Caroline & Rafael

May 1st, 2027 · Cartagena, Spain

We are getting married

We're so excited to share this special day with you.

It means a lot to have you in our lives and to celebrate together. Thank you for being part of our journey.

We can't wait to spend time together—good food, great company, and a proper celebration.

We really hope you can make it. Official invitation to follow.

Our Story

We met in a foreign country while both building our careers and discovering life abroad. As we shared late-night dinners, weekend adventures, and small discoveries together, we realized that we had built a home in each other. When we later moved to Madrid, we brought that home with us, and our relationship grew even deeper.

Cartagena is where we want to say "yes" in front of those we love most. We'll be married in the Basilica de la Caridad and celebrate at Finca El Jardín — with good wine, a long lunch, and a party under the Mediterranean sky. Thank you for being part of our journey; we can't wait to share this day with you.

Our photos

The Day

12:00CeremonyPlease note that the ceremony will follow Catholic church norms.
13:30Bus transfer to Finca El Jardín
14:0090-min Cocktail
15:304-Course Lunch
18:00 – 02:00Free Bar & Party

Venues

Basilica de la Caridad

Our ceremony will take place in this beautiful basilica in the heart of Cartagena.

Get Directions

Finca El Jardín

Reception, lunch, and party at this stunning finca.

Get Directions

Gifts

Truly, your presence is the only gift we're hoping for. In keeping with Spanish tradition we aren't asking for physical gifts — but if you'd like to help us begin this new chapter together, there are two simple ways.

Our favourite

In person, on the day

A contribution in cash at the wedding is simple and heartfelt — and it lets us share the moment with you as it happens.

By bank transfer

If you'd prefer to arrange it beforehand, enter the password we shared with you and our account details will appear.

Dress Code

Gentlemen

Ladies

All guests are expected to dress elegantly. Think of it as a proper celebration. Please note: for ladies, we kindly ask you not to wear white.

RSVP

Where to Stay

Hotels in the Historic Centre of Cartagena

Exclusive Rate for Wedding Guests

We have arranged a group discount at two centrally located hotels. Use the code below when booking directly on their websites.

CodeCAROLINEYRAFAEL

1Go to the hotel website, select your dates, enter the code in the 'Promotional Code' field, and click Search.
2The discount will already be applied — simply select your room type and board basis to complete the booking.

Download booking instructions (EN)Descargar instrucciones (ES)

Sercotel Alfonso XIII

★★★★

Group discount available

Elegantly renovated 4-star hotel on Cartagena's main boulevard. 124 rooms, buffet breakfast, and a 5-minute walk to the Roman Theatre.

Sercotel Carlos III

★★★

Group discount available

Modern 3-star hotel refurbished in 2022, 500 m from the historic centre. Great value with free WiFi, mini-bar, and bike rentals.

AC Hotel Cartagena by Marriott

★★★★

Newly renovated luxury hotel in a restored historic building, 200 m from the Roman Theatre. Outdoor pool, sauna, and on-site restaurant.

Calle Real, Historic Centre

B&B Hotel Cartagonova

★★★

Modern and affordable 3-star hotel in the historic centre, 500 m from the Roman Theatre. Highly rated for cleanliness and value.

Calle Marcos Redondo, 3

Hotel Cartagena Puerto

★★★★

Contemporary 4-star hotel steps from the port, adjacent to City Hall. Features Gastrobar Cibus with seasonal Spanish cuisine.

Pl. Héroes de Cavite, 2

Discover Cartagena

Things worth seeing

The Port

Cartagena grew up around this bay. Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, and the Spanish Navy all used it for the same reason: it is one of the best natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Worth a walk along the sea wall at dusk.

Castillo de la Concepción

The highest hill in the old town. Locals call it 'El Castillo de los Patos' because peacocks roam freely around the gardens — you will almost certainly see one.

Use the Ascensor Panorámico (free lift from the street) rather than walking up. The view over the bay from the top is the best in the city.

The Roman Theatre

A first-century theatre buried under the city for over a thousand years, found by accident during building works in 1988. The museum built around it is well done and worth an hour.

Also worth it

ARQUA — National Museum of Underwater Archaeology

Holds the cargo recovered from a sunken 16th-century galleon: gold, silver, emeralds. The waterfront building is worth seeing on its own.

The Roman Forum

Roman baths and shops excavated right under the city centre. You walk over the ruins on glass floors.

Calle Mayor

The main street is lined with early 20th-century modernist buildings from when Cartagena was one of the wealthiest mining cities in Spain.

Day trip · car needed

Cabo de Palos

20 minutes south of Cartagena by car. A small fishing village at the tip of a rocky headland, famous for its striped lighthouse, clear water, and some of the best diving in Spain. Worth an afternoon if you have time.

Gastronomy Guide

The flavours of Cartagena & Murcia

The Essential Tapas

La Marinera

The ultimate challenge. Russian salad on a crispy donut-breadstick (rosquilla), topped with a salty anchovy.

Never use a fork! Eat it in 2–3 bites before the bread gets soft.

Pulpo a la Cartagenera

Grilled octopus (distinct from the Galician boiled style), crispy on the outside, served with olive oil and lemon.

Crespillos

Salty, crunchy, wafer-thin crackers made with paprika. The typical snack found in every bakery.

Pastel de Carne

A savory puff pastry pie filled with meat, egg, and chorizo. A masterpiece of "Murcian puff pastry."

The Main Event

El Caldero

The fisherman's rice. Intense fish flavour, cooked in a cauldron, served with a side of garlic alioli.

It is much more flavourful than Paella.

Mojete Murciano

A refreshing roasted tomato and pepper salad with tuna, egg, and olives. Perfect for warm May weather.

The Sweet Finish (Desserts & Coffee)

Pan de Calatrava

A traditional custard pudding made with leftover cake or bread. Smooth and caramel-topped.

El Asiático

The King of Coffees. Condensed milk, Cognac, Licor 43 (made in Cartagena), cinnamon, and lemon peel. Served in a specific glass.