The trend of destination weddings is continuing to rise. An industry worth over $36bn in 2024 is projected to hit $137bn by 2029 as couples continue to shun the home wedding and instead choose to head further afield.
Often, it’s the desire to do something a little different. But as more and more choose destination weddings, securing a unique location is becoming a challenge. Spain, particularly its islands and coastal resorts, offers a plethora of choice.
So why are so many couples looking to tie the knot in Spain? The weather certainly has a big impact. Many head to the Canary Islands or Spain’s beloved Costa del Sol to increase the chance of clear skies on their big day. Nothing is guaranteed, but the Canary Islands benefit from over 320 days of sunshine a year.
But the glorious weather is only really scratching the surface; there’s incredible food, world-class hospitality and a wealth of picture-perfect period buildings that act as the ideal venue. It’s no surprise that Spain has become such a hit for weddings and honeymoons.
Canary Islands
Just off the northwestern coast of Africa, Spain’s Canary Islands are beloved for their idyllic climate. They offer mild winters and blissful summers with a pleasant sea breeze and hardly any rain. It’s no surprise that the weather alone has lovebirds flocking to the volcanic islands of Spain for a destination wedding. Not to mention their location, only a four-hour flight from London or seven from New York. It’s manageable for those with friends and relatives on either side of the pond.
Aside from the ideal climate and location, there’s also an impressive number of dream wedding venues. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama on the island of Tenerife offers guests several different venues, from clifftop gardens overlooking the Atlantic to a beautiful terrace for those looking for something a little more contemporary. Food is handled by Michelin-starred chefs and there’s a ballroom for the reception.
Or for a honeymoon, consider Paradisus by Meliá Salinas Lanzarote, a beachfront, adults-only resort with plenty of brutalist architecture and gardens designed by César Manrique. This resort offers cultural activities for travelers to immerse themselves in, and also has a wellness focus, so the obligatory honeymoon couples massage is well within the realms of possibility.
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Balearic Islands
Much closer to the Spanish mainland and the rest of Europe, the Balearic Islands — comprised mainly of Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca — have been popular with tourists since the late 1950s. But in more recent years, these islands have become one of the great epicenters of the destination wedding.
With its perfect white sand beaches, historic buildings and affinity with late-night partying, Ibiza is the dream party wedding destination. While Mallorca and Menorca excel at creating memories at a slightly slower pace.
On Ibiza, the team at the Ibiza Gran, a five-star icon in Ibiza Town, have become particularly accustomed to offering weddings. They offer a mixture of well-groomed gardens and exquisite interiors for the big day. The hotel’s catering team also takes pride in delivering a high-quality menu with immaculate presentation, making excellent use of the impressive local produce.
Those more drawn to Mallorca should consider Son Berga. Once a farm, today the property’s main source of income is weddings, and it’s easy to see why. Its impressive central courtyard can seat 220 guests and feels like stepping back in time.
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Costa del Sol
Andalusia’s Costa Del Sol has long been cherished by travelers, particularly for its superb weather. Running along Spain’s southern coast from the resort town of Nerja in the east through popular Malaga and Marbella, this corner of the mainland offers plenty of choice for wedding planners and honeymooners alike looking for a destination wedding in Spain.
The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis is suitably palatial and offers numerous potential venues, from a Roman Amphitheatre that seats up to 300 guests to a secluded chapel that’s perfect for 20.
The beauty of a wedding on the Costa del Sol is that once it all wraps up, you’re already on your honeymoon, so you can head out straight away on a roundtrip up the coast and explore some more of the beauty that Spain has to offer.
To learn more visit spain.info
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