If you’re considering a destination wedding in Spain, the early decisions matter more than couples realise.
I’m a destination wedding planner and celebrant based on the Costa Blanca. I work with couples planning their wedding from the UK, Ireland, Europe, and beyond. Most arrive excited, organised, and completely unsure where to begin.
This guide covers the first practical steps to planning a wedding in Spain, without overwhelm or guesswork.
1. Decide your guest numbers before anything else
Guest numbers shape every part of a destination wedding in Spain. Venue choice. Budget. Catering. Accommodation. Even legal options. ‘We want something small’ is not a plan. A clear range is.
Ask yourselves:
• Are we talking 10, 20, or 40 guests?
• Who genuinely needs to be there?
• Are we paying for accommodation or travel support?
As a Costa Blanca wedding planner, this is always the first decision I lock in with couples. Everything else flows from it.
2. Understand the real cost of a wedding in Spain vs the UK
Spain is not automatically cheaper. But it is often better value. Couples planning a destination wedding in Spain usually benefit from:
• Longer venue access
• Private use spaces
• Higher food and drink quality per guest
• Fewer compulsory ‘packages’
Compared with average UK wedding costs reported by Hitched, Spain allows couples to spend more intentionally. Less on formality. More on experience.
3. Choose the Costa Blanca location before the venue
The Costa Blanca is not one destination. It’s a collection of very different wedding settings. Popular options include:
• Coastal towns like Moraira and Jávea
• Inland fincas with space and privacy
• Modern villas for intimate celebrations
Each area has different rules, logistics, and supplier access. Choosing the location first avoids falling in love with a venue that doesn’t actually work for your plans.
4. Be realistic about planning a wedding remotely
Pinterest is inspirational. It is not a planning strategy. Couples planning a wedding in Spain from abroad often underestimate:
• Local regulations and licence requirements
• Language barriers with suppliers
• What is included vs what must be hired separately
• Set-up, breakdown, and on-the-day coordination
Professional support early on reduces mistakes, delays, and unnecessary spend. That’s why many couples contact a destination wedding planner before booking anything.
5. Secure dates early. Spain is seasonal
Wedding season on the Costa Blanca is competitive. Especially for sea-view venues and private villas. Before committing to a vision:
• Check venue availability
• Confirm ceremony options for your nationality
• Understand realistic planning timelines
Flexibility at this stage opens better options later.
6. Decide how involved you want to be in the planning
There is no ‘right’ level of involvement. But there is an honest one. Ask yourselves:
• Do we want guidance or full planning support?
• Who manages suppliers, payments, and timelines?
• Who is responsible on the wedding day itself?
Couples who answer this early enjoy the process far more.
Why structure matters more than inspiration. The biggest planning mistakes don’t come from bad taste. They come from poor sequencing. Couples who plan confidently:
• Make early decisions
• Get local advice quickly
• Avoid repeating work later
That’s what a good destination wedding planner provides. Structure first. Creativity second. Plan your Costa Blanca wedding with clarity
If you’re newly engaged and considering Spain, your next step should be simple.
👉 Download my free wedding planning guide
A clear starting point for couples planning a destination wedding in Spain.
👉 Or book a relaxed, no-pressure chat
Get honest advice specific to the Costa Blanca and your plans.
