Balearic Lens
Guide · Weddings
Getting married in Formentera
What to know before you book anything.
Formentera is small, quiet and has no airport. That makes it special for a wedding, and it also means planning carefully.
I'm Marcel, a wedding photographer and videographer, and I've lived in Sant Ferran since 2022. This guide collects what couples ask me most before they book: paperwork, travel, dates, venues and what happens if the wind picks up.
- Getting hereFly to Ibiza, then ferry
- SeasonMay to October
- SunsetBetween 19:40 and 21:25
- Plan BAlways, for the wind
Civil, religious or symbolic ceremony
This is the first decision, because it changes all the paperwork.
Civil wedding
In Spain it is handled by the civil registry (Registro Civil) where one of you lives. If neither of you lives in Spain, the requirements depend on your case, so start by asking the registry or your consulate. Many international couples marry legally at home and celebrate in Formentera.
Symbolic ceremony
The most common choice for couples from abroad. It has no legal effect, which is why you can shape it your way, with a celebrant or a family member, at a villa, garden or restaurant that allows it.
Religious wedding
For a Catholic wedding the file is opened at your home parish, with baptism certificates, civil status documents and a marriage preparation course, and from there it is sent to the diocese of Ibiza and Formentera. Foreign couples usually need translations and an apostille. Ask your parish several months ahead.
This is general guidance and not legal advice. The specific requirements are always confirmed by the civil registry, your consulate or the parish.
Getting here: fly to Ibiza, then ferry
Formentera has no airport. You fly to Ibiza, and from Ibiza port the ferry goes to La Savina, Formentera's port. The crossing takes between half an hour and an hour depending on the company and the boat, and in summer there are sailings all day.
For guests that means combining flight, transfer to the port and ferry on the same day. In high season it's worth booking accommodation well in advance, because the island has few beds. If some guests stay in Ibiza, check the time of the last ferry back before you set the end of the party.
In stormy weather, especially outside summer, ferries can be delayed or cancelled. For spring or autumn weddings, leave a spare day to arrive.
The best time to get married in Formentera
From June to September it hardly rains and daytime temperatures are around 28 to 31 °C. May, June, September and October have the nicest light and fewer people. July and August bring more midday heat and a busier island.
By late summer the sea is around 26 or 27 °C, so in September a swim after the wedding still feels good.
For photos and video the sunset time is what counts. As a guide, on 21 June the sun sets around 21:25, in mid-September around 20:05 and on 1 October around 19:40. The best light starts an hour before, so set the ceremony by that time rather than by lunch.
Where to celebrate: villa, restaurant or beach
Private villa
Ceremony, dinner and party in one place, with no other guests around. Get written confirmation that the villa allows events and until what time music is allowed: unauthorised parties in holiday rentals are fined, and the fines are high.
Restaurant or beach club
Many are right by the sea and already have the kitchen, staff and permits. In return, the venue sets the schedule and the music.
Hotel or inland finca
More sheltered from the wind, with room to put up guests. The sun doesn't always set over the sea, but the coast is a few minutes away for portraits.
Beach
Illetes and Llevant are inside Ses Salines Natural Park, where celebrations and drone flights are not allowed without authorisation. A professional shoot on other beaches may also need a coastal permit (Costas); I check this before the wedding.
Wind and a plan B
In Formentera the wind changes quickly. It won't ruin a wedding, but you have to plan for it: it takes veils, knocks over light decorations and swallows the sound of an outdoor ceremony.
What I recommend to couples:
- Have a covered or sheltered area at the wedding venue itself
- Check the forecast about three days before and decide then where the ceremony goes
- Avoid tall, light decorations for ceremonies by the sea
- For an outdoor ceremony, ask for a microphone for the celebrant
Quick checklist before you book
- Decide whether the legal wedding happens at home or in Spain
- Book venue, accommodation and photographer together, because the best summer dates go early
- Get written confirmation that the venue allows events and until what time music can play
- Work out flights and ferries for your guests, there and back
- Set the ceremony time by the sunset
- Have a plan B for the wind
If you already have a venue, send me the location. I'll tell you where the sun sets on your date and which spots work best for the ceremony and portraits. Want your wedding on film too? Here is the wedding videographer page.
Questions about getting married in Formentera
Can two foreigners have a civil wedding in Formentera?
It depends on where each of you lives and your nationality. Ask the Spanish civil registry (Registro Civil) or your consulate first. Most couples marry legally at home and celebrate in Formentera.
Can we have the ceremony on the beach?
Not on the beaches inside Ses Salines Natural Park, such as Illetes or Llevant. Elsewhere it depends on permits. Most couples celebrate at a villa, restaurant or hotel and do the portraits on the coast.
What is the best month to get married in Formentera?
For light and temperature, June and September. May and October are quieter and work well too. July and August bring more heat and a busier island.
How far ahead should we plan?
Book the venue and summer accommodation as early as you can. For photo and video, around six months ahead is ideal, though closer dates do come up.
Do you charge for travel?
No. I live in Formentera, and there's no travel charge in Ibiza, Mallorca or Menorca either.
Can you fly the drone at the wedding?
I'm AESA-licensed for commercial work. Ses Salines and other protected areas need a separate permit; I'll tell you in advance where flying is possible.
Getting married in Formentera?
Tell me the date, the venue and roughly how many guests you expect. I reply within 24 hours with availability and a quote.