A Destination Wedding at Monestir de Sant Salvi, Girona, Spain
There are destination weddings and then there are destination experiences. This wedding I coordinated at Monestir de Sant Salvi, near Girona in northern Spain, was a perfect example of how bringing loved ones together in an extraordinary setting, and taking time to consider how your guests will interact with the spaces, can transform a wedding into something even more memorable.
Planned by a UK-based couple who travelled to Spain with their closest friends and family, this celebration unfolded over several days including sunshine, shared meals, and laughter. As a destination wedding planner with a love for Spain, it was an absolute joy to coordinate such a relaxed yet beautifully considered event in a striking Catalonian venue.
What having a Coordinator for your Destination Wedding in Spain looks like
I began working with my couple just eight weeks before the wedding, stepping in to coordinate and refine the final plans while ensuring everything ran seamlessly on the day. Destination weddings in Spain often come with a few more logistics to consider, and having a planner who understands local processes, suppliers and the language can make all the difference.
Setting the tone with a welcome event
One of the key elements my couple wanted to enjoy was a pre-wedding party the night before the wedding, also held at the monastery. As all their guests had travelled to Spain for the weekend, they were hoping to enjoy paella together with a few drinks and some chilled background music. The perfect informal welcome that set the tone for the celebrations to come and allowed everyone to relax into the weekend.
As it was a slightly more relaxed, DIY event, my role was about making everything flow smoothly behind the scenes. In the lead-up, I sourced professional bar staff and supported with the final logistics, and on the day I was hands-on, moving furniture so we could make the most of the mountain-view terraces and ensuring guests were looked after. And of course, with a full wedding day ahead, I did gently encourage a sensible finish… even if not everyone was quite ready to call it a night.
The Wedding Day Began
For an October wedding in Girona, the weather could not have been better. Glorious sunshine from morning through to night. The bride and groom got ready separately, each surrounded by their closest friends, enjoying calm, unhurried moments before the day truly began.
I worked with the catering team and florists to set the banquet tables, coordinated the lighting and production throughout the venue, and made sure all of the suppliers had what they needed and were set up in the background ready for the guests to arrive.
A Personalised Ceremony and Drinks in the Gardens with Views Towards Girona
The ceremony was led by a close friend of the couple, making it personal and heartfelt. Promises and rings were exchanged in a setting that felt both meaningful and relaxed, which was exactly what my couple envisioned when choosing to get married in Girona.
I then moved all the guests through to the gardens for a drinks reception with stunning views out towards Girona. Delicious appetisers were served alongside chilled drinks, while an acoustic guitarist provided the perfect soundtrack for the afternoon.
This part of the day felt like the perfect garden party. I watched the guests as they drew pictures for the guest book, searched the table plan for their names and played games on the lawn, laughter carrying across the gardens. With the banquet hall all set, it was a real pleasure to soak up the atmosphere for a moment.
A Banquet Reveal in the Old Chapel
The real showstopper at Monestir Sant Salvi is the former chapel which has been beautifully restored to create a jaw-dropping banquet hall. After taking a moment for just the couple to experience the space, we threw open the doors for the guests and watched as they all grinned and excitedly whispered whilst finding their seats.
When designing the space, we decided on long tables styled simply yet elegantly for dinner. The contrast between the historic architecture and the understated table design created a truly striking atmosphere.
Champagne Tower, First Dance and a Night of Celebration
As dinner came to an end, the bar officially opened with a champagne tower, followed by expertly made cocktails. The dance floor was opened with a magical first dance, complete with romantic, cloud-like dry ice that added a cinematic feel to the moment.
Having worked with the front of house team to ensure dinner had been seamless, I could now take a break and watch the party unfold. My work was done for a few hours, until I needed to make sure all the guests were safely transported back to their hotels.
The party continued well into the night, exactly as it should at a destination wedding. A fabulous way to celebrate if you ask me!
This wedding captured everything I love about coordinating destination weddings in Spain: meaningful gatherings, exceptional venues, delicious food, and an atmosphere that feels relaxed yet considered from start to finish.
If you’re a UK-based couple considering a destination wedding in Spain and want expert support to bring your vision to life with calm, clarity and intention, I’d love to help so do GET IN TOUCH.
Photographer @asieraltuna
Venue @monestirsantsalvi
Wedding Coordinator @ratherbewed
Caterer @lesclusivitacatering
Bar @gintoniccat