We often get asked about the costs of a wedding in Southern Spain, however, it’s difficult to say how much you are going to spend, as the final figure will depend on the couples wishes.
Just like having a wedding at home, there are many variables: the venue, the number of guests attending, the supplies you choose, the time of year, your personal taste …
Here are some of the costs associated with getting married abroad in Southern Spain, Andalucia.
These are just a few of the things to consider when budgeting for a wedding abroad, of course, wherever you get married there are additional costs for the usual items such as your dress, suit, rings, invitations…
Even for simple weddings abroad, we recommend you to do one or two visits prior to the big day.
First to visit the shortlisted venues and surroundings, second visit for the menu tasting, visit suppliers and design flowers and decoration. These 2 visits are included with our Full Wedding Planning Service. However, if you cannot travel to Spain before your wedding, we’ll be your eyes and ears here!
Flights to South Spain (Costa del Sol Airport – Malaga) are usually very competitive in low season. You need to take into account accommodation and taking time off work, this can cost anything from 400 to 2.000 euros, depending on type of accommodation, the length of your stay and how many times you both visit Spain
As with any destination, where you choose to say your vows will dictate the cost. There are many areas in Southern Spain, the most popular are: Malaga, Marbella, Nerja, Ronda, Granada and Sevilla. Spain has a huge variety of venues with something to suit every budget.
Typically, Luxury villas and five-star venues in coastal or mountains retreats will charge much higher than intimate lodges and private rooms in restaurants. It’s important to consider the sort of theme you want for your big day and the experience you want for your guests.
The cost of luxury private wedding villas usually start at 8500 euros (2-3 nights stay), whereas a laid back villa wedding can cost from 3000 euros.
Most Fincas and Palaces charge a venue rental fee, varying between Weekend and Weekday (Saturday is the most expensive day). Midweek weddings can end up costing around 20-40% less than weekend weddings. Rental fee for Saturdays start form 1500 to 6000 euros.
Boutique Hotels and Restaurants don’t tend to charge a rental fee. However, most hotels ask for all the rooms to be booked, or for a minimum number of guests.
The highest amount, close to 60% of the budget is allocated for the food and drinks, where you might spend 90-250 euro per person for Welcome Canapes and Drinks (45-60 minutes), a 3 course sit down meal and 3/4 hours Open bar, YAY!
Buffet Style and Paella/BBQ menu may be slightly cheaper but this depends on the caterer, number of guests and type of food.
Most caterers include all the necessary equipment for the event, waiters and staff, chairs and tables, cutlery, glasses, basic centerpieces and Menu Cards.
For an overseas wedding, it may be wise to use a local wedding planner to help with planning on the ground. This has many benefits, including not having to travel to the venue as often, and potentially discounts from their network of contacts.
On average, a professional wedding photographer will charge between 1.200 and 3.000 euros in Spain. Wedding cinematography is a more professional service, a cinematic experience where usually two or more filmmakers work at your wedding, you can spend between 1.500 and 3.000 euros on high-quality wedding films.
Hairdressing, makeup and aesthetics for a bride are usually around 300-500 euros, including 1 hair and make up trial, For Bridesmaids, it can be from 80 – 150 euros hair and make-up on the day.
The average price of a DJ in Spain ranges between 600 – 1200 euros, depending on the equipment and set up.
In addition to this amount there is an added expense of live music for the ceremony or reception (saxophone, spanish guitar, singer/duo…), which would be between 300 – 800 euros. An orchestra or band raises the budget with an additional 1.000 – 2.500 euros
The price of a bridal bouquet is between 100 and 200 euros. For Bridesmaids, it is around 40% to 60% cheaper than the bride. Buttonholes are between 8 – 15 euros each.
Decorating only the ceremony is different to decorating the whole wedding venue. The cost of flowers and decoration for the ceremony and aisle depends on the flowers and decoration you choose! Things to consider when thinking about decorating the venue are: Welcome corner, seating plan, table arrangements, photo booth, chill out area…
Some venues may include fairy lights in the reception area. If they are not included, fairy lights increases the budget by an additional 900 – 2.500 euros
As you may have already noticed, it is very difficult for us to answer this question, as the final budget will depend on the venue you choose, the suppliers you need and the decoration you want.
To make your life a little easier and to help you in the early stages of planning, here is a general idea:
The price for a wedding in a venue with no rental costs and basic decoration and flowers (hotel, restaurant…) for 100 adult guests is from 24.000 euros.
If you prefer a villa, a farmhouse or a luxury venue with a rental fee, the minimum price is 30.000 / 35.000 euros for 100 guests.
This price can include everything you may need for your wedding: venue, food and drink, open bar, suppliers, some flowers and decorations and our fees. It can go up or down depending on what is booked.
