There are places that you already know before you ever set foot there. Son Marroig is one of them. The white marble pavilion over the cliffs, below the peninsula of Fel Sal Foradada with its hole in the rock, and beyond only sea. Hardly any image stands so much for getting married in Mallorca as this one. And yet it is surprising to see it with your own eyes, because the photos on the internet only show a small part of it. They do not show the wind coming up from below the cliffs, the warmth of a July afternoon on the stone slabs, or the silence that settles over the terrace once the guests have taken their seats.
In July I had the Wedding of L & L in Son Marroig Photographed: 50 guests, a civil wedding ceremony in front of the pavilion and a sunset that fell exactly at the time of the dinner. In this post, I will tell you how this day unfolded, what I learned there and what you should keep in mind if you are planning a Son Marroig wedding yourself. You will learn which months are suitable, how to schedule the ceremony, What costs you should realistically expect, Which applies to drone footage and for whom this wedding location on Mallorca isn't really the right one, to be honest.
As a wedding photographer, I Accompanied over 100 weddings, These include weddings in Spain, Italy, Mexico, England, Ireland, France and Germany. Many of them take place in places that look spectacular in photos. What I learned from this: A location is not chosen based on its view, but rather because the location, event, and couple fit together. That is exactly what this guide to weddings in Son Marroig is about.
Location overview
Son Marroig, Mallorca
Situation
Northwest coast, between Deià and Valldemossa
Landscape
Serra de Tramuntana, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Symbols of the city
Marble pavilion, eight ionic columns
View
In the Strait of Foradada and the open sea
Marriage
Free wedding ceremony in front of the pavilion
Number of guests
Ideal for small to medium-sized companies
Best months
May, June, September
Light
Sunset over the sea
Qualifying
12 to 18 months
Arrival
approx. 45 minutes from Palma Airport
Getting Ready
In your own accommodation
Special feature
Museum with rules for music and entertainment
Son Marroig: Location and history of a special wedding location on Mallorca
Son Marroig is located on the northwest coast of Mallorca between Deià and Valldemossa, in the middle of the Serra de Tramuntana, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property dates back to a Mallorcan manor house and was built by Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria known. The naturalist, traveler, and writer fell in love with this coast in the 19th century and acquired several properties here. He did not develop the landscape to use it, but rather preserved it. The fact that the coastline between Valldemossa and Deià still looks so authentic today has a lot to do with it as well.
Today, Son Marroig is a museum about his life and work. Therefore, anyone who gets married here is not celebrating in an event location, but in a historic location that welcomes visitors during the day and opens for weddings in the evening. The old stone walls, the olive trees, the arches of the house: none of these were designed for weddings, and that’s exactly what you can feel. A wedding in Son Marroig therefore feels less like a staged event and more like a celebration in a place that tells its own story.
If you want to get an overview of the island first, you’ll find it in my guide to Getting married in Mallorca Everything essential about regions, seasons, and planning. In this post, I will focus entirely on the wedding in Son Marroig.
The wedding of L & L in Son Marroig: 50 guests, civil wedding, sunset for dinner
How the day passed
L & L got married in July in Son Marroig, with 50 guests and a free wedding ceremony in front of the pavilion. The company was large enough that the terrace felt crowded and festive, and small enough that every person in the rows could see the couple and understand every word. For a Son Marroig wedding, that is a very good size, in my experience. The terrace at the pavilion is not a large open-air festival area. Its strength lies in its proximity, and this is particularly evident when around 50 people are present.
The wedding took place in the late afternoon. In July, the sun is still high around this time, and it’s warm on the bright stone terraces. After that, there was a short reception and congratulations on the terrace. The guests dispersed, standing in small groups overlooking the sea, and this relaxed atmosphere emerged, which I love about weddings: No one has to be anywhere else; everything important has been said; and now we’re celebrating.
