Why Portugal Is Your Dream Wedding Country & 5 Reasons You’ll Be Missing Out If You Go Elsewhere
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Portugal has quickly become one of Europe’s most captivating travel and wedding destinations. From its cities along the coastline to the beautiful capital of Lisbon, this country has something for everyone, and here at Claudia and Co., we are all about Portugal weddings, especially for the couple planning an intimate celebration.
Portugal offers couples a romantic getaway that feels as if it has been pulled straight from a fairy tale. What sets Portugal apart is its ability to feel both luxurious and intimate, the kind of place where every detail makes you feel as special as your 10-year-old self imagined your wedding would be.
Today, we are breaking down the top five reasons why couples are saying “I do” in Portugal and why it is the perfect spot for hosting your luxury destination wedding celebration.
Romance & Scenery
One of the very first reasons Portugal is simply not to be missed comes down to what it has to offer: the vine-covered hills of the Douro Valley, to the beauty of the Algarve.
Something we love to share with our clients is that choosing the right venue and country, especially when planning a wedding abroad, is about so much more than logistics. It is about selecting a place that already feels like a work of art before adding a single decoration.
Investing more in your dream venue or destination pays off when there is less need to transform the space. If you are ever wondering whether to splurge on your venue, our answer is always yes. When the backdrop has an ample amount of natural beauty, you can spend less time and money covering bland spaces and instead let the beauty shine. For more tips on where to save and where to invest when planning your wedding, please take a look at our blog Where to Save and Where to Splurge: A Wedding Planner’s Guide to Budgeting Wisely.
Something To Keep In Mind: The best months for a Portugal wedding are typically May, June, September, and October. These shoulder seasons offer warm weather and fewer tourists. If these months are outside of your ideal day to get married, don’t fret, but do ensure you have taken a look at the weather for that month and region and so that you are not surprised later on!
A Honeymoon That Starts Immediately
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One of the best-kept secrets about getting married in Portugal? Your honeymoon starts the moment you say “I do”! From most wedding venues, you can be on your honeymoon along a sun-drenched Algarve beach within hours. No stressful connecting flights, no packing, just pure celebration.
What many couples get wrong about their wedding is focusing too much on what is traditionally done or on what the family or the bridal party might want them to do. We are here to remind you that this is your wedding. Ensuring that you and your partner are not stressed about moving from one moment to the next will allow you both to enjoy your day in an entirely new way, and that is why we love destination weddings. There is no scrambling to catch a flight after a party-filled night, no rushing from one place to another, just calm, relaxation, and the freedom to soak in every second of your wedding and honeymoon, because that is the whole point.
Golden Hour Like Nowhere Else In Europe
Photographers often say that Portugal has one of the most beautiful golden hours in the world (and they’re not exaggerating!). The light here is soft and spectacular, making it the most well-known lighting for wedding portraits.
Whether you’re on a rugged cliffside or in a luxurious vineyard, the sun’s low angle bathes everything in a romantic haze. Summer evenings can stretch well past 9 pm, giving you and your guests extra time to enjoy the summer nights without rushing. In Portugal, it’s not just the scenery that’s magical, it’s the way the light transforms everything around it.
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Tip For Our Couples
Destination weddings in Portugal often work best as two- or three-day events. Amazing ways to extend your celebrations outside of your ceremony and reception include a welcome dinner with regional dishes like grilled sardines or pastel de nata, a welcome brunch set on a boat or at your favorite restaurant, or even an additional day before or after your wedding where both you and your guests can settle into the time zone and get ready for the partying to come.
Memories In The Form Of Food (The Best Kind!)
Food is at the heart of Portuguese culture, and your wedding menu here is guaranteed to be amazing. Picture sharing platters of grilled sardines, tender octopus or slow cooked lamb. Followed by rich, creamy pastel de nata (a custard tart! ) for dessert. Fresh and local ingredients in every bite. Pair this with a robust Portuguese wine from regions like Alentejo or Douro, and you and your guests are in for a treat!
Dining in Portugal is more than just eating; it’s a celebration. Your guests will remember the flavours and the way they were shared among friends, family and loved ones. What’s not to love!
Portugal Wedding Venues for Every Style
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Portugal’s diverse landscapes mean you can choose from an extraordinary range of venues to suit your style. Prefer a historic setting? Opt for a centuries-old palace or monastery with grand stone halls. Want something coastal? Picture a cliffside ceremony overlooking the ocean, Portugal truly has it all! Tap here to take a look at some of our favourite venues in The Algarve, Lisbon, Sintra, or Porto!
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TL;DR
Portugal is a dream wedding destination for many couples, and the chance to savour every moment with your closest friends and family is an amazing experience to have in Portugal. With the right timing, a thoughtful planner, and a few well-chosen local touches, your wedding in Portugal is set to be something you won’t forget!
If you’re ready to start planning your own destination wedding in Portugal, Claudia and Co. can help turn the vision in your head into a real-life experience. Ready to start planning? Let’s make magic together!