11 Unique Places to Elope in Portugal
Portugal is quickly becoming a top destination for weddings and elopements, and it’s easy to see why. Picturesque beaches, centuries-old palaces, delicious food and wine, and the list goes on. No wonder why it’s gotten all the buzz in recent years, and so many couples are looking to elope in Portugal.
There is also something special about Portugal. Something that is hard to put into writing. Portugal comes with its own kind of magic. Maybe it’s the people who are always happy, or the sun that’s always shining. But, if you’ve been here, you’ve felt it. And if not, just ask someone who has, and they will tell you: Portugal is something special.
Okay, you are already convinced! You want to elope in Portugal! But the question is, where?
11 Unique Places to Elope in Portugal
Here are 11of my hand-chosen locations and why. But fair warning, many of the places on this list may not be conventional wedding destinations. But, they are magical!
Elope at Palácio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz
(National Palace and Gardens of Queluz)
Palacio de Quelez is the perfect place for a small and intimate ceremony. Built in the 18th century as a royal residence, the palace offers couples the opportunity to step back in time and experience the richness of Portugal's royal past.
Couples can choose to elope at the French-style gardens with their manicured hedges and ornate fountains , or my personal favorite, front on the palace steps.
I consider the Quelez Palace a bit of a hidden gem. Most people tend to visit other palaces in Lisbon first, such as the Palace of Pena. Therefore, it’s relatively quiet with low foot traffic, especially during the winter season.
Palacio de Quelled is also centrally located and close to Lisbon, Sintra, and Cascias, making it an ideal location.
Travel time via car from:
Lisbon: 25 min
Sintra: 20 min
Cascais: 25 Min
Faro District: 3 Hours
Elope in Portugal at Palacio de Monserrate
(Park and Palace of Monserrate)
Surrounded by lush gardens featuring a diverse array of exotic plants and trees from around the world, this 19th-century palace exudes a sense of botanical wonder and romantic allure.
Its distinctive blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Indian, and Moorish influences, creates a captivating backdrop for exchanging vows and celebrating your love.
What sets the Palácio de Monserrate apart as a great place to elope in Portugal is its unparalleled beauty and historical significance.
The palace's intricate details, such as its ornate arches, colorful tiles, and intricately carved stonework, offer couples a visually stunning setting for their special day.
No matter where you decide to say “I do”, one thing’s for sure: The background will be gorgeous, and your elopement in Portugal will be one for the books.
Travel time via car from:
Lisbon: 45 min
Sintra: 15 min
Cascais: 30 Min
A Berlengas Elopement
Berlengas is an archipelago located off the coastal town of Peniche in Portugal. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty, rugged cliffs, crystalline waters, and pristine beaches.
It is also a designated nature reserve, home to diverse marine life and seabird colonies. Berlengas is a bit off the beaten path as far as wedding destinations in Portugal are concerned, but it’s also why I love it.
When it comes to getting on the island, it takes a bit of advance planning. (That’s where I come in). It is only accessible by boat from Peniche, and only a certain amount of people are permitted on the island each day.
Overall, Berlengas is a great place to elope in Portugal if you are seeking adventure, snorkeling, diving, and exploring the island's caves and rock formations.
Pro tip: If you plan far enough in advance, you may even snag a room at the Berlengas Bed and Breakfast and wake up in the same place you said “I do”.
Travel time via car to Peniche (where you catch the boat) from:
Lisbon: 1.5 hours
Porto: 2.5 hours
Faro District: 3.5 hours
Elope in Monsanto, Portugal
If you want a really unique experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Monsanto may be the ideal place to elope in Portugal.
This town offers a unique blend of tourist and local life. But it’s most known for its iconic stone houses built into the rugged terrain.
With its breathtaking views, this ancient village provides a gorgeous backdrop for intimate ceremonies.
View from Petiscos & Granitos. A restaurant in Monsanto, Portugal.
There are a couple of places I recommend here for either dinner, the ceremony, or both.
They are Petiscos & Granitos and Adega Tipicca O cruzeiro.
The views and sunsets here are unmatched!
Travel time via car from:
Lisbon: 3 hours
Porto: 3.5 hours
Faro District: 5 hourrs
Elope in Portugal at Praia da Ursa
Ursa Beach beckons to the adventurous couple with its awe-inspiring beauty and rugged charm!
Renowned for its dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and striking rock formations, this beach offers a breathtaking backdrop for couples seeking an unforgettable experience.
