On Spain’s southern coastline, the Costa del Sol has long been a favourite for couples dreaming of a wedding abroad. With its reliable sunshine, golden beaches, and easy access for international guests, it’s no surprise that this part of Andalucía continues to attract brides and grooms looking for the perfect mix of holiday and celebration. The area combines modern resorts with traditional charm, offering everything from lively marinas to quiet whitewashed villages just a short drive inland.

It was here, overlooking the Mediterranean, that Karen and Colin chose to host their wedding on the 29th of June, 2025. Their day took place in a seafront setting where the backdrop of waves and open sky gave their ceremony a relaxed yet spectacular feel. For couples considering a destination wedding in Spain, their story gives a glimpse of how this corner of the Costa del Sol offers not only a stunning venue but also an unforgettable experience for family and friends.

A beachside ceremony framed by palm trees and sweeping sea views.

The Bridal Morning – Behind-the-Scenes Coordination

The day began in the bridal suite with hair and makeup, as Karen and her bridal party enjoyed a relaxed start filled with excitement and anticipation. The atmosphere was calm but purposeful, with everyone coming together to get ready while sharing the first laughs and stories of the day.

Behind the scenes, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team were already at work, coordinating suppliers and making sure every detail stayed on track. The bridal couples’ chosen destination photographer, Calin from Epic Film, arrived early to capture the special moments of preparation, from the final touches of makeup to the children joining in the buzz of the room. Soon after, the florist delivered the bridal flowers, bringing a touch of colour and fragrance that completed the scene.

As Karen stepped into her satin, heart-shaped ballroom gown with the help of her sister, the celebrant and live musician set up outside, preparing for the ceremony. Meanwhile, Colin, dressed in a light beige suit with a relaxed Mediterranean feel, gathered with his groomsmen by the ceremony area. Together they went over the final details and shared a few words of encouragement before the guests began to arrive.

As family members were welcomed and guided to the ceremony space, Karen’s bridal party, her mum, and Colin’s mum shared a private first look with her—a moment filled with emotion and anticipation. All the while, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team continued working quietly in the background, ensuring everything flowed seamlessly so that the couple could focus entirely on enjoying their wedding day.

The radiant bride arrives on her father’s arm, walking the grassy outdoor aisle.

The Welcome – Relaxed Coastal Vibe

As guests began to arrive, they were greeted by the sound of live music from the talented Lucy Faye, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The welcome drinks reception was set in a picture-perfect location: a beachfront terrace surrounded by palm trees, with sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the sound of the waves rolling gently onto the sand below. Lemonade was served as guests mingled, soaking in the coastal setting and the anticipation of the ceremony ahead.

The Sunshine Weddings Spain team guided every step in the background, ensuring the experience felt effortless. Guests were welcomed by the ceremony area, a space framed by sea, sky, and manicured lawns—an idyllic setting that perfectly captured the essence of a destination wedding in Spain.

Once everyone was gathered, the team discreetly collected Karen from her room, ready to begin her journey down to the ceremony space. As she made her way, guests were invited to take their seats, with the celebrant, Debbie, welcoming everyone to the start of the day’s formal celebrations. Final details were taken care of quietly behind the scenes, from the safe keeping of the rings to last-minute checks, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the couple and the beautiful moment about to unfold.

Ring exchange filled with smiles, sunshine, and the sea.

The Ceremony – With Sweeping Mediterranean Views

The ceremony took place on the lawn overlooking the Mediterranean, where the view stretched endlessly across the sea. With palm trees swaying gently and the sound of the waves below, the setting captured everything couples dream of when planning a beachfront wedding on the Costa del Sol. The natural beauty of the space needed little decoration, offering an unforgettable backdrop for Karen and Colin’s vows.

As guests took their seats, close family were guided to their places before the processional began. The bridal party made their entrance to a live rendition of “Best Friend for Life” by Grace Leer, sung beautifully by Lucy Faye. After a short pause for a personal voice note to be played, the atmosphere shifted as Karen’s young niece, Taylor, walked in first. Then, with her brother Brendon by her side, Karen made her entrance to Lucy’s heartfelt performance of “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, a moment filled with emotion as she walked towards Colin.

The ceremony was rich with personal touches. Two readings, shared by Triona and Louise, added depth and meaning to the celebration. This was followed by a sand ceremony, a symbolic gesture uniting Karen, Colin, their daughter Taylor, and both mums—brought together by celebrant Debbie, who guided the moment with care.

As the official documents were signed, “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle played softly in the background, adding to the intimacy of the moment. With the formalities complete, the couple made their happy exit to “Take My Hand” by Picture This, as guests showered them with petals, marking the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the celebrations.

First kiss as newlyweds beneath swaying palm trees.

The Drinks Reception – Music & Cava

After the ceremony, guests gathered to celebrate with Karen and Colin at the drinks reception, which took place on the hotel’s stunning seafront terrace. This part of the venue makes the most of its privileged location, set between lawn and sand, with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. Guests could relax under the palm trees, sip cava and fresh lemonade, and enjoy the breeze coming off the sea while soaking up the relaxed, holiday feel of the setting.

