A Day in the Life of a Jewish Wedding in Spain

Planning a Jewish wedding abroad might feel daunting at first — we completely understand. But after more than 20 years of helping couples from around the world say “I do” under the Spanish sun, we can confidently say: Spain is one of the best places to bring your Jewish wedding vision to life.

From the sacred moments under the chuppah to the wild energy of the hora, we’ve had the privilege of guiding hundreds of couples through this incredible journey. So if you’re wondering what your wedding day might actually look like, here’s a walk-through — based on a real wedding that was recently celebrated on the Costa del Sol.

Morning: Getting Ready

Your wedding day will likely start with a calm morning in beautiful surroundings — a private villa, a boutique hotel, or perhaps a rural finca in the Spanish countryside.

You (the bride) will spend this time getting ready with your closest friends and family. A team of trusted hair and makeup artists will arrive early to help you feel your best, while your photographer captures the details: the dress hanging up, candid laughs, maybe a quiet hug with your mum.

Meanwhile, your partner (the groom) will be getting ready too — usually with a bit less ceremony, but no less excitement. Whether it’s a relaxed breakfast with family or some final moments of reflection, this part of the day sets the tone for everything to come.

Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Pre-Ceremony Traditions

Many Jewish weddings include a few meaningful traditions before the main ceremony begins. These customs often take place in separate spaces — something we, at Sunshine Weddings Spain, can help coordinate.

The Ketubah Signing

Before you walk down the aisle, you’ll take part in the ketubah signing — the signing of your Jewish marriage contract. This is usually done in a quiet space with close family and a couple of chosen witnesses. It’s not just a symbolic act — it’s legally binding under Jewish law, and deeply personal.

We’ll make sure this part of your day is intimate, well-timed, and respectful of tradition — no last-minute rushes, no awkward logistics. Just a meaningful moment between you, your rabbi, and your closest people.

The Tisch

Moments later, your groom will be heading into the tisch — a fun-filled, sometimes slightly rowdy tradition that brings together his closest male friends and family. It’s not a formal affair. Think of it as a pre-wedding warm-up, full of energy, laughter, and a genuine sense of camaraderie. There might be singing, a bit of lively banter, and yes, probably a dram or two of whisky passed around to steady the nerves. It’s a time when the groom is surrounded by his people — offering encouragement, sharing memories, maybe a bit of advice (solicited or not!) — and all in good spirits. More than anything, the tisch is about support and connection. It sets the tone for the day ahead: community-focused, heartfelt, and full of celebration.

The Bedeken

Not long before the ceremony, you’ll come together again for the bedeken — a deeply symbolic and emotional moment where your groom gently places the veil over your face. It’s intimate, meaningful, and steeped in tradition. Often witnessed by both families and the rabbi, the bedeken is more than just a ritual — it’s a powerful pause in the day where everything slows down.

As your groom looks at you and lowers the veil, it’s a chance for both of you to take in what’s about to happen. You’re moving from two separate lives to one shared path, and in that quiet, heartfelt exchange, there’s a sense of something bigger — of legacy, faith, and love.

For many of the couples we work with, this becomes one of the most moving memories of the entire day. It’s personal, reflective, and filled with significance — the final moment before you walk together toward your future.

Late Afternoon: Ceremony Under the Chuppah

By now, your guests will have arrived and taken their seats — often in a shaded garden, a courtyard with mountain views, or a vineyard terrace overlooking the sea. One of the many reasons couples choose Spain is the likelihood of an outdoor ceremony — something that adds beauty and atmosphere without the stress of unpredictable weather.

The Chuppah

At the heart of your ceremony is the chuppah — a canopy that represents your new home together. Whether you go for something traditional and simple, or modern with fresh florals, we’ll make sure it fits your style and your setting.

Under the chuppah, you’ll be joined by your parents and your rabbi (either local or one you bring from home). The ceremony can be entirely in Hebrew, bilingual, or tailored to reflect your level of observance. We’ve planned both orthodox and reform ceremonies, as well as those that blend tradition with a contemporary feel.

Circling

Many brides choose to circle the groom — three or seven times — at the start of the ceremony. It’s a deeply symbolic act, and whether you do it in silence or with music, it adds a sense of ritual and ancient connection to the moment.

Breaking the Glass

Your ceremony will likely close with one of the most recognisable Jewish traditions — the breaking of the glass. Wrapped in cloth and placed underfoot, the glass is crushed by the groom (and sometimes both of you together), to commemorate the destruction of the Temple and to remind us that joy and sorrow coexist in life.

It’s a moment that marks the shift from sacred ceremony to celebration. And when that glass breaks? Your guests will shout “Mazel tov!” and the party will begin.

