Astrid & George's Wedding

We understand that attending a wedding abroad means a lot more faff than usual...

BUT, Northern Spain isn't the farthest reaches of Outer Mongolia. In fact it's easier and cheaper to get to than many places in the UK, like our beloved Exeter or Falmouth for example. Accommodation is super affordable and the region is set up to facilitate tourists along the famous Camino de Santiago. There are lots of places to stay, and more importantly, lots of places to see!

If you get stuck, or you're feeling daunted, please feel free to give either of us a call and we can talk you through what you need to do.

We recommend flying into Santander, hiring a car and venturing to the region that way. There are a number of buses that can take you to Noja or San Miguel de Meruelo, or Isla - but travelling via car would be the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore the region by far.

We've collated a bunch of links to some suggestions below, but ultimately the best thing to do is gather in groups. To hire a car for four days out there will cost around €115 in total. So between four of you, that's €28.75, or €7.18 per day... it's really not that pricey when you think about it.

The whole region is pretty stunning, but the transport infrastructure is the equivalent of moving around Cornwall, hence recommending car hire. In fact, it's best to think of the whole area as something akin to a mountainous, slightly warmer Cornwall where the locals are equally lovely and equally incomprehensible.

We are obviously really excited for the wedding... but we're also really excited to share a real hidden gem. It's a part of the world very much hidden from view, with absolutely loads to offer. We'd like to think that at least some of you might be able to tack on a holiday at either side of the wedding to kick start, or wrap up a really amazing holiday to make it more worth your while.

Astrid will be in Spain from 21 April 2022, and George is hoping to be there from 25 April 2022, so if you do fancy coming out sooner - do let us know. 

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If you are planning on travelling in groups, please could you let us know when you RSVP?

Similarly, if you could let us know how you are planning on getting to Spain and when, we could try to arrange airport transfers if you are not hiring cars. 

If you are hiring a car or plan on bringing your own, there is plenty of parking.

At the church, there is a huge car park just in front of the church. At the reception venue, there is a huge car park behind the church (Bo. la Iglesia de San Mamés, 38A, 39192 San Mamés de Meruelo, Cantabria, Spain). 

Both places have free parking. 

What's happening when...

All these details will be on your paper invites, but the itinerary so far is as follows (if it changes we will update the website and let you all know)...

Friday, April 29th:

We recommend everyone descend on the area, gear up and venture off into the local bars and beaches to sink a few civilised beers / vinos in the late afternoon before the big day.

We have hired the Palacio del Tejo as our wedding base for the weekend, so pop in and say hi / hola!

Saturday, April 30th:

We would recommend eating a big breakfast before the ceremony!

11:45 - 12:00 - Guests Arrive at Church

12:30 - Ceremony Begins

13:30 - Ceremony Concludes

13:45 - Confetti / Mingle / Photos outside church

14:30 - All to arrive at location for reception - Villa Abarca - Pinxos and celebratory toast with live music. We hope to celebrate under the Marquee but we also have use of the house in case the heavens open... the setting is beautiful as it is surrounded by the Spanish mountains and in the far distance you can see the Picos de Europa.

We will be welcomed by canapés (pintxos from the local area) / cóctel de bienvenida with a cheese board, sangria, various drinks of choice and a toast to the newly Weds.

16:00 - Dinner

17:30 - Speeches

18:30 - Cut the cake and FREE BAR / BARRA LIBRE

20:30 - First Dance and let the DJ start his magic!

23:00 - FREE BAR / Barra libre closes

23:30 - DJ ends and carriages to arrive at midnight

The Spanish DO NOT STOP AT MIDNIGHT. In fact, it's customary for parties to continue well into the waking hours of the following morning. This may come as a shock to many, but the local custom is to dance until sunrise is no exaggeration, or a throw-away adage to classic 90's club anthems. There will be rewards for those brave enough to meet the challenge. Except for the Spanish. I'm afraid it's expected of you... we will be continuing the party for those still dancing back at the Palacio del Tejo!

After-Party - 00:00 onwards at Palacio del Tejo wit h some surprises!

Sunday, May 1st:

Recovery. There will be a BBQ for the survivors, although it's a very much a bring-your-own food situation. We are speaking to a local butcher and for those who want to join, we will ask for contributions to the food on the day. Closer to the time, we will let you know how much that will be and we will ask you to RSVP to the BBQ. Weather dependent there are countless mountain trails; sandy beaches and a myriad of bars and restaurants to explore.

We'll be suggesting a day at the beach with games and beers for the afternoon, although George will be desperate for some sort of mountainous excursion.

Monday, May 2nd:

It's the Monday Bank Holiday in the UK, but depending on how far you've had to travel, it could take you a while to head back... unless you're part of the Spanish contingent, in which case it's not even a holiday for you so... sorry about that. We will be venturing off to our Honeymoon in the afternoon.

