Destination Wedding in Valencia

Imagine pledging your eternal love in one of the biggest and liveliest cities in Spain.  The romantic city of Valencia is located on the Mediterranean Sea where the Costa Blanca (White Coast) begins.  While celebrating your marriage in Valencia, you will be able to visit fine beaches right in the very heart of the city. For activity minded honeymooners, there are a number of sports available such as golf, diving, cycling, tennis, etc. In addition, there is an exciting nightlife which will make your wedding celebration a success.  Important trade fairs confirm Valencia's position as one of the most dynamic cities in Spain.

Valencia is famous for its cuisine and it is the place to try Spain's most famous food right where it was born: "Paella Valenciana".  Your wedding guests will delight in this Spanish rice dish which could be included in your Valencian wedding reception.

Valencia is of course the city where "El Cid", Spain's national hero, fought against the Moors, and popular festivals in the city and many villages around still remind of this epoch.

There are a number of first rate palace hotels which are more than willing to provide you with an elegant reception catering to all your wedding wishes.

Plan a spectacular catholic wedding in the cathedral of Valencia which is mainly of early gothic style, though parts of it were added in later eras. Its three portals are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque, respectively. The main chapel, Capilla Mayor, is in baroque style, the two lateral chapels are neoclassic.

Have breathtaking wedding pictures taken from octagonal bell-tower, called Micalet or also Miguelete.  It is the landmark of the city. From there you have a great view over all Valencia including approximately 300 more bell-towers throughout the city. In the Cathedral's Museum are exposed works of Goya, Jacomart, Cellini, Paggibonsi as well as paintings from the 15th to 17th century.

Close to the cathedral there is the Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, ("Mare de Deu dels Desemparats"), a church consecrated to the patroness of the city, and the Almudín, a medieval granary that is nowadays used as a museum. Tradition holds that in the nearby church Iglesia de San Esteban the daughters of legendary Cid were wed so why not make it your choice as well?

Romantic strolls will take you to the Palace of Almirantes de Aragón, the church San Juan del Hospital and the Convento de Santo Domingo.

The river Turia is well worth seeing from any of the three old bridges: Puente del Real, Puente de la Trinidad and Puente de Serranos, the latter with the Torres de Serranos.  These 15th century towers have been part of the old town-walls and combine the elegance of a triumphal arch with the solidity of fortifications. What a backdrop as you are being photographed overlooking from one of these bridges!

The river Turia actually was deviated around the city after a catastrophic inundation in 1957. The old river-bed today is used by the population for all kinds of sports and leisure-time activities.

The IVAM (Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno), located at the river-bed, is one of the foremost museums of modern arts in Spain and so a must to visit for everybody interested in this subject.

Through the street Calle de Los Caballeros you arrive to the town-gate Torres de Quart, of 1441, and to Plaza del Mercado, the square where is located Valencia's probably best known monument, La Lonja , the old stock-exchange building of 1483.

At its side there are the baroque church Iglesia de los Santos Juanes, with important wall-paintings of Palomino, and the bell-tower Campanil de la Iglesia de Santa Catalina.  This church will most definitely make for a picturesque destination catholic wedding.

Through Calle Torno you arrive to the Palace of the Marquis de Dos Aguas, in rococo-style and with a very highly individual portal designed by Hipólito Rovira. The Patriarca College, of 1603, is typical for the austere ambience of religious Renaissance buildings in Spain. Valencia's University and its extraordinary Law Court are of neoclassical style. Another monument of quite recent date is the bridge Nuevo Puente of 1995, nicknamed La Peineta, "side-comb", due to its form.

As love birds, explore the Bario del Carmen.  This district authentically represents Valencia's way of living; one cannot know Valencia without visiting the Bariod del Carmen. It is here that you will find numerous shops, café-theatres, bars, restaurants and colourful flower-stands. It is the heartbeat of everyday life in Valencia.

Hold hands as you casually walk through El Ensanche.  This is more the modern part of town, and will give you an impression of today's Valencia.

"Valencia es la tierra de las flores..",

Celebrate your Protestant or symbolic wedding in Valencia’s gardens and parks.  "Valencia is the land of flowers", says an old folk-song, and the parks and gardens of the city demonstrate it in an impressive way.   The Jardines de la Alameda and Jardines de Monforte are romantic parks of 18th century. "Real" Gardens , which include also the Zoological Garden, have beautiful cultures of roses and large pine-woods.The Botanical Garden shows a variety of exotic plants and makes for a magical site to exchange your marriage vows.

Create an amazing reception as your friends and family dine on the delectable foods such as fresh seafood, vegetables, oranges and very good wines D.O.

Utiel-Requena and Valencia ... these are catchwords characterising one of the finest cuisines of Spain. Also rice which is produced here in large quantities is a protagonist in many typical dishes. The Valencianos understand how to combine ingredients to create perfect masterpieces; Paella Valenciana being the most famous example.

"La Movida", the "movement" ... that is how Valencianos call what is going on between Friday evening and Sunday morning. This is must for very active honeymooners.  There are no breaks scheduled for sleep or even rest, so better don't try to find "La Movida" if you are not in really good shape. ere are a few helpful hints on where to go:

Canovas, El Carmen, Juan LLorens and Avenida de Aragón are areas with plenty of locals and  young people who want to have fun. Xúquer is another place to try. Here frequently you will find "Tunos", students who follow an old tradition and dress in medieval gowns serenading locals. They are welcome especially to the female public...  Just imagine them playing the wedding march on your special day.

"La Playa", the beach .... At the harbour and in Avenida de Neptuno there are numerous café’s and restaurants with summer-terraces. Create a memorable wedding reception from the terraces at the beach of Cabañal-Malvarrosa where you will enjoy a great view over the gulf of Valencia.