Planning a luxury wedding on Tenerife? Everything you need to know
Your ultimate guide to a wedding on Tenerife | Meral Soydas Photography
Dreaming of a destination wedding on Tenerife? Discover expert tips, insider venues, and real wedding stories from a photographer who knows the island inside out.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Tenerife, you’re not alone – this sun-drenched island is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for destination weddings. With its year-round sunshine, volcanic landscapes, and black-sand beaches, Tenerife is a place where wild nature meets understated elegance.
As a wedding photographer who lives part of the year on the island—and who also got married here myself—I’ve had the chance to witness Tenerife in all its moods: from golden desert light in the south to lush, tropical greens in the north. – from golden desert light in the south to lush, tropical greens in the north. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planning a wedding on Tenerife: from the most stunning venues to the weather you can expect, legal tips, and real advice from someone who’s helped couples turn their vision into reality on this magical island.
Why choose Tenerife for your destination wedding
Tenerife offers an unexpected mix of worlds: moonlike volcanic landscapes, golden and black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush forests. You can get married in a luxury villa with ocean views, on a mountaintop with Teide in the background, or barefoot on a hidden beach at sunset. It’s accessible from most European cities, yet feels far away from everything.
Whether you’re planning a big celebration, a small elopement, or exploring the Canary Islands for your wedding, this island has options to fit every style.
Couples often choose Tenerife for:
- Reliable weather all year (yes, even in winter)
- Dramatic natural backdrops for photography
- Relaxed island atmosphere with excellent food & wine
- Unique venues from luxury estates to wild coastlines
What’s the best time for a wedding on Tenerife?
Tenerife is known as the island of eternal spring – but there are microclimates.
- The South (e.g. Adeje, Abama, La Caleta): warm and dry almost all year, golden light, desert vibes.
- The North (e.g. Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava): greener, cooler, moodier light – perfect for romantic or editorial wedding photography.
Winter weddings in Tenerife are especially popular with couples escaping grey northern winters. A nice little extra: there is more availability and soft, flattering light.
Photographer tip: the sun can be very intense in summer, so consider a late-afternoon ceremony or golden hour portraits. (We did a late afternoon ceremony during our October wedding and it gave us the most beautiful pictures of our ceremony ever)
Getting legally married on Tenerife
If you want a legally recognized wedding on Tenerife and you’re not Spanish, it can be complex. Many international couples choose to do the legal part at home and have a symbolic ceremony on the island.
But it is possible, especially if:
- One of you is a Spanish resident
- You’re planning well in advance
- You work with a local planner to handle paperwork
If in doubt: go symbolic and make it feel just as real (it is, we did the symbolic version and it felt just as real!)
The best luxury wedding venues on Tenerife
From private villas to high-end resorts and lush historic estates, Tenerife has a wealth of incredible venues for a luxury destination wedding:
Top venues
- Royal Garden Villas & Spa (Costa Adeje)
A romantic hideaway where privacy, elegance and tropical charm meet. Perfect for couples dreaming of an exclusive celebration in style. - Hacienda San Felipe (Los Realejos)
An elegant, historic Canarian estate with traditional architecture and romantic gardens. Perfect for cultural and vintage-style weddings. - Finca Cañada Verde (La Orotava)
A hidden gem in the green north of the island, this rustic-luxe finca offers sweeping views of Mount Teide and lush subtropical surroundings. - Villa Casa del Mar (Playa de las Américas)
A contemporary beach villa with private access to the sea, an infinity pool, and a laid-back-luxe atmosphere. Ideal for small, exclusive celebrations. - The Ritz-Carlton, Abama (Guía de Isora)
A Moorish-inspired cliffside resort with panoramic ocean views, lush palm gardens and world-class cuisine. Ideal for chic, high-end ceremonies with five-star service. - Jardines de Franchy (La Orotava)
A lush garden estate nestled in the north of Tenerife, surrounded by towering palms and tropical greenery. With multiple outdoor spaces and elegant corners, it’s ideal for romantic open-air ceremonies and golden hour receptions.
You can also create something completely your own: a private villa rental, a beach picnic ceremony, or even a surf-inspired elopement.
Top wedding planners on Tenerife
To make your luxury wedding experience seamless, consider working with one of these trusted planners who know the island inside out:
Top planners
• Daniela Henao Weddings – Sophisticated planning for modern, detail-loving couples
• Pure Love Weddings – Elegant, design-led events full of emotion and intention
• Licandro Weddings – Known for timeless design and flawless execution of luxury events
• Barefoot Bride Tenerife – Stylish destination weddings with a personal touch
These planners specialize in elevated weddings that are as personal as they are beautiful. They can help with permits, logistics, timelines, and finding trusted local vendors—so you can truly relax and enjoy the experience.
We worked with a local planner for our own wedding on Tenerife and it made all the difference. Having someone who speaks the language, knows the best venues, and just “gets” your vision is honestly priceless.
Working with a Tenerife wedding photographer
Tenerife’s light can be intense and challenging – but also incredibly rewarding. Make sure you choose a photographer who knows the island’s moods and hidden spots. Someone who knows when the light hits just right in the cliffs near Buenavista or how to time a mountain shoot to avoid the afternoon haze.
As someone who lives and works on the island, I love helping couples bring their vision to life with photography that’s both cinematic and honest. You can see examples of a recent Tenerife wedding here.
Final tips for a stress-free luxury wedding on Tenerife
- Work with local suppliers who know the island
- Visit the island ahead of time if you can – or work with someone who’s based there
- Choose your ceremony time wisely (golden hour wins!)
- Embrace the relaxed rhythm – Tenerife isn’t about stress
Looking for a wedding photographer who knows Tenerife inside and out?
Planning your destination wedding on Tenerife and looking for a photographer who knows the island inside out? I’d love to hear your story.
Reach out here to explore availability and tailored wedding collections for your Tenerife wedding.
PS: This blog was also featured on Girls of Honour — one of the leading Dutch wedding blogs for couples planning a meaningful, stylish celebration that reflects them
