Andalusian wedding venue with mountain views
If your dream wedding involves saying “I do” amid the breathtaking beauty of southern Spain—surrounded by rolling mountains, glimpses of the Mediterranean, and the timeless charm of Andalusia—then you’re in for something truly special. On a warm Tuesday last May, today’s featured couple, Rachel and Lewis, celebrated their unforgettable wedding day at a stunning hilltop venue just outside Marbella.
Nestled in a peaceful valley, their chosen location was once a historic wheat farm, now thoughtfully transformed into a private, stylish wedding retreat. Offering the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience, the venue blends traditional Spanish character with contemporary design—ideal for couples seeking a mix of rustic romance and refined elegance.
With sweeping views, cascading natural features, and beautifully restored architecture, the setting offered an unforgettable backdrop for Rachel and Lewis’s celebration. The venue also caters to gatherings of all sizes, with space for intimate pre-wedding stays of up to eight guests, and room for grand outdoor receptions of up to 400—perfect for those envisioning a sun-drenched celebration surrounded by loved ones.
In today’s bridal story, we’ll revisit the highlights of Rachel and Lewis’s magical day and offer a glimpse into what it’s like to begin your forever at one of Andalusia’s most captivating wedding destinations.
Early Morning Bridal Buzz
The sun rose over the Costa del Sol on Tuesday, 27th May 2025, marking the beginning of a truly unforgettable day for Rachel and Lewis. The couple spent the morning apart, soaking in the anticipation of what was to come—Rachel in a stylish apartment opposite Marbella FC, and Lewis at a beachfront hotel.
As the morning unfolded, bridal preparations were soon in full swing. The hair and makeup team arrived, with Flavia starting on Rachel’s hair and Kerstin beginning makeup shortly after. Aurelija was also on hand to style guests, keeping the suite alive with laughter, anticipation, and the gentle buzz of curling tongs and makeup brushes at work.
By early afternoon, the pre-ceremony energy started to build. The Sunshine Weddings Spain team, along with Sana Catering, arrived at the venue to oversee the setup, while florist Karen delivered the bridal bouquets and a father-of-the-bride buttonhole to Rachel’s apartment. The floral arrangements featured soft, romantic tones and were the perfect reflection of the day’s elegant styling.
Around the same time, Racheal from Balance Photography arrived to begin capturing the morning’s quiet moments and careful preparation. A tender first-look moment between Rachel and her father was a particular highlight, filled with emotion and love.
Meanwhile, the venue was being transformed into a romantic haven. The ceremony area featured stone-washed Chiavari chairs, arranged six per side along the aisle, with delicate fans placed on each chair bearing the wedding date. Parasols were thoughtfully placed to ensure guests’ comfort, while the ceremony arch was styled to perfection by Karen. A dreamy arrangement of white roses, peonies, and seasonal florals intertwined with lush greenery, complemented by soft white draping on either side of the arbor, created a romantic and ethereal focal point. Reserved seating tags marked special places, while rustic petal baskets sat ready for the confetti toss.
The dinner space was equally breathtaking: four long imperial tables dressed in crisp white linen awaited guests under a canopy of fairy lights. Each table was set with carefully batched name cards, pens, glasses, and table signs—every detail thoughtfully pre-prepared by the bride, Rachel herself.
A vintage wheelbarrow displayed the seating plan near the steps leading to dinner, and playful personal touches like kids’ favours, flip-flops for dancing, and a stylish card box added charm to the setup.
Later in the afternoon, the groomsmen—led by best man Adam and joined by Jacob, Shawn, and Harry—left the hotel to meet Lewis at the venue. Buttonholes were handed out, final checks were made, and the atmosphere filled with excitement as everything came together beautifully.
With everything in place—the vows ready, the décor stunning, and the guests beginning to arrive—Rachel and Lewis’s wedding day was set to begin in the most magical way possible.
Welcome Refreshments – Sangria, Soft Drinks, Water, or Beer
As guests began arriving at the venue, they were warmly greeted by groomsmen Shawn and Harry at the entrance, setting a friendly and welcoming tone for the celebration ahead. A selection of chilled sangria, beer, soft drinks, and water was offered as welcome refreshments, inviting everyone to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
With gentle music played live by Annya, followed by a carefully curated playlist chosen by the couple, the atmosphere quickly became lively and festive. Guests mingled in the warm Spanish sunshine, surrounded by mountain views and the rustic charm of the venue. Laughter and conversation filled the air as anticipation quietly built for the ceremony.
As the gathering continued, guests were invited to make their way to the ceremony space—a unique, open-air amphitheatre carved into the hillside, offering panoramic views and an unforgettable setting. Chairs lined either side of the aisle, dressed with fans featuring the couple’s wedding date, and a ceremony arch adorned with blush-toned florals and greenery created a picture-perfect focal point.
The Ceremony – An Elegant Hillside Celebration in Southern Spain
Soon after, Rachel arrived at the venue in a classic car, accompanied by her father. She was met by her mother and brother, Danny, who took their places at the front of the aisle as the bridal procession prepared to begin. Just before the ceremony commenced, the celebrant kindly reminded guests to refrain from taking photos or videos and to step out with little ones if they needed a break—ensuring an uninterrupted and intimate moment for the couple.
The bridal procession began with bridesmaids Katherine, Fiona, Sinead, and Amy walking down the aisle, each carrying soft-toned bouquets that matched the romantic floral arch. Rachel followed, radiant in her gown, escorted by her father Dave. At the altar, Lewis stood alongside his best man and groomsmen, beaming as Rachel made her way toward him.
The ceremony was officiated by Kevin, who guided Rachel and Lewis through heartfelt vows and a touching exchange of rings, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The natural beauty of the venue—its warm stone, sweeping views, and peaceful ambiance—made the moment all the more special.
