Wedding venue Benahavis | Dream wedding day celebration with Mediterranean views
Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Laura and Terry, who recently celebrated their wedding at a stunning venue in Benahavis, offering breathtaking views of both mountains and sea. Nestled in nine thousand square metres of beautiful gardens overlooking the Mediterranean, this luxurious villa turned their dream wedding into reality. Imagine a lush private villa surrounded by greenery and picturesque mountain vistas—a setting that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Last May, Laura and Terry exchanged vows at this enchanting location, a romantic hideaway on the outskirts of Marbella, surrounded by their closest loved ones. Situated amid expansive gardens with panoramic Mediterranean views, this villa epitomises modern luxury and elegant design, providing a serene escape just moments from bustling Puerto Banus. With its rich history and chic ambiance, this opulent residence served as the perfect backdrop for Laura and Terry’s wedding. Today, we’re delighted to share the highlights of their celebration:
Early Morning Bridal Preparations
The day began peacefully for Laura and Terry at their picturesque private wedding venue. The couple woke up together in the bridal suite, sharing a quiet moment before Terry moved to another part of the villa. This allowed Laura and her bridesmaids to start the bridal preparations. By mid-morning, the bridal party was in full swing, with hair and makeup sessions well underway. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the ceremony approached. Early in the afternoon, local florist Karen delivered the floral arrangements: one bridal bouquet, four bridesmaids’ bouquets, and two wrist corsages. The groomsmen’s buttonholes were delivered to Terry.
Shortly after, photographer Paco Montagut arrived to begin capturing the day’s moments, marking the start of documenting memories that would last a lifetime. As the final touches were applied to hair and makeup, the ceremony area was also being prepared. With all preparations complete, the stage was set for Laura and Terry’s unforgettable wedding celebration to begin.
Welcome Refreshments- with 360-degree mountain views
As guests arrived, they were warmly welcomed by the best man, Peter, stationed at the front door. He guided them to the courtyard, where they were offered a choice of welcome drinks: sangria, water, beer, and soft drinks, meanwhile a playlist curated by Laura and Terry played in the background setting a relaxed and festive tone for the day.
With stunning 360-degree mountain views, guests mingled and chatted, enjoying the picturesque setting. As the pre-ceremony gathering came to an end, guests were invited to the ceremony area, ready for the formal proceedings and the beginning of Laura and Terry’s wedding ceremony.
The Ceremony – Featuring a Garden Circle
A pathway lined with vibrant blooms guided guests to the ceremony area, featuring a garden circle that had been customised with a rustic wedding arbour, decorated with draping white fabric and baby’s breath. The combination of the intimate garden nook and stunning mountain views provided a romantic bohemian backdrop for Laura and Terry’s union.
There, Laura, elegant in an all-in-one white trouser-suit, walked down the outdoor aisle accompanied by her bridal party. They approached the beautifully decorated ceremony space, where Terry, dressed casually in a white shirt and pink shorts, awaited her. The ceremony area, framed by the picturesque backdrop of the southern Spanish countryside, offered a serene and rustic vibe for their special moment. In this idyllic setting, Laura and Terry exchanged their vows, officiated by local English-speaking wedding minister Lucy, surrounded by 60 of their closest friends and family. Paco, the couple’s chosen wedding photographer, expertly captured each special moment, ensuring these memories would be preserved for a lifetime.
Celebratory Drink and Tasty Canapés
Following the exchange of rings and vows, Laura and Terry joined their guests on the villa’s beautiful secluded outdoor terrace for an hour of relaxed socialising, refreshments, and delicious canapés. The menu included mini tomato and goat cheese tartlets, shredded tikka on mini poppadoms, smoked salmon bites, mini beef steaks, prawn skewers, and fishcakes.
During this time, Laura and Terry, now husband and wife, took the opportunity for a special pre-sunset photo shoot with their wedding photographer. The sun-soaked setting provided a stunning backdrop, allowing for warm, sun-kissed photos that captured the romance and beauty of the moment.
