Luxury Marbella finca wedding
Welcome to another Sunshine Weddings Spain bridal story, where we share a closer look at the celebrations we’ve had the privilege of planning across southern Spain. From coastal villas to countryside estates, every wedding brings its own style and personality — brought together with thoughtful planning, Mediterranean sunshine, and a focus on creating a day that feels completely personal.
Today, we’re looking back at Ellie and James’ wedding on Monday 28th July 2025, held in the hills just outside Marbella. Their destination celebration took place at a private Andalusian estate positioned between the coastline and rolling countryside, offering open views, mature gardens, and a layout that allowed each part of the day to flow naturally from one space to the next.
The venue itself blends traditional Andalusian character with clean, understated styling — whitewashed walls, rustic stone courtyards, shaded terraces, and wide lawns framed by native trees. From the central courtyard, ideal for welcome drinks, to the open garden areas designed for outdoor ceremonies and evening celebrations, the estate offers both structure and flexibility throughout the day.
In addition to its main courtyard and terraces, the property also features a purpose-built amphitheatre — a tiered outdoor ceremony space that allows guests to be comfortably seated with clear views of the couple — as well as a traditional era, a historic circular threshing floor once used for separating grain. Today, the era provides a unique, elevated setting for ceremonies or special moments, adding authentic Spanish character to the celebration.
It’s a versatile venue that suits couples looking for a Spanish finca atmosphere while keeping the flow of the day practical, relaxed, and guest-focused — something that suited Ellie and James perfectly.
With warm July sunshine and clear views stretching towards the Mediterranean Sea, their wedding was filled with meaningful moments, genuine laughter, and plenty of time for guests to enjoy the surroundings. From morning preparations through to the final songs of the night, the day felt well-paced and easy, reflecting exactly what a destination wedding in Andalusia should be — relaxed, welcoming, and focused on bringing everyone together.
Read on as we take you through their wedding day, from the first preparations to the final dance under the Spanish sky.
Bridal Morning & Preparations
Ellie and James began their wedding day together at a nearby luxury Marbella hotel, enjoying a quiet start before separating to begin preparations with their closest friends and family.
Ellie remained in her suite overlooking the coastline, where hair styling began followed by makeup shortly after. The atmosphere was relaxed and organised, with natural light filling the room — ideal for photographs. Throughout the morning, Talia from Thoroughly Gorgeous captured the details: the dress, shoes, jewellery, and the candid moments between Ellie and her bridal party.
Bridal bouquets and buttonholes were delivered directly to the suite, carefully arranged and photographed before being distributed. Meanwhile, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team coordinated timings between hotel and venue, ensuring both sides of the day progressed smoothly.
Across the hotel, James began getting ready with his groomsmen. Preparations included relaxed portraits, final outfit adjustments, and a meaningful first look with his mother — a quiet moment before the celebrations properly began. A content creator joined him to capture behind-the-scenes footage, while Talia later photographed the group together before departure.
As Ellie’s hair and makeup were completed, she shared a first look with her bridesmaids, followed by a special reveal with her father. These private moments allowed for photographs and a brief pause before the day gathered pace.
At the wedding venue in the Marbella hills, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team had already arrived to oversee setup. Ceremony seating was arranged in a soft fan shape beneath palms, with five chairs positioned either side of the aisle to create an intimate layout. Handheld fans were placed on each seat in anticipation of the warm July afternoon, while parasols were set up both along the aisle and in the welcome drinks area to provide additional shade.
As guests began boarding transport from the hotel, the groomsmen transferred ahead to the venue to take their positions. The bridal party followed shortly after, leaving the calm of the hotel behind and heading towards the private estate where gardens, courtyards, and countryside views were ready to welcome everyone for the next chapter of the day.
With preparations complete both on-site and at the hotel, everything was in place for Ellie and James’ ceremony to begin.
Welcome Drinks — Courtyard Arrival
Guests arrived by coach to the private Andalusian estate just outside Marbella, where they were greeted by Dan and Brad and guided into the shaded courtyard for welcome drinks. The venue’s entrance opens into a traditional stone courtyard framed by whitewashed walls, climbing greenery, and mature trees — a space that naturally brings guests together while offering shade from the summer sun.
As guests stepped off the coach, local Spanish guitarist Nano provided ambient music, setting a relaxed tone from the outset. Chilled welcome drinks were served as friends and family gathered beneath parasols and along the courtyard’s edges, taking in the views towards the surrounding hills and distant Mediterranean Sea.
While guests settled in, the bridal cars arrived — one carrying Ellie and her father, and another eight-seater for close family. The timing was carefully managed behind the scenes by the Sunshine Weddings Spain team to ensure a smooth transition from arrival to ceremony.
As the ceremony time approached, the bar closed and iced water was positioned at the top of the steps leading to the ceremony area. Nano relocated to the garden to prepare for the processional, and dried petal confetti was placed neatly on the first two seats of each row, ready for the couple’s exit later on. Guests were then guided from the courtyard through the grounds and into the ceremony space.
Ceremony — Garden Views & Personal Moments
The ceremony took place on the garden’s cobbled circular era, positioned to overlook the rolling green hills beyond. Guest seating was arranged in neat rows on either side of the aisle, all facing the view. Large white parasols provided shade, keeping guests comfortable while maintaining the open, outdoor setting.
