Vicars in Marbella – Reverend Don Spence

From dusty farmhouses, to sunny beaches, Don Spence has “married” couples
in the most unusual of venues. With the wedding season just around the corner,
and St. Valentine’s day proposals coming up, Don dispenses his advice
to marbellas.com’s readers on the best way to say “I do”….

Photographs
from reverend Don Spence & professional photographer Adam Chandler www.adam-c.com

Following retirement from 30 years in book printing, Don Spence studied a
Theological degree and was ordained as a minister in 1997. Moving to the Costa
del Sol from South Africa in 1994 with wife Glynn, Don Spence is also the founder
and minister of the Calahonda Baptist Church, as well as being Chaplain of
an interdenominational church at Fuengirola Park Hotel, Torreblanca.

Why are weddings such an important part of your work?
I am a specialist in wedding ceremonies, as the wedding forms a big part of
the minister’s calling. Marriage involves faith, trust and faithfulness -
and is based on the vows that couples make before God.

How does your involvement affect the wedding ceremony?
It is always my desire to make the ceremony as meaningful and memorable as possible.
I have different orders of service to choose from, and recommend that couples
personalize their vows, and decide on the songs, music and special touches
such as readings from the Bible or poetry – which can be read by family
and friends. Although a civil marriage certificate must be provided before
the blessing, I also have a commemorative register signed by the couple and
witnesses.

Are couples opting for increasingly unusual venues?
I have carried out marriage ceremonies on the beach, in restaurants, gardens,
hotels, villas –and churches of course… The most unusual was
for a couple from a British film company – they got married in a ramshackle
Spanish farmhouse they had used as a film set… It was totally derelict,
with chickens running around everywhere… The ceremony was up some rickety
wooden stairs, and with the bridal party of six bridesmaids, five groomsmen
and a best man, as well as the couple and myself, it is amazing it didn’t
fall down…

What is the most important piece of advice you can give couples planning a
wedding?
Make the arrangements with the minister sooner rather than later – book up
at least three months before the ceremony. And if you can budget for a wedding
planner to handle the reception, catering, flowers, all the better. The more
time you have, the less stress.

For more information about your wedding ceremony, contact Don or Glynn Spence
on Tel. 00 34 952 930 458 or 686 258 448 email glynn.spence@gmail.com