Adding to the atmosphere, live music from Lucy Faye set the perfect tone with a mix of contemporary favourites from artists such as Beyoncé, Calvin Harris, and Ed Sheeran. The music, paired with the sound of the waves, gave the whole reception a laid-back but stylish vibe. Meanwhile, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team kept everything on track behind the scenes. While guests mingled, Karen and Colin were whisked away with their bridal party for photos, capturing timeless moments on the lawns and a special portrait of Karen with her bridesmaids down on the beach. These photographs not only marked the day but made full use of the venue’s natural beauty. After a fun group photo on the lawn, guests were invited indoors for the wedding breakfast.

Newlyweds make their beachside recessional, with their daughter in arms.

The Wedding Breakfast – Relaxed Dining

The celebrations then moved inside to the venue’s function room, a bright and spacious area with panoramic windows that still gave glimpses of the coastline and sea. After the warmth of the afternoon sunshine, this cool, air-conditioned space provided the perfect setting for dinner, while still maintaining the Mediterranean feel of the day. Tables were set ready for guests, offering a relaxed but elegant dining experience, with seating arranged by table rather than strict place settings.

Before dinner began, Karen and Colin took a few private moments together, enjoying a plate of canapés and a quiet drink, while guests were seated and cava was poured for the toasts. Their entrance was a lively moment, with staff lining the staircase holding glasses of cava as the couple walked into the room to “Free” From Desire, greeted by cheers and applause.

Dinner unfolded with a background playlist creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The speeches added plenty of laughter and emotion, with words from family and friends making the meal personal and memorable. Just as dessert was being served, The Wall Street Band began their first live set, lifting the energy of the room and seamlessly transitioning the evening towards the party.

Two young guests chat, with panoramic blue sea views as their backdrop.

The Evening Party – Live band & First Dance

As the sun dipped over the sea outside, the celebrations carried on indoors, where the venue’s function space transformed into a vibrant party setting. Guests gathered for the cake cutting, with slices served alongside late-night snacks to keep the energy high. The bar opened, and The Wall Street Band returned for their second set, filling the dance floor with an upbeat performance.

In between, Karen and Colin stepped outside for pre-sunset photos, making the most of the golden hour light against the dramatic Mediterranean backdrop. Returning to the reception, they shared their first dance to “Stargazing” by Myles Smith, a romantic highlight of the evening that set the tone for the rest of the night.

From there, the celebration moved into full swing with DJ Alex taking over, playing a setlist curated by Karen and Colin. With a mix of their favourite 25 tracks, the dance floor stayed alive well into the early hours. The combination of live music, personalised playlists, and the energy of the guests created an unforgettable atmosphere, all framed by a venue that balanced the magic of its beachfront location with the comfort and style of its indoor party spaces.

This perfect blend of outdoor beauty and indoor facilities is exactly what makes this part of the Costa del Sol such a strong choice for destination weddings: the chance to enjoy the sunshine, the sea, and the scenery, before celebrating in style long into the night.

Guests cheer and wave napkins as the newlyweds make their grand entrance into the dining area.

Thank You

A huge thank you goes first and foremost to Karen and Colin, for allowing Sunshine Weddings Spain to be part of such a special day. It was a privilege to help bring your vision to life and to see you celebrate surrounded by family, friends, and the beautiful setting of the Costa del Sol.

Gratitude also goes to Calin from Epic Film, whose photography and videography captured the atmosphere and emotion of the day so naturally, preserving the memories for years to come.

To all the talented suppliers who contributed to making the wedding run so seamlessly—Elektra for hair and makeup, Shona for the stunning florals, Debbie for officiating such a personal ceremony, Lucy Faye for her incredible live performances, The Wall Street Band for energising the party, and DJ Alex for keeping the dance floor alive into the early hours—your professionalism and talent played a huge part in the success of the day.

This wedding was a wonderful example of what makes a destination celebration in Spain so unique: incredible suppliers, a spectacular setting, and a couple whose love story was at the heart of it all.

A romantic beachside kiss bathed in golden hour hues.

Karen and Colin’s wedding was everything a destination celebration should be—sunshine, sea views, and a setting that allowed guests to feel as though they were on holiday while sharing in something deeply personal. From the relaxed bridal morning through to the high-energy party that carried on into the early hours, their day showed just how effortless and memorable a wedding on the Costa del Sol can be when every detail is carefully managed.

For couples considering saying “I do” in Spain, their story offers a glimpse of what’s possible: a beachfront ceremony framed by the Mediterranean, a reception filled with laughter and live music, and a celebration that blends elegance with the easygoing spirit of the coast. With the support of trusted suppliers and the guidance of Sunshine Weddings Spain, your wedding day can feel just as seamless, allowing you to focus on what matters most—celebrating with the people you love in one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.

Start planning your own dream wedding on the Costa del Sol and let Sunshine Weddings Spain turn your vision into a reality.

First dance in an indoor party space, glowing with purple lights and festive vibes.

Costa del Sol destination wedding | Beachfront celebration in Spain