JANUARY, 2026
DESTINATION WEDDINGS, ELOPEMENTS, WEDDINGS
How to elope in the Basque Country: your ultimate guide. Everything you need to know—from how to get married in Spain to the very best Basque Country elopement locations (including some you may never have heard of). I’ll also share how to get started planning your Spanish elopement.
So, you’re planning to elope in the Basque Country! Or perhaps it’s just an idea quietly forming in the back of your mind, and curiosity has got the better of you. Wherever you’re at, this guide to planning a Basque Country elopement has a little bit of everything—and in some cases, it’s refreshingly honest.
There’s no point pretending that getting legally married in Spain is a walk in the park (good news: you don’t have to), or that iconic places like La Concha Bay won’t be busy at certain times of year. Still, the Basque Country offers endless beauty and the opportunity to create a truly unique wedding experience. You might enjoy lunch on a boat surrounded by the views of La Concha Bay, exchange vows on the dramatic Flysch cliffs of Zumaia—featured in world-famous films—or celebrate somewhere completely unexpected. And everything in between.
I’m Leire Ibañez, a destination wedding planner born and raised in the beautiful city of San Sebastián. I’ve been planning weddings and elopements in the Basque Country since 2010. I know this region intimately and am endlessly passionate about this hidden gem in the north of Spain, just 30 minutes from the south of France.
So, let’s dive in—your ultimate guide to eloping in the Basque Country.
CAN YOU ELOPE IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY?
Yes—absolutely. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement with just the two of you, or a celebration shared with up to ten of your closest people, eloping in the Basque Country is completely possible.
One of the most beautiful things about eloping is that there are no rules. All that truly matters is that you travel together with the intention of committing to one another. The location, the season, whether you invite loved ones, and whether the ceremony is symbolic or legal—that’s entirely up to you.
And if you’re not sure where to begin, that’s perfectly okay. I’m here to guide you through how to elope in Spain, step by step, in a way that feels joyful, intentional, and true to you.
How to Get Married in the Basque Country
When couples ask me how to get married in Spain, my advice is always the same: start by imagining your perfect day together. Forget the paperwork for a moment and think about what your dream day in San Sebastián—or elsewhere in the Basque Country—would look like.
Add time to exchange vows, to celebrate your commitment, and to simply be present with one another. Emotionally, it’s the promises you make that matter most.
Some couples choose flowers, a celebrant, and a handful of loved ones to witness the moment. We create a beautiful symbolic ceremony where vows are exchanged and the couple is declared married. Afterward, we take a few portraits and head out to celebrate with dinner at one of the region’s exceptional restaurants—after all, you’re in one of the places with the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world.
How to Get Legally Married in Spain
Note: Feel free to skip this section if you’re happy to complete the legal part at home—which is what most international couples choose to do.
If you want to get legally married in Spain, there is only one option available to non-residents: a Catholic ceremony. If one of you is a Spanish citizen, you may also marry through a civil ceremony. Otherwise, a legal civil marriage in Spain is not possible for international couples.
For this reason, I always recommend that couples complete the legal paperwork in their home country—at a registry office or town hall—and then enjoy a symbolic elopement in Spain focused entirely on the experience.
With my support as a local wedding planner and founder of 20eventos Wedding Planners, with over 15 years of experience, we’ll design and organise an unforgettable Basque Country elopement. Over the years, we’ve planned and celebrated a large number of intimate ceremonies across the region.
Basque Country Elopement Locations
Now for the fun part—choosing your Basque Country elopement location. But where to begin?
The Basque Country has a little bit of everything: dramatic coastlines shaped by the Cantabrian Sea, lush green hills dotted with centuries-old farmhouses, rolling vineyards overlooking the ocean, wild mountains steeped in tradition, vibrant food-obsessed cities, and charming fishing villages where time seems to slow down. The list truly goes on.
But at the end of the day, your Basque Country elopement shouldn’t be about chasing the perfect Instagram shot (trust me—we’ll make that happen anyway). Your wedding should be about celebrating your love in the way that feels most meaningful to you.
