For Brides

The Field Guide to Elopements & Intimate Weddings in Barcelona, Spain

You’re engaged and you’re thinking of saying your “I do’s” in a dreamy destination. Visions of warm and vibrant Barcelona circle through your head. The food, the gothic quarter, the romance. Lovers of history and excellent tapas will find that Barcelona might be their dream wedding destination.

Legally eloping in Spain in a religious or civil ceremony is unfortunately not an option for non-residents. If neither partner is a Spanish national they have to prove legal residency of two years. What is most common for “elopement” celebrations is Symbolic Ceremonies. Couples will often have a legal ceremony in their home country to do the proper paperwork and then come to Barcelona for a symbolic commitment. Most couples will choose to do all the proper vows and wedding traditions at this symbolic ceremony rather than their civil ceremony back at home.

Unique Elopement Ceremony Locations in Barcelona

BELLSGUARD

An exclusive house built by Gaudi in-between 1900 and 1909.

MONTSERRAT

If mountains and monasteries are your thing, then Montserrat is the perfect elopement spot. Just an hour outside of Barcelona is a monastery lying high in the mountains. A must see even if you decide against eloping there!

PARC DEL LABERINT D’HORTA

A labyrinth garden in the heart of Barcelona leaves you close enough to the centre of the city that you can easily be sharing an incredible meal at your favourite restaurant after you say your vows.

RENT AN AIRBNB WITH A VIEW

There are hundreds of stunning Airbnb properties in Barcelona and nearby Sitges, many with gorgeous views and cosy Mediterranean vibes.

Tip: Earlier is better if you want to shoot at any touristy destination. Parc Güell and Sagrada Familia Park suit sunrise photo sessions. 

Just because it’s just the two of you, it doesn’t mean you can’t have your dream wedding. Splurge on a beautiful bouquet, dress, hair & makeup and photographer and end your day with a romantic candle-lit dinner on a terrace. The gastronomy is famous in Barcelona and there are many Michelin starred restaurants in the city that will provide a memorable experience for your wedding day.

Intimate Wedding Locations in Barcelona

FINCA MAS SOLERS

A nineteenth-century Renaissance-style mansion just 30 minutes from Barcelona.

CASTELL DE TAMARIT

The views from this oceanside castle 80km from Barcelona will have you dying to bring your closest friends and family there to experience the magic.

SANT PERE DEL BOSC HOTEL & SPA

In the heart of Costa Brava is a luxurious property that boasts both amenities and stunning historic architecture. Have your photos taken in romantic Girona or stay on the property to explore.

CASTELL D’EMPORDA

Dating from 1301 on a property studded with olive trees and oak, this castle has both a chapel and outdoor space to make your intimate wedding as dreamy as you imagined.

CASA FELIX

Stunning views on the edge of the village of Olivella, just 40 minutes from Barcelona.

CAN RIBAS DE MONTBUI

Old world charm on overload here at this country house property.

Barcelona Wedding Planners & Vendors

It’s important that your wedding planner speaks both Catalan and your native language. If your goal is to just celebrate your love, let an experienced wedding planner handle all arrangements for florists, hair and makeup artists, etc. I loved working with Betsaida at The Experialist while shooting in Barcelona!

Tip: Do not feel compelled to choose a photographer or any other vendor suggested by the planner if you’re not madly in love with their work. It is easy to bring in vendors from anywhere to Barcelona for your big day. Your photographer will be with you throughout your wedding day so make sure you like their personality as well as their work!

Caileigh Langford is a fine art destination wedding photographer. She documents love stories internationally on medium format film. See more of Caileigh’s work here. 

  1. Craig says:

    Hello!

    My wife and I would like to celebrate our previous wedding (via local court offer) with her hair done, a ceremonial service and pictures in Barcelona. We are traveling from Miami to Barcelona on July 23/24 and leaving on a cruise on the 28th. We would like to do this (if possible) on Monday morning the 25th. May I inquire as to pricing?

    Craig Watson

  2. We would like to enquire on an eloping wedding. We are from South-Africa. We will be in Barcelona in August. Please advice.

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