A Practical Comparison for Couples Planning a European Wedding
A Practical Comparison for Couples Planning a European Wedding
If you're thinking about eloping in Europe, two countries always top the list: Italy and Spain. Both are romantic, sunny, and full of beautiful backdrops — but they offer very different experiences when it comes to style, cost, logistics, and atmosphere.
Here’s an honest, side-by-side look at what it’s like to plan a wedding or elopement in each.
💰 Cost & Accessibility
Spain:
- Generally more affordable (hotels, food, vendors)
- Budget-friendly regions like Malaga, Girona, or inland villages
- Better value in the off-season
- Great for couples who want beauty without overspending
Italy:
- Can be more expensive, especially in Tuscany, Amalfi, and Venice
- High demand = higher prices
- Worth it if you want that classic Italian look, but expect to invest more
✈️ Both countries are well-connected to major airports, but Spain usually has cheaper flight + stay combos.
🏛️ Atmosphere & Style
Italy:
- Romantic, formal, rich in classical beauty
- Architecture, cathedrals, villas
- Often associated with history, elegance, and cinematic drama
Spain:
- Warm, lively, relaxed
- More variety: beaches, modern cities, medieval towns, mountain villages
- Great balance between tradition and spontaneity
📸 Want to compare styles visually? → View Our Portfolio
🗂 Legal Requirements
Italy:
- Complicated legal process
- Requires in-person appointments, translations, and longer lead times
- Catholic weddings require more steps
Spain:
- Similar challenges
- Legal marriage for foreigners is difficult unless one partner is a resident
Solution for both:
→ Most couples choose a symbolic ceremony in either country
→ Get legally married at home or in Denmark
→ Then celebrate freely in your dream location
📦 Need help with symbolic ceremony planning? → Elopement Packages
🌅 Light & Filming Conditions
Spain:
- More consistent sunlight
- Golden evening light is perfect for beach or rooftop ceremonies
- Mild winters — great year-round destination
Italy:
- Beautiful golden hour in rural areas
- Soft pastel tones in Venice, Tuscany, and Rome
- Some regions (Amalfi) have complex terrain for filming
🎬 We adapt our cinematic style to both — see how → Portfolio
❤️ Final Thought
Choose Italy if:
You want timeless elegance and don’t mind higher costs
You’ve dreamed of villas, lakes, or cathedral steps
You want a luxurious, cinematic experience
Choose Spain if:
You want warmth, flexibility, and better value
You love urban charm, seaside calm, or rustic countryside
You want a relaxed, honest elopement with style
Both are beautiful. Both are emotional.
But only one will feel like your place.
📩 Still deciding? Let’s talk → Contact us