Spain destination wedding checklist

14+ months out

• Pick the region: Madrid, Mallorca, Andalusia, Barcelona, Ibiza.
• Hire a local destination planner (mandatory — €5K–€12K).
• Set a preliminary budget in EUR.
• Draft guest list — assume 60–75% of invitees will actually come to Spain.

12 months out

• Sign venue contract (peak dates book 14–18 months ahead).
• Book photographer + videographer.
• Reserve hotel room block near the venue.
• Send save-the-dates (destination weddings need extra runway).

10 months out

• Book Gibraltar registry appointment (or start Spanish civil paperwork).
• Book catering + bar package.
• Reserve florist + décor rentals.

8 months out

• Book DJ + ceremony musicians.
• Send invitations (physical + RSVP link).
• Reserve guest shuttles.
• Order dress + suit (allow for international shipping/alterations).

6 months out

• Confirm menu tasting.
• Book hair + makeup trial.
• Start requesting apostilled birth certificates + single-status letters.

3 months out

• Send final Gibraltar / civil paperwork.
• Confirm guest list + meal choices.
• Build seating chart.
• Draft welcome-week itinerary (rehearsal dinner, welcome cocktails, brunch).

1 month out

• Final venue walkthrough (virtual is fine).
• Confirm shuttle times, vendor call times.
• Prepare welcome bags for guest hotels.
• Practice ceremony in your officiant's format.

Wedding week

• Arrive at least 4 days early. 5+ if doing Gibraltar legal midweek.
• Do the Gibraltar legal ceremony 1–3 days before Spain symbolic.
• Host welcome dinner + rehearsal.
• Trust your planner. They know Spanish vendor culture.

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