketers. It has become a real problem over the past few years. Always be sure to keep your belongings close.
Spain Elopement and Destination Wedding Packages
We’re Michelle and Thomas, a husband and wife team who helps couples elope in the U.S. and around the world. We provide photography and videography services, assist with planning, and help couples all around the world learn how to elope or host a destination micro wedding in Mexico (and most folks say we’re cool AF too.)
We’re your biggest cheerleaders to choose freedom on the best day of your freakin’ life. We’ll guide you every step of the way and help you have an elopement experience that won’t have one ounce of regret. All while documenting those once-in-a-lifetime moments through photos and video that will always remind you that you chose freedom, feeling good, and living your best damn life.
Our Spain elopement packages for photo & video start at $9520.
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Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement in Spain?
Fill out our inquiry form here and we’ll be in touch super fast, pinky promise.
Oh! And if you need help planning or logistics, our long-time bestie and vendor pal Anna with Roam Untold lives in Spain and is currently growing her elopement planning company. 100% reach out to her and let her take the stress off your plate! We also work together and build out photography/videography/planning packages. Ok enough about us- talk soooooon!