Portugal is widely considered one of the most beautiful places in Europe. It boasts a diverse landscape, from stunning coastlines and golden beaches to picturesque countryside, historic cities, charming villages, and scenic vineyards, which means there is no shortage of stunning wedding venues to choose from.

Before diving into all the wonderful wedding venues Portugal has to offer, we will touch on some practical aspects of weddings in Portugal. As a studio working on two distinct areas like photography and floral design, Branco Prata combined their knowledge and insights and kindly shared them with us.

Destination wedding in Portugal

Branco Prata believes the best part about Portugal is that anything is possible, from an elopement to a grand wedding, here you will find the perfect wedding venue and the right team for what you envision. Big or small, laid back or luxurious, Portugal can make it happen! As insiders, they can tell that teams here are always looking for exciting new projects to take their creativity to the next level.

When talking about wedding services and vendors in Portugal, Branco Prata explains that in Portugal, they have an array of incredible wedding vendors, from venues to floral designers, from photographers to videographers, wedding planners to make-up artists. They are lucky to know and work with many of them, so they would recommend choosing Portugal as your wedding destination.

Portugal is fast becoming a favourite destination wedding location, so many wedding vendors and creatives are used to working with foreign couples who choose Portugal as their wedding destination. Considering financial aspects, price ranges can vary a lot depending on what’s needed for a particular destination wedding and custom offers are also very popular among wedding vendors.

The best time to get married in Portugal

The best time to get married in Portugal largely depends on your personal preferences and the type of wedding experience you desire. Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate, and the weather can vary throughout the year. As Branco Prata explains, the best time to get married in Portugal is from May to October. Although late July and August can be really hot, they would choose between May, June, September and October. If you’re looking for a truly extraordinary experience, fall is magical in Portugal, the scenery is changing into more golden colours, and the light is exquisite.

As with most destinations, as soon as the date is set and the destination is chosen, Branco Prata suggests just starting planning. Summer months are very popular in Portugal, so as soon as the date is set, it’s best to make sure the preferred vendors are contacted to guarantee they still have availability. Making sure there is enough time to design every event in the most personalized way is always important.

Branco Prata believes everything is possible, but if you have more time, they would say to take at least 6 months to plan everything so that you can enjoy the whole experience of a destination wedding stress-free.

Wedding venues in Portugal – recommended by Branco Prata

When talking about destination weddings in Portugal, people always tend to think of Lisbon and Sintra (which are beautiful), but Branco Prata always feels that there are so many more gems in Portugal. There are exquisite venues (very different from region to region) that truly reflect the miscellaneous overall aesthetic that Portugal has to offer. The Douro region or Alentejo are two of their favourite areas to work. These regions are quite distinct, and there’s so much to do to keep guests entertained throughout the wedding weekend.

Douro region

Resting atop a hill, Six Senses Douro Valley is a 19th-century manor that offers breathtaking views of vine-clad terraces and the gentle flow of the Douro River below. Meticulously restored, its modern interiors blend the region’s heritage with Six Senses’ design ethos. Amidst flourishing gardens and vineyards lie spacious and cosy rooms, suites, and villas, complemented by delectable seasonal cuisine and exquisite local wines.

At Quinta Nova, guests experience the ambience of a grand Portuguese family residence amid the stunning scenery of the Douro River’s 1.5 km stretch. The true luxury lies in the historical charm of the manor, nestled beside the original winery dating back to 1764. Its unique allure is enhanced by historic vine terraces, including a quaint chapel, while the thoughtfully designed communal areas provide a sophisticated and inviting space for guests to unwind, savour exquisite wines, and indulge in delicious food at Terraçu’s restaurant, where an attentive and knowledgeable team ensures an excellent dining experience.

The Hotel Monverde originated from the vineyards of Quinta da Lixa, driven by conversations, inspirations, and aspirations. Originally envisioned as a big house for wine-loving friends, it evolved into a true reflection of our passion for wine, nature, and the mysteries that surround it. Their goal is to offer guests an unforgettable experience, engaging all their senses within the vineyard, wine, grape varieties, and the breathtaking landscape, and we extend a heartfelt invitation to embark on this unique expedition, promising a desire to return.

