From turning a Spanish Airbnb into a wedding venue to throwing an afterparty complete with a water slide, this non-traditional day is full of unique ideas for fun-loving couples.

A non-traditional wedding is a celebration that moves away from standard customs and formal structures. Instead of following set timelines or venues, couples personalise every element, from location and outfits to entertainment and food. The focus is on authenticity, comfort and shared experiences rather than tradition.

Amy and Rob’s non-traditional wedding in Spain is the perfect example, relaxed, personal, and packed with unforgettable moments.

Close-up of Amy and Rob embracing under her wedding veil during their outdoor ceremony

Key takeaways

  • A non-traditional wedding gives you complete freedom to choose your own venue, timeline and style, even if that means turning an Airbnb in Spain into your ceremony space.
  • Personal touches, like flamenco dancers, tapas feasts and a pool party finale, create unforgettable shared experiences.
  • Choosing a wedding dress that feels confident and comfortable is essential, especially for relaxed, destination celebrations.
  • Letting go of rigid traditions often leads to a more meaningful and joyful wedding day.
  • The best non-traditional weddings focus on genuine connection and fun, not ticking boxes.
Close-up of bride Amy smiling on the morning of her wedding in Spain

How we met and got engaged 

Meeting during lockdown 

Amy and Rob met on Tinder during lockdown and their first date involved crazy golf, strict face masks and an unusual but endearing compliment once the rules relaxed. “When we could finally take off our masks, Rob said, ‘You’re actually really pretty’,” Amy laughs. The date ended with Nando’s and Amy heading straight to a night shift at the care home where she worked.

Amy dancing with her bridesmaids and flowergirl on her wedding morning in Spain

A proposal in Bourton-on-the-Water 

The proposal happened in Bourton-on-the-Water, Amy and Rob’s favourite place and where they had just bought their first home. The couple stopped on a bridge for a photo and Rob dropped to one knee. “It was just perfect,” says Amy.

Amy’s Mikado A-line wedding dress by wed2b hanging before the ceremony

Why we chose a non-traditional wedding

For Amy and Rob, choosing a non-traditional wedding meant creating a celebration that reflected their personalities rather than following expectations.

Letting go of tradition 

Rather than following a conventional path, Amy and Rob wanted the freedom of a non-traditional wedding celebration. Formal timelines and traditional venues didn’t appeal, so they considered turning an Airbnb into a wedding venue instead.

Amy and her bridesmaids wearing heart-shaped sunglasses at their Spanish villa wedding

Creating a wedding that felt like us 

“We messaged the hosts of large Airbnb villas in Spain and asked if they’d be open to weddings,” says Amy. “Then we got a response and the go ahead from a lovely villa in Redovan, near Alicante. We hired everything in and the hosts even helped on the day. There were even shared tears with the owners when we left, as they were so moved to see a wedding take place in their home.”

Amy sitting in her wed2b wedding dress while her mum helps her put on her shoes

Choosing my wedding dress at wed2b

My experience at the Milton Keynes store

Amy visited the wed2b Milton Keynes store after her sister had found her own dress there. “I’d had some bad wedding dress shopping experiences where I left feeling really low and insecure,” says Amy. “As a girl who plays rugby, I was scared about putting a dress on and feeling good in it. So, I explained what I liked to the staff member and she made me feel so comfortable and instantly got the vibe I was after.” For a destination non-traditional wedding, Amy wanted a dress that combined structure, comfort and modern detail.

Amy’s bridesmaids reacting as they see her in her wedding dress for the first time

Finding a dress that made me feel confident 

Amy chose Renzo by Sofia Cruz, a luxurious Mikado A-line with a corset-style boned bodice, a thigh-high split and all-important pockets. “The girl helping me selected four dresses and the first one I tried on was ‘The One’,” says Amy. “I cried and everyone else cried too, as I felt so beautiful!”

Emotional moment as Amy’s dad sees her in her wedding dress before the ceremony

Getting ready and the ceremony

Getting ready with family 

The couple got married on 17th May and the weather was a pleasant 27℃. The morning of the wedding was spent surrounded by family, including Amy’s mum, mother-in-law, four bridesmaids, her sister-in-law, two best friends and her niece and nephew.

