Frequently Asked Questions
Live Wedding Painting, Answered
Everything couples ask before booking — how it works, what makes Marta's portraits different, and what to look for in a live wedding painter.
What is a live wedding painting?
An original painting created by hand, in real time, at your wedding. Marta sets up at your venue and paints the moment as it happens — so you leave with a one-of-a-kind artwork that captures not just how the day looked, but how it felt.
What makes Marta's live paintings different?
Marta paints you. Where many live painters capture the venue in a loose impressionist blur — with the couple reduced to a few distant brushstrokes — Marta creates a true portrait of the two of you: recognisable faces, real expressions, the details you will actually want to remember. It is the harder, more personal form of live painting, and it is our signature.
Do you paint during the wedding, or beforehand?
During. Everything is painted live, from life, as your celebration unfolds — never prepared in advance. That authenticity is worth asking any live painter about before you book: some arrive early, paint the empty scenery, and are gone before the first guest arrives. Marta paints the real moment.
Will the painting actually look like us?
Yes — a true, recognisable likeness of the couple is the whole point. Marta trained as a fine-art restorer, so she renders faces and fine detail with a precision most live painters do not attempt. Your family should be able to point and say "that is you."
How long does the painting take to create?
Up to 5 hours of live painting on the day, followed by up to 40 hours of refinement back in the studio — where the lace of the dress, the light in your eyes, and every fine detail are perfected. Your painting is not finished when the party ends; that is where much of the craft happens.
What painting style does Marta use?
Impressionism blended with contemporary portraiture — expressive, colourful brushwork, but with faces and figures you will recognise. Timeless rather than trendy, designed to live on your wall for generations.
Can you include the venue and setting too?
Yes. The couple is always the focus, but Marta can weave in the architecture, florals and atmosphere of your venue so the painting captures both the people and the place — the two things you paid for and will most want to remember.
Where do you paint? Do you travel?
Home base is the Costa del Sol — Marbella, Málaga, Estepona and Sotogrande — with no travel premium. Marta also travels for destination weddings elsewhere in Spain and abroad; because it means a two-person team, travel time, transport and accommodation, these are quoted individually.
How much does a live wedding painting cost?
Packages start at €1,299, with larger canvases and added extras at higher tiers. Destination travel is quoted individually based on the venue. See the Packages page for full details.
Can you paint from our photos if the wedding has already happened?
Yes. If your wedding has passed, Marta can create a bespoke painting from your professional photographs, planned together during a personal consultation.
How much space do you need, and is it disruptive?
A space of roughly 2 × 2 metres with reasonable light is all it takes. Marta is completely self-contained and discreet, works around your timeline, and packs down cleanly. Far from disruptive, the painting-in-progress becomes a highlight guests gather around all evening.
When should we book?
Marta is now booking 2026 and 2027. Only one wedding is taken per day and peak-season dates go early, so the sooner you enquire, the better the chance of securing your date.
Do you work with wedding planners and venues?
Yes — Marta collaborates seamlessly with planners, venues and event designers. There is a dedicated page for planning teams with all the logistics.
Still Have a Question?
Tell Marta about your wedding and she'll answer anything — and check whether your date is free.