Portugal destination wedding advice for 40-60 guests - Budget/venue recommendations?
Hi everyone! My partner and I are looking into a destination wedding, and we’re considering Portugal. I’m just starting the process and would love any recommendations/advice from other brides who have gone through it 😊
We’re thinking around 40–60 guests with a rough budget of ~$20–30k USD total (not including engagement ring, wedding bands, dress, or wedding attire). I'm not sure if this is realistic for Portugal, so would love honest feedback there too. We’d also be open to doing a weekday wedding.
A few things we’re looking for:
- coastal venues or places within driving distance to the beach
- Lisbon/Cascais/Ericeira/Algarve areas, but open to anywhere in Portugal
- relaxed, intimate vibe (not super luxury palace, but also not overly rustic)
- possibly a villa/quinta-style celebration with accommodations where everyone can hang out for the weekend
So far, I’ve started reaching out to a few venues but am still waiting to hear back regarding more detailed pricing/packages. We also currently have tours set up for Solar de Pancas, Quinta da Conceição, and Quinta da Bichinha when we visit in August.
Would love:
- venue recommendations
- planner/vendor recs
- photographer/florist/catering experiences
- insight into actual budgets and what things ended up costing
- any surprise fees or hidden costs you didn’t initially think about (transportation, rentals, staffing, sound restrictions, taxes/VAT, etc.)
We’re still very open to the celebration format, so would also love to hear if anyone has experience with either of the options below and any pros/cons to consider:
- a full quinta/venue buyout with accommodations where everyone stays together for the weekend, or
- a one-day wedding where guests stay at nearby hotels/Airbnbs instead.
- renting a large vacation house/villa (Airbnb or VRBO that allows wedding events) and having a more intimate ceremony/celebration there
Very excited to start the planning process and would truly appreciate any advice, recommendations, or experiences you’re willing to share 🤍