Planning a destination wedding in Portugal? One of the most common questions couples ask me as a wedding photographer is: "How much does it cost to get married in Portugal?" And honestly, it depends. Over the years, I’ve photographed weddings ranging from intimate vineyard elopements to luxurious palace celebrations, and the budgets vary widely.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through realistic price ranges based on guest count (50, 100, and 150 guests) and what you can expect to spend on key elements like the venue, catering, planning, photography, and more. If you're aiming for a luxury wedding, keep in mind that many of these figures can be higher—but Portugal still offers incredible value compared to other Western European destinations.
Overall Wedding Budget: What to Expect
Here’s a general idea of what a wedding in Portugal may cost in 2025:
- 50 guests: €20,000 – €30,000
- 100 guests: €30,000 – €45,000
- 150 guests: €40,000 – €65,000+
If you're planning a high-end or luxury wedding (for example, in a palace or with a multi-day celebration), your total investment can exceed €70,000 to €100,000+.
Tip from me: Many couples are surprised at how far their budget can go here compared to France or Italy. You get beautiful scenery, great food and professional services — often at better prices.
Venue Rental: From Quintas to Palaces
As a photographer, I’ve shot weddings at charming countryside quintas and grand historic venues. Here's a breakdown of venue rental costs:
- Rustic countryside venues: €2,500 – €5,000
- Modern villas or boutique hotels: €4,000 – €8,000
- Luxury venues (like palaces, estates, historic convents): €8,000 – €15,000+
Luxury alert: Palácio do Freixo or Palácio da Bolsa, for example, can exceed €15,000 depending on exclusivity, capacity, and services included.
Catering: Food & Drinks Per Guest
Catering is often charged per person, and prices vary depending on the number of courses, open bar options, and service quality.
- Standard catering: €90 – €130 per person
- Premium/luxury catering: €140 – €200+ per person
This usually includes starters, main dishes, dessert, drinks, and midnight snacks. Some venues offer packages that include staff, tableware, and open bar.
For 100 guests at €120 per head, you’re looking at around €12,000 just for food and drinks.
Photography & Videography: Capturing Your Story
My photography packages typically range between:
- €1,800 – €3,500, depending on hours of coverage, travel, second photographer, albums, and engagement sessions.
- Luxury weddings with multiple days or destinations may exceed €4,000+.
Videography (if you want both photo and video teams) is usually:
- €1,500 – €3,000, depending on the package.
If visual memories matter to you, this is an area you shouldn’t cut corners on. Great photography is what you’ll look back on for the rest of your life.
Wedding Planner Costs: Worth Every Cent
If there's one thing I always recommend to my couples, it's this: hire a wedding planner. Especially if you're planning from abroad, a planner can save you stress, time, and even money.
Here are typical prices:
- Partial planning: €1,500 – €2,500
- Full planning: €3,000 – €5,500
- Luxury full-service planners: €6,000 – €10,000+
I highly recommend Vanille Noire Weddings. Their work is elegant, personalized, and executed with calm precision — ideal for luxury and international weddings.
Styling, Decor & Flowers
Decor and flowers can dramatically change your wedding atmosphere. I’ve photographed weddings with minimal design and others that looked like a scene from a movie.
- Basic decoration + bouquets: €1,500 – €3,000
- Stylish setups with ceremony arches, centerpieces: €4,000 – €7,000
- Luxury floral design (custom installations): €8,000 – €15,000+
Most florists will customise a mood board to match your vision—just be sure to align that with your photographer so it looks amazing in photos!
Beauty: Hair & Makeup
Bridal beauty costs in Portugal are very competitive for the level of service you get:
- Bridal hair & makeup: €300 – €500
- Bridesmaids: €80 – €150 each
- Touch-ups or second look: +€150
Many stylists will come to your villa or hotel, which adds convenience to your wedding morning.
Travel & Guest Accommodation
If you’re flying in guests or covering part of their stay, budget for:
- Flights from Europe: €150 – €400 per person
- Hotel/villa accommodation: €100 – €250 per night (mid-range to luxury)
- Private villa or bridal suite: €300 – €600 per night
For large weddings, some couples rent entire estates for 2–3 days to host all guests — this adds intimacy but can increase costs by €10,000 or more.
Extra Events: Rehearsals, Brunch, Experiences
Multi-day weddings are becoming more popular. If you're considering welcome dinners, boat tours, or brunch the next day, here's what to expect:
- Welcome dinner: €2,000 – €5,000
- Brunch: €1,000 – €3,000
- Activities (wine tasting, boat tours, etc.): custom prices
These extras create unforgettable memories — and photo opportunities!
Final Thoughts: Create the Wedding That Reflects You
Whether you’re planning an elegant celebration for 50 guests in a vineyard or a grand affair for 150 in a palace, Portugal offers incredible possibilities across all price ranges.
My biggest advice? Set a realistic budget, prioritize what truly matters (for most couples that’s venue, food, and photography), and work with vendors you trust.
And if you want help capturing every detail, emotion, and sunset kiss on your big day…
Let’s Talk About Your Dream Wedding in Portugal
I’d love to hear about your plans and be part of your journey.
👉 Contact me to check availability
Let’s create something beautiful together in Portugal.