The sunset fell at L & L just in time for dinner. The long table was facing the water, and as the guests ate, the light grew warmer and warmer until the sun finally disappeared behind the horizon. For the guests, this was a beautiful moment because they could experience it sitting down, with a glass of wine in hand and without any program.
What I take away from this wedding
For photography, an evening sunset at dinner means that you have to specifically use the golden light. That is why I have teamed up with L & L a short time window between two sessions planned, during which we stood up from the table for a few minutes. Nothing more is needed. The guests remain seated, the food continues to be served, and the couple stands alone for a moment in the final light over Sa Foradada. Many of the images that are viewed the most often come from these very same moments.
My advice from that day: If you get married in Son Marroig in the height of summer, Talk to the caterer and the planner in advance about the fact that you will have to get up briefly during the dinner. If everyone knows this, the party won't be cold, no one will be surprised, and you won't miss anything. Whoever doesn't plan this will be at the table in the most beautiful light of the day, just looking at it from the corner of their eye.
The second finding concerns the heat. In July, a wedding ceremony in the afternoon on the terrace is a real strain, especially for older guests. Umbrellas, baskets and water at arrival make a big difference. The photos by L & L show this: guests with white umbrellas and paper bags. These details later tell the story of how the day felt. You can find more photos of this wedding in my album. Gallery of L&L's Mallorca wedding.
The Marmor Pavilion: Architecture as a framework for your wedding
I love architecture, and Son Marroig is therefore not just a view for me but also a building that can be read. The pavilion stands on a round pedestal with four steps and is supported by four columns. eight ionic columns It is supported by a semi-spherical dome; the plinth is decorated with plastic floral ornaments. The columns frame the view of the sea like a window.
Photographically speaking, this is a gift, because the architecture already provides a composition. A couple between two columns, beyond which the horizon, above which the dome: More often than not, a picture doesn’t need that much. This clear, almost austere form is also the reason why images from Son Marroig quickly acquire an editorial character.
What you rarely see in photos online: The pavilion is smaller than many expected. It is not a place to celebrate, but a setting where you get married. The wedding takes place on the terrace in front of it; the guests sit with a view of the pavilion and the sea. Therefore, do not plan it as a stage, but as a backdrop. The less you decorate it, the more powerful it will be. A few flowers on the steps, good chairs and a well-thought-out seating arrangement are quite enough.
Planning a wedding in Son Marroig: What you need to know
The best time of year for a Son Marroig wedding
The most beautiful months for a wedding in Son Marroig are May, June and September. In May, the landscape is still green; in September, a warm late summer sun is already over the coast. The temperatures are pleasant, and the evening light is soft.
July and August are possible, as L&L’s wedding shows, but You should choose them consciously. It’s hot, the sun sets late, and the day gets shorter. Anyone who gets married in the height of summer should plan for shade, water, and a later wedding ceremony. October is a beautiful month for couples who prefer a quieter atmosphere. The light is then particularly warm, the weather less reliable. Between November and March, an outdoor celebration is more of a gamble.
Time and light
The terrace faces west and northwest, and in summer the sun sets directly in the viewing axis. For me, this is the most important planning point for a Son Marroig wedding ever. Arrange the wedding so that you have time in the golden light afterwards.
I usually recommend one Wedding ceremony approximately two hours before sunset. This way, you won’t be in harsh sunlight during the ceremony, and your guests won’t have to squint into the deep sun. The reception and first couple photos then fall into the phase where the light slowly becomes softer. In July, that means the sunset falls into the dinner time like at L & L. That’s not a disadvantage as long as you know it and plan for a short window of time for that.
I wouldn't recommend a wedding ceremony in the afternoon in Son Marroig. The light is harsh and comes from above, the stone surfaces reflect strongly, and the faces in the pictures appear strained quickly. In addition, the museum has visitors during the day.
Free wedding ceremony instead of a civil registry office
A civil marriage ceremony in Spain usually requires that at least one of you has your place of residence there. For most couples from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, this is not the case. Therefore, almost everyone gets married at home in a civil ceremony and celebrates a free wedding in Son Marroig. That was also the case with L & L.
