Destination wedding checklist Spain

Oceanweddingsspain blog
May 8
5 min read

If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re dreaming of saying “I do” in the warmth of the Spanish sun, perhaps on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, or inside a charming Andalusian villa surrounded by olive trees and bougainvillea. First of all, congratulations!

At Ocean Weddings Spain, we specialize in turning destination wedding dreams into reality. Planning a wedding abroad can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right support and a clear roadmap, it becomes an exciting and joyful experience.

This guide is our gift to you: a complete, honest, and expert-crafted destination wedding checklist for Spain to help you stay organized, stress-free, and totally inspired.

1-Start with the Dream, Not the Details

Every great wedding begins with a shared vision. Before you even look at venues or guest lists, sit down together and ask: What do we want this to feel like? Spain offers a variety of landscapes and vibes, coastal chic, rustic countryside, vibrant cities, historic estates. Knowing your vibe helps everything else fall into place.

Start thinking about:

Your ideal date or season (remember: summers in Spain are beautiful, but warm!)
Your estimated guest count
The overall experience you want to create for yourselves and your guests
A realistic budget that reflects your priorities

This stage is less about logistics and more about dreaming with intention.

2-Choosing the Right Region & Venue in Spain

Once your vision is clearer, it’s time to consider the “where.” Spain is filled with incredible wedding locations, from the glamour of Marbella to the rustic charm of Andalusian fincas, or the laid-back beach wedding venues in Malaga or other areas of Costa del Sol. The venue sets the tone, not just for your guests, but for your entire wedding experience: the design, the flow, and yes, even your makeup (natural light and scenery play a huge role in how everything comes together on the day, and in your photos).

Booking your venue early, ideally 12 to 15 months in advance, is one of the most important steps in the destination wedding process. The most sought-after venues tend to book quickly, especially for spring and summer weddings.

If you're not familiar with the local scene or can't travel for venue scouting, don’t worry. That’s where our trusted collaborators at Wedding Venues Spain come in. Their team specializes in helping international couples discover the most stunning and exclusive wedding venues across Spain. Whether you're searching for a beachfront villa, a romantic countryside estate, or a stylish boutique hotel, they’ll guide you through a curated selection that aligns with your vision, group size, and budget.

Together with our planning expertise and their venue-sourcing service, we make the process seamless. If you're not able to visit in person, we’ll arrange virtual walk-throughs, provide honest feedback, and help you compare options until we find “the one.”

Remember: the setting you choose becomes the heart of your celebration, shaping every detail that follows, from the menu and floral design to your timeline and guest experience. It’s the foundation of your story, and we’ll make sure it’s as extraordinary as the love you're celebrating.

3-Why a Local Wedding Planner Changes Everything

We might be biased, but this is where a professional destination wedding planner in Spain truly makes a difference.

From the outside, planning a wedding abroad can seem like a logistical maze: language barriers, vendor coordination, legal paperwork, local customs, time zones… the list goes on. But when you have someone local who understands the ins and outs (and speaks your language), the entire process becomes not just doable, but enjoyable.

At Ocean Weddings Spain, we don’t just plan, we advocate, coordinate, communicate, and celebrate alongside you. We become your boots on the ground, your creative collaborators, and the calm presence on the wedding day itself.

4-Building Your Dream Vendor Team

Spain is home to some of the most talented wedding professionals in Europe. From photographers who know how to capture the Mediterranean light to florists who work magic with local blooms, we help you curate a vendor team that reflects your vision and style.

This is a big part of the destination wedding checklist: booking trusted, professional vendors early, especially if you’re planning during high season. And yes, we can help with that.

Some of the key vendors you’ll want to secure 10–12 months in advance:

Photographer and/or videographer
Floral designer
Hair and makeup artist (with experience in warm climates!)
Music (live band, string quartet, or DJ)
Catering or venue F&B team
Officiant or celebrant

We work only with professionals we trust, those who bring both talent and heart to the day.

5-Designing an Experience, Not Just a Day

One of the most beautiful things about destination weddings is that they aren’t just one event, they’re an experience. Think welcome cocktails, beach brunches, sunset dinners, and relaxed day-after gatherings. These extra moments let you spend more time with loved ones, and give your guests a deeper connection to your celebration.

We help you design:

· A seamless guest journey from arrival to farewell

· Custom styling that reflects both your culture and the local flair

· Printed materials (like menus and signage) that feel cohesive

· Intimate details like welcome bags, favors, and special moments

Travel & Guest Coordination

This is one of the more complex parts of any destination wedding and one of the most valuable reasons to have a planner on your side. From transportation to accommodations, we guide your guests with clear, friendly communication.

We'll help you:

· Recommend lodging for all budgets

· Coordinate group transportation

· Provide translation and timing support

The Final Countdown & Day-of Coordination

In the weeks before the wedding, everything gets exciting and a little chaotic. That’s when your planner becomes your peacekeeper. We’ll manage timelines, confirm vendor arrivals, review layouts, and do those final walk-throughs that make the whole day flow.

On the big day? You won’t lift a finger. You’ll be fully present, soaking in every detail, knowing we’ve got it all handled.

Let Us Be Part of Your Story

Planning a destination wedding in Spain can be the most joyful adventure when you have the right team. At Ocean Weddings Spain, we offer more than a checklist. We offer care, connection, creativity, and confidence.

If you’re ready to start planning your destination wedding with a team who knows the coast, the culture, and the craft we’d love to hear from you.

Lali Prada Lopez

Wedding Planner