Wedding venue in Nerja: A sun-soaked wedding weekend in Spain
Each week, we invite you to step into the heart of Spain with us — sharing real bridal stories, trusted supplier insights, and stunning venue highlights to help spark ideas for your dream destination wedding.
Today, we’re thrilled to take you to the rolling hills just outside Nerja, where Amber and James celebrated their love in a breathtaking Andalusian setting. Nestled among flourishing avocado and citrus groves, their venue was a beautifully restored farmhouse that blends colonial charm with contemporary elegance. Just a short drive from the coast, this boutique estate offered the couple and their guests a picture-perfect hideaway, full of character and natural beauty.
Surrounded by sun-soaked terraces and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the space offers a rare mix of rustic Andalusian architecture and sleek modern design. With room for up to 250 guests, it’s both grand and intimate — the ideal setting for a celebration filled with heartfelt moments, golden sunsets, and the happiness of being together.
In today’s feature, we’ll take you through Amber and James’s unforgettable wedding weekend and explore what makes this venue such a magical choice for couples seeking a truly authentic Spanish wedding experience.
So settle in, take a deep breath, and let yourself be transported to the golden hills of Andalucía — where wedding dreams come to life.
Pre-wedding days – The build-up
The celebrations began with anticipation as Amber and James arrived in Spain on April 28th, settling into their beautiful villa in Torre Del Mar. A final meeting was scheduled for the morning of May 1st, where last-minute details were thoughtfully confirmed in the relaxed comfort of their home away from home. These pre-wedding days allowed the couple and their closest loved ones to soak in the excitement of what was to come, setting the tone for an unforgettable wedding weekend.
Wedding Day Preparations – Morning to Afternoon
The big day arrived last May 5th, with the gentle Andalusian sunshine. James began his morning at the villa in Torre Del Mar, while Amber started her day at the wedding venue itself, in a peaceful room thoughtfully arranged to ensure comfort for everyone. She spent the morning with her bridesmaids Emma and Tiffany, enjoying a relaxed breakfast and soaking up the calm before the celebrations began.
By mid morning, Ella, the talented hair and makeup artist, arrived to begin Amber’s transformation. Amber wore a heart-shaped, flowing lace dress adorned with delicate branch-like detailing, featuring loose, sheer puffy sleeves. Her hair was styled in a half ponytail with a veil attached—romantic, effortless, and perfectly suited to the day.
James wore a beige suit with a matching waistcoat and a crisp white shirt, striking a perfect balance between relaxed and refined for the sunny Spanish setting.
Later, James and his groomsmen also made their way to the wedding venue, there they enjoyed a laid-back lunch by the pool before settling into their own bridal suite, enjoying a few calm moments of camaraderie before the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Caz, a member of the Sunshine Weddings Spain team, arrived alongside the florist to oversee the final venue touches. Garden chairs were carefully arranged, and the ceremony arch was beautifully decorated, adding to the rustic yet elegant atmosphere of the setting.
Photographer Anna Goryacheva was also on hand to capture every intimate moment of the preparations, with Amber and James getting ready separately—each quietly anticipating the moment they would see one another.
As the afternoon unfolded, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team on site worked to finalise the setup—from the ceremony seating and sweetheart table to the cocktail and dinner areas, all styled with Louis Vuitton brown chairs and lush floral décor. Menu cards and table plans were thoughtfully arranged, with every detail contributing to the smooth flow of the day.
With everything in place, Amber and James were ready to step into the magic of their wedding—surrounded by the love of family and friends, and the breathtaking Andalusian landscape.
Welcome Drinks – Sunshine & Celebration
As the afternoon unfolded, guests arrived by taxis and stepped into the warm Andalusian light. At the hotel entrance, groomsmen James F and Ted warmly greeted everyone, setting a friendly and welcoming tone from the very start.
Instead of a formal welcome drink station, guests were invited to order their own drinks directly from the bar, which offered a selection of wine, beer, cava, and soft drinks, with the bridal couple generously covering the bill from arrival until the ceremony began. Ambient melodies from Spanish flamenco guitarist Nano filled the air with gentle, uplifting tunes, creating the perfect soundtrack for mingling.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes…
The Sunshine Weddings team was quietly orchestrating the final moments before the ceremony. Caz checked in on Amber to ensure she was calm and comfortable, while also clearing the hotel reception area to prepare for the special first look— a heartfelt pause captured away from the eyes of the guests.
Meanwhile, guests were gently guided to the ceremony area, where baskets of sunglasses were provided by Caz to help everyone enjoy the bright afternoon comfortably, and final details were carefully managed.
With every element falling into place and anticipation building, the day was poised to unfold into a truly unforgettable celebration.
The Wedding Ceremony – Bathed in Andalusian Light
Mid-afternoon, the ceremony began as guests were gently guided to the garden area of the cortijo, surrounded by fragrant citrus trees and the soft glow of the late afternoon sun. The atmosphere was serene and intimate, perfectly suited to the heartfelt vows about to be shared.
