I don’t know a lot about Portugal beyond the stunning pictures I’ve seen of from this shoot in The Algarve and from friends who have been there on surfing holidays. Recently I got chatting to wedding planner Olivia who made it sound like a dream destination for couples looking for beautiful locations in a warmer climate. Since Olivia knows the country so well, I asked her to write a guest post to share her insider knowledge.
Why Portugal is a Great Destination for Adventurous Couples
Portugal is a traveller’s treasure trove, full of varying landscapes, delicious food and a vibrant aesthetic that is unmatched. As a Portugal wedding planner, I’m fortunate enough to work in this gorgeous country and consistently be scouting for unique locations for my couples. If you are an adventurous, outdoorsy couple, here are just some of the reasons why you should consider eloping or marrying here.
Beaches and Forests and Mountains, Oh My!
So you have probably heard of or been to The Algarve which is by far the most famous and touristy area in all of Portugal. Though the beaches are beautiful in the South, it is much harder to find a quiet spot for an intimate, elopement or engagement shoot. However, there are so many other beaches across the country, from the dry and hot Alentejo to the cosmopolitan Cascais. The perfect beach for you is out there. But perhaps you’re not a beach person and prefer lush green. An 17th Century Portuguese poet once described Portugal as “the garden by the sea”. Yes the sea is a big draw but beyond that, you have a garden of every shapes, size, height and colour. In the fairytale town of Sintra, you have the Sintra-Cascais National Park, which forms a dense mountain of trees all the way out to the coast. In The Alentejo, you have miles and miles golden fields of cork farmland. In the Estremadura regions you have intimate forests and lakes. In the Douro Valley up North, you have rolling vineyards of every shade of green reaching as far as the eye can see. For a natural, outdoor adventure wedding, you are spoilt for choice in Portugal!
The Portuguese are Creatives
Though the local wedding market can be very traditional, there is a large portion of the wedding industry professionals that push the boundaries of their creativity to new heights. You want a multicoloured, structural bouquet for your cliffside elopement? No problem. You want an artsy, editorial photography style for your forest engagement shoot? I have a list as long as my arm. The Portuguese wedding industry is fuelled by leading creatives that will transform your destination wedding into the event of the year. We believe your wedding should reflect your personality through and through; the suppliers here can help you achieve that.
The Rising Star of Europe
Portugal is fast gaining popularity amongst frequent travellers across the world but is very much still the underdog of Europe when it comes to destination wedding locations. In comparison, France, Italy and Malta have a hugely prominent place in the destination market. Whilst Portugal is an up and comer, you can be that unique couple who ventures off of the beaten track for your destination wedding or elopement. Being a rising star also means that prices here are very reasonable for high quality work meaning your budget could stretch further for your big day.
I hope you’ve found this article helpful! If you’d like to know more about getting married or eloping in Portugal, do get in touch with Olivia.
************
Want to see more inspiration from Portugal?
Check out this stunning honeymoon shoot in The Algarve