More than just a hotel, Quinta de Ventozelo is a transformed farm that preserves the warm essence of a Douro home, embracing all who visit, whether for work, passing through, or for an extended stay. The offer ranges from individual activities and brief visits to a comprehensive experience tailored for those seeking an extended stay, with the various buildings of the Quinta thoughtfully renewed to preserve their original features and respect the existing landscape.

The Octant Hotels' architectural design and location harmoniously integrate with the surrounding landscape, offering an escape from reality. Founded on environmental concerns, the structure blends seamlessly with nature, boasting a sustainable garden for fresh herbs and beehives, providing delightful honey for guests. From the building to the outdoor pools and river dock, human construction merges gracefully with the river and mountains creating a constant immersion in the natural environment, making the Octant Douro a distinctive and artistic hotel in an ongoing dialogue with the river and valley.

Alentejo

For over two centuries, the Hotel São Lourenço do Barrocal estate has remained within the same family. A restored ancient farming village, now a remarkable hotel offering understated luxury amidst holm oaks, olive groves, and vineyards. In Alentejo, the profound sense of belonging to the vast land fosters an intimate feeling of being at home, making the farm and its landscape truly yours.

Emerging from its close bond with unspoiled nature, the Herdade da Malhadinha Nova estate boasts a world of modernity, charm, and refinement, artfully combining contemporary elements with ancient Alentejo traditions and rural authenticity. Comprising six distinct housing units, the spaces prioritize privacy, exclusivity, and luxury, featuring a blend of original artisanal creations like handmade chairs, estate-sourced willow and stones, and local marble, alongside renowned Portuguese and international designer pieces from Olaio, Vista Alegre, Marcel Wanders, Alvar Aalto, Agape, Philippe Starck, Charles & Ray Eames, and Mariano Fortuny.

L'and Vineyards is more than just a hotel; it's an exclusive retreat featuring 32 Suites and Pool Villas that seamlessly blend modern architecture with the beauty of nature, offering a serene atmosphere of understated luxury and tranquillity. Nestled in the heart of Alentejo, the property boasts a picturesque landscape with vineyards, oak and olive orchards, complemented by a harmonious architectural design by Promontório, elegant interiors by Márcio Kogan, and captivating artwork by Michael Biberstein, all set against the backdrop of the medieval Montemor castle.

Herdade do Freixo, covering 300 hectares in the tranquil village of Freixo, northwest of Redondo Municipality and protected under the Municipal Ecological Reserve regime, presents a picturesque landscape with varied colours, relief, and textures shaped by agricultural activities like cattle grazing, arable crops, and cork oak areas under environmental protection. This serene paradise, characterized by a deep respect for nature, serves as a seasonal habitat for migratory species and the rare Black Stork, a remarkable sight in Portugal's less disturbed and isolated regions while ancient olive trees grace the Estate, telling stories of hundreds or thousands of years of history, showcasing their resilience and magnificence.

Fita Preta combines history and modernity with a winery established in the early 2000s and a 14th- century palace on their estates. The perfect blend of culture and modernization, the palace has been adapted over time, retaining traditional elements while accommodating contemporary needs. Rooted in deep cultural traditions, their wines mirror the character of both the region and its rich heritage.

Embark on a journey to explore the Palácio da Bacalhoa, which holds the historical significance of dating back to the founders of the Avis dynasty. As time has passed, the palace has been adorned with exquisite Portuguese hand-painted tiles from the XV and XVI centuries, displaying captivating Moorish designs and featuring a charming lakeside house. Inside and out, you will encounter remarkable pieces from the private art collection, while strolling through the gardens and vineyards will lead you to the lakeside house, home to the oldest dated painted tile in Portugal.

Author: Renāte Berga

Floral Design & Styling and Photography studio: Branco Prata