My top 10 best wedding venues in Portugal for 2025 for intimate weddings
As a photographer focused on shooting intimate weddings I want to share with you some of the wedding venues that, in my opinion, are not only one of the best venues to get married but also venues that fit my photographing style.
1. La Distillerie, Lisbon - A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Lisbon
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Lisbon, La Distillerie is a sophisticated venue that combines modern elegance with industrial charm. Once an old perfume factory, this boutique venue has been thoughtfully restored, offering a one-of-a-kind backdrop for couples seeking an intimate, stylish, and unforgettable wedding experience in Portugal.
Why La Distillerie is Perfect for Intimate Weddings:
Elegant & Minimalist Design: With its whitewashed walls, original concrete floors, and curated vintage pieces, La Distillerie offers a clean, modern aesthetic that allows every detail of your wedding to really stand out
Versatile Space: Ideal for smaller guest counts (up to 80 people), the venue can be tailored to your vision—whether you’re planning a chic cocktail-style reception or a romantic candlelit dinner.
Centrally Located: Just minutes from Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods and iconic viewpoints, it's a dream location for destination wedding photos.
Curated Experience: The team at La Distillerie works closely with couples to create custom experiences, making it an ideal match for those who want a highly personalized wedding day.
Thinking About Getting Married at La Distillerie?
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Lisbon and love the modern, understated feel of La Distillerie, I’d be honored to photograph your celebration. My approach is calm, intentional, and focused on capturing moments that feel real, from the energy of the city to the quiet in-between scenes.
Let’s make something beautiful together.
👉 Get in touch here
📸 See more of my work on Instagram: @gustavosimoesphoto
2. Santa Clara 1728 – Understated Elegance in Lisbon's Historic Heart
Tucked away in Lisbon’s enchanting Alfama district, Santa Clara 1728 is a refined sanctuary that redefines luxury through simplicity and soul. This 18th-century palace-turned-boutique-hotel offers an intimate, design-forward setting that’s ideal for couples who value authenticity, calm, and deep aesthetic beauty on their wedding day.
Why Santa Clara 1728 is Ideal for Intimate Destination Weddings:
Architectural Serenity: Designed by acclaimed architect Manuel Aires Mateus, the venue features minimalist interiors, soft natural light, and soothing tones—perfect for a serene, modern celebration.
Exclusive Use: With just six luxurious suites, Santa Clara 1728 can be rented for exclusive use, turning your wedding into a private retreat for you and your closest loved ones.
Breathtaking Setting: Overlooking the Tagus River and the Feira da Ladra market square, the hotel provides a historic yet peaceful setting for a romantic Lisbon elopement or micro-wedding.
Tailored Experience: Every detail, from seasonal organic cuisine to curated tableware, is thoughtfully designed to enhance the intimacy and elegance of your event.
The play of light inside Santa Clara 1728 is extraordinary. Think soft shadows, glowing window frames, and elegant architectural lines that make every photo feel like a quiet work of art. Early morning or late afternoon light here is simply magical.
Thinking About Getting Married at Santa Clara 1728?
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Lisbon and feel drawn to the quiet elegance of Santa Clara 1728, I’d love to photograph your day. My approach is calm, observant, and centered on capturing moments that feel true, both the big ones and the subtle details in between.
Let’s make something beautiful together.
👉 Get in touch here
📸 See more of my work on Instagram: @gustavosimoesphoto
3. Dá Licença - An escape in the heart of Alentejo
Suppose you’re a couple from abroad searching for the perfect luxury wedding venue in Portugal. In that case, one that’s stylish, off the beaten path, and full of character—Dá Licença definitely deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Hidden in the golden hills of Alentejo, where time seems to slow down and the skies stretch endlessly above olive groves, there’s a place where art, nature, and understated luxury meet.
For couples dreaming of a destination wedding that feels both effortlessly cool and quietly refined, Dá Licença is a rare gem. It’s not just a venue—it’s an experience. And it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay forever, or at the very least, celebrate something unforgettable.
Why Dá Licença is the Perfect Alentejo Wedding Venue for Stylish, Free-Spirited Couples
Located just outside Estremoz, Dá Licença is set on a 300-acre estate filled with olive trees, rolling landscapes, and total peace. What makes this venue so special is its blend of artistic soul and minimal elegance. Designed by a pair of art collectors and creatives, the boutique hotel combines sleek architecture with curated interiors and museum-worthy aesthetics.
It’s luxury without pretense—quiet, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the beauty of its surroundings. Think marble patios, natural textures, and panoramic views that glow at golden hour.
