If you are looking for a more personal and bespoke wedding ceremony, then a wedding in Spain might be the perfect choice for you. Here I will talk about different types of ceremony, wedding rituals and venues in Malaga, Spain.
Types of Ceremony
There are three types of ceremonies in Spain. Catholic, civil and Celebrant ceremonies.
The wedding rituals are different for each type of ceremony. They will have a ring exchange and in the case of religious weddings you will also have a priest officiate your union.
Catholic Church Wedding
A Catholic wedding is usually presided over by a priest. The traditional Catholic wedding includes blessings and prayers from the priest. Family members may give a reading or prayer for the couple.
Civil Weddings
This will be a simple ceremony performed by an authorised person. It will include the wedding couple and two witnesses. There is no need for any particular dress code unless you want to follow old tradition which says that the bride should wear white (although this is not a must). These are carried out at the local town hall also known as the Ayuntamiento.
Celebrant Weddings
Celebrant Weddings are a relatively new concept in the wedding industry. The word ‘celebrant’ refers to someone who is qualified and experienced in officiating weddings, whereas previously only priests or licensed registrars were responsible for this responsibility.
The idea of celebrants came about because many couples wanted a more personalised approach to their ceremonies; although they didn’t necessarily want to defer completely from the traditional wedding service. However, as time has gone on there are many different types of celebrant wedding. There will be someone right for you no matter what type of ceremony you are looking for.
Many non-religious people in particular find Celebrants appealing. It gives them the opportunity to celebrate their love without the need to adhere to any specific religious tradition.
Celebrants also offer a more personalised experience for the couple looking for a destination wedding. A Celebrant is an individual that they can trust. Someone who will look after the important details which go into writing a wedding ceremony from start to finish. A celebrant’s role is central in providing couples with a meaningful ceremony that celebrates their love and their individual journey to marriage.
Celebrants can also offer couples advice on areas such as what type of ceremony they may want or the best location for it. They will also be able to suggest some readings which would suit your needs or even help you come up with a unique twist that sets your day apart from all others.
Can I marry legally in Spain?
To marry in Spain you must have been legally resident for two years prior to the date of marriage for a civil wedding. The alternative is to a marry in the Catholic Church, but you will need permission from your local diocese.
I always recommend you do the marriage, the part of the ceremony where you say the legally binding words and make your promises at your local register office in your own country. This then leaves you free to pop off to Spain for your wedding celebration with those who are important to you. If you ever need a copy of your marriage certificate, its easier to find it in your own language! With the choice of different types of ceremony, wedding rituals and venues in Malaga, there is so much available for your wedding in Spain.
Wedding Ritual
Three of my favourite rituals are the sand ceremony, las arras or the coin ceremony, and unity candle ceremony.
The Sand Ceremony
The sand ceremony can be performed by either the couple or chosen members of close family. The couple will pour colourful sand into a decorative glass vessel. This represents the coming together of the couple and their two families. The Celebrant will write the ceremony which incorporates words that are personalised and meaningful to the couple.
Las Arras
This ceremony is a traditional way to ask for blessings from the bride’s father. It is still practiced in many regions of Spain. It consists in laying out three packages, called las arras. One has coins or sweets, another with salt and bread crumbs mixed together so as to form small pellets, and lastly just some sand wrapped up tightly like a packet. The coins are a symbol of the groom’s wealth and happiness, salt for health and bread for life. The sand is a token to wish that there be no obstacles or disagreements in the marriage.
Unity Candle Ceremony
The unity candle ceremony usually takes place after all other wedding rituals have been completed. The bride and groom each light a single white or clear taper or small candle, which are then joined at their tips to form one larger flame from which they light a larger candle, symbolising their union in marriage. At this point they can make further promises to one another or the Celebrant will read the promises for them to repeat or alternatively read a poem.
Wedding Venues in Malaga
Malaga offers a range of wedding venues to suit your budget and requirements.
Mijas
Mijas offers an intimate, romantic ceremony in a Mediterranean style villas or Haciendas. Hacienda San Jose, is set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra de Mijas mountain range. Popular with couples looking for a small, private celebration or those on their honeymoon there is also ample space to host a wedding reception.
Marbella
Marbella is the choice of many. The Marbella Club Hotel loved by celebrities. The La Cala Golf & Spa Resort with 3 golf courses and a beautiful Spa.
Rhonda
Rhonda is an historical town in the province of Málaga, Andalusia and its ancient origins date back to Phoenician times. It is located on a hill with the Puente Viejo (old bridge) crossing the El Tajo gorge. It has some interesting places you can visit such as the old Moorish quarter, and the views from the bridge are simply breathtaking.
I love to celebrate life’s most important moments and would love to celebrate your day with you. Click here to see how I can help you celebrate your wedding day with a ceremony tailored and written just for you. With the different types of ceremony, wedding rituals and venues in Malaga, Spain is a perfect destination for your wedding day.
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