Same-sex wedding at a rustic Marbella finca
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in southern Spain that combines relaxed elegance with breathtaking scenery, Matt and Tod’s celebration is a beautiful example of how magical a Marbella wedding can be. Held last May, specifically on Sunday 3rd May 2026 — one of our very first weddings of the season — their day brought together family and friends from abroad for a joyful celebration in the Andalusian countryside, surrounded by panoramic mountain and sea views.
Set within the hills just outside Marbella, Matt and Tod’s chosen wedding venue was a beautiful rustic finca that offers the perfect balance of privacy, natural beauty, and authentic Spanish charm. With whitewashed buildings, palm-lined pathways, and beautifully maintained gardens spread across the estate, the venue provided a stunning setting for every part of the celebration — from the outdoor ceremony and drinks reception to dining beneath the open sky and dancing late into the evening.
Known for its peaceful atmosphere and spectacular scenery, this countryside Marbella wedding venue captures the essence of southern Spain. Rolling hills, hidden garden corners, and sweeping coastal vistas gave Matt and Tod the romantic backdrop they had envisioned, while the estate’s spacious grounds allowed guests to relax and enjoy every moment of the day at their own pace.
As one of the first Sunshine Weddings celebrations of spring, their wedding perfectly reflected the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes early-season weddings on the Costa del Sol so special. Join us as we look back on Matt and Tod’s unforgettable same-sex wedding in Marbella, from the excitement of the morning preparations right through to the evening celebrations under the Spanish stars.
Morning Preparations — A Calm Start to the Day
Matt and Tod began their wedding morning together at a nearby 5-star coastal hotel in Marbella, sharing a relaxed start to what would become one of the most meaningful days of their lives. With breakfast enjoyed side by side in the mid-morning, the morning set the tone for a calm and grounded day ahead on the Costa del Sol.
By mid-morning, the preparations began to take shape. Just after noon, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team arrived at the rustic Marbella wedding venue to begin coordinating the day’s timings and setup, ensuring everything was ready for the smooth flow of events later at the finca. Shortly after, the couple separated in preparation for the ceremony, with Matt and Tod each moving into their respective getting-ready spaces surrounded by their closest friends and family.
Todd spent his morning with a lively and supportive group that included Val (celebrant), Justin, Tom, his dad, grandma, sister, and his groomsmaids. The vibe was full of growing excitement and laughter as suits were prepared, final details were checked, and personal touches were shared between the group. His wedding party also included Kelly, Rana, and additional groomsmaids, with buttonholes, wrist corsages, and floral details carefully prepared and distributed — including thoughtful pieces for his dad, grandma, Justin, Tom, and the wider groom’s party.
At the same time, Matt got ready with his own group of family and friends, including Erin, Becky, Simon, Joe, Lewis, and his groomsmaids. Hair, suit details, and final styling came together throughout the late morning and early afternoon, with a calm but excited energy building as the ceremony time approached. Their destination photographer, Isabel Benchetrit, also arrived to begin capturing all the precious behind-the-scenes moments and preparations, documenting the quiet anticipation and emotional moments shared throughout the morning.
Behind the scenes at the finca, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team worked closely with Deseos Florist to complete the final setup. White Tiffany chairs were arranged for the ceremony, with floral arches and ceremony styling carefully placed into position. Tables were dressed for the evening reception, with a mix of round guest tables and a long rectangular top table set for the wedding party, while table plans and decorative details were finalised across the grounds. Guest transport was also coordinated, with coaches scheduled to depart from the Iberostar later in the afternoon.
As the morning unfolded, everything came together with precision and care — the venue prepared, the styling in place, and both grooms surrounded by the people who mattered most, ready for the moment they would reunite later at Villa Palma for the ceremony.
Welcome — Arrival at the Finca and Garden Gatherings
As guests arrived at the Marbella countryside finca on Matt and Tod’s wedding day, they were welcomed into the estate’s beautifully landscaped upper pergola area — a peaceful shaded space that set the tone for a relaxed and elegant afternoon celebration. Framed by mature trees and the soft greenery of the gardens, it offered a natural cooling retreat from the early spring sunshine, while still showcasing the sweeping views that make this venue so special.
