Celebrating Love, Culture, and Community in Catalonia & the Iberian Islands
Celebrate love in true Catalan style. Discover how to weave local culture, architecture, and community spirit into a meaningful destination wedding in Catalonia and the Iberian Islands.
At PearlSandals, we believe that a wedding should celebrate not only the love between two people but also the culture, traditions, and communities of the region where it takes place. Catalonia and the Iberian Islands are filled with rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and opportunities to connect meaningfully with local people, food, art, and history.
(above, our couple Irene & Lucas, in the park in front of La Sagrada Familia - photo by Kiss & Chips Photography)
Embrace Local Festivals and Traditions
Catalonia is home to some truly unique celebrations. While Rio or Venice might be the first carnivals that come to mind, towns like Sitges and Vilanova have their own traditions:
Sitges Carnival dazzles with parades, sequins, feathers, and music, even in chilly February air.
Vilanova Carnival is a joyful parody of military parades, with “comparses” dressed in traditional Catalan attire tossing candy to the crowds—a unique way to experience local history and community spirit.
Flamenco dancers - from Laury & Andrés wedding, photo by Sierra Katrina - and from Sydney & Anthony’s wedding, photo by Basilico Studio.
Discover Cultural Gems for Your Ceremony
Barcelona is a treasure trove for lovers of art and architecture. Weddings and elopements here can be extraordinary thanks to the genius of Antoni Gaudí:
La Sagrada Familia: A truly awe-inspiring location for ceremonies in the crypt.
Torre Bellesguard: A romantic castle for elopements.
Casa Batlló and La Pedrera: Perfect for exclusive events or magical photo shoots.
Parc Güell: Ideal for elopements, photoshoots or small ceremonies with panoramic views.
Colonia Güell and Bodegas Güell: Hidden gems for intimate weddings surrounded by architectural wonder.
Irene & Lucas’ ceremony in the Sagrada Familia crypt - photo by Kiss & Chips Photography
Choosing a Gaudí site as part of your celebration allows couples to immerse themselves in Catalonia’s cultural heritage while creating unforgettable memories.
Coastal Romance: Costa Brava & the Iberian Islands
The Costa Brava and Iberian Islands offer natural beauty and traditional charm:
Costa Brava villages: Among the many gems along the Costa Brava, Begur is a favourite. This hilltop village is rich in history, with the “Indian villas” built by locals returning from Cuba, and offers breathtaking views of both the sea and the Pyrenees. Visit during September for lively festivals with salsa, merengue, and local craft markets. Other picturesque villages include Cadaqués and Calella de Palafrugell, where turquoise coves, fresh local seafood, and romantic coastal walks along the Camí de Ronda await.
Iberian Islands: Tranquil beaches, local cuisine, and charming boutique hotels allow couples to enjoy authentic island life, including fresh seafood and traditional pastries like Ensaimadas. We also organize events across the islands, creating unforgettable celebrations in stunning coastal settings.
These coastal locations not only provide stunning scenery for weddings but also allow couples to honour the traditions, food, and architecture of the region.
Costa Brava locations above, photos by Novella Wedding (1 and 2) and Basilico Studio (3).
Mallorca weddings above, photos by Sara Holmgren (1) and Nargiza Rusalova (2 and 3).
Give Back and Share the Love
Celebrating love can also be a way to support local communities:
Choose venues that are biosphere certified, such as the Ocata Beach, or LEED certified, like Ca L'Alier, Sant Pau Recinte and Platinum.
Donate unused menus to local charities, such as Chiringuito de Dios in Barcelona.
Support causes through wedding gifts—invite guests to donate to a favourite charity instead of giving traditional presents.
Participate in unique experiences like Hidden City Tours, where ex-homeless guides show the city, or gourmet tours that benefit local charities.
Even your wedding dress can find a second life by supporting a charitable project or by choosing to support a local designer, such as Verónica Miranda
At PearlSandals, 10% of our profits go directly to charitable projects, ensuring that love and joy extend beyond the couple and into the community.
Above pictures, LEED Certified Ca l’Alier and the Platinum complex in Barcelona (1, 2, and 3) - photos by Kiss & Chips photography. Anne & Taru’s wedding at the Ocata Beach, photo by Richard Hadley.
Why Heritage, Culture, and Community Matter
From Catalonia’s vibrant festivals to Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, from the tranquil coves of Costa Brava to the charm of the Iberian Islands, your wedding can celebrate the beauty of the region while giving back. Couples who embrace local heritage and culture create experiences that are unforgettable—not just for themselves, but for their guests and the communities they touch.