Elegant boutique hotel wedding venue in Nerja

Your wedding day is one of the most important milestones in your life, and finding the perfect venue plays a key role in making it truly special. From the dress and décor to the music and guest list, every detail matters. If you’re envisioning a wedding that combines the beauty of Andalusia with the warmth of the Mediterranean, today’s bridal story will inspire you.

Just 30 minutes from the nearest airport and 10 minutes from the beach, this boutique hotel in the Nerja countryside offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. With traditional Andalusian architecture, stunning views, and peaceful surroundings, it provides an ideal setting for a wedding that feels both intimate and elegant. What’s more, the venue’s scenic location, nestled among olive groves, creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, making it a sought-after destination for couples looking to celebrate in Spain.

This week, we’re sharing Kelly and Peter’s wedding, a beautiful gathering of close friends and family at this countryside retreat. From the picturesque ceremony setting to the personalised touches throughout the day, their wedding showcases the venue’s ability to bring dream celebrations to life. Stay with us as we take a closer look at how this stunning cortijo became the perfect backdrop for their unforgettable day.

Bridal Preparations – Early Morning Buzz

After months of anticipation and careful planning, Kelly and Peter’s wedding day had finally arrived. Every detail, from seating charts to transportation, floral arrangements to personalised wedding favours, had been carefully considered. Now, with the excitement building, the morning unfolded in a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and a few happy tears as the reality of the day began to sink in.

In the bridal suite at the Cortijo, Kelly and her bridesmaids were getting ready in room number 12, designed to reflect a 19th-century Andalusian finca. The suite buzzed with energy and laughter as they prepared for the day ahead. The atmosphere was one of excitement, yet a sense of calm settled over everyone, knowing that the day would unfold perfectly.

The Cortijo, with its 20 beautifully appointed bedrooms, was the ideal place to host friends and family for the weekend. From the elegant interior with its white contemporary décor to the canopy beds and chandeliers in the rooms, every corner of the hotel offered a perfect balance of luxury and rustic charm. With stunning views and a delicious wedding menu, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for Kelly and Peter’s celebration.

While Kelly and her bridesmaids settled into the morning’s preparations, Peter was with his parents at the nearby villa, getting ready with his best man, Johnathan. The wedding day was coming together smoothly, and as mid-morning approached, the buzz continued on both sides.

Hairstylist and makeup artist Nora moved quickly around the bridal suite, her brushes enhancing the natural beauty of each woman as she completed Kelly’s final look. Just after, florist Janne arrived with the floral arrangements, presenting Kelly’s bridal bouquet, coordinated bouquets for the bridesmaids, and elegant buttonholes for the groomsmen. Meanwhile, the groomsmen arrived at the venue and gathered in a separate room, making final adjustments to their attire and pinning on their boutonnieres.

As the preparations continued, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team also arrived at the venue to ensure everything was set for the day ahead. The ceremony area was arranged with rustic garden chairs and delicately draped greenery and white florals adorning the garden gazebo, creating a beautiful, romantic atmosphere. The dinner area was set with new chairs and patterned linen, while centrepieces were placed on each table, and the table plan was displayed on the olive tree, giving a charming touch to the natural surroundings.

Photographer Rebecca Davidson then arrived, right on time to capture the special moments of the morning and ensure every detail was preserved. Shortly after Peter and his groomsmen met with the Sunshine Weddings Spain team for a final schedule check and venue walkthrough. With everything in place, Kelly and Peter were ready to begin this new chapter, surrounded by loved ones and the excitement of the day ahead, and as guests started to arrive, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation —every detail had come together, and Kelly and Peter’s wedding was about to begin.

Welcome – Spanish Vibes

As guests arrived at the Cortijo, they were warmly greeted by the groomsmen at the entrance, immediately setting a friendly and welcoming tone. The venue’s reception area, surrounded by lush gardens, provided the perfect spot for guests to begin soaking in the beauty of the venue. Drinks were available at the bar, with Peter and Kelly kindly covering the tab for all their guests, ensuring a smooth and generous start to the celebration. With a refreshing drink in hand, everyone took a moment to relax and admire the stunning views of the rolling Spanish countryside, feeling the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on their faces.

The relaxed atmosphere was further enhanced by the soft sounds of flamenco guitar, as Nano, a talented local guitarist, strummed gentle melodies that filled the air. His music brought the essence of Andalusia to life, infusing the surroundings with a true southern Spanish vibe, and setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.

