Spain Wedding Traditions & Ceremonies
A researched guide to 16 traditional wedding ceremonies from 7 cultural traditions in Spain.
Catholic / Spanish
Wedding day
Las Arras Matrimoniales
Thirteen coins exchanged by the couple, symbolizing shared prosperity and commitment.
Key elements
- 13 gold/silver coins, often in an ornate box/pouch
Lace Mantilla Veil(Mantilla)
An intricate lace veil traditionally worn by Spanish brides, often passed down through generations.
Key elements
- Intricate lace veil, often white or cream
Padrinos
Godparents (usually parents) who accompany the couple and act as witnesses and advisors.
Key elements
- Guidance, emotional support, signing as witnesses
Bride Wears Black(Vestido Negro de Novia)
Traditionally, the bride wears a black silk dress to signify commitment until death.
Key elements
- Black silk dress, often with a mantilla veil
Islamic / Arab
Pre-wedding
Henna Night(Noche de Henna / Mehndi)
حناءAn intimate, feminine event where intricate henna designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet.
Key elements
- Henna paste, intricate designs, music, dancing, festive atmosphere
Wedding day
Nikah
نكاحThe Islamic marriage contract, formalizing the union before witnesses.
Key elements
- Mutual consent, Mahr (dowry), two Muslim witnesses, marriage contract
Post-wedding
Walima
وليمةA reception hosted by the groom's family to celebrate the marriage and announce it to the community.
Key elements
- Grand meal (often regional delicacies), speeches, prayers, cultural performances
Islamic / Arab (especially Moroccan)
Reception
Traditional Attire Changes(Cambios de Atuendo Tradicional)
The bride changes into multiple traditional caftans or dresses, representing different regions or styles.
Key elements
- Multiple elaborate traditional dresses (e.g., caftans)
Jewish
Reception
Hora
הורהA lively traditional Jewish dance where guests lift the bride and groom on chairs.
Key elements
- Energetic circle dance, chairs, music
Jewish / Sephardic
Pre-wedding
Ketubah
כתובהA Jewish marriage contract outlining the groom's obligations to his bride, signed before the ceremony.
Key elements
- Ornate document, legal and spiritual agreement
Secular / Spanish
Wedding day
Civil Ceremony(Ceremonia Civil)
The legal formalization of marriage, often followed by a personalized celebration.
Key elements
- Exchange of vows, signing of legal documents
Reception
Wedding Reception (Civil)(Convite / Banquete de Bodas)
A celebratory gathering after the civil ceremony, often including food, music, and dancing.
Key elements
- Food (e.g., paella), drinks, music, dancing, speeches, wedding favors
Spanish
Wedding day
Orange Blossoms(Azahar)
Orange blossoms symbolize joy, happiness, and fertility for the newlyweds.
Key elements
- Orange blossom flowers, bridal bouquet, venue decor
Reception
Cutting up the Groom's Tie(Cortar la Corbata del Novio)
The groom's friends cut his tie into pieces and sell them to guests to raise money for the couple.
Key elements
- Groom's tie, scissors, money exchange
Paella and Seafood(Paella y Mariscos)
Traditional Spanish dishes, especially paella, are commonly served at wedding receptions, symbolizing unity.
Key elements
- Large paella pans, various seafood, rice, vegetables
Seguidillas Manchegas
A traditional wedding dance where guests pay to dance with the bride, raising money for the couple.
Key elements
- Traditional Spanish music, dancing, money exchange
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