As the ceremony concluded, the newlyweds signed the register before making their exit, hand-in-hand. Guests followed them toward the drinks reception area, ready to toast the happy couple and continue the celebration under the Spanish sun.
Celebratory Drinks – Under the Spanish Sun
Following their beautiful hillside ceremony, Rachel and Lewis made their way to greet their guests for the celebratory drinks reception. Everyone gathered near the plant-draped pergola at the heart of the venue—an inviting, shaded space perfect for mingling and unwinding after the emotional vows.
As guests were offered their choice of chilled cava, refreshing beer, or soft drinks, the lively rhythms of a modern, upbeat set by Annya brought a fun and festive energy to the moment. While Rachel and Lewis posed for family photos and shared quiet moments with loved ones, guests were served a tempting selection of canapés. The cold and hot offerings included a mix of Mediterranean-inspired bites, creating the perfect prelude to the evening’s celebration.
Bridesmaids’ bouquets and floral pieces from the ceremony arch were thoughtfully repurposed by the Sunshine Weddings Spain team, stretching beautifully across the imperial dinner tables and tying the ceremony’s romantic floral theme into the reception space.
As the drinks reception came to a close, family and bridal party members helped guide guests toward the main dinner terrace—a stunning space set beneath soft lighting and surrounded by the venue’s rustic elegance.
The Wedding Breakfast – A Sunset Garden Celebration
Guests were welcomed to the dinner terrace where four long imperial tables, draped in crisp white linen, were adorned with personal touches prepared by Rachel—name cards, table numbers, playful signs, and floral details from earlier in the day. Bouquets were placed on the top table, adding another layer of natural beauty.
With everyone seated, a final glass of cava was served and the speeches began. The father of the bride took to the floor first with heartfelt words, followed by Lewis’s emotional groom’s speech, and finally, a light-hearted and memorable toast from the best man.
As laughter and applause filled the air, the dining experience began with the start of a relaxed BBQ feast. Guests enjoyed generous servings of flame-grilled favourites alongside their choice of wines and beers, creating a laid-back, convivial atmosphere ideal for long conversations and celebration.
A little later, dessert was served—a highlight for many, as Rachel had personally selected the sweet finale to the meal. With the sun beginning to dip toward the horizon, the bar opened for the evening, and the festive tone began to shift toward the night’s entertainment.
Guests were then invited to the amphitheatre, where a special drone photo was taken to capture the group together against the dramatic landscape. Then, as the golden hour bathed the venue in soft light, Rachel and Lewis stepped aside for their romantic sunset photos—beautiful, cinematic moments that will be cherished forever.
The Party – Dancing Until Close
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky turned to twilight, the celebration continued with the arrival of DJ Kmiss, who brought the energy straight to the dancefloor. Guests were invited to gather around for two of the most touching moments of the evening: the father–daughter dance, followed closely by Rachel and Lewis’s magical first dance as husband and wife.
With the couple taking centre stage beneath soft lighting and a sky full of stars, the romantic energy was undeniable. As their song played, the crowd gathered, cheered, and soon joined them—officially kicking off a night of dancing and fun-filled moments.
From there, DJ Kmiss delivered an electrifying set, filling the amphitheatre with a catchy mix of upbeat classics and party anthems. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, cheers, and the sound of feet moving to every beat. Guests danced freely under the warm night air, celebrating love, life, and unforgettable memories.
As the evening wore on, the party transitioned indoors, where the music and fun continued in an intimate late-night lounge space. Drinks flowed, the energy remained high, and guests made the most of every final moment of the celebration.
As the bar and music came to a close in the early hours, the last songs played out to a room still buzzing with happiness. Décor items were carefully collected, and the venue gradually quieted—marking the end of an unforgettable wedding day.
A heartfelt thank you to Rachel and Lewis for allowing us to be part of such a special occasion. We wish you a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and love. A warm thank you also goes to Racheal from Balance Photography for capturing the joy, beauty, and spirit of the day so perfectly.
Rustic Andalucian Wedding Venue Overview
Set atop a peaceful hilltop in the Andalusian countryside, this stunning Spanish cortijo provided the ideal backdrop for Rachel and Lewis’s wedding celebration. Surrounded by 40 hectares of natural beauty and just a 15-minute drive from the Mediterranean coastline, the venue offers a perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility. For guests travelling from abroad, the nearest airport is approximately 60 minutes away, ensuring a convenient journey.
With capacity for up to 400 guests, the cortijo combines traditional charm with modern comfort. The estate includes multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a spacious double room, a well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast nook, and a separate guesthouse—offering comfortable on-site accommodation for the bridal party or close family. The sea views and tranquil setting create a relaxed environment for pre-wedding preparations.
The venue features two spacious interior patios: one ideal for a lively cocktail hour, and the other perfect for an open-air wedding dinner with an adjoining bar and chill-out area. Surrounded by swaying palm trees and centred around a large outdoor pool, the property offers a variety of scenic spaces for each part of the day.
A highlight of this cortijo is its unique, open-air amphitheatre, carved into the hillside and used for Rachel and Lewis’s ceremony. This semi-circular setting offers a breathtaking, cinematic backdrop for exchanging vows, with panoramic mountain views and the soft sounds of nature enhancing the atmosphere.
Located just outside the picturesque village of Casares and only five minutes from Estepona, the venue’s peaceful location allows celebrations to continue late into the night without disturbance. Fireworks and drone photography are permitted, making it ideal for capturing unforgettable moments against the dramatic landscape.
Blending rustic Andalusian character with practical amenities and a variety of flexible spaces, this cortijo offers everything needed for a relaxed yet unforgettable destination wedding—just as Rachel and Lewis experienced on their special day.
