Destinations

Destination wedding in Portugal: a guide for your guests

Portugal is one of the best-value places for a European wedding: hilltop Lisbon on one side, the cliffs and beaches of the Algarve on the other, with mild weather from spring to autumn.

2 destinations covered · 24 activities · 24 restaurants

Where to get married in Portugal, from your guests' point of view

Lisbon

Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais · best April to June, September to October

Hills, yellow trams, tiled facades and fado. Sintra's palaces and Cascais beaches are 40 minutes away by train.

  • Getting there: Lisbon airport (LIS) is 20 minutes from the center by metro, taxi or Uber.
  • Car needed: Not usually
  • Activity prices: Budget-friendly
  • Group favorites: sintra and Cascais day trip; alfama and old Lisbon walking tour; lisbon food and wine tour

Things to do · Weekend itinerary · Where to stay · Welcome dinner

Algarve

Lagos, Carvoeiro & Tavira · best April to October

Golden cliffs, sea caves and fishing villages along Portugal's south coast. Long sunny days and seafood at every turn.

  • Getting there: Faro (FAO) is 30 minutes from Albufeira and about 1 hour from Lagos.
  • Car needed: Not usually
  • Activity prices: Budget-friendly
  • Group favorites: benagil sea cave boat tour; kayak tour to Benagil cave; ponta da Piedade grotto boat trip

Things to do · Weekend itinerary · Where to stay · Welcome dinner

At a glance

LisbonAlgarve
Best seasonApril to June, September to OctoberApril to October
Car needed?Not usuallyNot usually
Activity pricesBudget-friendlyBudget-friendly
Relaxed activities55
Foodie activities43
Adventure activities45
Full-day trips22

Good to know for guests in Portugal

  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Tipping: Not obligatory. Around 5 to 10% for good table service is appreciated.
  • Dinner time: Dinner usually runs from 8 to 10 pm.
  • Group dinners: Seafood restaurants handle big tables well. Note that bread, olives and starters placed on the table are charged if eaten.
  • Power plugs: Type C and F plugs, 230 V.
  • Entry rules: Passport and visa rules depend on nationality. Ask guests to check their own government's travel advice early.

Questions couples ask

Where is the best place for a destination wedding in Portugal?

It depends on your guests. Best for relaxed guests: Lisbon (5 relaxed activities on our list). Best for foodie guests: Lisbon (4 foodie activities on our list). Best for adventure guests: Algarve (5 adventure activities on our list). Easiest on guest budgets: Algarve (activities skew cheaper than elsewhere in the country). Best for guests staying longer: Lisbon (2 full-day trips nearby).

When is the best time for a wedding in Portugal?

Lisbon: April to June, September to October. Algarve: April to October.

Do wedding guests need to tip in Portugal?

Not obligatory. Around 5 to 10% for good table service is appreciated.

What time is dinner in Portugal?

Dinner usually runs from 8 to 10 pm.

What currency and plugs do guests need in Portugal?

Euro (EUR) Type C and F plugs, 230 V.

What should guests budget for a wedding in Portugal?

Flights and accommodation are usually the biggest costs, followed by meals and activities. Our free destination wedding guest budget calculator adds it all up per person and per day.

Plan the costs: guest budget calculator · how to set up a room block · guest etiquette

Getting married in Portugal?

Make a free guest page with day plans, tours, restaurants and a map for your wedding weekend.

Create your guest page