Secluded wedding venue in southern Spain
Are you dreaming of a secluded wedding venue tucked away in the heart of southern Spain’s sun-drenched countryside? Then allow us to whisk you away to today’s bridal story — a celebration filled with love, laughter, and golden Andalusian light.
Tucked amid rolling hills and ancient olive groves lies a rustic gem of a hotel, steeped in charm and history. Once an 18th-century monastery, this enchanting venue has been lovingly transformed into a luxurious hideaway — a true oasis for couples seeking an unforgettable wedding day. For April and Elliot, it was love at first sight.
Surrounded by lush gardens and framed by dramatic mountain views, the hotel’s tranquil beauty set the perfect stage for their heartfelt “I do.” With 30 beautifully appointed rooms arranged around a classic Spanish courtyard and a choice of ceremony and reception spaces — from the elegant Pavilion to the twinkle-lit Pool Garden — it’s no surprise this venue stole their hearts.
Join us as we relive the magic of their day, from soft morning light to starry evening skies, and discover how April and Elliot celebrated their love in one of southern Spain’s most romantic settings.
Bridal Morning – A Peaceful Start in the Spanish Countryside
The morning of April and Elliot’s wedding began in the most relaxed and romantic way possible — waking up side by side in the serene surroundings of the Andalusian hills. With sunlight streaming into the bridal suite and the soft sounds of nature outside, there was a quiet sense of excitement in the air — the kind that only comes with knowing this would be one of the most special days of their lives.
Hair and makeup artist Katia arrived mid-morning to begin the transformation, working her magic on April while surrounded by her nearest and dearest. The suite was filled with soft chatter, the hum of excitement, and the occasional burst of laughter as the bridal party slowly came to life — a beautiful mix of calm and anticipation.
As preparations got underway, the scent of fresh flowers started to fill the air, thanks to the thoughtful work of Miriam and Aunty Sue. They made a quiet visit to the ceremony area to add the final floral touches—a sweet, calm moment before the energy of the day really took off.
By early afternoon, Issy from IBimagery arrived, capturing the quiet moments from the morning—smiles, calm pauses, and deep breaths as the day built toward April and Elliot’s big “I do.”
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team were on-site, ensuring everything ran smoothly. From fine-tuning the seating layout — five chairs placed lovingly on either side of the aisle — to perfecting every final detail, their coordination helped create a smooth and stress-free start to the day.
Over in another corner of the venue, the groom’s party gathered as buttonholes were pinned and photos were taken—a mix of brothers, fathers, and friends sharing a moment of calm camaraderie before the ceremony. Sunshine Weddings Spain coordinated the timing perfectly, bringing Elliot together with his brothers—Owen, Hayden, and Sam—and both fathers for a few quiet, meaningful photos before the celebrations kicked off.
Back at the suite, the final touches were coming together. Hair and makeup were done, dresses were carefully slipped on, and bouquets gently placed in hand. As the ceremony time drew closer, a quiet wave of emotion settled in—the realisation that April and Elliot were just moments away from starting a new chapter, hand in hand.
Welcome – A Stroll Through the Gardens and a Musical Prelude
As the afternoon sun bathed the venue in a soft golden glow, guests began to arrive and were welcomed by the beauty of the Spanish countryside. Greeted by Owen, April’s brother, they were invited to take a leisurely stroll through the hotel’s enchanting gardens — a tranquil haven nestled between Mediterranean woodlands and rolling hills, where the air soon filled with the soft murmur of happy conversations.
A carefully curated playlist played gently in the background, creating a soothing soundtrack for the moment. Glasses of cool, citrus-infused water — delicately flavoured with lemon and orange — were offered on the shaded terrace, a refreshing touch to welcome loved ones in the Andalusian warmth.
While guests mingled and soaked in the surroundings, final preparations unfolded quietly behind the scenes. The Sunshine Weddings Spain team checked in with April, ensuring everything was on track. One particularly touching moment came as April shared a private first look with her dad, Glenn, and stepdad, Trevor — a heartfelt pause before the ceremony, beautifully captured by photographer Issy.
As the final song of the playlist drew to a close and the bar gently shut, there was a subtle shift in the energy. With the help of the music director, the mood transitioned — Elliot and his brother Sam made their way to the ceremony area, ready to take their places.
Guests were then invited to follow, moving toward the beautifully arranged outdoor ceremony space — a picture-perfect setting nestled within nature, where love, laughter, and lifelong vows were just moments away.
The Ceremony – A Romantic Moment in the Garden
As the Andalusian sun lit up the garden, guests began taking their seats in the ceremony space—a quiet area surrounded by nature. The grass underfoot, rows of rustic wooden chairs, and simple white and lilac florals along the aisle created a calm, understated setting.
A hush fell as the two proud mums walked down the aisle together—a touching and symbolic start. Then came the bridal party—Jess, Erin, and Leah—leading the way before April appeared, walking with her father, Glenn.
A simple wedding arch covered in lush greenery and soft foliage stood at the end of the aisle, creating a rustic, natural backdrop. It framed April and Elliot perfectly as they stood together to exchange their vows.
