The Costa del Sol has a quality of light that exists nowhere else in Europe. Warm, golden, directional — it floods the ancient terracotta of Andalusian villas, catches the surface of lily ponds and formal gardens, and turns every portrait into something that feels cinematic without trying. From the clifftop glamour of Marbella to the private polo estates of Sotogrande, this stretch of southern Spain is home to some of the most extraordinary wedding venues on the continent.

I'm Olya Kobruseva, a fine art film wedding photographer based in Barcelona. I photograph destination weddings, elopements, proposals, and couple sessions across Marbella, Sotogrande, and the wider Costa del Sol for international couples who want images that feel timeless — not just beautiful, but emotionally true. I shoot on medium format film — Kodak Portra and Ilford Delta, developed by Carmencita Film Lab — combined with digital for full-day coverage. The result is photography with a warmth, softness, and depth that reflects exactly how the Costa del Sol feels: effortless, golden, utterly unforgettable.

I have had the privilege of photographing a full wedding celebration at Las Sirenas — one of the most breathtaking private estate venues in all of southern Spain. Set in the heart of Sotogrande, Las Sirenas is an Italianate villa of extraordinary beauty: hand-crafted terracotta fountains encrusted with shells, classical sculptures, formal lily ponds, arched gateways flanked by palms, and a grandeur that feels genuinely cinematic. The wedding of H&S at Las Sirenas was one of the most electric and joyful celebrations I have ever witnessed — from the heartfelt vows in the cypress-lined garden to the epic reception that followed.

Everything you see on this page was captured there, on film.

The region stretches from the outskirts of Málaga all the way to the Rock of Gibraltar, and every part of it offers something extraordinary. These are the places I return to again and again:

LAS SIRENAS, SOTOGRANDE. An Italianate private estate of breathtaking beauty — shell-inlaid terracotta fountains, classical sculptures, formal lily ponds, cypress-lined ceremony avenues, and architecture that feels like it belongs somewhere between Tuscany and Andalusia. It is one of the most photogenic wedding venues I have ever worked in anywhere in Europe. If you are considering Las Sirenas for your wedding, I would be honoured to be your photographer.

SOTOGRANDE. Beyond Las Sirenas, Sotogrande is one of Europe's most exclusive private residential communities — polo fields, a private marina, the world-famous Real Club Valderrama golf course, and a collection of private villa estates that define understated Andalusian luxury. Weddings here are intimate, grand, and deeply private.

MARBELLA OLD TOWN. The casco antiguo is one of the most photogenic historic centres in southern Spain — flower-draped whitewashed walls, the Orange Square, ancient churches, and cobblestone streets that catch the afternoon light in a way that feels entirely Mediterranean.

THE GOLDEN MILE & PUERTO BANÚS. The stretch between Marbella and Puerto Banús defines coastal luxury — private beach clubs, glamorous villas, and that open Mediterranean horizon. The marina at Puerto Banús adds yacht-side elegance ideal for proposals and engagement sessions.

RONDA. A short drive from Marbella, the clifftop city of Ronda and its famous Puente Nuevo bridge over the El Tajo gorge is one of the most spectacular locations in all of Andalusia. For couples who want something genuinely dramatic, Ronda produces images that stop people in their tracks.

THE HILLS ABOVE MARBELLA. The Sierra Blanca countryside offers ancient olive trees, hillside fincas with sweeping sea views, and an afternoon golden light that is exceptional on film. For couples who want drama and deep romance away from the coast, this setting is extraordinary.

GRANADA. The Alhambra palace complex is one of the most awe-inspiring settings for photography anywhere in the world — Moorish architecture, reflecting pools, and a quality of light that is entirely its own. I have photographed a destination elopement in Granada featured in Wedding Sparrow, and it remains one of the most extraordinary experiences of my career. For couples drawn to history, architecture, and the deep soul of Andalusia, Granada is incomparable.

The light in southern Spain is extraordinary — rich, warm, and endlessly flattering at every hour of the day. And on medium format film, Kodak Portra renders the warm terracotta of Andalusian architecture, the formal greens of estate gardens, and the golden late afternoon light with a richness and depth that simply cannot be replicated digitally. It was made for places like Las Sirenas.

I photograph using a hybrid approach: medium format film for portraits and key moments, combined with digital for fast-moving ceremony and reception coverage. Every roll is developed by Carmencita Film Lab, one of Europe's finest, ensuring the quality and consistency my clients expect.

My work has been featured in Style Me Pretty, Wedding Sparrow, French Wedding Style and other internationally recognised publications. If you are looking for a Marbella or Sotogrande wedding photographer whose work feels editorial, timeless, and deeply personal — I would love to hear your story.

How far in advance should I book for a Marbella or Sotogrande wedding?
 Peak season on the Costa del Sol runs from April through October. I photograph a limited number of weddings per year — I recommend reaching out at least 12 months in advance for peak dates. I am currently accepting enquiries for 2026 and 2027.
 

Do you travel from Barcelona to Marbella and Sotogrande? 
Yes — the Costa del Sol is one of my most loved destinations. The flight from Barcelona is under two hours, and travel costs are included transparently in every quote with no surprises.
 

What does a Costa del Sol wedding photography collection include? 
My collections begin at €3,500 and typically include a blend of medium format film and digital photography, a pre-wedding consultation, location planning support, and a beautifully curated online gallery. Most couples investing in a Sotogrande or Marbella destination wedding allocate €4,500–€8,000 for comprehensive coverage.

Can I book you for Las Sirenas specifically?
 Absolutely — I know Las Sirenas well and would love to return. If you are planning a wedding at Las Sirenas in Sotogrande and are looking for a photographer who has worked there and understands the venue's extraordinary photographic potential at every hour of the day, I would love to speak with you.
 

Can I book an engagement session or proposal in Marbella or Sotogrande separately? 
Yes. I offer standalone engagement sessions, honeymoon portraits, and proposal photography across the Costa del Sol. These can also be combined with a wedding booking for a discounted rate.
 

Do you work with international couples planning from abroad? 
Yes — the majority of my Costa del Sol couples are international, planning remotely from the UK, Scandinavia, the US, and across Europe. I am experienced in remote consultations and work closely with local planners. I'll guide you through every step.

Whether you are dreaming of a full estate celebration at Las Sirenas, an intimate elopement in Marbella's Old Town, a dramatic session above the cliffs of Ronda, or a golden hour portrait walk through the hills of Sotogrande — I would be honoured to be your Costa del Sol wedding photographer.