So, you’re thinking about getting married in Portugal? Fantastic choice! This country has it all—golden beaches, fairy-tale castles, sun-drenched vineyards, and let’s not forget the port wine (which, let’s be honest, is reason enough to celebrate). But before you start dreaming about saying “I do” against the backdrop of a stunning Atlantic sunset, let’s talk budget.
Many couples wonder: how much does a wedding in Portugal cost? The answer? Well, it depends. You can have a simple and intimate elopement for €3,000, a beautiful mid-sized wedding for around €15,000 – €30,000, or go all out with a luxury affair that can hit €50,000+. The key is knowing where to save and where to splurge—and that’s exactly what we’re diving into today!
How Much Does a Wedding in Portugal Cost? 💰
To make things easy, here’s a quick breakdown of wedding costs in Portugal based on different wedding styles:
Wedding Type |
Guest Count |
Estimated Cost (€) |
What’s Included? |
Elopement 💑 |
2-10 |
3,000 – 10,000 |
Venue, officiant, photography, small dinner |
Mid-Sized Wedding 🎉 |
50-100 |
15,000 – 30,000 |
Venue, catering, music, photography, flowers |
Luxury Wedding ✨ |
100+ |
40,000+ |
Premium venue, full decor, entertainment, gourmet catering |
Of course, location plays a huge role in your budget. Let’s talk about some of Portugal’s most magical wedding spots and what they’ll cost you.
Top Wedding Locations in Portugal & Their Costs
🌆 Lisbon: The Chic Capital
If you want history, elegance, and urban charm, Lisbon is perfect. With pastel-colored palaces, grand cathedrals, and rooftop terraces with sweeping ocean views, it’s a dream come true.
📍 Venue Idea: Palácio de Xabregas – a stunning 16th-century palace for a royal-like wedding.
💰 Average venue cost: €5,000 – €15,000
🏰 Sintra: A Fairytale Wedding Wonderland
Sintra is straight out of a storybook—rolling hills, mystical forests, and magical palaces that make you feel like Cinderella.
📍 Venue Idea: Tivoli Palácio de Seteais – a romantic 18th-century palace.
💰 Average venue cost: €7,000 – €20,000
Pro Tip: The misty mornings in Sintra create the most ethereal wedding photos!
🍷 Porto: Wine & Romance by the Douro River
For wine lovers (or just lovers of a good time), Porto’s vineyards and old-world charm are hard to beat.
📍 Venue Idea: The Yeatman – a luxury wine hotel with breathtaking views.
💰 Average venue cost: €6,000 – €18,000
🏖 The Algarve: Oceanfront Wedding Paradise
If you dream of saying “I do” with your toes in the sand, the Algarve’s dramatic cliffs and endless beaches are perfect.
📍 Venue Idea: Vila Vita Parc – a 5-star resort with stunning ocean views.
💰 Average venue cost: €5,000 – €25,000
🌿 Madeira: Island Romance in the Atlantic
For a wedding with tropical vibes, lush gardens, and mountain views, Madeira is a secret paradise.
📍 Venue Idea: Quinta do Furão – a stunning clifftop venue with panoramic ocean views.
💰 Average venue cost: €4,000 – €12,000
Where Does the Wedding Budget Go? 🎯
Here’s a rough budget breakdown so you know where your money will actually go:
- 🏰 Venue & Catering (50%) → €5,000 – €25,000
- 📸 Photography & Videography (15%) → €1,500 – €6,000
- 🎶 Music & Entertainment (10%) → €1,000 – €4,000
- 🌸 Flowers & Decor (10%) → €800 – €3,500
- 👗 Dress & Suit (5%) → €1,000 – €4,000
- 🎂 Cake & Desserts (3%) → €500 – €1,500
- 📝 Legal & Planning Fees (5%) → €1,000 – €3,000
- 🚗 Transportation & Accommodation (7%) → €1,500 – €5,000
5 Money-Saving Tips for Your Wedding in Portugal 🤑
1️⃣ Get Married in the Off-Season
Portugal is gorgeous all year round, but getting married in April-May or September-October can save you thousands on venues and vendors.
2️⃣ Consider a Weekday Wedding
Many venues offer discounts for weekday weddings because weekends get booked fast!
3️⃣ Use Local Wine & Cuisine
Forget overpriced imported champagne—Portugal’s wines are world-class and budget-friendly! Also, opt for local seafood and traditional dishes to cut catering costs.
4️⃣ Find an All-Inclusive Venue
Venues that include catering and decor can save you the hassle (and money) of hiring separate vendors.
5️⃣ Book a Photographer Who Knows Portugal Well 😉
A local or experienced destination wedding photographer knows the best locations, hidden gems, and how to get the perfect shots in Portuguese light (hint hint – that’s me!).
Final Thoughts – And Finding the Best Photographer for Your Portugal Wedding 😉
Portugal is one of the most magical wedding destinations in the world. And while planning the budget is crucial, your wedding photos are what will last forever.
✨ If you’re looking for a photographer who knows the best hidden spots, the dreamiest golden-hour settings, and how to capture the real emotions of your big day, let’s chat!
💌 Explore my portfolio here
💰 Check out my photo packages here
📩 Ready to book? Reach out to me here
Let’s make your Portugal wedding unforgettable! ✨