The Vibe: Relaxed Luxury with an Artistic Edge
Dá Licença is ideal for couples who want a relaxed, outdoor celebration without sacrificing style. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony overlooking the Alentejo countryside, a long communal dinner under the stars, or a slow-paced weekend filled with wine, conversation, and art—it’s all possible here.
This is a venue that feels authentic. No tourist traps. No over-the-top ballrooms. Just good design, incredible light, and space to breathe.
Perfect for:
Intimate weddings (think 20–60 guests)
Destination Weddings with style but still relaxed
Multi-day destination wedding experiences
Art- and design-loving couples
Golden hour portraits among beautiful Alentejo scenary
Thinking About Getting Married at Dá Licença?
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Portugal and Dá Licença speaks to your style, I’d love to help you tell that story through photography. My approach is calm, observant, and focused on honest moments—capturing everything from the big emotions to the quiet, in-between scenes.
Let’s make something beautiful together.
👉 Get in touch here
📸 See more of my work on Instagram: @gustavosimoesphoto
3. Areias do Seixo - A Peaceful Seaside Wedding Venue in Portugal with Style and Soul
If your dream wedding involves the sound of the ocean, wild dunes, flickering fire pits, and a space that feels both grounded and magical, Areias do Seixo might be exactly what you're looking for.
Tucked away on the Portuguese coast just an hour from Lisbon, Areias do Seixo is more than a venue. It’s a place where nature and design live side by side, where sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a way of life. For couples who want a wedding that feels honest, warm, and unforgettable, this is a destination that hits differently.
A Wedding by the Sea, Rooted in Nature
Areias do Seixo is a boutique eco-resort set just behind the dunes of the Atlantic coast in Santa Cruz, Portugal. From the moment you arrive, there's a calm here that invites you to breathe deeper, move slower, and be present.
The architecture blends raw concrete, glass, wood, and stone with beautiful simplicity. The design is modern, but earthy—there are fireplaces in the rooms, pebble-stone floors, handwoven blankets, and dried flowers hanging above the beds.
It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply thoughtful. Every detail has intention, which makes it such a special place to gather your closest people and celebrate something meaningful.
The Atmosphere: Effortless and Intimate
Weddings at Areias do Seixo are personal. You won’t find a cookie-cutter setup or a traditional ballroom. Instead, you’ll find:
A ceremony among the dunes, overlooking the ocean.
Long, candlelit dinners under the stars or in a glass-walled greenhouse.
Fire pits, barefoot dancing, and moments that feel real, not staged.
The vibe here is simple but elevated. It’s perfect for couples who care about design, connection, and creating an experience that feels true to them.
A Photographer’s Take: Coastal Light + Golden Sand Dunes
As a destination wedding photographer, I can tell you—Areias do Seixo is made for beautiful, honest images.
The coastal light here is soft and golden, especially at sunset. The mix of textures—wind-blown grasses, driftwood, polished concrete, and natural linen — adds so much depth to photos. You get this perfect balance between modern minimalism and nature’s wildness.
There’s a certain calm at this venue that allows you to just be in the moment, which always translates beautifully on camera.
Why Areias do Seixo is Perfect for Destination Weddings in Portugal
It’s close to Lisbon (about 1 hour), but it feels completely off-grid.
The venue offers stunning rooms for guests, each one different and full of character.
The on-site team is known for personalized, low-pressure event planning.
The food is seasonal, local, and absolutely delicious.
Whether you're planning a small beach wedding, a weekend celebration with friends and family, or a slow elopement by the sea, Areias do Seixo has that rare ability to feel both grounding and elevated.
Thinking About Getting Married at Areias do Seixo?
If you’re drawn to the raw beauty and modern design of Areias do Seixo, and you’re planning a destination wedding on Portugal’s west coast, I’d love to be there to photograph it. My approach is quiet and intuitive, focused on real moments, natural light, and the feeling of the day.
Let’s make something beautiful together.
👉 Get in touch here
📸 See more of my work on Instagram: @gustavosimoesphoto
4. Casa da Volta - Where Modern Design Meets the Quiet Beauty of Nature
Tucked deep in the quiet hills of Alentejo, Casa da Volta is a place where contemporary architecture blends seamlessly with the wild, open landscape of southern Portugal. For couples looking for a wedding venue that feels peaceful, thoughtful, and effortlessly stylish, this hidden gem offers a rare kind of atmosphere—quiet luxury without the fuss.