James, in a Mediterranean-style light beige suit, stood at the front with his best man, Sam, as guests were shown to their seats. Just before proceedings began, James walked his parents to their places — a simple but meaningful moment before returning to take his position.
The processional began with Brad escorting Ellie’s mum, followed by Hedi, Loren, Abby, Kate, Nieve, and Courtney. Guests then turned as Ellie made her entrance on the arm of her father, wearing a fitted lace gown with subtle floral detailing and a long veil that followed behind her along the cobbled aisle. She looked stunning, and her bouquet tied in with the white and blush tones of the ceremony styling.
Vows were exchanged beneath the floral arch with the countryside visible behind them. During the signing, petals were handed out to guests in preparation for the exit.
Once pronounced married, Ellie and James walked back down the aisle together as guests showered them with petals. Friends and family then followed the newlyweds back toward the courtyard, where the drinks reception continued and the celebrations moved into the next part of the evening.
Drinks Reception — Courtyard Celebration
Following the ceremony, guests returned to the courtyard for the drinks reception began. There, the ceremony table was repositioned and restyled to hold the guest book, Polaroid camera, and a personalised crossword created by Ellie and James — giving guests something interactive to enjoy alongside their drinks.
Everyone was welcomed with a glass of cava, beer, water, or soft drinks as the first reception song, “Here Comes the Sun”, set a relaxed and upbeat tone. Cold canapés were served first, followed by hot selections, ensuring guests were well looked after while they mingled beneath the shade of the courtyard trees and parasols.
Ellie had prepared a photo list in advance, with two bridesmaids assisting to gather family members when needed. Talia from Thoroughly Gorgeous began working through the group shots efficiently, using the venue’s stone archways, garden steps, and countryside views as natural backdrops.
Nano concluded his live set as the evening moved towards dinner. Background music began playing in the dining area, and guests were invited through in stages. As the bar temporarily closed in the reception space, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team ensured the transition was smooth, even bringing a private plate of canapés to Ellie and James so they could enjoy a quiet moment before rejoining their guests.
Al Fresco Wedding Breakfast — Dining Under the Andalusian Sky
Dinner was hosted outdoors on the estate’s open lawn, set against rolling countryside views and framed by mature trees. Long tables were styled to complement the natural surroundings, creating a relaxed al fresco atmosphere that felt both elegant and welcoming.
Guests were served wine, beer, and water as they took their seats. Shortly after, Best Man Sam introduced the newlyweds into dinner to “When Love Takes Over”, lifting the energy as Ellie and James made their entrance to applause and cheers.
Starters were served first, including children’s meals where needed, followed by the main course as the evening light began to soften across the gardens. As the sun dipped lower, glasses were topped up with cava in preparation for speeches.
Ellie’s father opened the speeches, followed by Sam and Dan, before James delivered his own heartfelt words to family and friends. The setting — open sky above and countryside stretching beyond — created a memorable backdrop for this part of the evening.
Dessert was served after the wedding cake was delivered and set in place. Ellie and James then stepped away briefly for pre-sunset photographs, making the most of the golden light across the estate’s grounds.
As guests gathered once more, the couple cut their cake to the song “Forever” sounding in the background, marking the close of dinner and the natural transition into the evening celebrations.
Evening Party — Courtyard Energy to Late-Night Dancing
As dinner drew to a close, the atmosphere shifted naturally into party mode. The four-hour open bar began, and DJ Maxee took over the soundtrack for the night.
Ellie and James opened the dancefloor with their first dance to Latch — a custom remix created by Maxee that began slowly before building in tempo. Partway through, guests were invited to join them, filling the dancefloor early and setting the tone for the rest of the night.
With the estate’s courtyard lit for the evening and music carrying across the gardens, the celebration felt lively but relaxed — exactly what Ellie and James had envisioned. Talia from Thoroughly Gorgeous continued capturing the dancefloor moments, while Libby, the content creator, wrapped up after documenting the key highlights of the evening.
Later in the night, sliced wedding cake was brought out on trays for guests to help themselves — a simple, informal way to keep everyone fuelled while the party continued. As the temperature cooled, the music and bar moved inside to the estate’s indoor party space, allowing guests to keep dancing comfortably.
The celebration continued until closing time, with DJ Maxee announcing final transport arrangements before the music finished. Shortly after, the guest coach departed with stops at Eurostars Oasis Marbella and Puerto Banús, ensuring everyone returned safely after a full day of celebration.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Ellie and James, thank you for trusting Sunshine Weddings Spain with such an important chapter of your lives. It has been a privilege to plan and coordinate your wedding day and to see everything come together so beautifully.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the entire supplier team for their hard work, professionalism, and commitment throughout. A special mention to Talia from Thoroughly Gorgeous for capturing the day so beautifully
We wish you both a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and future celebrations together.
Planning Your Own Destination Wedding in Spain?
If Ellie and James’ wedding has inspired you, we would love to help you create your own celebration in southern Spain. Whether you’re dreaming of a countryside estate, coastal villa, or private finca, our team will guide you through every step — from venue selection to the final dance.
Get in touch with Sunshine Weddings Spain to start planning your Spanish wedding today.
