Portugal is a small country. You can drive from top to bottom in about seven hours. But in that short drive you go from green hills and old palaces to vineyards, cork forests and golden beaches.
So where should you get married? Here is how I describe each region to the couples I work with. I hope it helps you find yours.
Lisbon: for city lovers
Lisbon is warm, colourful and full of life. Think old tiled buildings, yellow trams, rooftop bars and the river at sunset. It's easy to reach, with direct flights from most of Europe and the US.
A Lisbon wedding can be a small ceremony in a palace garden, then dinner on a terrace with a view over the city. Your guests can explore the city before and after the big day.
Good to know: the old streets are steep and busy. For couple photos, I like to go early in the morning or in the last hour of light, when the city is softer.
Sintra and Cascais: for a touch of magic
Just 30 to 40 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra feels like another world. Forest, misty hills and colourful palaces. Down by the coast, Cascais has the sea, cliffs and a relaxed beach town feel.
Together they give you a bit of everything: forest in the morning, ocean at sunset.
Good to know: Sintra has its own weather. It can be grey and cool when Lisbon is sunny. Always have a plan B for rain.
Comporta and the Alentejo: for slow and simple
South of Lisbon, life slows down. The Alentejo is wide open land, cork trees, white houses and long, quiet beaches. Comporta is famous for its rice fields, wooden walkways and barefoot style.
This is where couples go for a relaxed, natural wedding. Long tables, local wine, no rush.
Good to know: summers inland are very hot. Plan the ceremony for later in the afternoon and give your guests shade.
The Douro Valley: for wine and views
The Douro is about an hour and a half from Porto. It's a valley of terraced vineyards that drop down to a slow, winding river. It's one of the most beautiful places I know.
In September and early October, it's harvest time. The vines turn red and gold, and the whole valley smells of grapes.
Good to know: the roads are long and full of curves. Keep your guests close to the venue, and plan transport for them.
The Algarve: for sun and sea
The Algarve is the south coast of Portugal. Golden cliffs, hidden beaches and over 300 days of sun a year. The east side, around Tavira, is calmer and more traditional. The west is wilder.
It's an easy choice for a beach wedding or a big party by the pool. Faro airport has flights from all over Europe.
Good to know: July and August are busy and hot. May, June and September give you the same sun with more space.
How to choose
Ask yourselves three questions:
What do you want to see in your photos? City, forest, vineyards or sea?
How far will your guests travel? Lisbon and Faro are the easiest to reach.
How do you want the day to feel? Lively and social, or slow and quiet?
There is no wrong answer. I travel all over Portugal, and every region has its own light and its own kind of magic.
Not sure yet where to say yes? Tell me about your plans and I'll share the places I love most.