Guests had plenty of space to enjoy the beautiful setting, and many found themselves gravitating towards the hotel’s charming Spanish patio, located in the centre of the building. This picturesque courtyard, surrounded by arched columns and featuring a tranquil water feature, made for the perfect location for pre-ceremony drinks.

Meanwhile, celebrant Gareth arrived and began setting up for the ceremony. The Sunshine Weddings Spain team continued their work behind the scenes, ensuring every detail was in place, including checking in with Kelly to ensure she was comfortable and ready for the next steps, while also preparing Kelly’s father, Ian, for the emotional first look. The moment took place at the bottom of the stairs, and proved to be an unforgettable memory for both father and daughter.

Meanwhile, best man Johnathan invited guests to make their way to the ceremony area, where everything had been carefully arranged for the upcoming vows. With the warm welcome and relaxed vibe setting the perfect scene, Kelly and Peter’s wedding day was off to an incredible start. From the dramatic backdrops and vibrant Spanish music to the thoughtful touches like the drinks tab and the tranquil courtyard, every element of the day was coming together to create a celebration that was uniquely theirs. The stage was set for the next chapter of their magical wedding day.

The Ceremony – Under a Picturesque Garden Gazebo in Nerja

After the warm welcome and relaxed drinks, it was time for Kelly and Peter’s wedding ceremony to begin. Guests were invited to take their seats in the beautifully arranged ceremony area, nestled in the subtropical gardens of this charming country house. The tranquil surroundings, with their lush greenery and vibrant flowers, provided the perfect setting for an unforgettable moment.

Thanks to the expertise of florist Janne Valentin, the garden gazebo was transformed into a stunning focal point. Adorned with a tasteful arrangement of white flowers and greenery, it became the ideal backdrop for the intimate ceremony. The flowers were thoughtfully chosen to complement the natural beauty of the garden, enhancing the romantic atmosphere of the day. As the ceremony began, the gentle sounds of music filled the air, marking the start of a special moment.

When Kelly made her entrance, the opening chords of “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica played, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the occasion. Radiant in her open-back A-line bridal gown and mid-length veil, Kelly walked gracefully down the outdoor aisle, the soft rustling of the fabric matching the calm of the surroundings. Peter, waiting under the gazebo, looked dashing in his beige suit, white shirt, and tie, his smile wide as he caught sight of his bride.

The couple stood together under the gazebo as local English-speaking Minister Gareth officiated the ceremony, guiding them through their vows and helping them exchange rings. As they did, the soft, romantic melodies of a Spanish love song by Nano, the flamenco guitarist, filled the air, adding an intimate touch to the proceedings. The music, combined with the natural beauty of the garden, created a sense of timelessness as Kelly and Peter made their vows to one another. After exchanging vows and rings, the couple signed their marriage certificate, officially marking the start of their new life together. The moment was calm yet filled with emotion, and Nano’s soft Spanish song played in the background, enhancing the intimacy of the occasion.

As the ceremony came to a close, the newlyweds exited under a flurry of white rose petal confetti, which showered over them as they made their way back down the aisle. The upbeat celebration song chosen by Nano played, adding a lively energy to the moment and marking the start of their journey as husband and wife.

Drinks Reception – On the Salon Terrace

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests made their way to the reception area, eager to continue the celebrations. The Salon Terrace, with its beautiful Spanish-style architecture, offered a stunning setting for the drinks reception. Overlooking rolling avocado groves and fragrant orange trees, the terrace also boasts panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous landscape, making it the perfect place for guests to unwind and soak in the breathtaking scenery.

As guests arrived on the terrace, they were greeted by the sounds of flamenco guitarist Nano, who had moved to the terrace to provide a lively and celebratory soundtrack for the occasion. His vibrant guitar melodies filled the air, adding to the fun-filled atmosphere and created a true Andalusian experience.

The drinks reception, with a selection of soft drinks, wine, beer, tinto de verano, and water flowing freely, was a lively moment of the day. Alongside the drinks, a delectable array of traditional Spanish-style canapés was served, delighting guests with a taste of the region’s finest flavours. The combination of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and vibrant music created the perfect setting for guests to relax, mingle, and celebrate the newlywed couple.

While guests mingled, photographer Rebecca guided Peter, Kelly, and their closest family members—Melanie, Johnathan, and their parents, Ian, Gillian, Paul, and Marie—back to the ceremony area for family photos. With the garden gazebo and scenic landscape as the backdrop, it was the perfect setting to capture these special moments.

