Plan your wedding in Valencia; how to start

Are you dreaming of a romantic wedding in Valencia filled with sun-drenched terraces, Mediterranean flair, and timeless architecture? You're not alone. More and more couples are choosing to say “I do” in this Spanish gem on the Mediterranean coast. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate beach ceremony or a grand celebration in a rustic finca, planning a wedding in Valencia starts with a few important steps.

In this blog post, we’ll help you take those first essential steps toward creating a celebration to remember. Whether you’re planning it yourself or seeking the help of an experienced planner like Lola Ribas, knowing where to begin will save time, money, and stress.

Table of Contents

1. Choosing the Right Wedding Style

2. First 3 Steps to Planning Your Wedding in Valencia

3. Understanding Local Logistics

4. Sample Wedding Timeline – 12 Months Countdown

5. Planning a Destination Event vs. a Local Wedding

Choosing the Right Wedding Style for Valencia

Before diving into bookings and paperwork, the first step is to define your vision. Weddings in Valencia with the best wedding venues, can be anything from elegant seaside affairs to rustic countryside escapes.

✔️ Think Mediterranean villa with olive trees and whitewashed walls.

✔️ Or maybe a chic urban rooftop with views over the old city.

✔️ Or perhaps a bohemian celebration in a vineyard outside town.

Let’s break down each of these popular styles:

1. The Beachside Dream

This option is perfect for couples who envision a relaxed, sun-kissed atmosphere for your luxury wedding in Valencia, where shoes are optional and nature takes center stage. Picture walking down an aisle of soft sand with the Mediterranean Sea glistening in the background, your guests seated under swaying palms or a floral canopy. As the breeze carries the scent of salt and summer, you exchange vows with golden light reflecting off the waves.

Why it works in Valencia

Coastal gems like El Saler, Port Saplaya, and La Malvarrosa offer beautiful, uncrowded beaches just minutes from the city. These areas strike the perfect balance between accessibility and natural beauty, allowing for both scenic ceremonies and fun post-wedding fiestas by the water. The backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea makes your wedding in Valencia look and feel like a movie.

Tip: For dreamy lighting and soft, flattering photos, schedule your ceremony approximately 90 minutes before sunset. This will give you enough time to capture golden hour portraits and enjoy a warm, romantic glow as you say your vows.

2. The Countryside Escape

If you're drawn to peaceful settings, organic textures, and the charm of nature, a countryside wedding might be your perfect match. Valencia's masias—traditional Spanish farmhouses—are often centuries old and surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and citrus groves. These venues offer both romance and privacy, perfect for couples who want a slow, immersive celebration.

Why it works in Valencia

The region just outside the city is dotted with restored estates like Masia Aldamar, Mas de Alzedo, and La Mozaira. These venues are stunning examples of rural Spanish architecture, often featuring tiled courtyards, wooden beams, and lush gardens. Many even have on-site chapels or civil ceremony spaces, making your wedding in Valencia not only beautiful but also highly convenient.

Tip: These countryside venues are often all-in-one locations, meaning you can host your ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing all in one place. That reduces the need for transportation logistics—and keeps the mood flowing seamlessly from start to finish.

3. The Urban Celebration

For stylish couples who appreciate art, culture, and the buzz of the city, a wedding in Valencia’s historic center offers the best of old-world elegance and modern flair. Imagine a ceremony in a baroque church, followed by a rooftop reception overlooking tiled rooftops and glowing city lights. Or perhaps a sleek celebration in a modernist gallery space, with cocktails served to the sounds of live jazz.

Why it works in Valencia

The city’s old town, known as Ciutat Vella, is rich in heritage, with Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance palaces, and charming plazas. Iconic buildings like La Lonja, Palacio de la Exposición, or Convent Carmen can serve as both ceremonial and event spaces. And with world-class restaurants and boutique hotels within walking distance, urban weddings are ideal for cosmopolitan couples—and their guests.

Tip: Urban weddings require more permits and careful vendor coordination. Consider working with a local planner like Lola Ribas, who knows how to navigate municipal rules, traffic closures, and local customs—so your day can unfold without a hitch.

Understanding Local Logistics

Once you’ve chosen your style and ideal location, the next step in planning your wedding in Valencia is understanding how things work on the ground. While the region is incredibly welcoming to international couples, Spain has its own set of administrative rules, seasonal rhythms, and cultural nuances that can affect your plans.

Here’s what you need to know before diving in:

Legalities

Unless one of you is a Spanish citizen or legal resident, getting legally married in Spain can be a challenge. Most international couples choose to handle the legal paperwork in their home country, then have a symbolic or spiritual ceremony in Valencia. That way, you avoid complex bureaucracy while still enjoying a beautiful celebration abroad. Catholic weddings in Spain are possible with additional documentation, but they require more preparation and coordination with local parishes.