This has a major advantage: you are free to choose the flow of events, the language, the rituals, and the choice of your officiant or speaker. For international guests, the wedding ceremony can be held in two languages without the need for an authority to participate. However, you should still check the exact legal requirements with the registry office beforehand.
Number of guests
The number of guests at a wedding in Son Marroig depends on how you structure the day. The ceremony, reception, and dinner all use different areas, and each area has its own limits. Clear up the maximum number of guests directly with the venue or your planner before sending out invitations.
From my experience, I can say: 50 guests work very well here. The terrace seems full, but not crowded; the paths between the ceremony, reception, and dinner are short, and no one sits at the edge. The larger the company gets, the more the venue loses the intimacy that makes it special.
Rules of the museum
Since Son Marroig is a museum, there are specific conditions for events. This applies to: Set-up times, volume, the end of the music, and the shutdown. Clear up these points early, because they determine how your evening can be. Also ask which caterers and service providers the venue works with and whether you can bring your own.
Those who want to party longer can head to a second location after dinner. This is not unusual at weddings in Mallorca. and takes the pressure off having to accommodate everything in one place. If you are looking for a location where you can spend the whole evening in one place, it is worth taking a look at my overview of Wedding locations in Mallorca or a fincha high season like on the Finca Ses Voltes.
Qualifying
Son Marroig is in demand, especially on Saturdays in June and September. Expects a lead time of 12 to 18 months, For desired dates, there are more options. As soon as the location is confirmed, you should also request planners, caterers, and photographers promptly, because good service providers in Mallorca are also fully booked in the high season. Those who get married during the week or in the off-season have more flexibility.
Arrival and shuttle
The nearest airport is Palma. Depending on traffic conditions, it takes about 20 minutes to get there from there. about 45 minutes to Son Marroig. The final stretch leads over the narrow, winding coastal road between Valldemossa and Deià. By day it is beautiful, but at night and after a few glasses of wine it is not a route that your guests should drive themselves.
Parking spaces on site are limited. An organized shuttle from the hotels to the venue and back is therefore simply sensible for a wedding in Son Marroig. Plan to return late in the evening too, so that no one is waiting in the street for a taxi. With 50 guests, usually only a few vehicles are needed that commute at fixed times.
Where your guests will stay
Deià, Valldemossa and Sóller are all close enough to be in Son Marroig in no time. Deià It is small, quiet and has an artistic charm. Valldemossa is somewhat livelier and is known for its old town. Sóller and Port de Sóller They offer the largest selection of hotels and restaurants and are well suited for an evening meal the night before or a brunch the day after.
For you as a couple, it’s worth considering getting ready when choosing your accommodation. Since Son Marroig is a museum during the day, You almost always prepare your meals in your accommodation. Look for good daylight, some space, and if possible a balcony or garden. That makes a big difference for the photos.
What does a wedding in Son Marroig cost?
The question of the costs is justified and deserves an honest answer. There is no one-size-fits-all total amount, because Son Marroig is not a package location. You rent a historical venue and put together your team of planners, caterers, equipment providers and service providers yourself. What I can give you is a realistic overview of how the budget for a Son Marroig wedding will be split.
Location rental
The rent for Son Marroig is in the upper segment of the island. As a guide, you should expect to spend around 15,000 to 25,000 euros. The date, day of the week, season, number of guests, and the areas used all significantly affect the price. Therefore, always ask the current conditions directly from the venue or through your planner.
Catering and Drinks
Catering is the biggest expense after the rental. For a high-quality menu with drinks, service and equipment on the level of Son Marroig, you should expect to pay around €100 per person. from 200 to 350 euros per person plan. With 50 guests, as with L & L, that’s 10,000 to 17,500 euros Just for food, drinks, and service. When looking at offers, be sure to check what exactly is included: the menu, wine pairings, the open bar, the staff, the tableware, and the furniture vary greatly. Get every offer with your specific number of guests and a clear breakdown.