By mid-afternoon, the first call for dinner was made, and Caz, from the Sunshine Weddings Spain team, invited Kelly and Peter to slip away for a private moment. They made their way to a quiet spot, where they enjoyed a peaceful interlude, savouring the canapés and sipping glasses of Cava together. It was a perfect moment of intimacy, allowing them to take a deep breath and enjoy the day before rejoining their guests for the wedding banquet.

After their brief private time, the couple returned to the terrace, ready to rejoin their loved ones and continue the festivities. With laughter and music filling the air, the drinks reception set the stage for the rest of the celebration, allowing everyone to bask in the warmth of the occasion and the beautiful surroundings. The stage was set for an unforgettable evening filled with food, dancing, and unforgettable memories.

The Wedding Breakfast – Al Fresco Feast

Following the lively cocktail hour, guests were invited to take their seats for the wedding breakfast, which was set in a stunning garden area framed by the hotel’s lush tropical grounds. Surrounded by swaying palms and the intoxicating scent of fragrant flowers, the setting was nothing short of magical. The rustic charm of the venue perfectly complemented the natural beauty of the surroundings, creating an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere for the meal ahead.

Each wooden table was beautifully set with rustic place mats and simple floral arrangements, bringing a touch of understated elegance to the al fresco dining experience. The tables, nestled amongst the garden’s tropical greenery, provided the perfect backdrop for an intimate, yet lively celebration. Kelly and Peter made their grand entrance to the sound of “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin, a lively and fun choice that set the tone for the evening’s festivities.

On reaching the top table, the couple took their seats and prepared to enjoy the heartfelt speeches from their loved ones, a chilled flute of cava in hand. Kelly’s father, Ian, was the first to speak, followed by Peter’s father, Paul, who shared his warm thoughts about the couple. Melanie, acting as MC, then introduced the rest of the speeches, which included moving and humorous words from Peter, Gillian, and Johnathan. The heartfelt speeches came to a close with a final toast to Kelly and Peter’s new life together.

As the evening cooled and the sky darkened, guests enjoyed a multi-course meal under the stars. As the guests enjoyed their meal, cake baker Louise arrived with the wedding cake, placing it on a decorated table set by the Cortijo, ready for later in the evening.

During dessert, Nano performed a flamenco show, adding a touch of Andalusian culture to the night. His energetic performance kept guests entertained as they enjoyed their final course. After the show, Kelly and Peter cut the cake, with photographer Rebecca capturing the moment, and with dinner and speeches wrapped up, guests moved to the dance floor, and the evening celebration began.

The Party – Dancing the Night Away

With the formalities over, the party was in full swing. DJ Dave started his four-hour set, transforming the garden into a lively dance floor. Kelly and Peter took center stage for their first dance to “Always” by Bon Jovi, a moment both intimate and unforgettable. As they moved together under the twinkling lights, surrounded by loved ones, it was the perfect way to begin their new chapter.

Following the first dance, Kelly and her father shared a touching father-daughter moment on the dance floor to “Your Song” by Elton John. It was an emotional highlight of the night, with smiles, laughter, and a few tears as they danced together, celebrating a bond that had shaped so many special memories.

As the evening continued, guests filled the dance floor, celebrating in true style. While the music played and the party carried on, Kelly and Peter stepped away for a short sunset photo session, guided by photographer Rebecca, who captured stunning golden-hour images of the newlyweds. These quiet moments gave the couple a chance to soak in the magic of the day before heading back to the party for a lively photo run, where guests gathered for spontaneous and fun snapshots to remember the night.

As the tempo picked up, DJ Dave transitioned indoors, keeping the energy high as guests moved inside to continue the festivities. Meanwhile, the wedding cake was placed on the bar as a late-night treat, ensuring that everyone had the perfect sweet ending to the night.

As DJ Dave’s four-hour set came to an end and the bar closed, the final song played, marking the conclusion of an incredible day. With tired feet and happy hearts, guests began to arrange taxis, assisted by the hotel staff, making their way back with unforgettable memories of Kelly and Peter’s beautiful wedding.

A huge thank you to the lovely couple, Kelly and Peter, for allowing us to be part of your special day. We wish you all the happiness in the world as you embark on this next chapter of life together. A special thanks to Rebecca Davidson for capturing every magical moment and to all our wonderful vendors for their dedication, professionalism, and hard work in bringing this unforgettable celebration to life.

Feeling inspired by this bridal story? Whether you’re dreaming of a wedding in Nerja or another breathtaking destination, reach out to the team at Sunshine Weddings Spain today for more information on turning your dream into reality