A welcome drinks station was already in place, offering a refreshing selection of infused waters — lemon, orange, and still natural water — allowing guests to cool down as they arrived. Soft ambient music played in the background, creating a calm, easy-going vibe as friends and family from both sides of the couple began to mingle across the garden pathways and shaded terraces.
Careful coordination ensured the flow of the afternoon remained smooth and effortless. Reserved seating was prepared ahead of the ceremony, with dedicated helpers guiding guests into position as the time approached. Additional team members were stationed throughout the gardens to gently direct arrivals toward the ceremony space, which was located on the far right-hand side of the estate — a secluded and intimate setting framed by greenery and open sky.
As the final guests arrived, the background music softened, the bar began to close, and the anticipation started to build. Matt and Tod, accompanied by their closest family members, made their way separately toward the venue’s ceremony area, ready for the moment everyone had been waiting for.
With guests settled, petals prepared, and the gardens filled with expectation, the celebration was ready to begin — leading smoothly into a truly memorable ceremony set within the heart of the Marbella countryside.
Ceremony — A Countryside Setting
Set on the far right-hand side of the Marbella finca, the ceremony space was carefully arranged to make the most of the estate’s natural beauty, with lush greenery framing a long aisle and sunlight filtering through the surrounding trees. White Tiffany chairs lined the lawn in a clean and elegant layout, while soft floral arrangements in white, peach, and blush tones framed the ceremony arch and aisle. Lanterns and scattered petals added subtle decorative touches throughout the space, with the first rows thoughtfully reserved for close family, creating an intimate atmosphere within the wider garden setting.
Before the ceremony began, guests were gently reminded to put away their phones and be fully present for the moment — a simple request that helped create a calm and respectful atmosphere as anticipation built across the gardens. Soft music faded as everyone settled into place beneath the trees.
The ceremony began with Matt making his entrance alongside his parents, a meaningful walk through the garden space as he made his way towards the floral ceremony arch. Dressed in a light neutral-toned linen suit with brown shoes, his relaxed yet elegant look perfectly complemented the natural surroundings and warm spring setting.
Moments later, Tod made his entrance accompanied by his dad and grandma, a deeply personal walk that brought together three generations in one of the most emotional moments of the day. Matching the relaxed elegance of the setting, Tod also wore a light linen suit in soft neutral tones. As he reached the front of the ceremony space, the atmosphere shifted fully into celebration and reflection, with both grooms now standing together surrounded by their closest family and friends.
The ceremony itself was beautifully led by Val, whose warm and personal approach brought meaning and personality to every part of the proceedings. Standing beneath the flower-filled arch in the garden setting, Matt and Tod exchanged vows in front of their guests, framed by greenery, soft florals, and the peaceful surroundings of the Andalusian countryside. The combination of the outdoor setting, emotional readings, and relaxed atmosphere made the ceremony feel both intimate and full of love.
As the ceremony drew to a close, petals were handed and guests were invited to celebrate the newly married couple with a fun-filled confetti moment. Matt and Tod walked back up the aisle together to cheers and applause, surrounded by a shower of petals and smiling faces, before leading their guests through the gardens and into the next part of the celebration — the drinks reception.
Drinks Reception — Upper Pergola Celebrations
Following the ceremony, guests followed Matt and Tod through the gardens and up to the upper pergola area, where the drinks reception was beautifully set within one of the finca’s most scenic and elevated spaces. Overlooking the surrounding countryside, the terrace offered a relaxed and open setting with shaded areas for comfort, allowing guests to unwind while taking in the views across the Marbella hills.