When choosing your elopement location, ask yourselves:
What landscapes do you love?
Are you drawn to wild coastlines and dramatic cliffs, or do you prefer green mountains, vineyard-covered hills, charming old towns, or peaceful countryside settings?
How do you imagine spending the days before and after your wedding?
Would you like to rent a car and explore hidden villages and scenic coastal roads? Or would you rather wander through cities like San Sebastián or Bilbao, discovering galleries, markets, and architecture? Perhaps you’re dreaming of slowing down entirely—long walks, ocean views, and relaxed days in a beautiful Basque farmhouse or boutique hotel.
How important is food to you?
Do you picture Michelin-starred dining, hopping from pintxo bar to pintxo bar, or enjoying a long, leisurely meal made with local ingredients? Or are you happy to leave it all in expert hands—after all, this is the Basque Country.
All of these questions will help you choose the perfect location—and of course, I’d be more than happy to put some ideas together for you.
WHERE TO ELOPE IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY: ICONIC LOCATIONS
San Sebastián (Donostia)
Effortlessly elegant and refined, with golden beaches, world-class gastronomy, and timeless architecture overlooking the sea.
Txakoli Wineries & Vineyards
Rolling green hills with ocean views, contemporary wineries, and a relaxed yet exclusive atmosphere—perfect for intimate, design-led elopements.
Getaria & the Basque Coastline
A charming seaside town where tradition meets understated luxury, known for clifftop views and exceptional seafood.
The Flysch Coast (Zumaia)
Raw, cinematic landscapes and dramatic cliffs shaped by the sea—ideal for couples seeking something bold and unforgettable.
Luxury Countryside Estates & Basque Farmhouses
Private, peaceful, and deeply connected to the land, these estates offer complete exclusivity and a sense of calm.
Getxo
An elegant fishermen’s village, known for its classic houses and timeless charm.
Just Across the Border: South West France
Biarritz
Chic, iconic, and effortlessly glamorous. Once the summer retreat of European royalty, Biarritz combines dramatic Atlantic cliffs, grand hotels, surf culture, and refined French elegance. A perfect choice for couples dreaming of a stylish coastal elopement with a touch of old-world glamour.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Romantic, timeless, and quietly luxurious. With its sheltered bay, pastel façades, and charming old town, Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers an intimate, storybook setting—ideal for couples seeking a softer, more poetic atmosphere just minutes from the Spanish border.
FOR FOOD-LOVING COUPLES
If food plays a central role in how you celebrate, the Basque Country may be your perfect elopement destination. Here, gastronomy is culture, tradition, and art.
From Michelin-starred dining experiences and private chef-led celebrations to pintxo-hopping evenings and Txakoli tastings overlooking the sea, every meal becomes part of the story.
BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
The best time to elope in the Basque Country depends entirely on how you imagine spending your days. As a general rule, May through October offers the most comfortable weather, with mild summers and beautifully lush landscapes in spring and early autumn.
While peak summer weeks (mid-July through August) can be busier in iconic locations, thoughtful planning and local knowledge make it possible to find quiet, intimate spots even during high season.
Ultimately, the best time to elope in the Basque Country is whenever feels right for you. Each season offers something unique and memorable.
HOW TO GET STARTED PLANNING YOUR BASQUE COUNTRY ELOPEMENT
I hope this guide has inspired you and helped you imagine what it could be like to elope in the Basque Country. If you’re feeling excited but unsure where to begin, the first step is simple—get in touch.
Planning a Basque Country elopement is about creating an experience that feels personal, intentional, and beautifully considered. I’d love to help you design an elopement that reflects your story and becomes a memory you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
WHY THE BASQUE COUNTRY IS PERFECT FOR ELOPEMENTS
The Basque Country is a destination for couples who value meaning over spectacle. With its wild coastlines, quiet countryside, vibrant cities, and world-class gastronomy, it offers a rare balance of beauty, culture, and authenticity.
More than just a place to elope, it’s a way of celebrating—slowly, beautifully, and with soul.
Bisous!
Leire