A quick note on the weather, now it is Spain (so yes it will be warmer than the UK), but it is Northern Spain, so it won't be that much warmer. Last year it was 24 degrees on 30 April 2021, but it could be anywhere between 15 and 25 degrees (dropping to 10-12 at night). Please do come prepared for spring and not summer, you may also need a brolly! 

We are keeping everything crossed for sunshine, but it could be windy and rainy or be all seasons of weather in one day (which is a usual phenomenon). It can be unpredictable, but that is why it is so green! 

The direct flight to Santander from Stansted is just 1hour and 50mins.

Right now, flights from Stansted departing at 18:50, arriving at 21:45 and then returning 22:00 and landing in the UK at 22:50 cost £105.

There is another flight heading back on Sunday from Santander at 17:00 and arriving back in Stansted at 17:50 if you're in a job where you don't get bank holidays (like TV or NHS).

This is by far the biggest expense of the trip. Once you're in Spain everything is much cheaper.

The other thing you could do is fly to the second closest airport in Bilbao, just over 50mins from the venue. The best deal outlined below at the moment is £100.

There's a flight here going from Gatwick at 06:25, landing in Bilbao at 09:25 on the Friday (so you'd have the whole day to explore Northern Spain at your leisure) and then the return flight on the Bank Holiday Monday leaving Bilbao at 10:35, landing at 11:30.

There is PLENTY of parking at the church and at the venue. From the Church to the Venue is a 12 minute car ride.

We are looking at hiring one coach from the venue to the Church and back on the day of the wedding. 

If you don't want to end up as the designated driver, there are loads of really, really cheap taxi companies prepped and ready to shuttle stumbling Brits to and from their poorly pronounced residences.

We've made a list tried and tested companies below...

We're also thinking about hiring a coaches to take people to and from the airport depending on whether or not people want them.

We have suggested hiring a car, because that gives you all freedom and flexibility to explore and do your own thing, but if you prefer the 1950's holiday package experience then we're happy to facilitate, but it would be great to get a sense of how many people want this.

+34 646 05 52 46 / taxinoja@gmail.com

+34 649 38 66 43

+34 646 05 52 46

Santander airport has a variety of car rental companies on offer, and we would recommend booking in advance to get the best deals. We recently used Europcar for a weekend trip and it was 102 EUR for 2 full days. 

The following car rental companies are at both Santander and Bilbao airports: 

Europcar 

Sixt 

Budget / Avis 

Hertz 

Enterprise Rent-A- Car

The bus company is Alsa (and you should be able to put the website into English).

Exit the airport, and you'll find a bus which goes on the hour to the centre of Santander for €2.90 one way. It's not hard to find the bus stop and it is a small airport, and you just need to follow the taxis and then you'll find a BUS sign and hopefully a queue of people also doing the same. Currently, the bus runs once an hour a half past the hour (starting at 8:30am to 21:30pm). There is no need to book the bus tickets in advance. 

Once you get to Santander bus station, it's the last stop, you need to look for a bus to NOJA (which is the biggest town closest to Isla and Meruelo). There are currently 3 buses showing (but we will check closer to the time as there are less in the Winter) at the following times: 

14:40; 18:30 and 20:30. 

The buses all stop in San Miguel de Meruelo (which is the village along from the reception venue) and also close to Isla. Dependent on where you are staying, and if you are not sure, it would be best to stay on to Noja and then get a taxi (there are taxis right next to the buses) to your accomodation. 

The buses from Santander to Noja are just over an hour (as they stop in every town) but cost €4.40 one way. 

Initially this will seem like the most expensive and long winded option...

HOWEVER... if you take our advice and use our wedding to bookend a holiday you'll never forget, all of a sudden this becomes THE BEST option.

The Brittany Ferry's website is the bane of anyone's existence, but to take your car over on the overnight crossing, including the cabin both ways costs £1050. A painful figure by any stretch... but considering that you can fit in an awful lot of luggage and people into a car, and the cabin sleeps 4... considering the money you save on hiring a car at the other end (around a hundred quid) - then consider you're able to take all the camping gear you could possibly want for a couple a week, two weeks - maybe more if you fancy it - this is a serious option.

George intends to get the ferry into France with his van, leisurely bounce off the wineries of Southern France, before steadily rolling into Spain and catching just the return ferry form Santander to Portsmouth. It's a tried and tested route, thoroughly civilised and a real pleasure throughout.

Things like Air BnB are yet to catch on in this region (there are a few but not many). It's a bit like having to book a holiday back in the early 2000's and the graphic design is of the same era. But don't judge a book by its pixellated cover.

UPDATE: If you'd like to stay at the Palacio del Tejo on Wednesday, 27 or Thursday, 28 April, please email info@palaciodeltejo.eu copying us in and you can stay for 70 euros a night (per room). 

