With endless sunshine, pristine beaches, and some of Europe’s best cuisine, there’s so much to love about a destination wedding in Portugal. This southern European country is so appealing to couples who love the idea of an elegant beachside wedding or a chic city celebration in Porto or Lisbon. With unique cuisine and wine, a vibrant arts and music scene, and plenty of luxury resorts, it’s easy to see why couples fall in love with Portugal for their romantic wedding day. 

From stunning landscapes to charming venues and resorts, here are some of the best reasons for getting married in Portugal.

1. Stunning landscapes are one of the reasons to get married in Portugal

Why do people get married in Portugal? It’s all about the landscapes! You can find such diverse settings here, such as golden beaches along the Algarve coast, scenic vineyards in the Douro Valley, and historic cities like Lisbon and Porto. Mountainous weddings in the Serra da Estrela, a national park region famed for its biodiversity, would be gorgeous, especially with the dramatic golden sunsets over the hills. 

With such a range of aesthetics and backdrops, just about any ideal wedding works perfectly, from romantic beach ceremonies to rustic chic country or winery celebrations. 

2. You’ll love the wide variety of wedding venue options

The wedding venue options are just as wide-ranging as the landscapes, with couples having so many gorgeous options for elegant, timeless weddings. In Portugal, your wedding will have the natural beauty of the countryside, paired with old-world charm.

Some of the most incredible venues include grand historic palaces like Monserrate Palace in Sintra and rustic quintas (or estates) in the countryside. Plus, plenty of modern beachfront resorts are dotted throughout Portugal, offering contemporary luxury and the highest standard of accommodation for you and your guests. 

No matter which venue you select, we’ll capture elegant, timeless images of your wedding, incorporating elements of Portugal’s architecture and landscapes into your stunning photos. 

3. Why choose Portugal as your wedding destination? The weather is gorgeous all year!

The climate in Portugal is so appealing — with mild temperatures and lots of sunshine, this destination is perfect for outdoor weddings, especially in spring and early autumn. Summer beach weddings are also popular here, giving you such classic and bright wedding photography that you’ll love. 

Even better, the weather in Portugal is almost always reliable. With minimal rain or extreme temperature swings, compared to other areas in Europe, you can plan a romantic outdoor celebration here year-round, as much of the country enjoys mild winters. November and December are the most likely times for rain, but you can always work with your venue to arrange a backup plan, just in case of clouds. 

The pleasant temperatures also mean your wedding guests can enjoy activities like golf, swimming, and hiking before or after your celebrations. 

4. Portugal has a rich and beautiful culture 

If you’re still wondering why you should get married in Portugal, let me introduce you to the food (and wine!). The local food scene, along with the country’s vibrant music and arts culture, means your celebration will be so unique, with plenty of amazing experiences for your guests to enjoy.

Portugal is known for its exceptional wine regions, including Madeira and the Douro Valley, so it would be fun to arrange a private wine tasting before your ceremony. Or, you can serve local wines and Portuguese dishes at your reception, offering attendees an authentic taste of the region! 

In Portugal, you’ll discover fresh seafood, high-pork and meats, and delectable desserts like flan and pastel de natas. 

Or, for another meaningful connection, include fado music as part of your reception. This expressive and emotional music is heard frequently throughout the country and has a strong connection to Portuguese folklore. 

5. Flying in and out of Portugal is easy and accessible 

When planning a destination wedding, it’s important to consider access for your guests — where are they coming from, and how far will they need to travel?

One advantage of a Portuguese wedding is that airline access is very easy from both the US and the UK. The major airports of Lisbon, Porto, and Faro receive multiple flights daily, and from there, it’s easy to arrange an English-speaking driver to take guests to their accommodation, with English also being widely spoken throughout the country.

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So, is Portugal a good place to get married? Absolutely! If you’re ready to book your destination wedding photographer in Portugal, please get in touch — I can’t wait to learn more about your romantic celebration.