How much does a destination wedding in Portugal cost?

We breakdown the costs of a destination wedding in Portugal!

27/11/2024

As Portugal is becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for couples planning a dream wedding abroad, the question that pops iton our minds is: "how much does a destination wedding in Portugal cost after all?"

Today, we break it down to all the couples that aspire to a "yes, I do" surrounded by stunning landscapes, warm climate, and a memorable atmosphere!

Afonso Castella

The average cost of a destination wedding in Portugal

From our experience, we say that on average a destination wedding in Portugal is around 20 000€ and 45 000€ for a wedding with 50 guests. The price range is quite big as in Portugal there is a great variety of price points and factors that will influence the final cost of the wedding.

However, compared to a wedding in the US or other European countries (like Italy or France), Portugal is a less expensive wedding destination.

Factors that influence the overall wedding cost

The main factors that impact the cost of a destination wedding are the size of your guest list and the number of wedding providers you hire. Apart from that, other aspects you might want to consider are additional wedding events, travel, and accommodation costs, either for you or for your guests. But let's dive deeper...

The wedding venue

Portugal boasts a wide array of breathtaking venues, from historic palaces and rustic vineyards to luxury seaside resorts and charming rural quintas. So, depending on the type of wedding venue you go for, as well as its location, the price can vary.

Rustic/Vineyard Venues: 3 000€ to 7 000€
Luxury Resorts: 7 000€ to 15 000€
Castles and Palaces: 10 000€ to 20 000€
Beachfront Locations: 5000€ to 12 000€

Bear in mind that the most popular wedding locations in Portugal are: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Douro Valley and the Algarve, each offering unique charm. Also, some venues include catering and decor in their service packages which can also influence the cost.

Take a look on the most stunning wedding venues in the Algarve!

Monte do Serrinho. Fotografia: Luis Jorge Fotografia

The guest count

As you might be aware already, the total number of guests plays an important role in determining the cost of your wedding, as it influences variable expenses such as food, rentals, centerpieces, invitations, and bar.

So, in order to optimize the overall cost of your destination wedding, it's essential to manage the guest count. Destination weddings in Portugal typically involve smaller guest lists, which means you should prioritize your closest family members and friends when sending invitations, ensuring an intimate celebration with those who truly matter to you and your partner.

The wedding providers you hire

Various service providers - such as wedding planners, caterers, photographers, videographers, florists, designers, and musicians or DJs - influence the total cost of your wedding. Each of these services contributes to the overall expense. To find the ideal balance between style and budget, allocate time to investigate and assess multiple local vendors before making a decision.

Wedding planner: Hiring a local wedding planner for your destination wedding is one of the musts, as their expertise ensures smooth logistics and access to local vendors. Their price typically ranges from 2 000€ to 6 000€, depending on how big your wedding is.
Catering: food and drinks are hands-down the central part of any wedding. As Portugal is known for its world-class cuisine, on average the catering range goes from 85€ to 250€ per guest. Premium Drinks or open bars can make the difference.
Decoration: one thing is for sure, the venues in Portugal often require minimal decoration due to their natural beauty, but additional florals, lighting, and styling will add to your costs. Expect to spend between €2,000 and €10,000 on decor, depending on your vision.
Photography and videography: preserving your wedding memories is priceless, but hiring a professional team in Portugal can cost from 1 600€ to 5 000€. Know everything about wedding photographers in the North of Portugal!
Music (Bands or DJs): Music plays a crucial role in creating a memorable atmosphere for your destination wedding in Portugal. Live bands typically cost between 1,500€ and 5,000€, depending on their experience and repertoire. DJs are a more budget-friendly option, ranging from 700€ to 2,000€, ideal for couples seeking a vibrant party vibe.
Bride's Dress and Groom's Attire:
For your dream destination wedding, the bride’s dress can cost between 1,000€ and 5,000€, especially if sourced from known designers. The groom’s tailored suit typically ranges from 700€ to 2,000€, ensuring elegance for the occasion.
Hair and Makeup: Destination weddings require top-notch beauty professionals. In Portugal, hiring a hair and makeup artist for the bride costs between 200€ and 500€, with additional services for the bridal party often available at discounted rates. Trials can be arranged during pre-wedding visits. It's also important to provide this service to your guests. Costs can be between 80€ and 200€
Transportation: Elegant transportation is a must for destination weddings. Luxury cars or vintage vehicles for the couple range from 300€ to 1,500€. Shuttle services for guests, especially for those staying at different accommodations, ensure seamless logistics and typically cost 500€ to 1,500€.
Wedding Cake: A Portuguese-inspired wedding cake, crafted with traditional flavors or modern designs, can range from 300€ to 1,000€, depending on size and complexity. Many couples choose to include local ingredients for an authentic touch.
Favors and Stationery: Custom stationery and wedding favors reflecting Portugal’s charm, such as tiles, local wines, or olive oils, range from €3 to €10 per guest. Invitations and thank-you cards often cost between €500 and €1,500, depending on the design and number of guests.

Portugal’s blend of affordability and high-quality services makes it a top choice for destination weddings, with each vendor contributing to an unforgettable experience.

João Almeida Fotografia

Travel & Accommodations

When organizing a destination wedding in Portugal, it's essential to account for travel and accommodation expenses for you, your partner, and any wedding party members whose costs you might cover. Generally, the couple is not responsible for guests' expenses. However, if your budget permits, you may choose to help close relatives such as parents or siblings.

Transportation, flights, and hotel stays can significantly contribute to the overall cost, so be sure to thoroughly research and compare prices to secure the best deals.

To ensure optimal rates for your Portugal destination wedding, book your travel and accommodations at least 9-12 months ahead of time.

Additional Events

Additional celebrations, like welcome dinners or farewell brunches, can elevate the overall cost of your destination wedding. Although these events can create a more enjoyable experience for your guests, it's important to consider their impact on your budget. The expenses associated with these additional events will depend on factors such as venue, menu selection, and guest count.

Get inspired by pre- and post-wedding events you can in Portugal!

Lado a Lado Wedding by Mélanie Faria

Estimated Total Costs

Based on what was previously mentioned, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend based on the scale of your wedding:

Intimate Wedding (20–40 Guests): 15 000€ to 30 000€
Mid-Size Wedding (50–80 Guests): 30 00€ to 50 000€
Luxury Wedding (100+ Guests): 60 000€ to 100 000€ (or more)

It's all about

Why Portugal?

Portugal offers exceptional value for money compared to other European wedding destinations like Italy or France. It combines luxury with affordability, making it a fantastic choice for couples seeking an unforgettable celebration without overspending.