Weddings in Spain - General Information
The province of Granada is an area of Spain abundant with romantic backdrops for a dream wedding. The number of beautiful outdoor settings is endless. With gardens, beaches, mountains and spectacular views, what else could be more suiting for the big day?
Spain is a deeply romantic country that recently has become very popular for destination weddings. As a favorite European sunspot, the province of Granada provides couples with sunshine, great food, and value.
Granada is a beautiful city full of a combination of European and African culture. Stepping back in time into Spain's Moorish past, couples can enjoy a romantic setting near the Alhambra Palace. With the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background and whitewashed villages in the front, this picturesque city is popular for weddings.
Before planning your big day, here are some tips regarding the traditions, customs, and legalities behind your wedding in the south of Spain:
- Unless the couple specifically wants to visit Spain before the big day, all of the formalities can all be done over the phone and internet.
- In Spain, it is nearly impossible to get a wedding permit unless you are a resident of Spain or a baptized catholic. Because of this, many couples choose to have a civil ceremony at home and then a blessing ceremony abroad. A blessing ceremony can be as similar to a traditional civil wedding ceremony as the couple chooses. It typically involves a reading, a hymn or song and a prayer. Blessings can be either religious or not conventionally religious depending on whom performs them. Typically bride and groom make vows, exchange rings and the groom will kiss the bride for sake of tradition. There are a number of priests and blessing ministers who can perform the ceremony in English rather than Spanish.
Spain has a rich culture full of customs and traditions that can often be a fun addition to any wedding.
Spanish Wedding Customs and Traditions:
Much more effort is put into food in Spain than in other countries. This holds very true in Spanish weddings. Food plays a huge role in the wedding festivities in Spain. After the ceremony there is a grand buffet or "pica pica" with lavish plates of appetizers. Proceeding is the full four course Spanish meal.
In typical Spanish weddings no speeches are given, and there is no throwing of the bouquet. The custom in Spain is for the bride to give the bouquet to a friend selected beforehand who is already expected to marry in the near future. The wedding ceremony requires no best man, but instead the groom is accompanied by his mother.
The groom's tie and sometimes the bride's garter are cut up into pieces and sold to the guests. The proceeds are then used for the newlyweds' honeymoon. After all festivities are finished, rice is thrown over the newlyweds for good luck rather than confetti.
Granada is the perfect setting for a beautiful wedding. It's a city drenched in romance, framed by stunning architecture and dramatic mountains – the ideal backdrop to a special day.
A stunning, unique setting with plenty of sun, blue skies, Moorish architecture, fantastic food & wine, amazing venues, and enchanting surroundings – what could be better for your perfect wedding day?
AWOL offers a complete wedding organisation service. You tell us your dream and we turn it into a reality. We will personally liaise between you and all the professionals that come together to make the perfect day – venues, photographers, florists, caterers, musicians, chauffeurs etc. Based in Granada, we have all the contacts you need.
Getting married abroad, means that your guests need extra special attention. AWOL will look after them too, organising accommodation, childcare, airport transfers etc. Catering for their every need, giving them a hassle-free, memorable stay in Granada.
The Climate in Granada: