Spanish countryside garden wedding venue with sea views
Dreaming of a romantic garden wedding surrounded by rolling hills and the timeless charm of the Spanish countryside? Nestled in the tranquil Andalusian countryside near the picturesque village of Casares—and just a short drive from Estepona and Marbella—lies a beautifully restored cortijo that offers a peaceful escape filled with all the magic you could wish for on your special day.
It was in this authentic, soul-filled setting that Victoria and Conor celebrated their love last May. With panoramic views, warm sunshine, and the gentle hum of nature as their backdrop, their wedding perfectly blended rustic elegance with relaxed Mediterranean vibes.
Perched in the hills just moments from the coast yet feeling worlds away, this hidden gem captures the essence of southern Spain—tranquil, inviting, and utterly unforgettable.
We’re delighted to share the story of Victoria and Conor’s celebration at this stunning location. If you’re imagining a laid-back yet luxurious wedding that’s full of personality and natural beauty, this venue could be everything you’re looking for. Read on for all the highlights and inspiration from their beautiful day.
The Wedding Morning – Calm, Laughter, and Behind-the-Scenes Magic
As the sun began to rise over the Andalusian hills, Victoria and Conor awoke in separate wings of the cortijo, surrounded by peaceful countryside and the promise of the day ahead. The stillness of the morning was soon replaced by a gentle buzz of activity. The bridal suite became a hub of excitement as Aurelija and Nicola worked their magic with hair and makeup, while the bride and her bridesmaids shared coffee, calm moments, and bursts of laughter.
Outside, preparations were already underway. The Sunshine Weddings Spain team arrived with their signature calm efficiency, bringing the whole vision together piece by piece. Stonewash Chiavari chairs were set out for the ceremony, thoughtfully arranged with fans to keep guests cool under the warm Spanish sun. The talented team from Deseos began dressing the ceremony space and reception areas, adding elegant floral touches, carefully placed décor, and a rustic-chic ceremony table that perfectly matched the surroundings.
Just as the energy began to build, photographer Irene Zurera arrived at the cortijo and slipped into the bridal suite, ready to capture those quiet, heartfelt moments—soft glances in the mirror, last-minute dress adjustments, and happy tears shared between loved ones. Afterwards, she joined Conor and his groomsmen poolside, snapping lighthearted photos as buttonholes were handed out and nerves transformed into excitement.
The welcome drinks area came to life as parasols were arranged to create shaded pockets of comfort. From there, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team moved effortlessly between the ceremony, garden, and pool, adjusting parasols and ensuring every detail was just right—from cable positioning to the perfect table layout for the reception.
In another quiet corner of the cortijo, Victoria’s handmade name cards and table numbers were carefully sorted and placed by table, adding a personal and thoughtful touch to the evening ahead. Nearby, the table plan was positioned to greet guests as they strolled toward the garden, where round dinner tables and a statement top table were already taking shape.
Every element, from the music setup by DJ Steve Altman to the seamless arrival of guests by pre-arranged taxis, fell into place under the warm Spanish sun. With the scene beautifully set and emotions building, the stage was ready for a heartfelt ceremony and a celebration to remember.
A Warm Welcome – Spanish Vibes Under the Olive Tree
With the final touches complete—hair and makeup done, buttonholes pinned, and anticipation rising—everything was beautifully in motion. Guests began to arrive at the cortijo, greeted with friendly smiles by groomsmen Gav and Aaron at the entrance. They were welcomed with a refreshing selection of cava, sangria, chilled beer, and soft drinks, served on the grass beneath the ancient olive tree, where the soft rustle of leaves met the golden afternoon light.
As conversations sparked and glasses clinked, the gentle sound of Spanish guitar filled the air. Raul’s ambient melodies drifted across the gardens, creating a relaxed, romantic atmosphere that felt both cinematic and intimate—a true reflection of the day’s tone.
In the moments before the ceremony, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team quietly checked in on Victoria, offering calm reassurance before guiding her father, Paul, to a tender first look with his daughter. It was a pause in the whirlwind—just the two of them, surrounded by love and the promise of what was to come.
Meanwhile, Conor and his brothers made their way to the front of the ceremony area, the bar gently closing as the parasols were moved to the poolside. With guests starting to take their seats and the groomsmen helping guide family to their reserved spots, the scene was perfectly set. The warm Spanish breeze, the music, and the vibrant energy flowed naturally, creating a truly special welcome that led perfectly into the ceremony ahead.
The Ceremony – A Heartfelt Moment on the Front Lawn
As the soft glow of the afternoon sun settled over the cortijo, guests were gently guided toward the front lawn, where the ceremony space awaited—elegantly arranged beneath open skies and framed by the rustic beauty of the surrounding landscape. There, rows of stonewash Chiavari chairs faced a charming floral display, with views stretching beyond the olive trees and into the golden horizon.
A soft instrumental—“Lights Are On” by Edith Whiskers—floated through the air, marking the beginning of something special. The atmosphere was full of quiet anticipation as two proud mums, followed by Benji and Isabella, began the walk down the aisle. Just before the procession, Debbie stepped forward to make a heartfelt request on behalf of the couple: for guests to put away their phones and be fully present for this intimate, once-in-a-lifetime moment.
The bridal party followed in a graceful procession—Anna, Chloe, and Racheal leading the way before Victoria entered arm-in-arm with her father, Paul. The bride was breathtaking in an off-the-shoulder, A-line silky satin gown with a medium train and flowing veil. Her hair, styled in a soft half ponytail with delicate strands framing her face, moved gently with the breeze. Waiting ahead, Conor stood tall in a classic black suit, crisp white shirt, and bowtie—his expression a blend of happiness, excitement, and admiration.