It’s not an easy trek up and down the mountains, but if you thrive on exploring steep and rocky paths, Ursa Beach is tailor-made for you.
Alternatively, for those who prefer not to hike down to the beach, there are captivating cliffside viewpoints overlooking Ursa Beach, make it an idyllic spot for a beach elopement in Portugal.
Travel time via car from:
Lisbon: 45 min
Sintra: 30 min
Cascais: 30 min
Faro District: 3.5 hours
A Praia da Marinha Elopement
Known for its striking beauty, Praia da Marinha boasts towering limestone cliffs, golden sands, and crystalline turquoise waters, creating a picturesque location to elope in Portugal.
The impressive rock formations and hidden sea caves add an element of intrigue and romance to this picturesque beach. What sets Praia da Marinha apart as an elopement destination is not just its stunning scenery, but also its sense of seclusion and intimacy.
If you are planning to elope in Portugal during the summer, I will tell you, Praia da Marinha can get packed. Especially if you are looking to exchange vows at the famous Benejui caves, one of the most famous attractions in the elopearve.
Travel time via car from:
Lisbon: 2.5 hours
Faro District: 1 Hour
Porto: 5 Hours
Elope in Colares Portugal at Azenhas do Mar
Perched majestically on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Azenhas do Mar exudes beauty and charming ambiance.
The village is characterized by its white painted houses clinging to the cliffside, offering stunning panoramic views of the sea below.
One of the most striking features of Azenhas do Mar is its natural swimming pool, carved into the rocks and filled with seawater during high tide.
The entire town of Colares is also beautiful and quaint. It attracts visitors year-round yet still gives the feel of a small coastal town.
Travel time via car from:
Lisbon: 1 hour
Porto: 3 hours
Faro District: 3 hours
Elope in Portugal at Amarante
Amarante is a charming town located in northern Portugal, nestled along the banks of the Tâmega River in the district of Porto. This picturesque village is known for its tranquility, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to elope in Portugal.
You won’t see too many weddings here, but that’s what makes it special. And if you are a foodie, you will love this place beach Amarante is famous for its gastronomy, with local restaurants serving up traditional Portuguese dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
It is also famous for its stunning bridge, the Ponte de São Gonçalo, which spans the Tâmega River and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Travel time via car from:
Lisbon: 3.5 hours
Faro District: 5.5 Hours
Porto: 45 min
A Douro Valley Elopement
If you are a wine lover, the Douro Valley is the perfect destination to elope in Portugal. What set’s it apart is its tranquil atmosphere and sense of seclusion.
Like many other locations on this list, couples can escape to this peaceful haven and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Whether exchanging vows amidst the vineyards, overlooking the river from a scenic viewpoint, or aboard a traditional rabelo boat cruising along the Douro, couples have endless options for creating intimate and memorable moments together.
Travel time via car from:
Lisbon: 3.5 hours
Faro District: 5.5 Hours
Porto: 1.5 Hours
Elope in Madeira , Portugal
Madeira, an adventurer's paradise, offers couples an array of hiking trails winding through lush forests, along stunning coastlines, and up to mountain peaks, including the island’s unique levadas (man-made pathways).
For adrenaline seekers, Madeira provides canyoning, rock climbing, surfing, and paragliding, while its clear waters offer excellent snorkeling, scuba diving, and whale watching opportunities.
Its rugged coastline boasts towering cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches makes it an ideal location to elope in Portugal.
Açores (Azores)
The Azores offers couples the perfect elopement destination with its idyllic weather year-round, making it suitable for couples worldwide.
With stunning natural beauty including hiking trails, volcanoes, rainforests, and scenic beaches on every island, the Azores promises breathtaking views both on land and underwater for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.
As a remote and peaceful destination, especially on less developed islands, couples can enjoy privacy amidst nature, creating an intimate and unforgettable elopement experience.
Getting to Madeira and the Azores:
The best way to get there is by flight. Several major airlines offer direct flights from various European cities such as Lisbon, Porto, London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. Additionally, there are seasonal flights from other international destinations.
Come to Portugal!
From the cosmopolitan charm of Lisbon to the quaint villages of the Algarve and the remote islands of Madeira and the Azores, Portugal's allure as a top wedding destination lies in its ability to offer couples a truly magical and unforgettable wedding experience.
And if you need someone to help plan and photograph your elopement, I'm your girl.
I will be by your side from start to finish, ensuring you get a 5 star experience…..and photographs.
See you here!