My top Wedding Venues in Tarifa

Tarifa… Sitting at the southernmost tip of mainland Europe, at the crossroads between two oceans, two continents and three countries, this once quiet fishing village forms a geographical hub linking Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean sea and the Atlantic, and only a few kilometres separate Spain, Morocco, and the small British outpost of Gibraltar. The town is also a cultural melting pot of nationalities, ethnic diversity, and alternative lifestyles, it is a Mecca for watersports and outdoors activities, first world escapees and digital nomads. Its 7 km stretch of white sandy beaches is  famous for the regular wind that secured Tarifa’s reputation as a world class venue for both Kitesurfing and Windsurfing, and all of this nestled in the heart of two national parks which protect natural beauty of their surroundings. This place was once described in the Sunday Telegraph’s travel section as “achingly cool¨ and it’s not difficult to see why. 

I first came here with the intention of spending a few weeks windsurfing, and learning a bit of Spanish. Fast forward 16 years, and I’m still here, still surfing, still learning Spanish, and delighted to have established myself as a wedding photographer working all over the coast. As a photographer, this place is heaven not only because of its stunning natural beauty , but also because of the wonderful quality of the light, kept crystal clear by the constant breeze.

Welcome to the Costa de la Luz, which means Coast of Light in Spanish. Amongst many other reasons why Tarifa has a special place in my heart, it is where I myself decided to get married many years ago, and this series of articles was put together so that I could share some of my favourite wedding venues this unique area has to offer.

Purely from a wedding photography point of view, one of the most stunning ceremony venues I have ever worked at is the gorgeous little chapel perched on top of the mountain overlooking the whole bay, with Africa in the background. You will not fit a congregation of many hundreds in it, but for a small to medium size wedding, it is unbeatable for quirkiness, unique setting, and sheer natural beauty.

Moving straight away to where my own wedding reception was held, the beautiful Hotel Punta Sur, sitting halfway between Tarifa town and the massive sand dune which marks the end of the 7 km long Los Lances Beach. It is part of the groups of hotels which include the Hurricane Hotel, and the Cortijo El Aguilon, which I will discuss in more detail in my next post.

The Punta Sur was our chosen wedding reception venue on the basis of its perfect location and access to the beach, beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces large enough for large weddings, but sheltered enough in case the wind blows, and with enough room inside to move the party indoors after dinner. The rooms of the hotel are arranged as cottages away from the main building, so there are no interferences with the regular hotel guests, and in my case, we were able to party deep into the night. As a food lover, it also ticked a very important box for me as it boasts one of the best kitchens in the whole area, and removes the headache of seeking outside caterers. 

The following photos were taken just a few minutes’ walk away from the hotel, and really showcase the awesome scenery that I so love to capture for my wedding clients’ portfolios.

My next posts will highlight some alternative venues here in Tarifa ranging from surfy style beach “chiringuitos” to exclusive boutique hotels, and later I will be looking at venues slightly further afield, which also offer something a little different, a little unique, and more authentically Spanish, but most important of all, which provide superb backdrops for your wedding photography!