Planning, equipment and logistics
In addition, there are items that many couples initially underestimate: wedding planning, furniture and table linen, floristry, technology and lighting, music, wedding planners, shuttles for the coastal road, and possibly a tent as a plan B. At a wedding in Son Marroig, logistics are more complex than on a finca., Because the construction and dismantling are tied to the times of the museum.
Accommodation and arrival
Flights and accommodation are added for you and your guests. Mallorca is not an affordable destination during the peak season, and In the surroundings of Deià, boutique hotels are significantly above the island average. Whether you cover these costs for your guests is a decision that greatly affects the overall budget.
A realistic framework
When you add up the costs for location rentals, catering, planning, equipment, and shuttles, it quickly becomes clear: A wedding in Son Marroig with 50 guests is realistically in the high five-figure range. Just the rent and catering already amounts to between 25,000 and over 40,000 euros. Also plan at least a year in advance so that you can compare the offers in peace.
My advice: Ask about the location rental and the terms in advance and create a total budget before you commit. This way, you’ll know within a few weeks whether Son Marroig suits your expectations, rather than having to find out after the first contracts have been signed.
Son Marroig through the camera: Tips from the wedding photographer Mallorca
The most beautiful photo spots in Son Marroig
The pavilion with Sa Foradada is the obvious motif, and it is rightly famous. But Son Marroig has more to offer. The paths through the garden with olive trees and old stone walls are ideal for quiet, natural couples. The house with its arcades and windows provides shade and structure, which is especially valuable in July when the light outside is still harsh. And from above, the pavilion almost seems lost against the sea, a picture that shows the vastness of this place.
My favorite spot remains the pavilion itself, though. When a couple stands there, the evening light falls over the stone and all that remains behind is the sea, a tranquility that I have experienced in hardly any other place. As I am Wedding photographer in Mallorca Generally, I work with the light of the island, as I detail in a separate post.
What you should know beforehand
There is often wind from the sea on the terrace. A long veil looks beautiful there, but can develop its own life. One or two more hairpins wouldn't hurt. By the way, I really like these moments: A veil that suddenly rises up tells more about a day at the seaside than any photograph.
In the height of summer, you should also think about your makeup. With the heat and wind, not everything that looks perfect in a air-conditioned room will hold up. Talk to your stylist about getting married outside on a cliff.
During the day, Son Marroig is a public museum with visitors. Plant Getting Ready and early photos in your accommodation. In Son Marroig itself, we focus on the time around the wedding, reception and evening light.
Drone footage in Son Marroig
Aerial shots of the coast and the pavilion are among the most impressive images one can capture of a wedding in Son Marroig. Only from above can one see how the small temple sits on its terrace above the cliffs and how the guests in their rows appear in front of the open sea. I flew the drone at L&L's wedding, And these recordings show the place as no one can see it from the ground.
Drone flights are clearly regulated in Spain, however, and the Serra de Tramuntana is a protected landscape. Whether and when flying is permitted depends on the applicable regulations, the exact location, and the requirements of the location. I have a drone pilot's license, and my drone is registered in the EU. Nevertheless, before each wedding, I check whether the flight on that day and in that location is permitted and whether the venue agrees to it.
My advice: Ask your photographer or film crew explicitly whether they will fly the drone themselves, whether they have the necessary permits, and how they will clear the release. And fly the flight so that it does not interfere with the wedding ceremony. A drone that hums over the heads during the wedding vow takes more time from the moment than the images will give back to him later. In my case, it flies before or after the ceremony, never during the most important words.
Son Marroig on film: 35mm and Super 8
Clear stone, deep blue sea and warm evening light are among the most beautiful motifs for analog photography for me. Film gives colors depth and the lights a softness that can hardly be replicated digitally. Especially in Son Marroig, where the scenery is already so dramatic, film takes away the flatness of the image and leaves more room for emotion.
