Your Guide to Getting Married in Tenerife

Destination Weddings, Planning & Advice

Tenerife is a super popular holiday destination for Irish couples and families – endless hours of sunshine, stunning scenery, exotic beaches, fantastic hospitality, delicious food and just a short four hour plane trip away, it makes for a fabulous wedding destination as well. The largest of the Canary Islands, it enjoys a pleasant climate year round which appeals to couples looking for a sun fix for their Big Day. It’s also home to picturesque towns and a diverse countryside with everything from lush ancient forests and valleys to spectacular coastline, making it an incredible backdrop for outdoor weddings. Check out all you need to know about getting married in Tenerife below…

The best time to get married in Tenerife

One of the main attractions for Irish couples planning a destination wedding is undoubtedly the weather with year round sunshine. You can look forward to warm days whenever you choose to get married with an average temperature of 23°C all year round. However, it will be less busy if you avoid the peak summer season and Christmas. If you fancy escaping during Ireland’s autumn/winter months, September and October are ideal for weddings as they’re quieter periods with fewer tourists and May and June are great options if you’re after a spring wedding.

Where to start with your plans

When it comes to ease of planning, you’ll be glad to know a lot of people speak English. But as with all destination weddings, hiring a wedding planner is highly recommended – a good wedding planner knows the way weddings operate, can negotiate with local suppliers and as they can speak the language, it is a huge benefit. You can check out some recommended wedding planners over on Tenerife Select Weddings, the Tenerife tourist board’s Tenerife Select luxury tourism and weddings programme. A planner will help you navigate your wedding planning journey in Tenerife, everything from finding the perfect venue and choosing reputable suppliers to sourcing decor.

Choosing your wedding location in Tenerife

Whether you want a romantic ceremony overlooking the glittering sea, a laid back beach celebration against the backdrop of dramatic volcanic landscapes, a magical garden party with the ocean in sight or a glitzy bash in a luxurious resort, you’ll find there’s a hotel that will tick all your boxes here. Lots of hotels offer tailor made wedding packages making it incredibly easy to plan your Big Day from afar. Tenerife Select Weddings have a fab list of accommodation options here, which is a good place to get started. If it’s feasible, it can be great to visit the venue(s) you’re interested in to get a feel for the place and ensure you’re happy with your choice and the location and suss out what you’ll need going forward.

The legal requirements

Currently, civil weddings are only allowed for residents so you cannot legally get married in Tenerife. However, you have the option of having a small legal ceremony in Ireland, and can then jet off to Tenerife to have a blessing by the sea for instance, followed by a fabulous party with all your nearest and dearest at one of its stunning hotels.

The advantages of a wedding in Tenerife

There are so many reasons Tenerife is a popular option for couples looking to tie the knot abroad. This beautiful island is ideal for Irish couples that want a beach wedding not too far from home – you can have a tropical wedding by the sea in an exotic island just over four hours away minus the dreaded jetlag. And it’s more affordable too if you want to invite friends and family. But the advantages don’t stop there – a lot of couples love the idea of serving up beautiful Canarian cuisine and local Tenerife wines and it tends to be more affordable than in Ireland. And as Euro is the currency, you’re well aware of what you’re spending, no conversion necessary. In short, the fantastic local food and wines, the weather, the beaches, the diversity of landscapes, the quality of its hotels, and the friendly atmosphere are just some of the reasons that couples love Tenerife as a wedding destination.

Take in your honeymoon while you’re at it

Tenerife also has all you need for an incredible holiday if you fancy turning the wedding celebrations in to a honeymoon of a lifetime. This stunning island has beautiful World Heritage Sites, a National Park and several nature reserves for those looking to take in the great outdoors and some culture. It also has its share of luxurious spas, ideal for couples after some post (or pre) wedding pampering and has exclusive services such as chauffeur-driven limousines or private helicopter tours if you fancy an experience of a lifetime. Newlyweds looking to finish off their romantic trip with a unique experience can enjoy everything from whale watching to stargazing on Mount Teide – make sure to pack plenty of camera cards!

For more information on planning a wedding in Tenerife, pop over to Tenerife Select Weddings.