Evening: The Hora and the Reception

The Hora

As your reception kicks off, it’s time for the hora — high-energy, fun-filled and completely unforgettable. Your guests form circles, dancing around you before lifting you both high into the air on chairs. There’s music (usually “Hava Nagila”), there’s laughter, and there’s a real sense of communal joy.

Whether you’ve got 50 guests or 250, this is one of the most fun parts of the day. And don’t worry — we’ve done this enough times to ensure it’s safe, well-organised, and captured beautifully on camera.

Dinner (Seudat Mitzvah)

Your wedding meal — known as the seudat mitzvah — is both celebratory and spiritually significant. In Spain, it can also be absolutely delicious.

We work with some of the top kosher (and kosher-style) caterers in the country, particularly in areas like the Costa del Sol and Mallorca. Whether you’re aiming for a strictly kosher menu or something inspired by Jewish and Mediterranean flavours, we’ll help you create a feast your guests will remember — and that fits your level of observance and your taste.

Expect fresh, local ingredients, warm hospitality, and plenty of options for everyone.

Late Night: Speeches, Dancing, and Final Moments

After dinner, there might be speeches — heartfelt, funny, informal, or traditional. Then it’s time to hit the dance floor again. Some couples opt for live bands, others prefer a DJ. We’ve even had weddings with both — one for Israeli music, one for party classics.

Whatever you choose, we’ll manage the flow of the evening to make sure it all feels smooth and joyful — never rushed, never awkward. Our team works quietly in the background to handle all the logistics, so you can stay present and soak up every second.

Why Spain Works So Well for Jewish Weddings

It’s a mix of sunshine, scenery, history, and ease. The weather is on your side — especially if you’re planning spring, early summer or autumn. The venues are varied and stunning — from clifftop hotels to rustic estates and beachfront villas. The local culture is family-friendly, welcoming, and used to celebration.

And if your family has Sephardic roots, there’s something extra meaningful about returning to a place where Jewish life once thrived. From the old synagogues in Toledo to the Jewish Quarter of Córdoba, Spain is steeped in Jewish history — and holding your wedding here can feel like honouring the past as well as the future.

You Bring the Love — We’ll Handle the Details

At Sunshine Weddings Spain, we’ve been planning Jewish weddings for over two decades. We know how to honour every tradition while making the day uniquely yours. Whether you’re bringing 40 guests or 300, keeping things orthodox or reform, we’ll guide you through every step — from the chuppah to the last dance.

If you’re picturing your big day in the Spanish sunshine, surrounded by family, friends, and Jewish joy — we’d love to help you make it happen.

Special thanks to Pedro Bellido for the beautiful photography featured throughout, and to the wonderful bridal couple, Eli & Jan, for allowing us to share a glimpse of their unforgettable day.

Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Future — Why Spain Is So Meaningful for a Jewish Wedding

Choosing Spain for your Jewish wedding isn’t just about the sunshine, the scenery, or the stunning venues — although, of course, all of those things are part of what makes it such a special place to celebrate. There’s also a deeper connection that many Jewish couples feel here. Spain holds a rich and complicated history with the Jewish community, stretching back over a thousand years.

Before the expulsion in 1492, Jewish life thrived in Spain. In cities like Toledo, Córdoba, and Granada, Jewish poets, philosophers, scientists, and scholars were at the heart of a flourishing society. This was a time when Jewish thought and creativity were deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the country. The echoes of that golden era can still be felt today — in preserved synagogues, ancient quarters, and the stories that live on through generations.

Of course, Spain’s Jewish history also includes hardship: forced conversions, persecution, and exile. Yet even in the face of that, Jewish identity endured. Many families who left still trace their roots to Sepharad — the Hebrew name for Spain — and carry with them customs, traditions, and language that were born here centuries ago.

In recent years, Spain has made efforts to reconnect with that lost heritage, restoring Jewish sites and acknowledging the Sephardic legacy. It’s not uncommon for couples to tell us they feel something powerful about celebrating their wedding in a place where their ancestors once lived, learned, and loved — a place that’s come full circle in recognising the value of Jewish culture.

So when you stand under your chuppah with the sea behind you and your family around you, you’re not just starting your married life in a beautiful location — you’re taking part in a larger story. It’s one of resilience, continuity, and joy. Spain offers the warmth of a destination wedding with the depth of heritage and meaning — a truly memorable setting for a tradition that has lasted for generations.

If you’re thinking about planning your own Jewish wedding in Spain, we’re here to make it happen. At Sunshine Weddings Spain, we’ve spent decades helping couples celebrate their traditions in beautiful settings across southern Spain and Mallorca. We know how to bring every part of your day together — from the ketubah to the last dance. Get in touch and let’s start planning a celebration that’s true to your story and unforgettable for everyone who shares it with you.