Accommodation is amazingly affordable out there. Usually averaging around €35 per person per night for the fancy places, but some campsites would cost as little as €9 per tent, per night.

Additionally, we've booked the venue for the reception for the whole weekend. You'll all be able to come and go as you please for the duration, and there will be showers; plugs; and a BBQ ready to roll throughout the weekend.

Further, we have a 15% discount a Casona de La Parra (which has 7 individual apartments) and we would recommend booking here if you can. 

There are 3 towns close to the village where the reception is being held (read more in the 'Stories' section) and we would recommend booking accommodation if you could in the following: 

Isla 

Where the ceremony is going to be held and there are two beaches in the town. There is the old part of town where the Church is located, high on a hill, and then the modern part which is on the coast. 

San Mames de Meruelo 

The village where the Palacio / Reception is being held and is in-land, but if you book here then you won't have to worry about taxi's at the end of the night! 

Noja 

This is also on the coast with two beaches and a lot more accomodation on offer, but it is the furthest away. However, this is where Astrid spends her summers and all of her friends will be staying here and I'm sure you can get a lift from them if you let Astrid or George know in advance. 

Ajo 

A 5 minute drive from the reception venue and also on the coast. It has some quirky places to stay, and Ajo has a lovely coast-line to explore. The two recommendations are in Bareyo which is closest to the wedding venue. 

We know there is a lot of choice so here's our top recommendations dependent on what you would like: 

Closest to the Church (and also a beach): 

- Hospedaje Don Javier 

- Appartamentos Spa Isla

- La Posada Desmera

Closest to the Reception / Venue: 

- Casona de la Parra (it's a two minute stumble but be quick only 4 apartments are left)

Camping: 

- Camping Joyel (Noja) 

Low-cost: 

- Hospedaje San Javier (isla)

- Hotel Isabel (Isla) 

- Hotel Astuy (Isla)

- Hostal Sol (Meruelo)

Closest to the beach and luxury but a bit further away: 

- Berria (Juan de la Cosa) and 

- Viadero (Noja) 

If you have any queries, drop Astrid or George a message.

Closer to the time we will ask you where you are all staying so that we can co-ordinate where everyone is staying. 

Hotel Isabel is 450 yards from Sable Beach in Quejo, La Isla. It offers a terrace, free Wi-Fi in public areas and free parking. 

All rooms are heated and have a balcony. There is a TV, safe and wardrobe. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. It also offers buffet breakfast at an extra charge. 

It's a 25minute walk to the church (5minute drive) and 10 minute drive to and from the Reception venue. 

For 3 nights, a double room is € 121.53. 

A 2minute walk from the Church in the old town of Isla. Posada La Desmera has only 1 room left for the weekend but you won't need to sort out driving / taxi's to the church at least! 

A 2minute walk from the Church with double rooms starting at €40 per night. The Posada has 18 bedrooms, ranging in size and prize but the most expensive room is €85 per night. It is located in the quiet old part of Isla and there will be no excuse if you are late to the ceremony as it is just next door (literally). All rooms have free WIFI, en-suite and a TV. 

Thankfully, Astrid's friend's mum's best friend knows the owner of this place and they have provisionally agreed to offer us a discount of 15%! The apartments are beautiful and so is the location. The owner's name is Miguel and please contact him direct quoting Astrid's wedding to make sure that the discount is given and that he says yes! Miguel has very kindly taken the apartments off booking.com so that it is only the wedding party staying at the apartments. If you don't quote Astrid's name he gets a bit confused and it takes him longer to come back to you as he needs to make sure you are on the guestlist. 

This place has seven apartments set in a charming country house dating from the 17th century, surrounded by gardens, and an outdoor pool. This place also has the added benefit of being just a stone's throw from the reception venue so you can stagger home when you've had enough. It is literally a 2minute walk...

Details for booking below: 

Quote: Astrid's Wedding 

Email: info@casonadelaparra or 

Whatsapp: +34615781322

Interestingly George's ex-boss's sister's dentist twice removed also knows the same person but hey, who's comparing?

Get in touch with these guys directly, say you're part of Astrid's wedding party and you'll land yourself a handy 15% discount - if you have already booked, he is going to apply the discount on the second payment. Half is payable up front with the second installment closer to the time.

3 apartments have already been booked - there are 4 left!

2 of those apartments are 1 bedroom apartments with a double bed.* 

*1 of them can actually sleep 3 as it has a sofa bed. 

2 of those which are left are 2 bedroom self - contained apartments, so would be best for two sets of friends / family that know each other. 

Usually two nights for a 1 double - bed apartment would cost €119 (usually €140 without discount) so it's about €30 per person, per night (assuming you're staying with your other half).

Usually three nights for a 1 double-bed apartment is €165.75 (usually €195 without the discount). 