Rob posing in his wedding suit with his groomsmen at the Spanish villa venue

An emotional and personal ceremony

Amy was walked down the aisle by her dad. Her brother delivered a Bible reading, and her mum read ‘The Blessing on the Hands’. “There wasn’t a dry eye in sight.” Amy says

Amy walking down the outdoor aisle with her dad at their non-traditional wedding in Spain

How we celebrated our wedding

Music, food and shared experiences 

After the ceremony, guests gathered under palm trees for canapés while flamenco dancers performed. “The dancers really got everyone going,” says Amy. “The party started early and people were dancing and on each other's shoulders by 2pm!”

Dinner was tapas and a giant paella, which came complete with chef's hats for the ‘Captains’ on each table, leading to some great photos.

Amy and Rob standing together during their outdoor wedding ceremony in Spain

A party that started early and ended in the pool 

As the sun set behind the mountains, the couple danced their first dance to ‘XO’ by John Mayer. One of the most unforgettable moments came at the end of the night when guests — including Amy — jumped into the pool in their outfits. “Jumping in the pool in my dress was one of my favourite moments,” she says.

Amy and Rob kissing after exchanging vows at their non-traditional wedding ceremony

Personal touches that made the day unforgettable 

Turning an Airbnb into a wedding venue allowed Amy and Rob to design a totally personal celebration. The colour scheme was sunny bright pinks and oranges and there was also a Gypsy Kings-style band as well as the flamenco dancers. The pool party the following day included an inflatable slide and Total Wipeout-style sweeper, which all contributed to a great atmosphere. These thoughtful, unconventional choices are exactly what define a non-traditional wedding moments designed entirely around the couple and their guests.

Amy and Rob celebrating with their bridal party at their Spanish destination wedding

Advice for future wed2b brides 

“Don’t be afraid to think outside the box,” says Amy. "Make your wedding feel like you. Have fun and don’t try to please everyone.”

Rob delivering his wedding speech during the wedding breakfast in Spain

Wedding Suppliers

Photographer: Juan

Venue: Private villa in Redovan, near Alicant (airbnb)

Bride Amy wearing her wed2b Mikado wedding dress during her celebration in Spain

FAQs

What is a non-traditional wedding?

A non-traditional wedding is one that doesn’t follow standard customs or formats. Couples often personalise everything from the venue and schedule to the entertainment and celebrations.

Why do couples choose a non-traditional wedding?

Many couples choose non-traditional weddings to prioritise fun, creativity and personal meaning. It allows them to design a day that reflects their personalities rather than expectations.

What are some ideas for a non-traditional wedding?

Ideas include alternative venues, relaxed timelines, unique entertainment, shared experiences and informal celebrations. The focus is on enjoyment rather than formality.

What should you wear to a non-traditional wedding?

Anything you want! However, brides often choose dresses that allow for movement, comfort and confidence. The best choice is always a dress that suits the setting and lets you fully enjoy the day.

How do you personalise a non-traditional wedding?

Personalisation can come from music, food, colour schemes, interactive moments and relaxed celebrations. Non-traditional weddings give couples the freedom to break rules and have fun.

Can you get married in an Airbnb?

Yes, but it depends on local laws and the property owner’s permission. Many couples host symbolic ceremonies or celebrations in Airbnb villas, particularly for destination weddings.

Is a non-traditional wedding cheaper?

Not necessarily. A non-traditional wedding can be more cost-effective if you choose flexible venues and relaxed formats, but costs depend on location, guest numbers and travel.

Where can you have a non-traditional wedding?

Anywhere meaningful (villa, garden, beach, home).

Do you have to follow a traditional wedding timeline?

No, many couples start celebrations earlier, skip formalities, etc.

Wedding cake table with cupcakes and colourful decor at Amy and Rob’s Spanish villa wedding

Read more: Real wedding stories at alternative wedding venues

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