Where Design Meets Landscape
Casa da Volta is striking in its simplicity. Built with soft concrete tones, clean lines, and warm textures, it feels modern but never out of place. The house stretches low and wide, almost disappearing into the surrounding olive groves and fields. It’s this balance between architecture and nature, between elegance and ease, that makes it such a special place to celebrate.
Inside, the interiors are intentionally minimal and curated with quite good taste. Natural light floods the spaces, and everything from the materials to the layout invites calm. It’s the kind of venue that doesn’t shout, but still leaves a lasting impression.
A Venue for Intimate, Intentional Weddings
Casa da Volta is ideal for small weddings, where connection matters more than crowd size. Whether you’re planning a weekend with your closest people or an intimate elopement surrounded by the stillness of Alentejo, this space encourages you to slow down and be present.
There’s room to breathe here—both literally and emotionally. The surrounding landscape, with its dry greens, rolling hills, and scattered whitewashed homes, creates a grounding backdrop for a day that’s all about meaning and memory.
From a Photographer’s Perspective
As a wedding photographer who focuses on destination weddings in Portugal, I always look for venues that offer beautiful light, natural textures, and a sense of place. Casa da Volta has all of that. The way the architecture frames the landscape makes every corner photo-worthy, while the wide open skies and soft Alentejo tones create an incredible setting for portraits and quiet moments.
By the way, I photographed the wedding of Patricia & Christian here—you can see it on my portfolio—and it was exactly the kind of day I love to capture: calm, intimate, and full of genuine connection. This wedding was also featured in Chic & Stylish.
Wedding of Patricia & Christian. Click here to see full wedding
Why Casa da Volta Is a Hidden Gem in Portugal
Located in the heart of Alentejo—peaceful, authentic, and just a few hours from Lisbon
Perfect for couples who value privacy, simplicity, and great design
Offers space for guests to stay, relax, and fully experience the rhythm of the region
Surrounded by nature, light, and silence—the kind that makes you pause and appreciate it all
Thinking About Getting Married at Casa da Volta?
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Alentejo and love the quiet, earthy elegance of Casa da Volta, I’d be happy to document it. My style is calm and attentive, focused on light, atmosphere, and the moments that happen naturally throughout the day.
Let’s make something beautiful together.
👉 Get in touch here
📸 See more of my work on Instagram: @gustavosimoesphoto
5. Casa Sacoto - A Quiet Wedding Venue Near Lisbon with a Warm, Rustic Feel
Casa Sacoto is set in a quiet valley, surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and open skies. The main house and surrounding spaces are finished in traditional Portuguese whitewash, with wooden shutters, terracotta tiles, and natural materials throughout. It’s rustic, yes—but thoughtfully done.
There’s a beautiful indoor dining space with exposed beams and long tables, ideal for dinners that stretch into the night. Outside, you’ll find open gardens, stone walls, a pool, and soft golden light that hits just right at sunset.
Everything about Casa Sacoto encourages you to slow down and enjoy the people around you. It’s not about flash—it’s about feeling.
Perfect for Small Weddings and Destination Gatherings
This venue is ideal for couples planning:
An intimate wedding with close friends and family
A long weekend of slow celebrations, food, and conversation
A relaxed outdoor ceremony followed by a cozy, candlelit dinner
A destination wedding just outside Lisbon that still feels like a countryside retreat
It’s also incredibly easy to access, especially for couples traveling from abroad who want the charm of rural Portugal without the long drive from the city.
As a Photographer, Here’s What I Love About Casa Sacoto
As someone who documents weddings with a quiet, observational approach, I’m drawn to places like Casa Sacoto. The light is beautiful, the architecture frames moments naturally, and the overall feel of the space encourages real connection and presence.
It’s not about big staged moments. It’s about the little ones: laughter between friends, sun pouring into a quiet corner, or the sound of glasses clinking as the sun sets behind the hills.
I’ve photographed a wedding here before—you can take a look here—and it was a perfect example of what makes this place so special.
Thinking About Getting Married in Casa Sacoto?
If you're the kind of couple who values intimacy, nature, and honest beauty over over-the-top details, Casa Sacoto might be exactly what you’re looking for.
And if you’re still looking for a photographer who understands that vibe, someone who documents weddings in a calm, story-driven way, I’d love to hear from you.
