The countdown is on!

It’s nearly time! With the wedding weekend just around the corner, we wanted to share a few final details to help you get ready for Salamanca, from what to wear and where to be, to a few of our favourite spots in Madrid if you’re making a trip of it.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you all. See you very soon!

Friday, 4th September

Welcome Drinks

We’d love everyone to arrive from 8:30pm so we can make the most of the evening together.

Saturday, 5th September

The Wedding

Upon arrival you will be greeted by our wonderful groomsmen who will help direct you to your seats. Please do not pay for entry on arrival, entry has been arranged for all of our guests.

We would encourage you to arrive from 12:30pm to give yourself time to explore the Cathedral before the ceremony begins at 1:00pm, it is truly breathtaking and well worth a wander.

Sunday, 6th September

Paella & Lawn Games

Join us at the Hacienda for a relaxed afternoon of paella, drinks and lawn games. Activities will begin from around 12:00pm, depending, of course, on the severity of the hangovers!

Come as you are, grab a drink and enjoy one last afternoon together.

While you're in Salamanca

Our Salamanca Favourites

We have spent a lot of time in Salamanca over the years and know it well. Here are a few of our favourite places, just in case you find yourself with a free evening or afternoon to explore.

For Dinner

La Hoja 21

Our top pick for dinner in Salamanca. Excellent food in a lovely setting.

Bambu

Near Plaza Mayor and ideal if you’re after great tapas and a more relaxed, casual Spanish evening.

For Cocktails

Niebla

A beautifully decorated cocktail bar and one of our absolute favourite spots for an evening drink. Well worth seeking out.

For a Burger

Bundi Burgers

If you’re after something a little less Spanish, Bundi does genuinely excellent burgers and is a firm favourite of ours.

For Drinks & Atmosphere

Honestly, the best place to have a drink in Salamanca is anywhere around Plaza Mayor. At night the square is beautifully lit and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else we’ve been. Pull up a chair, order a drink and watch the city come alive around you. It is simply the place to be.

Something a Little Different

San Esteban & Convento de las Dueñas

If you have a little time and fancy something away from the main tourist trail, do make your way to San Esteban. The altar is extraordinary and the interior of the church is quite something. From there, it’s a short wander to the Convento de las Dueñas, a beautiful and peaceful convent where the nuns make and sell traditional homemade cookies. They are delicious and make a wonderful little souvenir of Salamanca.

For Madrid visitors

A Little Madrid Guide

Having spent two and a half years living in Madrid, Carla and Matthew know the city well. Here are some of their favourite spots, from the essential sights to the best places to eat, drink and wander.

If You Are Driving

Segovia

Just over an hour from Madrid and absolutely worth a detour. A beautifully preserved medieval city with a Roman aqueduct, a fairy-tale castle (the Alcazar, said to have inspired Disney) and a stunning Gothic cathedral. Park up and spend a few hours exploring.

Avila

Another UNESCO World Heritage city, most famous for its remarkable 11th century walls that encircle the entire old town. A great stop on the route if you have the time.

See & Do

Retiro Park

One of Europe's great urban parks, with beautiful gardens, sculptures, fountains and a boating lake. Keep an eye out for the peacocks, they roam freely and are rather wonderful. Perfect for a morning stroll before the heat sets in.

The Royal Palace

One of the largest royal palaces in Europe and genuinely one of our favourite buildings in the world. We would walk there most evenings and find a spot nearby to enjoy a cold cana at sunset.

Gran Vía

Madrid's most iconic boulevard, lined with grand early 20th century architecture, shops, theatres and restaurants. Good for a wander at any time of day, but particularly atmospheric in the evening.

Cibeles

The fountain and grand buildings around Cibeles are some of the most photographed in Madrid. Worth a slow wander and a good spot for people watching.

Dinner

A little pre-warning: most restaurants in Madrid don’t open until around 8:00pm, and dinner tends to go on late!

Casa Macareno

Our favourite restaurant in the whole city. A proper, no-frills Spanish taberna serving traditional food done brilliantly. Pre-booking is essential as it fills up fast.

Aarde

If you’re looking to get dressed up and enjoy a more glamorous evening.

Sunset

Templo de Debod

An ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain in 1968, sitting above Parque del Oeste with sweeping views over the Royal Palace and the city skyline. At sunset it is truly something special, with live musicians playing as the sky turns gold. Arrive early to find your spot and stay until the lights come on.

Drinks

The Library

One of our favourite bars in the city. Tucked away and beautifully decorated, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail.

Rooftop Drinks

El Cielo de Montera

A rooftop bar with some of the best views in Madrid. Great cocktails and a lively crowd.

Picalagartos

Right on Gran Via with an excellent terrace. The perfect spot for a sundowner with the city spread out below you.

Dani Brasserie, Four Seasons

For a more indulgent evening, the rooftop at the Four Seasons has stunning views over the city and an atmosphere to match.

Something Sweet

Balbisiana

A wonderful little patisserie. If you have even a small sweet tooth, do not leave Madrid without trying the white chocolate and pistachio cake.

Practical Information

Are you staying at the venue?

For guests who have opted to stay at Hacienda Zorita on the evening of Saturday 5th September, we have arranged a luggage collection service taking place on the Saturday.

Please ensure you have attached one of your luggage labels to your desired bags and that your name and room number are clearly written. Your luggage will be collected at 12:00pm from the receptions of:

NH Palacio de Castellanos
Hospes Palacio de San Esteban

Please also ensure you have completed your online check-in with Hacienda Zorita so that your luggage can be placed directly in your room and you can head straight to the celebrations upon arrival, no waiting around!

Your Luggage Tags

During the welcome drinks on Friday evening, the groomsmen will be handing out your personalised luggage tags. Please do make sure yours is attached to your luggage before leaving Salamanca on Saturday morning.

Your bags will then be collected and transported directly to Hacienda Zorita, ready and waiting in your room when you arrive. One less thing to think about on the morning of the wedding.

A Little Note on Gifts

Honestly, your presence at our wedding is the only present we need. But if you would like to contribute to our future together, we’ve created a small registry.

We’re especially looking forward to filling our honeymoon with experiences and memories, so contributions towards our future adventures would mean a lot to us.

But most importantly, we can’t wait to celebrate with you.