Weather & Timing

Valencia boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, but that doesn't mean every season is ideal. The best months for a wedding in Valencia are May, June, September, and early October, when the weather is warm but not too hot, and the skies are reliably clear. July and August, while popular for holidays, can be sweltering—especially inland. Winters are mild but often less visually vibrant and can have unpredictable rain.

Vendors & Language

The city is home to a growing community of talented florists, caterers, photographers, and musicians. While many speak English, not all do—and even fewer are used to international expectations. This is where a seasoned planner like Lola Ribas makes a big difference. With deep local connections and multilingual communication skills, she ensures that every detail—from the DJ to the dessert—meets your vision and your standards.

START PLANNING

Sample Wedding Timeline – 12 Months Countdown

Planning a destination wedding requires careful timing, and when you're organizing your wedding in Valencia, it’s especially important to stay ahead of the game. Here’s a comprehensive month-by-month guide to keep you organized, excited, and stress-free.

Sample wedding Timeline

Month	Task	Notes
12 months	Choose a wedding date and book your venue	Venues in Valencia fill up quickly—especially countryside fincas and coastal estates in spring and autumn. Book early!
11 months	Hire a local wedding planner	A planner like Lola Ribas will guide you through venue visits (virtual or in person), budget planning, and vendor sourcing.
10 months	Secure key vendors	Book your photographer, videographer, caterer, and entertainment. Some of the best book out a year in advance.
8 months	Finalize guest list & send save-the-dates	Be clear about travel expectations, local accommodations, and whether you’re hosting multiple events.
6 months	Plan the ceremony details	Choose an officiant (symbolic or religious), define the order of events, and begin writing your vows.
4 months	Confirm décor, design, and menu	Schedule your tasting, review floral proposals, and align with your planner on the design vision.
3 months	Book hair/makeup & organize logistics	This includes beauty trials, guest transportation, welcome bags, and activities.
2 months	Final RSVP count & seating chart	Share numbers with your planner and vendors. Create a detailed seating plan with your planner’s input.
1 month	Final walk-through & coordination	Confirm all timings, deliveries, and responsibilities. Most planners like Lola Ribas will hold a detailed timeline meeting.
Wedding week	Arrival, welcome event, and wedding day!	Relax, breathe, and trust the process. You’ve planned your perfect wedding in Valencia—now it’s time to enjoy it.

Tip: If you're planning from abroad, many couples schedule a trip to Valencia 6–8 months before the wedding to meet vendors and do tastings in person—or rely on a planner to coordinate virtual options.

Planning a Destination Event vs. a Local Wedding

Choosing between a destination wedding in Valencia or a local-style celebration largely depends on your lifestyle, your guest list, and the type of experience you want to create. Both can be magical—but they offer different advantages.

Destination Wedding in Valencia

Ideal for couples who want an immersive, travel-based celebration and quality time with a close-knit group of loved ones.

Pros:

• Turns your wedding into a full vacation experience—often including a welcome dinner, local excursions, and a day-after brunch.

• Keeps the guest list more intimate and intentional.

• Offers stunning backdrops for unforgettable photos and stories.

Challenges:

• More logistics to manage (flights, accommodations, transport).

• You’ll likely need local help—this is where planners like Lola Ribas shine, handling everything from vendor negotiation to timeline coordination.

Local Wedding in Valencia

Best if you (or your partner) live in Spain or have strong family ties to the area.

Pros:

• Easier to include local guests, family members, and coworkers.

• More flexibility for planning in person and arranging details gradually.

• May allow for a larger guest list and a more traditional Spanish celebration.

Challenges:

• If you’re managing the planning yourself, balancing local expectations with your vision can be tricky.

• You may still want a professional to help blend cultures and styles, especially if you're combining international traditions.

Remember: Many couples today blend both worlds—hosting a small destination wedding in Valencia with close family and friends, then a larger party back home. Whatever you choose, the city’s versatility means your wedding will reflect you. It is one of the reasons to celebrate your luxury wedding in Valencia.

Conclusion: Your Valencia Wedding Starts Now

Planning a wedding in Valencia can be one of the most beautiful decisions you make as a couple. With the city’s stunning venues, rich culture, and Mediterranean spirit, your celebration is bound to be unforgettable. Whether you lean toward a beach ceremony or a historic courtyard celebration, the key is starting early and making clear choices from the beginning.

And while you can plan it all yourself, don’t underestimate the power of working with someone who knows the region intimately. With years of experience curating elegant, seamless events, at Lola Ribas events we help couples turn their dreams into reality—one meaningful moment at a time.

CONTACT US