I photograph your wedding documentarily and, if desired, on 35mm film. With Super 8 I capture movement: guests on the terrace, wind in the dress, the last minutes of sun over Sa Foradada. These shots are not glossy film, but memories in motion. You can find out more about them here. Captured on Film.
What L & L have to say about their wedding photos
After the wedding, L & L wrote me a message that I would like to share with you here, because it shows better than any description what is important to me in my work:
„I am so in love with the photos of our wedding that I would love to decorate my whole apartment with them! The decision is incredibly difficult because every single photo is so beautiful that I just can’t say which one I like best.
Lisa’s unique style adds a very special touch to her photos. She always finds the right style to capture the magic of the moment.
Furthermore, we had a lot of fun shooting with her. Her friendly manner made it easy for both us and our guests to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Our guests were also delighted. Some have described the images as ‚like from an expensive fashion magazine‘. The elegance and professionalism that are evident in every photo have taken our breath away.
I can only highly recommend Lisa. She captured our special day in unforgettable photos that we will cherish forever.“
What makes me particularly happy about this message is the sentence about the guests. An editorial look is not created by posing people, but by making them feel comfortable and by paying attention to light, lines, and composition. In Son Marroig, the architecture plays a huge role in helping with this.
Prominent weddings in Son Marroig
Son Marroig has been one of the most sought-after wedding locations on Mallorca for decades, also among couples from the sports, music and media industries. It has gained popularity through football, especially in the German-speaking world.
The most well-known wedding is that of Mario Götze. The world champion and his wife Ann-Kathrin got married in June 2019 in front of the pavilion of Son Marroig. Four years later, another professional followed: Marcel Hartel, At that time, at FC St. Pauli, and his wife Maike got married in Son Marroig in 2023 and then celebrated in Valldemossa. The couple had already married in Germany the year before in terms of civil registration. The location became internationally known through, among other things, the wedding of Pixie Geldof, the daughter of Bob Geldof, with the musician George Barnett.
What is remarkable here is not so much the glamour as the pattern that runs through many of these weddings. The legal wedding ceremony takes place at home; in Son Marroig the free ceremony follows, and if necessary, it is celebrated at a second location. Most of the couples I accompany also choose this route. It combines the strengths of the pavilion with the possibilities of a location where longer dances can be held.
For whom a wedding in Son Marroig is suitable and for whom it is not
Son Marroig is a special place, but not every wedding fits here. This is not a criticism of the location, but an honest assessment from practice.
Son Marroig is perfect for you if you want to focus on the landscape. If you want a wedding where the view of the sea is more important than any decorations, and you would like to get married in a place with history. It is especially beautiful for small and medium-sized weddings, where everyone is close to each other. It suits couples who are ready to tailor their day to the light, and couples who see their wedding as a journey, with an evening meal the day before in Sóller and a long brunch the morning after.
Son Marroig is less suitable if you are planning a very large wedding with hundreds of guests. The place has natural boundaries, and a huge crowd would take away the intimacy that makes it special.
Anyone who dreams of a long night of partying with loud music until the early hours of the morning should take a close look. As a museum in a protected landscape, Son Marroig has clear rules for events. If the stormy night is the centerpiece of your wedding, there are locations that are better suited for that., In Mallorca as well as on the Spanish mainland, for example the Hacienda La Soledad in Seville.
And finally, Son Marroig is less suitable for couples who want to control every detail. Wind, heat and light play a role here. The most beautiful moments often arise precisely when something doesn’t go quite according to plan. Anyone who can get into that will love this place.
For whom am I the right photographer and for whom not
I work in a documentary style and as discreetly as possible. I don't interfere with your day to day activities, but rather accompany it. Couple photos for me are not a long posing session, but rather short time frames., In which you take a few steps and are there for each other. I pay attention to lighting, architecture, and composition so that the images have a calm, high-quality, and editorial character.
