Son Marroig

About the venue

Son Marroig, Deià

Son Marroig is the former estate of Archduke Ludwig Salvator on the cliffs of Mallorca's north-west coast, between Deià and Valldemossa in the Serra de Tramuntana, about 45 minutes from Palma airport. Ceremonies take place at its white marble temple above the sea, usually timed for sunset, followed by dinner on the terraces and dancing in an indoor hall from midnight, for up to about 140 guests. The house is also a museum, there are no rooms for guests, and prices are on request, with Marry the World putting a typical budget at €40,000 to €100,000.

Son Marroig stands high on the cliffs of the Tramuntana coast, a few minutes from Deià and Valldemossa. In the late 19th century it was home to Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, who fell in love with this stretch of coast and spent much of his life writing about the Balearic Islands. The house is now a museum dedicated to him, and its terraces look along the coast to the rocky peninsula of Sa Foradada.

The ceremony is the reason couples come. The archduke's white marble temple, a round pavilion of columns under a painted dome, sits on a terrace at the edge of the estate with nothing but sea and sky beyond it. Most weddings are timed so the vows fall as the sun goes down over the water.

Drinks are served along the terraces as the light softens, and dinner follows on the main terrace or in the gardens, with long tables or rounds under chandeliers and festoon lights looking out over the coast. From midnight the party moves into an indoor hall, which also serves as the dining room if the weather turns.

Son Marroig is a blank setting rather than a full-service venue: planners and caterers bring in the kitchen, furniture, lighting and styling, which gives couples a lot of freedom. The bride has a room to get ready in from 3pm. There are no guest rooms, so guests stay in Deià, Valldemossa or Sóller, and transport is usually arranged.