The ceremony unfolded with warmth and sincerity. The Sunshine Weddings Spain team worked efficiently behind the scenes, shifting parasols to the pool area as the vows were spoken, ensuring the day remained effortless and smooth.
At the signing of the register, Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” played from the couple’s playlist, adding an upbeat rhythm to the moment. Chloe and Anna discreetly handed out petals to guests seated along the aisle, preparing for a final flourish.
As Victoria and Conor were pronounced husband and wife, Natalie Cole’s “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” struck its first jubilant notes. With confetti fluttering in the air, the newlyweds made their happy exit, beaming as friends and family cheered them on.
The celebration had only just begun. With love in the air and music guiding their steps, guests followed the couple into the pool area for the next chapter of this unforgettable day.
Drinks Reception – Poolside Toasts
With the sun beginning its descent and golden light dancing across the cortijo’s pool, the celebration moved effortlessly into the drinks reception. Guests gathered under a soft canopy of parasols, mingling around elegant cocktail tables as the refreshing sound of cava pouring and laughter filled the air.
Raul returned with a vibrant, upbeat guitar set that perfectly captured the energy of the moment—fun-filled, relaxed, and full of celebration. Trays of delicious canapés made their way through the crowd—starting with cool, refreshing bites and followed by warm, flavour-packed favourites, each one adding to the relaxed Mediterranean vibe of the afternoon.
As drinks flowed—cava, cold beer, and soft drinks keeping everyone refreshed—Victoria and Conor enjoyed time with their loved ones, soaking up the atmosphere. Meanwhile, family gathered for photos by the pool, with Anna and Aaron helping to guide each group from the list that Victoria had thoughtfully prepared in advance.
The poolside setting was magical, with ten parasols thoughtfully placed to provide comfort and style, creating a perfect balance of shade and sunshine. The gentle hum of conversation, live music, and clinking glasses wove together the soundtrack of a day already filled with unforgettable moments.
As Raul’s final guitar notes faded into the early evening, guests were invited to make their way to the beautifully dressed garden dining area, where the next chapter of the celebration awaited—a feast under the fading Spanish sky.
The Wedding Breakfast – A Sunset Feast Under the Palms
As golden hour approached, guests were invited to take their seats beneath the swaying palm trees in the cortijo’s lush garden, where the tables had been beautifully arranged for an al fresco wedding breakfast. With the upbeat rhythm of “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim setting the tone, the newlyweds made their grand entrance to warm applause, led by Robbie, who also introduced the bridal party with energy and charm.
Glasses of chilled cava were poured across the tables, and a thoughtful plate of canapés was served to Victoria and Conor as they settled into the moment. The atmosphere was vibrant and upbeat, with a custom playlist of 150 minutes playing softly in the background—setting a relaxed mood for a delicious Spanish feast.
Guests were treated to a trio of speeches that struck the perfect balance of heartfelt and humorous. Paul opened with warm words, followed by a touching poem from Victoria’s mum, and then Conor took the mic with a moving tribute to his bride. The final speech from the groom’s brothers brought laughter echoing through the palm-lined space, uniting the tables in shared stories and emotion.
With wine and beer flowing, starters were served—including an extra helping of goat’s cheese for the couple and special attention given to vegetarian guests by the attentive team at Sunshine Weddings Spain. Children were thoughtfully catered to with tailored meals, making sure even the smallest guests felt part of the celebration.
As the sun dipped lower, Victoria and Conor stepped away for a quiet moment together, captured in soft, romantic portraits during the dreamy pre-sunset light. Mains and desserts followed—a beautifully plated trio that delighted guests and perfectly rounded off the garden feast.
Then came the gentle shift—from dining to dancing—as the party began.
The Party – Dancing Under the Stars
With the final dessert plates cleared and glasses refilled, guests were guided into the courtyard where string lights glowed softly against the night sky. The DJ booth, tucked into the left-hand corner of the outdoor party area, began to pulse with energy as Steve Altman launched into a four-hour set that would carry the celebration well into the early hours.
Victoria and Conor took to the dance floor for their first dance, swaying to the soulful “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green, followed seamlessly by “Babylon” by David Gray—two songs chosen with care and full of meaning. It was a beautiful, emotional moment that wrapped the day in love and warmth.
Then the tempo lifted—soon the courtyard was alive with movement, as friends and family of all ages joined in the celebration. Just when the energy seemed to peak, Roberto—an incredible live saxophonist—made a surprise entrance, weaving through the crowd with feel-good anthems like “Jubel” and “Epic Sax Guy”, elevating the dancefloor atmosphere to pure party mode.
Nearby, the terrace became a relaxed space for guests needing a breather, with a designated smoking area and a view of the softly lit pool. Laughter rang out from the photobooth, where friends posed with props and silly grins, capturing the fun of the night with instant keepsakes.
As the early hours approached and music echoed through the cortijo one last time, taxis waited to take guests back to their respective accommodations.
Victoria and Conor’s wedding was more than a celebration. It was an experience—intimate, effortless, and unforgettable—from their first look beneath the olive trees to the final dance beneath the stars.
With Gratitude
To Victoria and Conor—thank you for trusting us with your special day. Your love, your laughter, and your vision made this celebration something truly special, and it was a pleasure to help bring it to life.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to Irene Zurera for capturing every moment so beautifully. To the teams behind the music, food, florals, styling, and planning—your creativity and dedication helped shape a wedding day that will be remembered for a lifetime.
If you’re dreaming of your own unforgettable celebration in the Andalusian countryside, get in touch with the Sunshine Weddings Spain team today. We’d love to help you bring your vision to life.
