The Spanish Balearic island of Ibiza has long been known as a tourist Mecca. Its year-round sunshine, stunning beaches and exciting night clubs have drawn visitors for decades. In fact, Ibiza has something of a reputation as a party destination. While it still maintains a healthy nightlife, tourism proponents are trying to shift Ibiza's image. In addition to its penchant for partying, Ibiza weddings are now putting the island on the tourism world map.



Ibiza weddings have become almost an industry unto themselves. Tourism officials and private businesses alike have begun aggressively marketing Ibiza weddings to couples. Wedding planning services have sprung up all over the island. Wedding planners have developed symbiotic relationships with hotels, caterers and florists over the last several years. All of this is in a deliberate and concentrated effort to attract marriage-minded couples.

It appears that all this networking is paying off. Ibiza is acquiring a reputation on the world market as a wedding destination. Ibiza weddings are gaining popularity particularly among Europeans. However, the industry is increasingly catering to North American couples as well in recent years.

One reason that Ibiza weddings are gaining momentum may be society's departure from the 'traditional' ceremony. Fewer couples today have religious ties compared to those of 20 years ago. Couples of today are less likely to feel a strong need to marry in a church or synagogue. A large percentage of couples feel no ties to a particular religious edifice or religion. Instead, they are more likely to choose a wedding venue based on location and style.

Another fact fueling the Ibiza wedding industry is the highly mobile and often transient nature of today's couples. Couples are much less likely today to settle in the towns they grew up in. More often than not, marrying couples are not originally from the same town. Employment opportunities tend to lead couples to move around, often hundreds of miles from their hometowns. Today's couples are more likely to consider a wedding venue abroad since they have loose or no ties to a hometown.

Ibiza weddings also offer the element of romance. The island boasts a variety of backdrops and settings for a memorable celebration of love. Couples can choose from beaches to mountain settings for an outdoor scenic ceremony. The island is also home to majestic and quaint old churches for those who prefer an indoor setting. An abundance of hotels means no shortage of venues for a magnificent catered reception.

Ibiza is particularly popular with same-sex couples. Same-sex marriages are recognized and permitted by Spanish law. The island promotes itself as an open-minded community of people that welcomes all types of couples. There is little prejudice to be found, making Ibiza an ideal location for both same-sex and heterosexual couples.

Naturally one of the biggest hurdles facing non-Spaniards who want an Ibiza wedding is the distance factor. Fortunately Ibiza's many wedding-planning services recognize this challenge. Most specialize in planning long-distance weddings.

Close communication with clients via phone and Internet ensure that every couple's needs are catered to. Planning agencies can help with every aspect of the event, from the ceremony to the reception. They will arrange services with florists, drivers, photographers and caterers.

They will also make hotel arrangements for the couple and their guests. Virtually no detail is too small to be attended to. Couples can rest assured that their Ibiza wedding will be all they dreamed of.