👉 Get in touch here
📸 Follow my work on Instagram: @gustavosimoesphoto
6. Casa do Tempo - A Minimalist Hideaway in the Alentejo Countryside
Casa do Tempo is part of the Silent Living collection—spaces designed for quiet, intentional living—and it carries that philosophy into every detail. Set in the vast, open landscape of Alentejo, this restored farmhouse offers a peaceful, design-led setting for couples who want to slow down and celebrate in a way that feels honest and natural.
The house is pure simplicity: whitewashed walls, clean lines, and windows that open onto olive trees and golden fields. It’s the kind of place where silence is part of the experience, and where time feels like it moves a little slower.
There’s an open-plan kitchen and dining area that invites slow meals and long conversations, a pool that reflects the wide Alentejo sky, and outdoor spaces that feel both wild and perfectly still.
Perfect for Small Weddings and Weekend-Long Celebrations
Casa do Tempo is a great fit for couples planning:
An intimate wedding focused on connection, not production
A weekend gathering with friends and family in a peaceful setting
A ceremony surrounded by nature, followed by a laid-back dinner under the stars
A minimalist, design-forward destination wedding in the Alentejo
It’s remote enough to feel like a true escape, but close enough to Lisbon (about 1.5 hours) to keep things easy for guests flying in.
Thinking About Getting Married at Casa do Tempo?
If you're the kind of couple who values stillness, nature, and meaningful moments over anything overly staged or styled, Casa do Tempo might be exactly what you’re looking for.
And if you’re looking for a photographer who works in a calm, observant way—someone who focuses on light, feeling, and presence—I’d love to connect.
👉 Get in touch here
📸 Follow my work on Instagram: @gustavosimoesphoto
7. Farmhouse of the Palms – A Dreamy Wedding Venue in the Hills of Algarve
If you’re looking for a peaceful wedding venue in the Algarve, Farmhouse of the Palms is a quiet, whitewashed hideaway tucked into the hills near São Brás de Alportel. It’s one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets—perfect for couples planning a relaxed, intimate wedding in Portugal.
Set in a restored quinta, the property blends traditional Algarve architecture with thoughtful, minimalist design. With just five suites, it’s ideal for small weddings, micro-weddings, or multi-day destination celebrations surrounded by olive trees, palms, and soft southern light.
Why Farmhouse of the Palms is Perfect for an Intimate Algarve Wedding
This Algarve venue is especially well-suited for:
A destination wedding in Portugal focused on connection and calm
A laid-back weekend wedding with family and friends in the countryside
Outdoor ceremonies followed by sunset dinners in the courtyard
Couples seeking an authentic Algarve experience away from tourist spots
The surrounding nature, warm climate, and privacy make it an ideal spot for couples traveling from abroad who want something quiet, natural, and beautifully designed.
Thinking About Getting Married at Farmhouse of the Palms?
If you're dreaming of an intimate destination wedding in the Algarve and this space speaks to you, I’d love to photograph it.
My style is calm and documentary in nature, focused on light, emotion, and atmosphere.
👉 Get in touch here
📸 See more of my work on Instagram: @gustavosimoesphoto
8. Morgado do Quintão - A Vineyard Wedding Venue in the Heart of the Algarve
Tucked between the Monchique mountains and the Atlantic, Morgado do Quintão is one of the Algarve’s oldest family-owned estates—and one of the region’s most atmospheric venues for a destination wedding in Portugal. Surrounded by ancient olive trees, organic vineyards, and whitewashed stone buildings, the property feels peaceful, rooted, and full of character.
This working wine estate offers a laid-back yet elegant backdrop for intimate weddings. Think long outdoor dinners under fig trees, candlelit tables among the vines, and slow, golden afternoons that stretch into the evening. The tone here is simple and soulful—perfect for couples who value good food, natural beauty, and a setting that feels real.
Why Morgado do Quintão is Perfect for a Destination Wedding in the Algarve
If you’re planning a small, meaningful celebration, this venue might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s ideal for:
Vineyard weddings in Portugal with a rustic-luxe feel
Intimate ceremonies followed by open-air dining under the trees
Weekend-long gatherings with close family and friends
Couples looking for a peaceful, authentic experience in the Algarve countryside
The estate also produces its own wines, so the celebration is never without a sense of place. There’s a farmhouse for getting ready, multiple outdoor settings for the ceremony and reception, and space to host everything in one beautiful location.
From a Photographer’s Perspective
One of my favorite weddings was captured here. Lindsey & Max’s wedding was beautiful day, flawlessly organized by ByMatilda. It was the kind of wedding that reminds you why you do this—raw, joyful, and full of those little moments that make your heart catch. Every detail felt intentional, from the handwritten vows under the trees to the laughter-filled dinner surrounded by vines.
