Romantic villa wedding venue in Spain’s Mijas
At Sunshine Weddings Spain, we love sharing the magic of our couples’ special days along the sunlit coasts of Malaga and Mallorca. From behind-the-scenes glimpses of stunning venues to real stories from the brides and grooms we’ve worked with, our feature page is full of inspiration for anyone dreaming of a wedding in Spain. For couples, it’s a way to preserve beautiful wedding day memories, and for our readers, a chance to picture what their own celebration could look like in this breathtaking country.
This week, we’re delighted to showcase Lauren and Stephen’s mid-summer wedding, held on 19th August at a private villa in Mijas. Tucked away in a secluded valley just 15 minutes from the beach, the villa offers a perfect combination of rustic charm and modern comfort. Surrounded by rolling mountains, olive groves, and lush gardens, it provided the ideal setting for a day brimming with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
From the sun-dappled terraces to the panoramic mountain views, every corner of the villa contributed to a fairytale atmosphere. Guests wandered through majestic gardens, relaxed by the heated pool and sunken jacuzzi, and enjoyed a feast of Spanish tapas under the golden afternoon light. With its six en suite bedrooms, wrap-around balconies, and even a life-size chessboard, the villa allowed Lauren and Stephen to celebrate intimately with family and friends while immersing themselves in the serene beauty of rural Andalucía.
Bridal Preparations – Morning Buzz in Mijas
Lauren and Stephen’s wedding morning started with a relaxed but happy buzz. In the villa’s bright bridal suite, Lauren was joined by her sister Sarah and her closest friends as the wedding styling team began hair and makeup. The room was filled with light conversation and laughter, with champagne glasses clinking as the final touches came together for the day ahead.
Shortly after, florist Shona arrived, carrying delicate blooms for Lauren and her bridal party. The flowers were carefully arranged, ready to adorn the ceremony arch and tables, creating a natural yet elegant setting. Meanwhile, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team moved efficiently around the villa, ensuring every detail of the ceremony was in place. Wooden crossed chairs were arranged for guests, a ceremonial table was set, and memory table photos were positioned under the archway, all ready to welcome friends and family. Lauren’s carefully prepared name cards, complete with ribbon attachments, were placed to guide guests, while table plan frames and flowers were arranged to match the villa’s serene, sun-drenched décor.
Photographer Calin from Epic Film arrived to capture the day, focusing on candid, unposed moments that highlighted the fun vibe and warmth of the bridal morning. Fans were added to chairs for comfort, and paper parasols were ready for welcome drinks, blending practicality with charm. As the preparations continued, every detail—from the glow lights for the evening party to QR code posters for guests—was checked and double-checked, ensuring nothing would be left to chance.
As Lauren stepped into her heart-shaped gown—a glamorous design with a subtle train and a slit along the left leg—the villa buzzed with life, every detail falling neatly into place. The combination of careful planning, thoughtful décor, and the laughter of loved ones created a magical start to the day, promising a wedding that would be remembered by everyone in attendance.
Welcome – Courtyard Gatherings
As the first taxis arrived at the Mijas villa, guests were greeted warmly in the front courtyard, where the atmosphere was instantly set by the soft strumming of Nano’s live Spanish guitar. His music created a relaxed, sunlit ambiance, perfectly complementing the rustic charm of the finca’s surroundings. With cava, sangria, beers, and chilled water on hand, everyone was invited to mingle and enjoy their first taste of the celebration ahead.
While guests sipped their drinks and soaked in the sweeping views from the courtyard, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team moved discreetly through the villa, making sure every detail was in placeUpstairs, Lauren shared a special private moment with her father, John, during a first look on the balcony of one of the upper rooms. Captured beautifully on camera, it was a touching pause before the energy of the ceremony took over.
As welcome drinks drew to a close, the gates to the villa were secured and the groomsmen, guided by the Sunshine Weddings Spain team, began inviting guests to make their way towards the ceremony area. With the courtyard still echoing softly with Nano’s music and the anticipation building, the stage was perfectly set for the heart of the day to unfold.
Ceremony – Mijas Courtyard Romance
The ceremony unfolded in front of the villa’s elegant fountain, framed by the timeless beauty of Andalusian stonework and sweeping mountain views. Guests were seated on rustic wooden cross-back chairs, while parasols and fans offered shade from the midsummer sun. Shona’s floral arrangements added delicate bursts of colour to the setting, and the gentle sound of trickling water from the fountain provided a serene backdrop as anticipation grew.
The procession began with Shaun guiding Lauren’s mother to her seat, followed by the groomsmen and bridesmaids who stood to receive the bride before taking their places. As Nano strummed the opening notes of “Still the One” by Shania Twain, Lauren appeared radiant, walking hand in hand with her father John. Her entrance brought smiles, happy tears, and a gentle hush as she walked down the aisle toward Stephen, who stood waiting in a smart dark grey suit and crisp white shirt, looking every bit the proud, handsome groom.
Throughout the ceremony, Nano’s guitar music wove seamlessly into each moment. The unity candle lighting was accompanied by a soft instrumental piece, and during the signing of the register, he played a heartfelt rendition of “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King—a special request that brought both romance and nostalgia to the occasion.
