Civil, Religious, and Symbolic Weddings in Spain: Unveiling the Differences

One of the first questions that arises when we begin to plan a wedding is deciding which type of ceremony we wish to hold. Many couples are unsure about the differences between a civil, religious, or symbolic wedding, especially when they start to delve into legal matters, documentation, or possibilities for personalisation.

The truth is, there isn't one option that is inherently better than another. Each type of ceremony offers distinct advantages, and the key is to choose the one that best aligns with your love story, your approach to commitment, and the wedding you've always dreamt of.

At La Mona Lisa Weddings, we orchestrate civil, religious, and symbolic weddings in Valencia, as well as destination weddings for both national and international couples. And indeed, this is one of the most frequent queries we receive.

Civil Weddings in Spain

Civil weddings are currently one of the most popular choices for couples in Spain. They allow you to legally marry without the necessity of a religious ceremony and offer considerable flexibility in terms of organisation and personalisation.

What exactly is a civil wedding?

A civil wedding is a ceremony with legal validity recognised by the State. It can be held in town halls, courts, notary offices, or authorised venues for civil weddings.

It's the ideal option for couples seeking a more flexible and personalised legal ceremony.

Paperwork and requirements for a civil wedding

To hold a civil wedding in Spain, you must first process a marriage file.

Typically, you will need:

• National Identification Document (DNI) or passport

• Birth certificate

• Certificate of residency (empadronamiento)

• Additional documentation if either party has been previously married or is a foreign national

Processing times can vary considerably depending on the city and the couple's nationality.

One of the most crucial pieces of advice is to begin the paperwork well in advance.

Advantages of a civil wedding

The greatest advantage of a civil wedding is its inherent freedom.

It allows for:

• Personalising the ceremony

• Choosing diverse venues

• Adapting the itinerary

• Including personalised vows

• Crafting more intimate or contemporary ceremonies

Furthermore, many estates and wedding venues in Valencia permit the celebration of beautiful outdoor civil ceremonies.

Religious Weddings in Spain

Religious weddings continue to hold significant importance for many couples, both due to family tradition and personal convictions.

In Spain, the most common religious weddings are Catholic, though recognised ceremonies of other religious denominations also exist.

What is a religious wedding?

It is a ceremony conducted according to the tenets of a specific religion and, in many instances, also carries legal validity.

In the case of a Catholic wedding, the ceremony is typically held in authorised churches or temples.

For many couples, a religious ceremony holds profound emotional, familial, and spiritual significance.

Paperwork and requirements for a religious wedding

For a Catholic religious wedding, the following are typically required:

• Ecclesiastical marriage file

• Pre-marital course

• Baptism certificates

• Religious certificates

• Basic civil documentation

Additionally, some churches have specific regulations regarding timings, decorations, or music.

Each parish may have slightly different requirements, so it's advisable to enquire as early as possible.

Advantages of a religious wedding

Many couples particularly cherish:

• The tradition

• The solemnity of the ceremony

• The spiritual meaning

• The architectural grandeur of churches and temples

Moreover, religious ceremonies often feature a very emotive and ceremonial staging.

Symbolic Weddings in Spain

Symbolic weddings have become an enormous trend in recent years, particularly for destination weddings and highly personalised celebrations.

What is a symbolic wedding?

A symbolic wedding holds no legal validity. It is a ceremony entirely tailor-made to celebrate a couple's union in a deeply emotional and personalised manner.

Many couples first complete the legal formalities separately and then hold a much freer and more special symbolic ceremony.

This is the option offering the most creative and emotional freedom of all.

What paperwork is involved in a symbolic wedding?

None at all, as it holds no legal validity.

Precisely for this reason, many couples opt for this choice: it allows them to focus entirely on the experience, meaning, and personalisation without being bound by official protocols.

Advantages of a symbolic wedding

Symbolic weddings enable you to:

• Host the ceremony wherever you desire

• Completely personalise the script

• Include special rituals

• Create multicultural ceremonies

• Incorporate family and friends

• Craft a truly unique experience

They are also very common for international weddings or destination weddings in Valencia.

So… which type of wedding should you choose?

The answer rests entirely with you as a couple.

Some couples prioritise the legal and practical aspects. Others desire a traditional religious ceremony. And many seek a completely personalised experience through a symbolic wedding.

There isn't a single 'correct' way to marry; there is only your way.

The most important thing is that the ceremony reflects your unique story and fills you with comfort and excitement.

Are you planning your wedding in Valencia?

At La Mona Lisa Weddings, we assist couples in designing entirely personalised civil, religious, and symbolic weddings in Valencia, as well as exquisite destination weddings throughout Spain.

Because beyond the type of ceremony, what truly matters is creating a wedding that genuinely represents you both.