A few years ago, destination weddings in Europe followed a pretty predictable script. Tuscany vineyards, Lake Como villas, maybe the South of France if the budget allowed. These places are still beautiful, no one’s denying that, but they’ve also become expensive.

As we look toward 2027, couples are changing the conversation. They still want beauty, atmosphere, and a sense of occasion, but they’re no longer obsessed with the most famous names on the map. Instead, they’re asking smarter questions: Where does our budget actually go? Where will our guests feel spoiled? Where do we get the most experience for the money? That shift has pushed Portugal and Sicily firmly into the spotlight.

These two destinations are becoming leaders in affordable destination weddings in Europe, not because they’re “cheap,” but because they offer real value. You can host multi-day celebrations, book character-filled venues, serve incredible food and wine, and still feel like your wedding is indulgent rather than restrained. For couples planning ahead, Portugal and Sicily are shaping up to be defining 2027 destination trends.

Why 2027 Is the Year of Affordable Luxury Weddings in Europe

Luxury weddings used to mean exclusivity and excess. In 2027, luxury looks different. It’s about space, time, and experience. Couples want welcome dinners that don’t feel rushed, wedding days that flow naturally into the night, and guests who feel like they’re on holiday rather than attending a tightly scheduled event.

One major driver behind this shift is budget awareness. Couples are more informed than ever. They compare costs, read contracts carefully, and question why certain destinations charge premium prices for basic services. As a result, places that once flew under the radar are now gaining serious attention.

Portugal and Sicily fit perfectly into this new mindset. Both destinations offer strong infrastructure for international weddings, experienced vendors, and a culture that values hospitality. At the same time, they’re not burdened by the extreme venue fees, strict noise limits, or inflexible timelines that dominate traditional luxury hotspots.

Europe Wedding Budget Trends for 2027

The average Europe wedding budget for destination celebrations continues to sit roughly between €35,000 and €70,000. The difference in 2027 is how that money is being spent. Instead of pouring most of the budget into venue hire alone, couples are redistributing funds across the guest experience.

Common priorities now include:

• Higher-quality food and wine
• Longer celebrations across multiple days
• Comfortable accommodation and transport for guests
• Meaningful design rather than excessive décor

Portugal and Sicily allow couples to do all of this without constantly trimming their vision. That’s why planners are increasingly steering clients in this direction.

Portugal Weddings – Luxury Without the Tuscany Price Tag

Portugal has quietly built a reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable wedding destinations. It doesn’t shout about itself, and that’s part of the appeal. Often described as a refined Tuscany wedding alternative, Portugal offers historic estates, vineyards, palaces, and dramatic coastlines, but with a calmer, more flexible approach.

One of Portugal’s biggest advantages is accessibility. Lisbon and Porto are well connected, English is widely spoken, and vendors are used to working with international couples. Planning here feels smoother, less confrontational, and more collaborative.

Portugal Wedding Venues You Can’t Ignore

The variety of Portugal wedding venues is impressive. Couples can choose between very different settings without leaving the country.

Popular options include:

• Sintra palaces, surrounded by gardens and misty hills
• Douro Valley quintas, combining vineyards with river views
• Algarve estates, offering clifftop ceremonies and beach access
• Historic monasteries and convents, perfect for timeless celebrations

What couples often appreciate most is flexibility. Many venues allow external catering, extended event hours, and custom layouts. These details make planning easier and often reduce overall costs.

Luxury Wedding Portugal: What You Get for the Cost

A luxury wedding in Portugal doesn’t feel stripped back or basic. Quite the opposite. Catering is consistently strong, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and local wine. Staffing costs are lower than in France or Italy, which means better service ratios and longer event coverage.

Couples often find they can include:

• Live bands or traditional musicians
• Welcome dinners or farewell brunches
• Larger floral installations

Portuguese vendors are high-class professionals:

At wedding agency Dream Weddings Europe, the team transforms each couple’s vision into an unforgettable celebration of love. As a premier wedding planning service, the company specializes in curating bespoke, high-end weddings across Europe’s most enchanting destinations, including Portugal, France, and Italy. Their expertise is rooted in meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every element reflects exceptional elegance and refined sophistication.

Dream Weddings Europe offers exclusive access to majestic castles, private villas, and breathtaking estates, enhanced by strong partnerships with top-tier vendors to deliver a seamless and luxurious experience.

