wedding in portugal, cassia thomas weddings

Are you looking for a sunny, vibrant, and full-of-history destination for your big day? Then, you should consider Portugal. The country offers options for all tastes and pleasant weather during most of the year. So, let’s get to know the best wedding venues in Portugal!

Commonly Asked Questions About Weddings in Portugal

How much is it to have a wedding in Portugal?

Above all, values might vary from city to city, but also on the number of guests. Talk to us and get to know our fees for weddings in Europe.

How long do you have to be in Portugal before getting married?

Our team organizes everything before the couples get to the destination, but I usually recommend that they get there at least a week in advance to check the last details.

Can I legally marry in Portugal?

Foreign couples must go to a Civil Registry to start the marriage process. It is necessary to present:
– Identification documents;
– Birth certificate issued following the law of your country;
– Certificate of matrimonial capacity, issued by the authorities;
– Certificates and documents that are not written in English, French, or Spanish must be accompanied by a certified translation into Portuguese.

How do I plan a wedding in Portugal?

First, you have to hire a local wedding planner, like Cassia Thomas. This professional will be in charge of planning every detail, helping you choose the best venues and vendors. The wedding planner will also be in charge to help you with your budget and the setting.

What are Portuguese weddings like?

Portuguese weddings usually focus a lot on gastronomy, since it is one of their specialties. So, expect to have a reception with great food. Also, as it is a Catholic country, it’s very common to have Church ceremonies – but, of course, that is not mandatory. Weddings in Portugal are also really fun and they can last for hours.

Commonly Asked Questions About Wedding Venues in Portugal

How far in advance should I book a wedding venue in Portugal?

For a stress-free wedding planning experience, it is advised to book your wedding venue at least one year in advance.

Are English-speaking staff available at wedding venues in Portugal?

At Portuguese wedding venues, there is typically someone who speaks English. If the venue doesn’t provide this service, rest assured that we have team members fluent in Portuguese who can facilitate translation for you.

What is the average cost of wedding venues in Portugal?

Answering this question can be challenging as prices can vary between venues. Additionally, factors such as the number of guests and the wedding date can influence costs. Let’s have a conversation so I can better understand the type of wedding you envision, and then I can recommend suitable venues and provide pricing information.

Do wedding venues in Portugal offer accommodation for guests?

It truly varies depending on the venue. However, both Tivoli Palácio Seteais Sintra Hotel and Quinta da Bella Vista, which I recommend in this blog post, provide accommodations for guests.

Where to get married: wedding venues in Portugal

Portugal offers options to suit every preference. For those envisioning a Catholic wedding ceremony, the country boasts numerous stunning historical churches.

Alternatively, if an outdoor wedding aligns with your style, consider choosing a Quinta, a rural property featuring historic manors and palaces across continental Portugal. The country also presents magnificent vineyards, ideal for commemorating your special day. And don’t forget to indulge in their renowned Port Wines!

For lovers of the sea, Portugal is a haven for beach weddings. You can host charming ceremonies in picturesque locations such as Cascais, Algarve, or the Azores Islands.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, consider some of Portugal’s luxurious hotels as your venue of choice.

Lastly, Portugal is home to two famous rivers: the Tagus, visible from Lisbon, and the Douro, located in the North, easily accessible from Porto, for instance. Consider celebrating your wedding on a boat along one of these rivers for a unique experience.

Regions to celebrate weddings in Portugal

Weddings in Lisbon

The sunny capital of Portugal is a place where modernity and the antique live side by side. Above all, this vibrant city offers all types of venues for your weddings – by land, sea, or river. In its surroundings, you can find lovely Quintas. Downton, you have charming hotels and both modern and classic venues to celebrate.

Weddings in Sintra

If you are looking for gorgeous views – this is the right place! Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is full of hills, but at the same time, you can enjoy great sea views from here. You can also see some of the most famous attractions in Portugal like Palácio da Pena, Quinta da Regaleira and Castelo dos Mouros.

Weddings in Cascais

Located close to Lisbon, this top luxury destination is perfect if you want to celebrate a beach wedding in great style. There, you find top-notch restaurants and hotels for your big day. You can choose to celebrate your wedding barefoot or just with a gorgeous sea view.

Weddings in Porto

Just like Lisbon, this city is good for all tastes: Quintas, luxury hotels, boats, modern/classic wedding venues, and so on.

Weddings in Douro Valley

Along the Douro extension, you can find some charming boutique hotels for your destination wedding in Portugal. Also, some vineyards are just perfect for events.

Luxury wedding venues in Portugal

Here are my top two preferred wedding venues for getting married in Portugal. Check it out:

Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais

Located in Sintra, this romantic palace will take you back to the elegance and atmosphere of the XVIII century. Here, you’ll be able to celebrate your ceremony in their lush gardens, while you enjoy its spectacular views of the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace.

For your ceremony, you can do it on the outside terrace, with a view of the gardens, the pool, and the lemon trees. And don’t worry about the rain – they have a covered area to protect you and your guests from wind and rain.

On the other hand, if you want to celebrate your wedding indoors for up to 120 guests, the best option to do it is at the Seteais Restaurant. Its ambiance is full of frescos and paintings. Also, they offer a superb view of the gardens and mountains.

If you are looking forward to entertaining your guests during your destination wedding, the hotel offers some unique experiences like next morning brunch, horse-drawn carriage rides, a picnic in the mountains, a helicopter ride over the coast, or guided visits around the castles and palaces of Sintra.

Quinta da Bella Vista

Formerly the property of the famous British writer and father of “Sherlock Holmes,” Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle, this venue is set on Rua Barbosa du Bocage,  the old magical road of Sintra that links most of the palaces. As its name says (“Bela Vista” means “Nice views”), it offers gorgeous views of the sea and the Sintra hills.  

You can celebrate your ceremony in its lush gardens in Sintra. And your reception will look great at the Garden Theater or the Adega in the Palacio.

If you want to be together with your guests during your wedding weekend, Quinta da Bela Vista can accommodate up to 30 people.

What about a welcome pool party? The property features two swimming pools with an underwater sound system, surrounded by very comfortable sun lounging areas with unhindered expanded ocean sunset views and with cozy fire pits and Adirondack chairs.

If you are looking forward to taking some gorgeous photos, the views in the evenings are enhanced by the nicely illuminated Palacio Monserrate in the foreground.

When to get married in Portugal?

First of all, Portugal usually has mild weather, so it is possible to celebrate it at different times. However, Summer/Spring is the main choice of most couples. If you decided to have your wedding during these seasons, make sure to book everything in advance to get the best vendors.

Portugal wedding planner

If you are looking forward to doing your wedding in Portugal, the wedding planner Cassia Thomas is willing to help you create a fully personalized experience. Also, don’t forget to check out our Instagram to see our site inspections in Portugal.

Portugal wedding packages 2024 & 2025

If you are getting married in Portugal, make sure to hire a wedding planner that knows all of your tastes and that can provide a unique experience. If you are looking for something more personalized, then Cassia Thomas can offer you the best options and vendors to provide an exceptional celebration.