The Wedding Breakfast – A Multi-Course Alfresco Feast
The wedding guests gathered for the wedding breakfast under a canopy of string lights, creating an elegant space with a chic yet boho vibe. Hundreds of fairy lights sparkled, casting a warm and inviting glow over the evening. The important speeches were delivered before dinner, setting the tone for the celebration. The meal, a BBQ menu served in the lower garden, included a variety of delicious dishes including a selection of salads such as Italian rustic potato salad with sundried tomatoes and parsley, jewelled couscous salad with sultanas and almonds, and a Greek tomato salad with feta, black olives, green peppers, oregano, and red onions. The main courses included whole entrecote crusted in herbs and sea salt, served thinly sliced with béarnaise sauce, mustard, rosemary, and lemon chicken breasts with lemon mayonnaise, and fillets of sea bream with chive butter. A vegetarian option of chargrilled pea protein and veggie skewers was available for vegan guests, along with a special children’s meal for the younger members of the party.
For dessert, a playful donut tower featured Dunkin Donuts in flavours like plain, Oreo, Boston cream, and chocolate sprinkles, as well as gluten-free options. This fun dessert concluded the feasting and set the stage for a transition to the evening’s festivities.
Party – in the Central Moorish-Style Courtyard
As the evening unfolded, the after-party began in the central patio, a space adorned with Moorish décor that added a unique and festive atmosphere. The couple’s carefully selected playlist set the tone for the night, with Laura and Terry sharing their first dance to Donna Lewis “I Love You Always Forever.”
Dancing continued around a central fountain, which added an element of timeless elegance to the evening. Laura, Terry, and their guests danced into the early hours, enjoying every moment in the fairy tale setting. It was a perfect, magical ending to a beautiful day, marking the start of their next chapter together.
Our heartfelt thanks to Laura and Terry for allowing us to be a part of their special day. We wish them many years of happiness ahead. Special thanks also to Paco Montagut for capturing and sharing these wonderful images, beautifully showcasing this unforgettable bridal story.
Venue Overview – Getting Married in Benahavis, Spain
This luxurious venue in Benahavis is perfect for intimate weddings, accommodating up to 70 guests. It offers the convenience of hosting both the ceremony and reception onsite, with no need to travel to separate locations. For those opting for a religious ceremony, the nearest church is just a 10-minute drive away. The venue is also conveniently located, being about 50 minutes from the nearest airport and only 10 minutes from the beach.
Set amidst over seven thousand square metres of gardens with stunning views of the Mediterranean, this private residence near Marbella provides a beautiful backdrop for weddings.
Accommodation Options at the Venue
The venue offers a private residence that combines old-world charm with modern amenities, accommodating up to eleven guests. This setting is ideal for spending quality time with your loved ones in the days leading up to your special day and provides a perfect retreat to relax and unwind in the days following the celebration.
Master Suite: The Master Suite provides a luxurious escape with a four-poster king-size bed in elegant blue and gold tones, complemented by sea views. The suite features antique doors and locally crafted furnishings, enhancing its sophisticated atmosphere. The ensuite marble bathroom includes a separate shower area, double vanity, and a jacuzzi tub. Guests can also enjoy a walk-in dressing area and two private terraces with stunning valley and sea views.
Guest Suites: These suites are designed with muted colours and unique touches that blend with the natural surroundings. Each suite includes a queen-size bed and an ensuite bathroom with a vanity, bath, and shower. Private terraces offer serene spaces for relaxation.
Family Room: Newly added in 2020, this suite, formerly a music study, serves as a second master suite or family room. Located off the inner courtyard, it features a super king bed, an ensuite modern walk-in shower room for two, and a double vanity. It also includes a comfortable sofa bed for two, a cafe table, and a 40″ TV, making it perfect for families with young children.
