Wedding Scams in Marbella & What Couples Need to Know

Updated August 2025.

Planning a wedding abroad should be one of the happiest times of your life. Unfortunately, scams do happen, and here in Marbella we’ve seen the same fraudulent practices resurface for well over 15 years.

Couples, venues, and suppliers alike have lost money and been left heartbroken by individuals posing as professional wedding planners or coordinators.

At The Marbella Wedding Directory, our mission is to create a safe and trusted space for couples planning weddings on the Costa del Sol. That’s why we feel it’s important to share how these scams work, what red flags to look for, and how you can protect yourself.

A Long History of Wedding Scams in Marbella

The Marbella wedding industry first began noticing this particular pattern of fraud back in the mid 2000s. The same individual (often presenting herself as a “wedding planner” or “venue coordinator”) has reappeared in different guises over the years, operating at various venues along the coast.

Here’s what has repeatedly happened:

• Couples are led to believe they are dealing directly with a venue or reputable planner.

• Large deposits are requested, supposedly to secure venues, accommodation, or suppliers.

• Payments never reach the venue or suppliers, leaving couples without bookings or professionals unpaid.

• If the wedding goes ahead, suppliers often arrive only to find they haven’t been paid despite assurances.

Over the years, countless stories have emerged sadly. Florists who handed over flowers and décor that were never returned, venues that discovered bookings had never been confirmed, and wedding suppliers who turned up expecting payments on the day that never materialised.

How the Scam Typically Works

While details vary, the pattern is strikingly similar each time:

• Infiltrating venues. The scammer positions herself as the in-house “wedding planner” or “venue coordinator.”

• Taking deposits directly. Couples are told to transfer money to her personally, believing it secures their venue or suppliers.

• Excuses & delays. Suppliers are left unpaid, with endless excuses for example illness, accidents, or personal tragedies.

• Vanishing act. When couples or suppliers start asking questions, communication breaks down and she disappears.

Recently, reports suggest she has become even more sophisticated including intercepting venue contact forms to pose as the official contact person, using a similiar email address to that venue and placing their logos on her correspondence.

Why Couples Fall Victim

You may wonder how this can continue. The truth is, scams thrive because she is charming and convincing, both couples and venues have been persuaded by her manner.

However there is very little online trace, she typically has no website, limited or fake social media, and constantly changes company names.

Couples don’t want to lose deposits yet once money has been handed over, many couples feel pressured to continue with her rather than walk away.

Sadly, by the time couples realise something is wrong, they have already lost thousands of euros.

How to Protect Yourself

If you’re planning a wedding in Marbella or elsewhere on the Costa del Sol, here are some simple steps to avoid falling victim:

• Check online presence. A legitimate business will have a professional website, social proof, and verifiable reviews.

• Pay venues & suppliers directly. Never pay large sums to a “middle person” without written contracts.

• Ask for contracts & invoices. If someone avoids paperwork, that’s a red flag.

• Double check with venues. If you’re told someone is the official in-house planner, confirm directly with the venue owners or managers.

• Trust your gut instincts. If something feels off, pause before transferring money.

How The Marbella Wedding Directory Helps

The Marbella Wedding Directory exists to give couples peace of mind. Every supplier listed has been vetted and operates as a legitimate, professional business. By using recommended suppliers listed on our platform, you can be confident you’re working with trusted venues and suppliers.

It’s disheartening to see the same scammer still operating after so many years, but knowledge is power. By sharing this information openly, we hope to prevent more couples from experiencing unnecessary heartbreak and financial loss.

If you have been affected or suspect you’re dealing with this type of situation, please reach out. We, along with many reputable planners and suppliers in Marbella, are committed to protecting couples and stopping these scams from continuing.