Cortijo Bravo wedding photographer
Cortijo Bravo is the venue where I’ve photographed more weddings than anywhere else: more than 50. It’s about ten minutes from my home, it’s my favourite place to work, and it’s the one I know best. I know where the light falls at each hour, where to take the family photos and which corners stay quiet while your guests are having a drink.
I’m an independent wedding photographer, not part of the venue. To book Cortijo Bravo for your wedding, contact the hotel directly.
On the day he had such a calm, relaxed presence, blending in effortlessly with our guests.
About Cortijo Bravo
Cortijo Bravo, officially B bou Hotel Cortijo Bravo and often just called Hotel Cortijo Bravo, is a hotel in the countryside of Vélez-Málaga, in the Axarquía, about 25 minutes from Nerja and 40 to 45 minutes from Málaga airport. The beach at Torre del Mar is 15 minutes away. It’s a modern building made to look like a 19th-century Andalusian farmhouse, with the rooms and details of an old Spanish country house, surrounded by hills and avocado and citrus trees.
Weddings have their own space, separate from the hotel: a ceremony area under a dome looking over the countryside, terraces for the drinks, large gardens and a pool. In summer, dinner is usually outside on the terrace, and the party moves inside later in the night.
The hotel has 21 rooms, so the two of you, your family and your closest friends can sleep where you celebrate. The rest of your guests can stay on the coast, between Torre del Mar and Nerja, a short taxi ride away.
Cortijo Bravo is part of B bou Hotels, the same group as Hotel La Viñuela, by the lake, which I also know well. For the rest of the area, have a look at my Nerja wedding photographer page.
Where the photos happen at Cortijo Bravo
Getting ready. I start about two hours before the ceremony, usually with the bride. The rooms have good window light, and the terrace of the bridal suite works well for a first look. If the groom is getting ready at the cortijo too, I go to him before the dress goes on.
The ceremony. The ceremony area is up under the dome, with the countryside behind you. After the confetti there’s time for a few photos there, before everyone walks down to the drinks.
Family photos. The best moment is just before dinner, on the path beside the drinks area. The light is good, everyone is close, and it takes about fifteen minutes. Keep the list to around ten groups, and ask someone from the family to help me gather people.
Your portraits. The upstairs patio with its arches and columns, the avenue, the gardens and the hills behind. I take you away for about twenty minutes when the sun is low, usually between courses, and you’re back before the next plate arrives.
The party. The first dance can be outside on the terrace, and then the party moves inside. I stay until about an hour into it.
Timings and light at Cortijo Bravo
Most weddings at Cortijo Bravo happen between May and October. It’s inland, so in July and August it’s hotter than on the coast. A ceremony at six in the evening or later keeps you and your guests comfortable and gives you softer light.
Approximate sunset times at Cortijo Bravo: mid-May, 9:15 pm; late June, 9:40 pm; mid-July, 9:35 pm; mid-August, 9:10 pm; mid-September, 8:25 pm; mid-October, 7:40 pm.
The best light for portraits comes in the half hour before the sun goes behind the hills. Send me your timeline early, and we’ll fit the portraits around dinner with your planner.
Questions couples ask about Cortijo Bravo
Why choose a local photographer for your Cortijo Bravo wedding?
I’m Pedro, a Spanish wedding photographer who lives near Nerja. Cortijo Bravo is the venue where I’ve photographed the most weddings, more than 50, so I know its gardens, its patio and its light. I work in English and Spanish, and since 2011 I’ve photographed more than 450 weddings, most of them for couples from the UK and Ireland. More about me.
What will our Cortijo Bravo wedding photos look like?
Documentary and contemporary. Most of the day I’m a quiet observer and photograph what really happens. In your portraits I give direction when it helps, so you never feel lost in front of the camera. Read what couples say on Google.
Can we see a full wedding at Cortijo Bravo?
Yes. Have a look at Kaat & Ruben’s wedding or Rachel & David’s. If you’d like a complete gallery, write to me.
How much does a wedding photographer at Cortijo Bravo cost?
Tell me your date and I’ll send you my brochure, with prices and everything that’s included. Contact me here.
Are you available for our Cortijo Bravo wedding date?
I only photograph a limited number of weddings each year, so it’s best to ask early. Send me your date and I’ll reply within 24 hours. Check my availability.