Wedding videographers It’s All About believes that weddings are emotional journeys, filled with intimate moments that deserve to be captured with elegance and authenticity. The team’s passion lies in blending editorial storytelling with an artistic approach, creating visual narratives that feel both timeless and deeply personal.

Every couple’s story is unique, and their approach focuses on elevating these moments through a refined, editorial perspective, while staying true to the genuine emotions that make each wedding day truly extraordinary.

Pedro Filipe Fotografia offers professional wedding photography and videography services. Founded in 2013, the brand is driven by Filipe’s long-standing passion for wedding and travel photography, with a focus on collecting images that transport people back to meaningful moments—those defined by emotion, subtle gestures, and unforgettable places.

As a wedding photographer, Filipe’s mission is to observe and document each celebration with a keen eye and a natural, elegant storytelling style. His goal is to create tangible memories that feel authentic and timeless, preserving the emotions of the day and the presence of loved ones. Capturing a love story in both time and space is, for him, the true magic of wedding photography.

Portugal Wedding Cost Breakdown

For 2027, a realistic Portugal wedding budget looks like this:

For couples focused on affordable destination weddings Europe, Portugal consistently offers one of the strongest cost-to-quality ratios available.

Sicily Weddings – Dramatic, Romantic, and Surprisingly Affordable

Sicily is a destination with personality. It’s bold, imperfect, and deeply emotional. Weddings here don’t feel staged; they feel lived in. That’s exactly why so many couples are now considering it as a serious alternative to more polished Italian destinations.

While Italy as a whole is often associated with high costs, the Sicily wedding cost tells a different story. The island offers extraordinary venues at prices that would be unthinkable in Tuscany or Lake Como.

Sicily Villa Wedding Experience

A Sicily villa wedding is often built around the idea of time together. Many villas offer on-site accommodation, allowing couples to host multi-day celebrations without constant travel or logistics.

Typical villa weddings include:

• A welcome aperitivo by the pool
• A relaxed rehearsal dinner
• The main wedding day with ceremony and dinner on-site

This format not only feels more intimate, but it also helps control costs by reducing transport and rental expenses.

Sicily Wedding Cost: What Couples Should Expect

Sicily remains one of the most affordable regions in Italy for destination weddings. Venue hire often includes accommodation, which already offsets a large portion of the budget.

Typical costs include:

• Venue and accommodation packages starting around €7,000
• Catering from €110–€160 per guest
• Local wine and produce that keep food costs reasonable

The island’s strong agricultural culture means high-quality food without premium pricing, which guests always notice.

Portugal vs Sicily – Which Destination Is Right for You?

Both destinations are excellent value, but they suit different personalities and priorities.

Best Destination Based on Wedding Style

Portugal works well for couples who love clean aesthetics, ocean views, and structured elegance. Sicily suits those who value warmth, texture, and a more relaxed rhythm.

Best Destination Based on Budget

• €30,000: Sicily offers more space and flexibility
• €50,000: Both destinations shine
• €80,000: Portugal delivers elevated luxury without excess

Hidden Gem Venues Europe: Beyond the Obvious Choices

As demand increases, planners are securing hidden gem venues in Europe earlier than ever. In Portugal, regions like Alentejo and inland Douro are gaining attention. In Sicily, inland estates and lesser-known coastal areas offer incredible privacy and pricing.

These venues often provide:

• Multi-day access
• Fewer noise restrictions
• Greater negotiation flexibility

For couples planning a luxury wedding Portugal or a Sicily celebration in 2027, discovering these venues early can make a significant difference.

Planning Tips for Affordable Destination Weddings in Europe

Smart planning matters more than ever. A few practical tips:

• Book key vendors 18–24 months ahead
• Consider symbolic ceremonies for flexibility
• Keep guest lists intentional, not obligatory
• Work with local planners who understand regional pricing

An affordable luxury wedding isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about choosing locations that support your vision instead of fighting it.

Portugal and Sicily represent a new kind of luxury. One that values atmosphere over labels and experience over excess. As couples look ahead to 2027, these destinations stand out not just as beautiful places to marry, but as smart, considered choices.

Whether you’re drawn to Portugal’s calm sophistication or Sicily’s soulful charm, both prove that unforgettable weddings don’t have to come with regret-inducing price tags. With thoughtful planning and early decisions, these destinations allow couples to celebrate fully, generously, and beautifully—exactly how a wedding should feel.

READ MORE: Wedding venues in Portugal: wedding photographer's choice

Author: BRIDELIFESTYLE