Barcelona is one of Europe's most magical cities for a wedding. From the golden light that spills through the Gothic Quarter's medieval alleyways to the sweeping Mediterranean views from Montjuïc, this city offers an extraordinary backdrop for every kind of celebration — from grand destination weddings to intimate elopements for two.
I'm Olya Kobruseva, a fine art film wedding photographer based in Barcelona. I specialize in capturing destination weddings, elopements, engagement sessions, and couple portraits across this beautiful city and the surrounding Catalan coast — from the cobblestone streets of El Born and the golden sands of Barceloneta to the vineyard estates of Penedès and the cliffside views of Costa Brava.
My style blends editorial elegance with natural, candid moments — all photographed on a mix of medium format film and digital to create images that are warm, luminous, and timeless. I shoot with Kodak Portra and Ilford Delta, developed by Carmencita Film Lab, giving every gallery a soft, romantic quality that digital alone can't replicate.
If you're planning a wedding or engagement in Barcelona and looking for a photographer who will tell your story with intention and artistry, I'd love to hear from you.
Barcelona has everything a destination wedding couple could dream of. The city combines centuries of history, world-class architecture, incredible food, and 300+ days of Mediterranean sunshine. Whether you want to exchange vows at a Gothic basilica, celebrate under fairy lights at a countryside masia, or host an intimate dinner overlooking the sea in Sitges — Barcelona delivers.
As a photographer who has lived and worked in this city for years, I know its light, its rhythms, and its hidden corners. I can help you plan your photography timeline around the best light and most beautiful locations, avoiding tourist crowds and finding the moments of quiet magic that make Barcelona so special.
Iconic Barcelona Locations for Wedding & Engagement Photography
One of the things couples love most about Barcelona is the variety of photography locations within a short distance. Here are some of my favourite spots — for weddings, engagement sessions, and couple portraits:
The Gothic Quarter. The narrow medieval streets, ancient stone arches, and quiet plazas of the Gothic Quarter create a moody, romantic atmosphere that photographs beautifully on film. Early morning light filtering through the alleyways is pure magic. This is my go-to location for engagement sessions and pre-wedding portraits.
Park Güell Gaudí's iconic mosaic terraces overlooking the city are instantly recognizable and full of colour. The soft morning light here is ideal for relaxed couple portraits with a uniquely Barcelona feel.
El Born & La Ribera Less crowded than the Gothic Quarter but equally charming, El Born offers cobblestone streets, iron balconies, and the stunning Santa Maria del Mar basilica — one of Barcelona's most popular ceremony venues for destination weddings.
Montjuïc & The National Art Museum (MNAC) For couples who want grand, cinematic shots, the sweeping staircase and panoramic city views from MNAC are unbeatable, especially at golden hour.
Barceloneta Beach & W Hotel For a more relaxed, Mediterranean vibe, the beach and seafront offer beautiful light for sunset portraits. The W Hotel has been the starting point for several of my Barcelona destination weddings.
Sitges Just 30 minutes south of Barcelona, this charming coastal town is a hidden gem for weddings and engagement sessions. Its whitewashed streets, seaside promenades, and golden light have a distinctly romantic feel.
The Catalan Countryside: Masias & Vineyards Some of Barcelona's most beautiful wedding venues are the historic masias (farmhouses) in the surrounding countryside. These offer the perfect blend of rustic elegance and Mediterranean charm — think stone courtyards, olive groves, and vineyard views.
Wedding Venues I Know and Love in Barcelona
Having photographed weddings in and around Barcelona for years, I've had the privilege of working at some of the region's finest venues. Each one offers something unique:
Masia Cabellut — A stunning countryside estate near Sitges, perfect for multi-day celebrations. Stone arches, courtyards, and vineyard views.
Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar — One of Barcelona's most iconic ceremony locations in the heart of El Born.
W Hotel Barcelona — Modern luxury overlooking the Mediterranean. Ideal for couples who want a cosmopolitan, beachfront celebration.
Gran Villa Rosa — A stunning Mediterranean estate near Barcelona with lush gardens, a poolside ceremony setting, and vibrant Spanish character. See Gillian & Chris' colorful summer wedding here.
Castell d'Empordà — A medieval castle on the Costa Brava, surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills. One of the most photogenic venues in Catalonia.
La Baronia — An elegant estate in the Penedès wine region with panoramic vineyard views.
If you already have a venue in mind, I'd be happy to share location-specific advice for photography timing and portraits. And if you're still searching, I can recommend venues that match your style and guest count.
Engagement Sessions & Couple Portraits in Barcelona
Not just for weddings — Barcelona is also one of the best cities in Europe for engagement sessions and couple portraits. Whether you're visiting for a proposal, celebrating a honeymoon, or simply want beautiful photos of the two of you in an incredible city, I offer sessions across Barcelona and the Costa Brava.
I shoot most engagement sessions entirely on film, creating a set of images with a soft, nostalgic quality that feels like flipping through a European photo album. Sessions typically last 1.5–2 hours and include a relaxed walk through one or two of Barcelona's most photogenic neighbourhoods.
Barcelona's Mediterranean light is one of the reasons I fell in love with this city — and it's also the reason film photography works so beautifully here. The warm, golden tones of Kodak Portra are made for the honey-coloured stone of the Gothic Quarter and the soft evening light along the coast.
I photograph using a hybrid approach: medium format film for portraits and key moments, paired with digital for fast-paced moments and low-light situations. This gives you the timeless aesthetic of film with the reliability and coverage of digital. Engagement and intimate sessions are usually captured 100% on film.
My work has been featured in Style Me Pretty, Wedding Sparrow, French Wedding Style, and other internationally recognized publications — a reflection of the editorial quality and intentionality I bring to every wedding I photograph.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a Barcelona wedding photographer? Most couples book 6–9 months before their wedding date, especially for peak season (May–October). I shoot a limited number of weddings per year to give each couple my full attention, so I recommend reaching out as early as possible.
Do you travel beyond Barcelona for weddings? Absolutely. While Barcelona is my home base, I regularly photograph weddings across Spain — including Mallorca, Costa Brava, Seville, Toledo, and Madrid — as well as destination weddings in Portugal, France, Italy, and the rest of Europe.
What does a Barcelona wedding photography collection include? My collections begin at €2,800 and typically include a blend of film and digital photography, a pre-wedding consultation, and a beautifully curated online gallery. Most couples investing in Spanish destination wedding photography allocate €4,500–€8,000 for comprehensive coverage of their celebration.
Can I book an engagement session in Barcelona? Yes! I offer standalone engagement and couple sessions across Barcelona, Sitges, and the Costa Brava. These can also be combined with a wedding booking.
Whether you're dreaming of a grand celebration at a countryside masia, an intimate ceremony at Santa Maria del Mar, or a sunset elopement by the sea — I would love to be your Barcelona wedding photographer.
