A Beautiful Destination Wedding in Benalmádena
Every once in a while, I get the incredible opportunity to photograph a wedding abroad, and it always feels like stepping into a dream. Destination weddings carry a certain magic, new landscapes to explore, fresh light to play with, and the thrill of documenting love in a place that means so much to the couple. Elizabeth and John’s celebration in the stunning coastal town of Benalmádena in southern Spain was exactly that kind of wedding. Set against sunshine, sea views, and Spanish charm, it became a perfect example of the joy and beauty that define Malaga Wedding Photography.
About Their Day
Elizabeth and John chose Benalmádena because it’s a place filled with memories for them. They visit regularly for holidays, and with its relaxed atmosphere, Mediterranean views, and warm way of life, it’s no surprise they chose to marry there too.
Arriving in Spain and Pre-Wedding Preparations
I flew out to Málaga a few days before the wedding to prepare, scout locations, and ease myself into the slower Spanish pace of life. When working abroad, arriving early is essential, not only for logistics but also to truly understand the light and layout of the venue. And when the surroundings are this beautiful, it’s an absolute treat for any photographer specialising in Malaga Wedding Photography.
On the wedding morning, Elizabeth and her bridesmaids were getting ready at her parents’ apartment. The atmosphere was relaxed and full of anticipation. With the balcony doors open, a gentle sea breeze drifted in, carrying the scent of the Mediterranean and the sounds of the world slowly waking up outside. The girls enjoyed a calm morning with drinks, chatter, and excitement as hair and makeup came together. Elizabeth looked incredibly elegant as she slipped into her dress, the sunlight catching the fabric beautifully, the kind of moment that makes Malaga Wedding Photography so rewarding.
Ceremony at Castillo de Colomares
Elizabeth and John chose the breathtaking Castillo de Colomares for their ceremony — a spectacular monument dedicated to the life of Christopher Columbus. It looks like something out of a fairytale, with turrets, arches, intricate stonework, and sweeping views of the coastline below. As ceremony venues go, it’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever photographed. You couldn’t ask for a more epic setting for Malaga Wedding Photography.
When I arrived, John was already greeting family and friends under the warm Spanish sun. The heat was certainly noticeable, but the excitement kept spirits high. Guests found their seats in the courtyard, admiring the views and cooling themselves gently as they waited for the arrival of the bride.
Elizabeth soon arrived with her bridesmaids and began the walk down the aisle. The contrast of her dress against the warm stone and bright blue sky was something special. It was a beautiful moment, one that reminded me just how incredible destination weddings are to photograph.
The ceremony was emotional, heartfelt, and full of smiles. Readings were shared, rings were exchanged, and the couple sealed their vows with a kiss. The castle walls echoed with applause and cheer as they made their way back down the aisle as newlyweds.
After the ceremony, we explored the grounds for portraits. The castle offered endless corners perfect for Malaga Wedding Photography, from sunlit archways to textured stone walls and sweeping views over the coast. The Mediterranean light gave everything a warm glow — ideal conditions for capturing relaxed, romantic portraits.
Reception at Torrequebrada Golf Club
After leaving the castle, the wedding party headed to Torrequebrada Golf Club, an oasis of green landscaping, palm trees, and sweeping views. The contrast between the warm stone of the Castillo and the lush greens of the golf course added beautiful variety to the day — exactly the kind of visual diversity that makes Malaga Wedding Photography so special.
The club welcomed guests with drinks, shade, and a refreshing breeze. Everyone embraced the laid-back Spanish vibe, chatting, relaxing, and soaking in the sunshine. With tapas served not long after arrival, the atmosphere became even more festive. From classic Spanish dishes to cool drinks and laughter-filled conversations, the afternoon unfolded beautifully.
Speeches brought emotion and hilarity in equal measure, followed by a delicious paella course that had everyone reaching for seconds. As dinner concluded, I whisked Elizabeth and John away on a golf buggy to capture portraits around the course. We discovered incredible photo spots — rolling hills, quiet pathways, and viewpoints overlooking the sea. The golden evening light was perfect, wrapping the couple in that warm Mediterranean glow that photographers dream of when shooting Malaga Wedding Photography.
Evening Celebrations in the Spanish Warmth
As the sun set, the party moved outdoors to the gardens, where the warm evening air created the perfect atmosphere for the first dance. There’s something special about dancing under the open sky, surrounded by palm trees and soft lighting. Elizabeth and John swayed together as their guests watched, and the moment felt straight out of a film.
Once the first dance finished, the evening celebrations took off. The DJ kept the music flowing, and the guests filled the dance floor with energy, laughter, and sheer enjoyment. Music spilled into the night, drinks were raised in celebration, and the warm Spanish air encouraged guests to stay outside well into the late hours. These moments, joyful, spontaneous, full of movement, are the heartbeat of Malaga Wedding Photography.
The Magic of Destination Weddings
There’s something incredibly special about photographing weddings abroad. The scenery, the atmosphere, the light, and the cultural details provide endless opportunities for creativity. But what made this wedding truly unforgettable was the people. Elizabeth and John were warm, relaxed, and so much fun to spend time with, and their families made me feel completely at home.
Their wedding was a celebration of love, travel, friendship, and sunshine. From the morning preparations to the ceremony at Castillo de Colomares, from the tapas and paella to the dancing under the stars, every part of the day was filled with joy and meaning. For me, capturing it all through Malaga Wedding Photography was an absolute pleasure.
Huge congratulations to Elizabeth and John. Thank you for inviting me to be part of your Spanish wedding adventure. I hope your photographs always bring you back to that warm Mediterranean breeze, those castle walls, and every beautiful moment you shared.
If you enjoyed this wedding blog, I’d love to hear all about your wedding plans! Please check out my About Me page for information about who I am and why I do this with my life. Then if you like the sound of everything, simply get in touch via the Contact page.