The main wedding season in Spain is from April to October. But with more and more couples choosing out of season weddings, we look at the benefits of winter weddings in Spain.
What is an out of season wedding in Spain?
Whilst Spain boasts a long wedding season due to its wonderful climate, most weddings in the south of the country are actually held in May, June and September.
The hottest months of July and August are ideal for weddings in northern Spain where the temperatures are not so extreme.
From November to March the weather is obviously less reliable, but if you choose your out of season winter wedding location wisely you can still take advantage of some beautiful winter sunshine and enjoy a ceremony outside.
Where are the best winter weddings in Spain?
The most southern province of Andalucia is the obvious choice for winter weddings in Spain.
Cadiz
At the closest point, the province of Cadiz in the region of Andalucia is just 14km from Africa.
This area has many historic Moorish influences visible in its architecture and place names but the African weather is also of great influence to the area.
Malaga, Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol coast of Malaga is well known for its international airport so getting to the area is easy and winter wedding flights are very affordable. But legend has it that the coast of Malaga used to be known as La Costa del Viento (the windy coast) so if you are opting for a winter wedding here, make sure your venue offers a sheltered Plan B.
Almeria
Further east along the Andalucian coast, Almeria's claim to fame is that it features the only desert in Europe. Most winter days, the temperatures in The Tabernas reach beyond 20°C
Granada, Costa Tropical
But look between Malaga and Almeria and you will find a hidden gem.
The Costa Tropical of Granada is a lesser known microclimate with 320 days of sunshine often sheltered from the winds of its more famous cousin the Costa del Sol.
Winter wedding venues in Spain
Southern Spain has so many wonderful winter wedding venues, you really are spoiled for choice. From castles and palaces, to luxury hotels and private villas. From rustic cortijos or country houses to more unusual alternatives like boats where you really can sail off into the sunset.
Great advice is to contact a local wedding planner who will be able to guide you every step of the way to organise your perfect day.
Make the most of the comparatively long, warm winter days in Spain an enjoy an outside winter wedding
- time your wedding ceremony for the middle of the day
- enjoy a long lazy Spanish lunch
- share your first dance against a stunning winter sunset
- supply your guests with cosy blankets for when the sun goes down and the winter evening chill sets it
- ….and accept that nothing is guaranteed so plan for an alternative inside option
Our featured photo from MichalCarbol.com is of a winter wedding ceremony in December on a boat in the Costa Tropical. The weather was amazing, the sea was calm and the dolphins were playing nearby…. but we also had a beautiful Plan B for a ceremony on board the boat in the pretty marina, just in case!
Author bio: Debbie Skyrme is "Celebrant Spain". Award winning bilingual destination wedding celebrant officiating elopements, vow renewals and wedding ceremonies in the Spanish sunshine.
