Timeless Marbella church wedding and stunning sea view celebration
Planning a wedding abroad can feel like a big task—but that’s where we come in. At Sunshine Weddings Spain, we help take the stress out of destination weddings by handling the details so you can focus on enjoying your day. From stunning venues to trusted suppliers, we’re with you every step of the way.
Just like the lovely Emma and Stephen, who, last May, celebrated their big day with a beautiful Church ceremony in Marbella, followed by a relaxed and elegant reception at a traditional Marbella finca. Join us as we take a look back at the highlights of their special day.
Bridal Morning Buzz
Emma and Stephen’s wedding day began with a calm, anticipatory buzz that quietly built into something truly special. Their plans for a traditional Church ceremony in Marbella’s Old Town, followed by a relaxed finca reception, set the stage for a day filled with meaningful moments and fun-filled celebrations.
The couple started their morning separately—Stephen in Torrequebrada, a peaceful coastal spot near Benalmádena, and Emma with her bridal party in a stylish townhouse tucked within Marbella’s historic centre. The charm of the Old Town provided a perfect backdrop as the day slowly came to life.
Early that morning, hairstylist Lucy arrived to begin the bridal party’s hair and makeup. Meanwhile, Scott, from Sunshine Weddings Spain, meticulously prepared the church, ensuring every detail, from candles to a memory photo and a special newspaper, added a personal touch to the ceremony.
As the morning progressed, members of the bridal party began arriving. Emma’s niece and flower girl, eight-year-old Harper-Rae, and Stephen’s mum joined in the preparations at the hotel. Shortly after, Karen the florist delivered the stunning bridal bouquets, filling the room with fresh floral scents and vibrant colours.
Just before early afternoon, the photography team, Rachael and Olli from Balance Photography, arrived at Emma’s suite to capture the excitement. Meanwhile, over in Torrequebrada, Stephen and his group of groomsmen and close friends were also getting ready.
As the atmosphere grew more festive and all the final pieces fell into place, it became clear that this day would be one to remember forever.
Marbella Church Wedding Ceremony
By early afternoon, the square outside the church in Marbella’s Old Town was full of quiet energy. Guests gathered in the sun, chatting and taking in the surroundings as soft instrumental music played by soprano Laura Elen drifted through the air. The live music added a calm, steady build-up to the moment everyone was waiting for.
Inside, the church’s historic setting created a peaceful and respectful atmosphere. With its arched ceilings and soft lighting, it was a fitting place for a traditional ceremony.
As guests began to take their seats, final touches were happening nearby. Photographer Rachael was setting up a quick “first look” photo with Emma and her brother, Paul, before they were joined by the rest of the bridal party—Harper-Rae, Jade, Megan, Tamsin, Debs, Nicola—who had made their way from the townhouse to the church.
Once everyone was seated, the ceremony began. It included a few personal touches—like the lighting of candles and the exchange of arras coins—simple gestures that reflected Emma and Stephen’s values and added meaning to the moment. At the heart of it all were the couple themselves, ready to make their commitment in front of the people who matter most.
As the ceremony ended, the couple walked to the church’s main doorway, where they were met with cheers and hugs from their guests. Smiling beneath the ornate entrance, Emma and Stephen paused for a moment of celebration.
Just outside, Jade and Harper-Rae handed out petals to the crowd. After a quick countdown, everyone tossed them in the air, covering the couple in a bright mix of colours—a light, happy moment to start the next chapter.
Old Town Moments & Photos
After the ceremony, the celebration moved seamlessly into the early evening as guests stepped out into the sunlit streets of Marbella’s Old Town. Spirits were high, and Emma and Stephen—still glowing from their “I do” moment—took a short walk with the Balance Photography team. They paused for photos along the cobbled lanes and colourful corners of the historic centre. These simple, quiet moments were full of laughter and ease.
Behind the scenes, everything continued to run smoothly thanks to the planning by Sunshine Weddings Spain. Pre-arranged transfers were ready to take the wedding party from the centre of Marbella to the finca, where the evening celebrations would continue. As everyone made their way there and the sun began to dip, a sense of anticipation settled in—setting just the right tone for what was still to come.
The Cocktail Hour: Under Shade Sails
Once guests arrived at the Marbella finca, they were welcomed with a steady flow of drinks—cava, white and red wines, beer, and sangria—served under the shade sails that offered a cool spot to relax and catch up. The atmosphere was laid-back and cheerful, with everyone enjoying the chance to mingle and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Soon after, the first round of cold canapés was served, followed by hot options, giving guests a chance to enjoy a mix of flavours while chatting and settling in. The service was smooth and unhurried, allowing people to enjoy the food and the setting at their own pace.
While the guests enjoyed their drinks and canapés, Emma and Stephen stepped away with Rachael and Olli from Balance Photography for a few quiet moments and photos around the finca. It was a chance to capture some natural, relaxed shots as the light softened into the early evening.
