A Dream Wedding in Madrid

By Megan Honan

Madrid is a city renowned for its elegance and class, earning the title of a place for lovers.

Boasting a plethora of charming historical buildings and portico-lined plazas, the central capital provides the perfect backdrop for your big day.

PRE-WEDDING ACTIVITY: LET LOVE TAKE FLIGHT

After landing early in the morning, whisk guests on an extraordinary experience on a hot air balloon ride over Madrid’s Guadarrama Regional Park. The private car service on offer will add a touch of luxury as it transports you and your loved ones to the launch site at Villanueva de la Cañada. Once aboard your private balloon, enjoy the stunning views of ancient forests and the Castle of Mocha from above. Upon landing, enjoy a Spanish breakfast of Iberian ham and raise a glass of local cava to celebrate the start of the festivities.

REHEARSAL DINNER: BOHEMIAN DINING

Gather everyone to cheers you and your soon-to-be spouse at Boho Bar, located in Madrid’s trendy Chueca neighbourhood. This intimate restaurant is available for private rentals where you and your guests can delight in an eclectic space that is relaxed, colourful and brimming with natural accents. Start the meal off with huevos rotos (Spanish broken eggs) and pincho moruno (Spanish pork skewers) before moving onto cherry duck breast and tataki Iberian for the main entrée. Tying in traditional Mediterranean food fare with bohemian décor, it’s the perfect space to eat, share and laugh with loved ones.

CEREMONY: TAKE YOUR VOWS IN UCEDA

Say ‘I do’ at Cartuja El Sauco, a 17th-century charterhouse which was once a monastery used widely in the town of Uceda. With spacious gardens and a rustic atmosphere, the old arches and wooden beams of El Sauco will mark the spot you pledge your love to one another. It seems only fitting to have blooming trees surrounding the venue, as you and your partner enter a new phase of growth together.

RECEPTION: CELEBRATE IN THE CHARMING COUNTRYSIDE

Revel in your first few moments as husband and wife at Antigua Fábrica de Harinas, an old converted flour mill in the countryside. The property is surrounded by nature and bathed by several natural water channels, with mountains set in the background to boot. Watch the old mill transform before your eyes as the sun sets and dazzling string lights illuminate the dance floor for a romantic setting. A charming barn on-site offers the perfect location to keep the dancing going all night long. In Spain, the DJ doesn’t leave until you do, so prepare for an all-nighter.

HONEYMOON: ESCAPE TO THE BATHS

Spend a few extra days in the city to relax and unwind. After parting with your guests, celebrate privately with your husband at Radio ME Madrid Rooftop Bar with stunning panoramic views of the city and unique crafted cocktails. Head to Hammam Al Andalus Madrid to literally soak up wedded bliss at the only Arab Baths in Madrid. Then, jet off on a quick one-hour flight to the crystal-clear beaches of Ibiza and bask in some sunshine.

PRO TIP

Planning a wedding in Madrid is no easy task. While civil ceremonies are not allowed, you can have a Catholic ceremony with the right documentation, or else tie the knot at home, and host a spiritual celebration in Madrid. Either way, ensure you have a destination wedding specialist who knows their way around Spain’s wedding regulations.