Gay Weddings in Spain

Gay Weddings in Spain

In the summer 2005, gay and lesbian marriages were made legal in Spain (civil weddings Spain) for those aged over 18 plus. Since that date there have been many thousands of same sex weddings in most cities and villages.

In the Costa Blanca & Balearics area – places like Valencia, Denia, Barcelona, and Malaga have already held same sex local weddings, and other towns such as Calpe, Moraira and Javea are expected to follow suit before too long. None of the Churches in Spain, as yet, will agree to hold a gay ceremony at present; therefore they are at Civil Registry Offices on a few days of the week or in some areas like private property are allowed, such as Clubs, Restaurants and Villas and Hotels.

How legal is the marriage in Spain?

In the past for any legal civil weddings in Spain, one or both of the couple had to be resident in Spain for a minimum of 2 years. This is slowly changing.  There are some areas that will accept only one of the Parties being registered in Spain for a much shorter period, and even some areas will marry Europeans who do not live in Spain separate rules apply to Mallorca, Majorca and Palma de Mallorca

The application of the new laws varies from place to place. The Spanish Government is gradually taking to Court those Council Mayors who refuse to accept change, so it is important to obtain the latest information regarding the current situation while choosing your location when researching the  area for your marriage ceremony.

Plan ahead for the Big Day – Weddings Spain – Weddings Mallorca

An application for marriage in Spain can be lengthy and time consuming with documentation; you should therefore allow plenty of time before the intended date of marriage for the application to be processed in. It can take several months in and as a general rule six months is required to complete the tasks in full.

Wedding venues Spain

For civil weddings in Spain, Mallorca you are covered under EU and EEA (European Economic Area) common law which means that a gay marriage in Spain should be legally recognised in those countries who allow same sex unions.

Please note gay marriage is not recognised as a marriage as such in the UK but is recognised as a civil partnership. In the summer 2006, a case was taken to Court by a UK lesbian couple - who had legally married in Canada - on the grounds of discrimination. Disappointingly they lost their court case.

Fact: Canada, Spain and Belgium recognise gay marriage as marriage. Home facts are. You should check with your country of residence before committing to a marriage in Spain to ensure it will be legally recognised within their partnership laws.   

Religious and non-religious blessings or commitment ceremonies can also be held in beautiful venues across regions of Majorca. Many gay Spaniards prefer to opt for a humanist non-religious blessing following the official marriage ceremony.

Wedding planners Spain

Gay persons of other nationalities also prefer to book a Civil legal wedding followed by the blessing on the same day. Select the advice of a good Spanish German International Lawyer combined with a local wedding planner are well worth those little extra costs to ensure you have the correct paperwork and the proper ways and procedures. Despite all the difficulties for many it is worth the time and effort to have their perfect legal wedding in the super 300 days a year Spanish sunshine.

Palma de Mallorca provides s superb choice of dresses, suit hire, shoes and shops. Stationery and cakes can be designed to order. Finding the right venue and location is also simple – whether to renew vows or conduct a civil ceremony and reception ideas are plentiful.

Wedding cars in Spain

Cars and car hire firms are varied with some offering a broad range of vehicles from vintage to the unusual! As a holiday isle there are many entertainers, types of entertainment, magicians and dj’s and sorts of photographers, videographers and catering. Flowers and favours can be sourced in all main towns, special bouquets and flower arrangements must be discussed in advance. Some of the prettiest tiaras are available in the dress shops of Spain, a traditional dress here! Many award winning photographers and videographers reside in Mallorca and there are numerous hairdressers speaking multi languages in every town.  Are you looking for forign wedding short notice Spain?  Many places can accommodate you especially in the winter months.

Wedding receptions can be held in splendid photographic locations. Certain venues provide the whole package from cake and suit hire, to dresses, gowns and marquees and entertainment – even full bands. The design of your day is paramount and if you want to create a special firework fiesta or a special flower design, cake centrepiece or jewellery item then all can be found here on the island.

You should book early for the best reception ideas and venues especially if you need a marquee, video, caterers, particular music and cars. Don’t forget to plan early for gifts for your guests, favours and cake accessories are best sourced in advance. If you need a wedding planner, catering or an example speech – there are many who advertise their services, but no all can provide you with everything you need – check carefully!

With the right planning your invitations, rings, speech, flowers and photographer will all give you the memories of a lifetime with a video of your special location. For a wedding abroad or your civil wedding in Spain where is there better insurance of a magic venue?

Or call James on:  00 34 680562418

Land line telephone/fax: 00 34 971 824 334

Gay Pride 2007 - Prime Minister of Spain on Gay Marriage

 MATRIMONIO HOMOSEXUAL EN SOLLER - MALLORCA