I am the right photographer for you if you want images that tell the story of how your day felt, and if you enjoy analog photography on 35mm or Super 8. Even if you value drone shots that are legally planned out, you can rely on me.
I am not the right person if you want to work through a long list of posed group and couple poses or looking for images with heavy post-processing and artificial effects. That is not a rating, but simply not my way of working. You can find out more about me on my page. About.
Frequently asked questions about the wedding in Son Marroig
How far in advance should we book Son Marroig?
Plant with a 12 to 18 month lead time. For Saturdays in June and September, it’s worth asking for an earlier date. As soon as the location is confirmed, you should also book planners, catering, and photography as soon as possible.
How many guests are possible at a wedding in Son Marroig?
She will clarify the exact capacity directly with the venue, because the wedding ceremony, reception and dinner will all be held in different areas. In my experience, around 50 guests work very well., Because the closeness on the terrace is preserved.
What does a wedding in Son Marroig cost?
You should expect to pay around 15,000 to 25,000 euros for the venue rental, and 200 to 350 euros per person for the catering. With planning, equipment, shuttles and photography, a wedding with 50 guests is realistically in the high five-digit range. You will only receive binding figures through a specific offer.
Is July a good time for a Son Marroig wedding?
Yes, if you plan it consciously. It’s hot, and the sunset usually falls during dinner time. Plant some shadows, water, and lanterns for your guests and create a short window of opportunity during the dinner for couples to take photos in the last light.
When is the best time for the wedding ceremony?
Most often about two hours before sunset. This way, you don’t stand out in the harsh backlight, and the first shots and couple photos are captured in the soft evening light.
Can we legally get married in Son Marroig?
For most couples from the German-speaking world, civil marriage in Spain is not possible because a place of residence is usually required. Almost everyone gets married at home in the presence of a civil registrar and celebrates a free wedding in Son Marroig.
Are drone shots possible in Son Marroig?
Basically yes, but only within the framework of the applicable regulations and with the consent of the location. I have a drone pilot's license, my drone is registered in the EU, and I have already flown it in Son Marroig. During the actual wedding ceremony, I never fly.
Are you traveling to Mallorca as a wedding photographer from Germany?
Yes, I accompany weddings all over Europe and beyond and travel for your Destination Wedding arriving in Mallorca. I will clearly state the travel and accommodation costs in the offer in advance.
Do you also shoot analog in Son Marroig?
Yes, if requested, I also photograph on 35mm film and shoot motion with Super 8. The bright stone, the deep blue and the warm evening light are particularly suited to film.
Conclusion: Why a wedding in Son Marroig is more than just a beautiful view
Anyone who thinks about getting married in Mallorca sooner or later ends up at Son Marroig, mostly through a single photo. This photo is the reason why so many couples come here. But that’s not the reason why a wedding here is special. It is particularly distinguished by the proximity that the place creates, by light that transforms everything in the evening, and by a planning that works with the place instead of against it.
My conclusion
A place that doesn't have to prove anything
I have accompanied over 100 weddings, and only a few places have impressed me as much as Son Marroig. Not just because of the view alone, but because of the clarity of this place: a small pavilion, strict columns, and beyond only sea. The architecture sets the framework; the light does the rest.
At L & L in July, the sun set during dinner, and these few minutes between the two courses became the heart of this wedding for me. Anyone who chooses Son Marroig should plan the day around the light, not a program.
This place isn’t made for a big night out. For a wedding with meaning and people who are really important to you, I know of hardly any more beautiful place on Mallorca.
Lisa Clair
Founder of Love & Other Stories
Send inquiryLet's talk about your wedding in Son Marroig
If you are thinking of getting married in Son Marroig and are looking for a wedding photographer in Mallorca who can tell the story of your day in a calm, honest and light-and-architecture-oriented way, I look forward to hearing from you. Tell me who you are, when you want to get married and what touches you about this place. Together, we’ll figure out how your wedding in Son Marroig can look like. Click here for contact information.