The two bed room apartments are slightly more expensive but not if you are splitting between 4 people. They are €206.55  for 3 nights (€243 without the discount). 

...and remember all the prices are in Euros, so as long as nothing really changes between now and April (the pound is stronger than the euro, so it looks more expensive but it's cheaper against the pound). In pounds it works out with the discount to be £100 per night (so £50 each) - (as at today's exchange rate). 

A 10 minute drive from the reception venue, this is a two bedroom house which can be rented privately.  It is in-land, so if you are looking for walking distance to the beach this isn't for you! 

Sleeps 8 people and is €360 for 3 nights (if there are 8 of you then that is €45 per night). It is in the same village as the reception venue, so you can walk home!

Northern Spain is full of these self-contained 'Palacios' which are like thick-walled castle-like structures built to keep the Brits out throughout history...

This one is a 9 minute drive in-land from the Reception venue, and a 20 minute drive from the Ceremony, so one to consider only if you have a hire car and fancy something remote!

They are historically pretty, and usually pretty historical. This one for example has a selection of four different self-contained apartments, the smallest with 5 beds costing €110 per night to the luxury 7 beds option at €300 per night (that's in total, so it would be super cheap splitting this in groups).

Thankfully many of you know each other. It would be wise to book a space together if you can tolerate each others' company for at least two nights.

Annoyingly you can't make a reservation this far in advance, but you can contact these guys and it looks like they can speak English. This is situated right on the beach, but you'd still need to drive to the hotel / reception.

It's just €13.30 for a tent and car combo per night (unfortunately it is common for places like to charge you to put your car on the pitch)

Considering high season is between July 9th and August 29th, the rates are just €8 per plot per night and then another €4 per person...

This place is literally a five minute drive from the reception venue... positively staggerable if you fancy stumbling through the dark.

It's primarily a caravan camping park but there's loads of room for tents.

A highly recommended campsite is Camping Joyel in Noja. It is directly on the beach in Noja (Playa del Ris) and is a 10 minute drive from both the venue and the Reception. 

The campsite is packed with Brits in the summer, so they do speak English! Tuesday (my brother's girlfriends family have spent years camping there and highly recommend). 

We have called and the site is open! We are just waiting for confirmation on the mobile homes. To pitch a tent with a car it is €17, and €5 per person (so total €27 per night for two of you). 

So if you fancy splashing out and you're looking for something to sooth you aching dancing bones / detox both before and after the reception then look no further than this place!

Prices are around £71 per couple per night! And this is the pricier end of the scale...

A typical farmhouse in the heart of a nature reserve, slap-bang in the Baranda mountains. Eight rooms, each €100 per night per couple (they charge by the room here, not by the person).

Villas San Roque is a luxury villa in Isla. Located 1.3 miles from Playa Ris, the property also has a garden and free private parking.

The villa comes with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.

Astrid's family have stayed here before and would highly recommend! It is currently € 765 for the whole weekend, and divided by 4 that would be €191 each, so on the more expensive side but it is really nice!

It's a 3min drive to the ceremony, and a 10 minute drive to the Reception venue.

The Astuy hotel is 3* and right on the beach in Isla. It is in the new part of town in Isla but it is directly onto the beach and the restaurant in the hotel is one of the best seafood restaurants around.

A 3 night stay for two is €240. The church is a 15minute walk away, and the reception venue a 10minute drive.

Berria beach is a gem. It is wild, and untouched by humans (well apart from the hotel which is literally in front of it). The hotel is the furthest away from the Ceremony / Reception venue but it is worth the extra couple of minutes believe me... it also has an incredible restaurant with fresh seafood. 

The hotel is 4* (a real 4* hotel) and is right on the beach. The village / hamlet doesn't have a lot other than houses but there is a supermarket a close drive away. The hotel also has apartments if you are staying for longer than the wedding weekend and I would highly recommend this one! Take a look for yourself. 

A 4* hotel (real 4* hotel) in the centre of town with a swimming pool and a 5minute walk from Noja's trengandin beach. 

If you book direct there is a 5% discount code. This hotel also has an incredible restaurant in its interior... so you wouldn't need to walk far for meals! 

It's a 10min drive to the ceremony and to the Reception / venue. 

The hotel is a stone's throw from Noja's Playa del Ris (which is great for surfing and it is also a lovely wild beach). You can see and sometimes walk to Isla dependent on the tide. It is a bit dated but it does have hot style buffet breakfasts, a pool and discounts for spa treatments and golf! 

If you book direct there is a 10% discount. 

The hotel is 12min drive to the ceremony and 11min drive to the Reception venue. 

A 20 minute walk from the reception venue / 5 minute taxi, this no frills hostal is €100 for 3 nights as a single traveller, and €145 for two of you sharing.