April looked breathtaking in her off-the-shoulder, 1920s-style satin A-line gown, the soft sheen of the fabric catching the light with every step. Her look was finished with a classic pearl necklace and an elegant high chignon, a few softly waved strands framing her face in the most graceful way. Elliot was equally striking in a sharp black suit, crisp white shirt, and classic bowtie — timeless, polished, and beaming with pride.
Led by English-speaking celebrant Gareth, the ceremony unfolded with warmth, sincerity, and emotion. Guests listened intently as April and Elliot shared their heartfelt vows, their words floating gently through the still afternoon air.
As the clock ticked towards mid-afternoon, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived — the kiss that sealed their promises. With joy on their faces and hands clasped tightly together, April and Elliot began their walk back down the aisle, now officially husband and wife.
Guests were invited to ready their petals, and as the couple passed, a flurry of soft colour danced through the air — a love-filled send-off to mark the beginning of their next chapter.
Reception – Rustic Elegance in the Spanish Sunshine
After the ceremony, the celebration naturally moved into the next part of the day. With April and Elliot now officially married, guests followed the couple on a relaxed walk through the venue’s grounds—shaded by olive trees and surrounded by well-kept gardens.
The drinks reception took place on a shaded terrace, providing a cool break from the warm Andalusian sun. Set against the rustic charm of the boutique hotel, guests were offered a selection of drinks—water, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks—perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Shortly after, a delicious assortment of canapés was served, starting with fresh, cold bites followed by warm, flavourful creations — six in total, each one a mouthwatering taste of Spanish flair. The terrace was alive with conversation and laughter as friends and family mingled and soaked up the atmosphere, glasses in hand and hearts full.
As the celebrations unfolded, the talented Issy continued to capture the moments that mattered — from candid smiles to cherished family portraits. Two helping hands from the wedding party assisted in gathering loved ones for these special shots, making sure no one was missed.
With the sun beginning its gentle descent, casting a golden hue over the gardens, the first call for dinner was made. Guests began to make their way toward the next beautiful space, ready to continue the evening with delicious food, heartfelt speeches, and the warmth of a celebration that already felt like a dream come true.
Wedding Breakfast – Poolside Romance Under the Spanish Sky
As golden hour approached, guests were invited to take their seats in the dreamy Pool Garden — the venue’s most magical outdoor space. The dining area had been set up in the lush garden, with the top table perfectly positioned to face the shimmering pool. Overhead, a canopy of fairy lights gently swayed in the warm breeze, hinting at the evening’s enchantment still to come.
A soft playlist started playing, creating a relaxed but festive mood. Guests were invited to take their seats with a final call for dinner. Meanwhile, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team brought a plate of canapés to April and Elliot—a calm moment for the couple to enjoy amid the busy day.
Glasses were soon filled with chilled white, rosé, and red wine, the gentle clinking of toasts echoing through the garden as Hayden, Elliot’s brother and MC for the evening, stood to warmly introduce the newlyweds. With a cheer of celebration, April and Elliot made their entrance to the wedding breakfast, met with applause and happy smiles.
Starters were served promptly, followed by the show-stopping main course — a live paella cooking experience that brought a touch of theatre and irresistible aroma to the evening. Guests watched as the chefs plated up steaming dishes of traditional Spanish rice, rich in flavour and colour.
As everyone settled into their meals, glasses of cava were poured in preparation for the speeches. The best men — three in total — kicked off the toasts with warmth and humour, followed by Elliot’s heartfelt words that had both tears and laughter rippling across the tables. Dessert followed soon after, sweetening the final moments of dinner.
As the last bites were enjoyed and the sun set, the mood shifted. The cake was cut, marking a sweet moment, followed by pre-sunset photos of April and Elliot in the soft evening light.
Soon after, guests were invited to the party area to dance under the stars and celebrate late into the night. The formal part of the day was over, but the celebration was just getting started.
Nightfall – Dancing Under the Stars
As dusk turned to twilight, the celebration continued under a sky full of stars. Guests gathered outside for the next part of the day—the party. With the pool garden lit by fairy lights, the mood was magical. The open bar opened, drinks were raised, and the music picked up.
Soon, April and Elliot shared their first dance as a married couple—a quiet, special moment that set the tone for the night. After their dance, guests joined them on the floor. The playlist kept everyone moving, with laughter and music filling the garden.
As the evening progressed, the final photos of the day were captured by Issy, before she departed, having beautifully documented every meaningful moment from start to finish.
Some time later, guests were treated to a late-night snack — delicious pizzas served up with perfect timing, thanks to April and Elliot’s thoughtful planning. For those needing to return to nearby accommodation, the couple had arranged a coach transfer, ensuring everyone could end the evening safely and comfortably.
As the music wound down and the final drinks were poured, the party gradually transitioned indoors, wrapping up a day that was nothing short of unforgettable.
On behalf of the entire Sunshine Weddings Spain team, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to April and Elliot for entrusting us with such a special day. It was an honour to bring your vision to life, and we wish you every happiness in this exciting new chapter.
A special thank you also goes to Issy from IBimagery for capturing the magic so perfectly — these memories will live on in every frame.
If you’re ready to plan your own unforgettable wedding in southern Spain, get in touch with the Sunshine Weddings Spain team today. We’d love to help make your dream day a reality.