As everyone arrived, the atmosphere shifted into celebration. Nano, a local Spanish guitarist, performed live, filling the garden with soulful vocals — including a vibrant rendition inspired by the Gypsy Kings, followed by uplifting flamenco-style music that perfectly suited the Andalusian surroundings. The combination of live music, warm sunshine, and sweeping views created an unforgettable early-evening ambiance.
Guests were then invited to enjoy a full drinks selection, including cava, beer, white and red wine, sangria, and soft drinks. Glasses were quickly raised in celebration of Matt and Tod, as friends and family mingled across the terrace, enjoying the relaxed flow of the afternoon.
Shortly after drinks began, trays of canapés were circulated, starting with a selection of cold bites before moving on to warm canapés. This gave guests the opportunity to sample local flavours while continuing conversations and soaking in the atmosphere of the finca gardens.
During the reception, group photos were coordinated, following a pre-prepared list provided by Matt. Helpers assisted in organising family members on either side of the couple, ensuring smooth transitions between each group so that moments could be captured efficiently without interrupting the flow of the celebration.
As the afternoon progressed, the music gradually began to wind down. Nano’s live performance came to a close, and a carefully curated playlist started in the dinner area, signalling the gentle transition toward the next part of the day. At the same time, the bar service concluded and guests were invited to begin making their way toward dinner.
With final group photos completed and the last drinks enjoyed under the pergola, guests were guided through the estate toward the garden dining area, ready for the evening celebrations to continue under the Andalusian sky.
Dinner — Lower Garden Dining Area
As the evening light softened over the Marbella countryside, guests were invited to make their way down to the lower garden dining area for dinner. A final call signalled the transition from drinks to evening celebrations, with everyone welcomed back into the beautifully styled space where long tables and round settings had been carefully arranged beneath the open Andalusian sky.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a glass of cava, while the Sunshine Weddings Spain team ensured everything was perfectly in place for the evening ahead. A specially prepared plate of canapés was also brought directly to Matt and Tod, giving them a quiet moment together before joining their guests for dinner.
Shortly after, MC Simon introduced the newly married couple into the dining space, where they were met with warm applause from family and friends. With everyone seated and the atmosphere fully set, the evening’s speeches began.
The first speech was delivered by Matt’s dad, Mike Duddy, followed by Matt and then Simon Duddy. Each speech flowed naturally into the next, bringing a mix of heartfelt moments, laughter, and celebration that guests and the grooms would remember long after the day ended.
Following the speeches, guests enjoyed a relaxed tapas-style starter with wine and beer served to the tables, creating a sociable and laid-back atmosphere. Main courses followed, along with dessert later in the evening, while the opening of the bar marked the transition from dinner into the evening celebrations.
Before sunset, Matt and Tod also stepped away briefly for a few golden-hour photos together before returning to their guests.
Party — Celebrations Under the Pergola
After dinner, guests moved to the upper pergola area as the evening shifted into party mode. A relaxed coffee station and petit fours gave everyone a chance to unwind while music played in the background and the atmosphere became more lively.
Later in the evening, Matt and Tod cut their cake before guests were invited onto the dance floor for a special Bulgarian dance that quickly brought everyone together.
From there, the party continued with a live saxophone performance from Roberto, followed by a late-night DJ set from DJ Maxee that kept the dance floor full well into the night. Late-night snacks were also served before the celebrations finally came to a close, ending an unforgettable day for Matt and Tod.
A Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to Matt and Tod for choosing Sunshine Weddings Spain to be part of your wedding journey. It was an honour to bring your vision to life and to see your day unfold so beautifully in the heart of the Marbella countryside, surrounded by the people who mean the most to you.
We wish you both a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and unforgettable adventures together as you begin this exciting new chapter as newlyweds.
We would also like to extend our thanks to all the incredible suppliers and team members involved in the day — from catering and transport to music, coordination, and styling. Every detail came together thanks to a dedicated group working seamlessly behind the scenes.
A special mention goes to photographer Issy (Isabel Benchetrit), whose stunning photography captured the emotion, energy, and atmosphere of the entire celebration so perfectly, preserving memories that will be cherished for years to come.