One by one, the bridal party made their entrance: Tate, Tracey, Ruby, Emma, Tiffany, and Mollie led the way, followed by Amber walking arm-in-arm with Darren. The song Hallelujah played softly, performed live by Nano, setting a soulful and tender tone that resonated with everyone present.
The ceremony included a beautiful candle lighting, symbolizing unity and love, with a delicate instrumental piece accompanying the signing of the register. Witnesses Mollie and James F watched on as Amber and James exchanged their vows with smiles and full hearts.
As the newlyweds made their happy exit to the upbeat rhythms of Bambaleo, guests showered them with rose petal confetti—a vibrant moment full of celebration.
With the ceremony concluded, Amber and James were warmly congratulated by their guests before everyone was invited to the drinks reception to continue the celebration.
Drinks Reception – A Celebration on the Terrace
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the sun-drenched cortijo terrace, where Nano’s upbeat music filled the air, creating a lively vibe. Venue staff greeted everyone with glasses of chilled cava and non-alcoholic options, giving Amber and James a moment to share a quiet toast and soak in the magic of the day.
The drinks reception then continued with an enticing selection of canapés, cheese, and rice stations, offering guests a delicious taste of local flavours over the next hour and a half.
Shortly after, Amber and James shared a special moment with their parents, grandparents, and Tate, capturing precious family photos in the ceremony area before rejoining the celebrations. Laughter and conversation flowed freely as everyone enjoyed the beautiful surroundings.
As the golden light softened, a group photo was taken, bringing together all those gathered to celebrate Amber and James’s love. Guests were then invited to take their seats for the next chapter—an elegant al fresco dinner on the cortijo terrace, comfortably shaded under large white parasols, where the warmth of the day gently gave way to the magic of the evening.
Dinner – Celebrations on the Cortijo Terrace
As the sun began to lower, guests settled in on the cortijo’s outdoor terrace, where the atmosphere smoothly shifted into celebration mode, excitement buzzing through the air.
Later, Caz, from Sunshine Weddings Spain, took Amber and James aside for a quiet moment with a plate of canapés and cold drinks—a chance for the couple to pause and savour everything so far. Meanwhile, staff poured glasses of cava and water, ready to toast the newlyweds.
The MC, Shady, kicked off the evening with warm energy, inviting everyone to cheer and wave napkins in greeting of the new Mr. & Mrs. Braybrook. Amber and James made their grand entrance to the upbeat sounds of “Glad All Over” by The Dave Clark Five, receiving a standing ovation as they made their way around the tables for photos, all beautifully captured by photographer, Anna Goryacheva.
The speeches followed, starting with Darren, then James F, and finally James himself—each sharing heartfelt and memorable words that truly captured the spirit of the day.
Dinner began with wine, beer, and soft drinks flowing freely, and guests enjoyed a delicious main course showcasing the fresh, local flavors Andalucía is known for.
As the meal progressed and the sun began to set, Amber and James slipped away for some golden-hour photos, capturing magical moments in the soft evening light.
As dinner wrapped up, the band Monkey Tennis arrived to set up and prepare for the night’s entertainment.
Dessert was then served, followed by the ceremonial cutting of the cake. The cake was carefully split—half shared with guests, and the other half saved for Amber and James to take home the next morning, a sweet reminder of their unforgettable day.
The Party – Dancing the Night Away
As twilight deepened into a starry Andalusian night, the wedding venue’s terrace transformed into a vibrant dance floor, alive with music and celebration. The bar opened with drinks flowing freely as the band kicked off the evening with upbeat tunes, filling the warm night air with energy and a lively party vibe.
Amber and James shared their first dance, a heartfelt moment that set the tone for the night ahead. Soon after, DJ Steve Altman arrived to take over the decks, seamlessly blending beats that kept guests on their feet well into the early hours.
Inside, the party vibe intensified as the DJ’s rhythms echoed through the cortijo, while outside, late-night snacks appeared to keep the dancers fueled and the celebrations going strong.
With the music pulsing and laughter ringing out, the night carried on until the early morning, a perfect finale to a day full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
A Heartfelt Thank You
A huge thank you to Amber and James for inviting Sunshine Weddings Spain to be part of your unforgettable celebration. Your love, laughter, and joy truly brought this magical day to life — and we wish you a lifetime of happiness together.
We’re also incredibly grateful to Anna Goryacheva, whose expert eye and warm presence captured every precious moment with stunning artistry, preserving memories that will be cherished forever.
To all the amazing suppliers who poured their passion and professionalism into making this day flawless — from the florist and caterers to the band, hairstylists, and everyone behind the scenes — your dedication shines through in every detail.
If you’re dreaming of your own sun-soaked celebration in Andalucía or beyond, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sunshine Weddings Spain. Let us help you create a wedding as unique and beautiful as your love story.
Start your journey with us today — your dream wedding awaits!