At the same time, family photos were also taken, with Dan and Tamsin helping organise the groups to keep things moving easily. Their support helped everything stay on track without feeling rushed.
The cocktail hour provided a comfortable transition from the church ceremony to the evening celebration—good food, good company, and a great start to the night ahead.
The Wedding Breakfast: Garden Dining at the Finca
As the afternoon rolled into early evening, guests were invited to take their seats for the wedding meal, set up in a relaxed corner of the garden near the swing. The finca’s outdoor layout made the most of the warm Marbella weather, offering a scenic and informal space to enjoy the next part of the celebration.
With everyone seated, glasses were topped up with cava, setting the tone for the speeches. Before joining their guests, Emma and Stephen were brought a small plate of canapés to enjoy privately—a quiet moment for the couple to take it all in before rejoining the crowd.
The dinner began with a short introduction by David, followed by a trio of speeches. Emma opened with a few heartfelt words, followed by Stephen’s speech, which balanced sincerity with humour. The best man wrapped things up with a lively toast that had everyone smiling. It was a relaxed and inclusive start to the evening meal.
Once the speeches finished, wine was served—guests chose between white or red as they got ready for the BBQ. The buffet, set just around the corner under the gazebo, featured a generous spread of grilled meats, sides, and salads. The layout allowed guests to move at their own pace, helping themselves and enjoying the garden atmosphere.
By the time the BBQ was in full swing, the spirit bar had opened, adding more choice for those looking for something stronger. Later, dessert was served—a sweet finish to the meal that rounded off the food service with something simple and satisfying.
With full plates, good wine, and the sun dipping behind the finca’s trees, the mood was relaxed and celebratory. Guests settled in, catching up over food and drinks before the evening picked up pace and moved to the dance floor.
The Party: Between the Trees
As evening settled over the finca, the outdoor space was transformed. Soft lighting strung between the trees created a warm, inviting atmosphere around the dance area, while the Magic Mirror photobooth set up under the gazebo added a fun, interactive touch for guests to enjoy throughout the night.
Not long after dinner, Emma and Stephen slipped away with photographers Rachael and Olli once again, but this time for a quiet moment down at the beach. The timing was perfect, with the pre-sunset light offering the kind of soft, natural glow that makes for unforgettable images.
Back at the finca, an uplifting playlist kept the energy steady as guests gathered around the dancefloor. When the couple returned, it was time to cut the cake—announced by DJ Fuller, who had just kicked off his evening set.
Moments later, Emma and Stephen took to the floor for their first dance, surrounded by four pyrotechnic fountains that lit up the night. The glow from the lights, the trees, and the sparklers gave the moment a striking yet simple beauty.
At around 11pm, the party shifted indoors, with Fuller continuing his set—open to song requests—keeping the dancefloor full and the mood high. A late-night snack table was rolled out, featuring slices of wedding cake along with other bites to help refuel the crowd.
As the night moved into its final stretch, the DJ and bar wrapped up around 1am, and a relaxed playlist carried the celebration through the last hour. One by one, guests made their way to taxis, full of stories, memories, and a few final dance moves. By 1:30am, the finca had quieted, marking the end of what had been a fun-filled, smoothly coordinated, and truly memorable day.
A huge thank you to Emma and Stephen for letting us be part of such a special occasion. Wishing you both all the very best for your future together. And, as always, a big thanks to the incredible team of suppliers who helped bring the day together—from Balance Photography to the catering crew, DJ Fuller, and everyone else behind the scenes.
More on the Marbella Sea View Wedding Venue
Although Emma and Stephen chose a traditional church ceremony in Marbella’s historic Old Town, many couples also choose to hold both their ceremony and reception at the finca itself—a venue that offers flexibility without compromising on style or atmosphere.
Just minutes from the city centre, this exclusive sea view garden venue offers a unique blend of natural beauty and practical design. Surrounded by tropical plants and sweeping Mediterranean views, the finca creates an ideal setting for a relaxed, sun-filled wedding. Its layout is designed with both open-air charm and comfort in mind: subtropical gardens make the most of the warm Spanish climate, while spacious indoor areas provide a stylish backup option, ensuring the day runs smoothly whatever the weather.
Perfect for personal, laid-back celebrations, the venue offers countless photo opportunities throughout the day—from the garden pathways and sea-facing terraces to the shaded corners under mature trees. It’s also highly versatile, with the capacity to host up to 450 guests, making it suitable for both intimate gatherings and large-scale events.
With its close proximity to Marbella’s Old Town, local beaches, and ceremony venues, the finca offers an easy flow from one part of the day to the next—just as Emma and Stephen experienced.
To find out more about planning your own wedding at this Marbella finca, contact the team at Sunshine Weddings Spain. We’re here to help bring your vision to life.