The textures of stone, wood, and vine-covered paths at Morgado do Quintão create a timeless setting, and the way the light filters through the trees near sunset is something else entirely. The whole place feels calm and open, perfect for natural, unobtrusive photography.
Thinking About Getting Married at Morgado do Quintão?
If you're planning a destination wedding in the Algarve and want a space that feels warm, grounded, and full of soul, Morgado do Quintão is a beautiful choice.
And if you're looking for someone to document it with care and attention, I’d love to hear from you.
👉 Get in touch here
📸 See more of my work on Instagram: @gustavosimoesphoto
9. Quinta do Muro – A Contemporary Garden Venue in the Algarve Hills
Tucked away in the hills above Loulé, Quinta do Muro is one of the Algarve’s most unique and design-forward wedding venues. Surrounded by olive groves and dry gardens, the space blends clean architectural lines with the softness of Mediterranean nature, offering a peaceful and modern setting for intimate destination weddings in southern Portugal.
The venue was originally built as a private home, and that sense of personal space remains. With whitewashed surfaces, sculptural courtyards, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Quinta do Muro is ideal for couples looking for something contemporary, intimate, and deeply connected to its landscape.
Why Quinta do Muro is a Beautiful Choice for an Intimate Algarve Wedding
This Algarve venue is especially well-suited for:
Small, design-led weddings in a private and natural setting
Outdoor ceremonies surrounded by native gardens and stone walls
Multi-day celebrations that flow between poolside afternoons, long dinners, and slow mornings
Couples who want to experience the Algarve beyond the coastline—quiet, warm, and full of light
Its location in the hills means cooler evenings, big skies, and an atmosphere that’s grounded and serene. It’s just a short drive from the coast and the Faro airport, but it feels worlds away.
From a Photographer’s Perspective
As a photographer, I’m always inspired by spaces like Quinta do Muro. The architecture creates beautiful natural frames, the white surfaces bounce soft light all day, and the garden paths lead to quiet, thoughtful moments.
It’s a place where everything feels unhurried. There’s space to breathe, time to connect, and room for the day to unfold at its own pace.
Thinking About Getting Married at Quinta do Muro?
If you're planning a destination wedding in the Algarve and this space speaks to you, I’d love to photograph it. My approach is calm, observant, and focused on real moments—capturing everything from the quiet in-betweens to the joy you didn’t even realize was happening.
Let’s make something beautiful together.
👉 Get in touch here
📸 See more of my work on Instagram: @gustavosimoesphoto
10. Praia do Canal – A Modern Nature Resort on Portugal’s West Coast (Costa Vicentina)
Located inside Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Praia do Canal Nature Resort is a secluded, design-forward hotel surrounded by cliffs, pine forests, and the sound of the Atlantic. It’s one of the few wedding venues in Portugal that offers true immersion in nature—without sacrificing comfort or style.
With earthy tones, minimalist architecture, and panoramic views of the coastline, Praia do Canal offers a calm, grounding setting for couples planning a quiet, intentional wedding by the sea. The resort features elegant suites, a spa, infinity pool, and several outdoor spaces ideal for intimate ceremonies and al fresco dining.
Why Praia do Canal is Ideal for a Nature-Led Destination Wedding
This venue is perfect for couples who are looking for:
An intimate wedding surrounded by Portugal’s wild west coast
A luxurious but relaxed weekend with family and friends
Outdoor ceremonies with views of the ocean and cliffs
A multi-day experience that includes hiking, wellness, and quiet time in nature
It’s located near Aljezur, one of the Algarve’s most untouched areas, with easy access to some of the region’s best beaches and surf spots—yet it remains peaceful, elevated, and tucked away.
From a Photographer’s Perspective
Praia do Canal is a dream setting for photography. The open landscapes, textured interiors, and shifting coastal light create a beautiful rhythm throughout the day. Mornings are soft and misty, golden hour hits the cliffs just right, and evenings bring a stillness that feels cinematic.
As someone who works with a natural, observational approach, I love the quiet energy here. It’s the kind of place where the setting becomes part of the story, without ever taking over.
Thinking About Getting Married at Praia do Canal?
If you're planning a destination wedding in Portugal and want something that feels grounded, natural, and effortlessly beautiful, Praia do Canal is a special place to begin.
And if you're still looking for a photographer who sees the small moments, the light, and the feeling of the day, I’d love to hear from you.
👉 Get in touch here
📸 See more of my work on Instagram: @gustavosimoesphoto