Ask The Experts: The Best Destinations for Weddingmoons in Portugal

The phenomenon of combining both the ‘I Dos’ of the wedding day with the venture of the honeymoon, a weddingmoon, is the perfect way to create a more efficient way to get hitched. Reduce the stress of planning by seamlessly blending the two main events of the wedding season.

Portugal is a haven of beach bliss, with cities displaying quintessential European charm and sunlit countryside landscapes. The wealth of resorts and range of weddings that could unfold in the Western gem of Europe are endless. Here are some top picks for combining a wedding and honeymoon, in Portugal.

photo by Matt and Lena Photography.– full wedding here

The Algarve

The southernmost part of Portugal, the Algarve, is home to a sublime coastline, charming towns, and a pleasant Mediterranean climate. With beaches like the award-winning soft sands of Praia de Marinha, the south coast of the country is perfect for a beach retreat wedding and a honeymoon spent lazing in the sunshine and delving into relaxed living. Despite its known popularity, the sands of Praia de Marinha are often secluded, and there is minimal commercial development in and around the waters. For an unplugged paradise-feel wedding, you can’t get a more perfect beach aisle than the golden sands here.

Quaint towns like Lagos, Tavira, and Albufeira offer charming cobblestone streets and a vibrant heritage and local culture. Get stunning photography of you both freshly married, hand-in-hand, within the quaint surroundings of the local Portuguese lifestyle. As the honeymoon commences, explore the region’s various attractions and indulge in the classic Portuguese cuisine of fresh seafood and local wines. Consider the vast portfolio of accommodations, from five-star resorts to locally owned boutique properties, that can cater to the romantic holiday you’re ready for. Enjoy days relaxing at spas and exploring the azure coastline and sea caves on sublime boat tours. Ensure to return home with a sun-kissed glow from your stay and so many memories to share from your Portuguese wedding and honeymoon.

Photo by Jo Kassis

Porto

For a city-break destination wedding, the stunning architecture, rich history, and charming atmosphere of Porto are the perfect romantic getaway. A kaleidoscope of colour scatters the streets in the form of colourful façades, so enjoy the monochrome wedding attire being backed by the wealth of creativity and design. The silhouettes of the bride and groom are sure to make for spectacular photographs for the mantelpiece back home. If the soon-to-be married couple are book lovers, Porto has one of the most globally renowned bookshops, Livaria Lello. Either intertwine the big day here or spend honeymoon mornings browsing the titles together.

Transport wedding guests by boat on the Douro River to give everyone an arrival to remember. This is also a relaxing way to marvel at the city from a different perspective and soak in the lush views of its character and charm. Delve into the infamous port production of the city, taste your way through ambient port wine cellars, and even include the tipple with a toast on the big day. Porto has a glorious culinary scene of local dishes and also fine-dining restaurants. Research all your top picks to craft the perfect honeymoon itinerary of indulging your way through the city together.

Image by Tim Chelius

Lisbon Coast

The capital city, for a reason, is where you can intertwine a beach break with a city getaway! Surrounded by nearby coastal areas and littered with more colourful façades of such intricate detail, there is a wealth to see and do for newlyweds and wedding guests alike. Spend a honeymoon sampling your way through the wide range of delicacies selling the infamous Portuguese pastéis de natas (custard tarts) and ascending up the cobblestone street lined with boutique shopping and eatery districts. Visit the iconic Belém Tower for a picture-perfect monument the newlyweds can silhouette against, before spending days relaxing by the seafront and reminiscing about the perfect day.

On the big day itself, consider luxury Portugal villa holiday rentals for the perfect venue. Perhaps indulge in an intimate wedding, where all guests can stay together in properties including private infinity pools towering over the lush Lisbon coastline below. Contemporary interiors make for the perfect wedding backdrop and the most authentic destination wedding ‘alter’. If it’s a hillside home, even consider saying ‘I Do’ at the time of sunset. Stand hand-in-hand, lit by the golden orange of the falling sun as it oozes into the horizon. Sure to create an idyllic summer wedding to remember.

Image by Leonhard Niederwimmer

Madeira

The Portuguese-owned island of Madeira, just off the mainland, is a stunning choice for a wedding amid rolling hills and well-kept gardens. Spend the honeymoon strolling through the capital’s streets of Funchal and exploring the vibrant market scene by sampling locally made produce and favourite fruits. There is also a botanical garden in the capital, which would be a beautiful venue for nature-enthusiast couples to get married. Say ‘I Do’ within the Jarim Botânico and be bordered with stunning plants and a view over the city and harbour. Why not embark on a romantic cable car ride over the city? Enjoy one-on-one time after the anticipation has unfolded and take newlywed behind-the-scenes style snaps’ together, overlooking the cityscape below.

Photo by Eva Bronzini

Vilamoura

A region within the Algarve landscape, Vilamoura is home to stunning beaches, luxury accommodation options and a vibrant nightlife scene. It’s a relatively small town that enjoys a hot Mediterranean climate and mild winters, ideal for a sunny wedding day. With a buzzing marina that’s one of the largest in Europe, this boat dock is the perfect place for wedding photos and quintessential Portuguese dining for you and your guests. Including the Victoria Golf Course, the town is renowned for its golf scene that the groom party can ensure before the big day, while the hens spend days before lazing on golden sands, topping up the perfect big-day tan!

When it comes to honeymooning, the town is known for several luxury resorts with elegant rooms, serene spas and views of pristine golf courses and the seascapes beyond. Enjoy morning coffees as newlyweds on a balcony overlooking the seaside beauty and revisit the joys that came with the big day.

Photo by Peter Idowu

Portugal’s portfolio of lush greenery, golden sands and vibrant city life, makes it the perfect destination for a combined wedding and honeymoon celebration. Say ‘I Do’ beneath sunlit skies and bask in the glory of the relaxed Portuguese way. The perfect place to welcome in married life!

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