Else Beekman
People often think of fancy beach clubs, champagne towers, and the kind of price tag you would expect at a celebrity party when they picture a wedding in Ibiza. Ibiza does have some of the most exclusive wedding venues in Spain, but you don’t need to have a six-figure budget to get married there.
The island also has a real, down-to-earth side that lets you have a party that feels just as magical as the one in the magazine, but costs less. If you’re willing to think outside the box and be creative, you can plan a wedding that is both memorable and cheap.
Picking the right place
Picking your venue is one of the most important choices you’ll make. When you look at pictures of cliff-top villas with infinity pools, it’s easy to get carried away, but they cost a lot. Instead, look for the smaller, less obvious places, like a rustic finca in the country, a beach restaurant that opens its terrace for ceremonies, or even a quiet cove where you can say your vows with only the sound of the sea.
These places not only save you money, but they also make your wedding feel more personal than larger venues do. If you look beyond the obvious lists of wedding venues in Spain, you might find a place that feels more special and personal.
Keeping the guest list small
The guest list is another thing that affects your budget. This is not an easy conversation, but every extra guest means more chairs, food, drinks, and transportation. Not only does cutting down the list to the people you really want with you keep the budget in check, but it also changes the whole vibe of the day.
With a small group of 20 or 30 guests, you can talk to everyone, have long conversations over dinner, and make the event feel more like a gathering than a show. A lot of couples who have gone this route say it was the best thing they ever did.
Be open to changing times
Timing is another great way to save money. July and August are the busiest months of the year, with the best weather, the highest prices, and the least amount of flexibility. Prices go down, flights are cheaper, and the island feels calmer if you can wait until late spring or early fall.
Even moving your wedding from Saturday to a weekday can make venues and suppliers cheaper. A wedding planner in Ibiza can often tell you when the best time to book is because they know when the island is less busy and which venues are more willing to negotiate.
Spend where it counts
Lastly, think about where to save and where to spend. The best thing about Ibiza is that it already has a beautiful background. When bougainvillea and olive branches are blooming all over the place, you don’t need roses from other countries. You don’t need a Michelin-star menu when the local paella, grilled fish, and fresh salads taste like summer.
You can include the island in your wedding story by keeping things simple and real. At the same time, spend money on the things that are most important to you, like a good photographer, live music, or the dress you’ve always wanted. You won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything if you put your money toward the things that matter to you.
The real luxury of getting married in Ibiza
The best part of an Ibiza wedding isn’t how much it costs, but how it feels. Watching the sun set behind Es Vedrà, dancing barefoot on the beach, and laughing over food with the people you love are all memories that will stay with you long after the day is over. And the best part is that they don’t need a lot of money, just the right choices and some creativity.
Discovery of the White Island: Ibiza in the winter months