Bedrooms: These cosy rooms are decorated in warm, earthy tones. One bedroom has twin beds and a private terrace with mountain views, providing a peaceful retreat. The other bedroom is equipped with a single bed, ideal for children, along with space for a childminder. A shared bathroom with a double vanity, bath, and shower area serves these rooms, ensuring convenience for all guests.
Extra Perks: The villa offers a variety of amenities to enhance your experience. Guests can enjoy a classic games room and library, a new infinity pool with breathtaking mountain and sea views, and an outdoor dining terrace complete with a BBQ. The landscaped gardens feature a daybed and a secret garden area for relaxation. The villa is equipped with free optical fibre internet and WiFi throughout. The modern Andaluz-style kitchen includes Bosch appliances and filtered water machines, while the formal indoor and outdoor dining areas can accommodate 14 people. The Andalusian patio, with its charming fountain, adds to the villa’s allure.
For comfort, the villa offers full air-conditioning, underfloor heating, and private parking on a gated driveway. It includes 24/7 staffed housekeeping, breakfast service, and VIP options. Security is a priority, with a gated entrance and 24-hour security ensuring complete privacy during your stay.
Wedding Cake Options and Other Fun Alternatives
When planning your wedding, the wedding cake often serves as a highlight of the celebration. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a centrepiece that reflects your style and taste as a couple. At Sunshine Weddings, we work with some of the best cake makers in the area, ensuring you receive a delicious and beautifully crafted cake or alternative sweet option from reliable and trusted suppliers. For couples like Laura and Terry, who opted for a playful and modern twist, a towering donut cake provided a fun and memorable alternative.
Traditional Wedding Cakes
For those who appreciate classic elegance, traditional wedding cakes are a timeless choice. These cakes often feature multiple tiers and can be adorned with intricate sugar flowers, lace details, or elegant piping. The flavour options are vast, including vanilla sponge, rich chocolate, and zesty lemon, with fillings like raspberry jam, buttercream, or ganache. Traditional cakes can be further personalised with fresh flowers or custom cake toppers that reflect the couple’s personality and style.
Cupcakes and Dessert Tables
A popular alternative to the traditional wedding cake is a cupcake tower or a dessert table. Cupcakes offer the convenience of individual servings and can be customised in a variety of flavours and designs to suit your theme. A dessert table can be a delightful display of mini cakes, cookies, macarons, and other treats, allowing guests to sample a range of sweets. This setup caters to diverse tastes and adds a festive element to the celebration.
Cheese Cakes and Naked Cakes
For couples who prefer savoury over sweet, a cheese cake—comprising a tiered selection of different cheeses—can be an elegant and unique option. Decorated with fruits, nuts, and herbs, this choice pairs beautifully with wine and adds a sophisticated touch to the festivities. Another popular trend is the naked cake, which features minimal frosting, exposing the cake layers. Often decorated with fresh flowers and fruits, naked cakes have a rustic and natural appeal, making them perfect for outdoor or garden weddings.
Ice Cream Cakes and Other Unique Desserts
For a summer wedding, an ice cream cake or an ice cream station can be a refreshing alternative. These cool treats are perfect for warm weather and can be customised with various flavours and toppings, offering a delightful experience for guests. Other unique dessert ideas include pie bars, cookie walls, or even a pancake stack, depending on your tastes and the theme of your wedding.
At Sunshine Weddings, we understand that your wedding cake or dessert choice is a reflection of your personal style and tastes. Whether you choose a traditional cake, a donut tower, or something entirely unique, our team and our network of trusted suppliers are here to help make your vision a reality. We are committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring that every detail of your wedding day is as perfect and memorable as possible.
Trusted Suppliers for a Perfect Day
In addition to cakes, we collaborate with trusted suppliers for all your wedding needs. Our partners include top-notch makeup artists and hair stylists who will ensure you look your best. We also work with talented musicians and DJs to set the perfect mood, from the ceremony to the last dance. Our florists provide stunning arrangements that enhance the beauty of your venue, and our caterers offer a range of menu options to delight your guests. We are here to help make your wedding day as special and memorable as possible.