Once vows were exchanged and rings placed, Lauren and Stephen were officially announced as husband and wife. As Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” filled the courtyard—played over the speakers and joined by Nano’s guitar—the newlyweds walked back down the aisle to a joyful cascade of petals tossed into the air. Guests cheered, cava was poured, and the celebration flowed seamlessly into the drinks reception, brimming with happiness and Spanish charm.
Cocktail Hour – Roof Terrace Elegance
After the celebratory confetti exit, guests followed the winding steps up to the villa’s roof terrace, where the drinks reception awaited. With panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside, it was the perfect spot for mingling under the golden glow of the late afternoon sun. Nano lifted the mood with an upbeat flamenco set, his music creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere that set the stage for the evening ahead.
Guests were treated to cava, sangria, beers, and chilled wines, paired with a delicious selection of hot and cold canapés. The couple used this time to greet their guests, sharing warm hugs and smiles, before taking a moment for family photographs in the ceremony area with both sets of parents. Later, Lauren and Stephen slipped away briefly for a private pause—just the two of them, a plate of canapés, and two cool drinks—giving them a chance to soak in the reality of being newlyweds before rejoining the celebration.
As the reception flowed, laughter and music echoed across the terrace, creating an atmosphere full of anticipation. At sunset, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team invited everyone to gather for a grand group photo, before gently guiding guests to their seats for the evening meal.
Wedding Breakfast – Poolside Celebration
The poolside dining area was transformed into a romantic alfresco banquet, with long wooden tables set under twinkling lights. White linens, floral accents from Shona, and Lauren’s thoughtfully designed name cards completed the elegant yet rustic look. Glasses of chilled cava and water awaited each guest, while the buzz of conversation filled the air as everyone settled in.
Sean, the evening’s master of ceremonies, welcomed the group before introducing the speeches. Heartfelt words from John, Ray, Natalie, James, and finally the bride and groom themselves, brought laughter, tears, and plenty of cheers. With emotions running high and glasses raised in toasts, dinner was served—a feast of Spanish-inspired flavours that delighted every guest.
Throughout the meal, a hand-picked playlist curated by the couple played softly in the background, filling the evening with songs that were meaningful to them and their story. As dessert was served, the villa filled with the warm glow of the setting sun, creating the perfect backdrop for golden-hour photographs of Lauren and Stephen. Just before the party began, guests gathered at the jacuzzi area for a spectacular champagne tower, adding an unforgettable sparkle to the evening.
Party – Dancing Under the Mijas Stars
As night fell, the celebration shifted into full party mode. The outdoor bar opened, serving a wide selection of drinks, while fairy lights and glow party touches illuminated the villa’s terraces. DJ Maxee took over the decks with a 4.5-hour set, blending seamlessly with the electrifying sounds of Annya on the violin, whose performances on and off throughout the night wowed guests and kept the energy high.
Lauren and Stephen’s first dance to “Work Song” by Hozier was a deeply moving moment, followed by a heartfelt father-and-daughter dance to “I Loved Her First” by Heartland. From then on, the dance floor was never empty, with guests celebrating late into the night.
The atmosphere was electric—friends and family laughing, dancing, and raising glasses under the starry Spanish sky. For those needing a break, the villa’s verandas and gardens offered serene hideaways, while the music and lights pulsed at the heart of the celebration. At 1:30am, as the final beats played out and the bar closed, guests were whisked away by return transport to La Cala de Mijas, the joy of the night still lingering long after the music faded.
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to Lauren and Stephen for letting us share in such a beautiful and unforgettable celebration. From the romantic fountain-side ceremony to the laughter-filled dinner and the incredible party under the stars, every moment reflected their love and happiness. A special thanks also goes to Nano, DJ Maxee, Annya, Epic Film, and florist Shona, whose talents helped bring Lauren and Stephen’s vision to life. We wish Mr. and Mrs. Kavanagh endless happiness, adventure, and love as they begin this exciting new chapter together.
Rustic Mijas Wedding Venue Overview
Set in the rolling hills of southern Spain, this private estate, featured in today’s bridal story, perfectly balances rustic charm with modern comfort. Surrounded by olive groves, farmland, and panoramic mountain and sea views, it offers a serene and secluded retreat just minutes from Marbella’s town centre and nearby beaches. The expansive gardens—stretching over 14,000 m²—feature hidden walkways, charming corners, and peaceful terraces that provide endless opportunities for photography, intimate moments, and quiet reflection away from the bustle of city life. At night, the clear Andalusian skies allow for uninterrupted stargazing, creating a truly magical atmosphere for evening celebrations.
With versatile spaces for both large gatherings and more intimate ceremonies, couples can plan every detail exactly as they imagine. Outdoor terraces and pergolas offer shaded areas for drinks receptions, while open lawns and courtyard spaces are ideal for alfresco dining and dancing under the stars. The estate’s location also provides convenient access to nearby traditional churches for those wishing to combine a religious ceremony with a countryside celebration. Close to Malaga Airport and the Costa del Sol’s many attractions, it offers guests the perfect combination of tranquillity, natural beauty, and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for couples looking to create unforgettable memories in the heart of Andalucía.
