12 reasons to have your dream wedding in Portugal

Have you ever imagined having the magnificent landscape of Alto Douro Vinhateiro as the backdrop for your dream day? At Quinta da Pacheca, in Lamego, it is possible. The family space, with its 18th century architecture, offers lovers several rooms adaptable to the number of guests. The cosy gardens and natural light of the Douro complete the picture, for an unforgettable day.

Between Braga and the Serra do Gerês, there is a building to suit anyone who wants a day worthy of a magic tale. Once a monastery, it was recovered by the architect Souto de Moura and transformed into a guest house, without losing its essence. With a majestic 17th century church, it is a unique space where history and nature meet.

If you are looking for an imposing and refined place, in an urban environment but with the superb landscape of the Douro River as backdrop, the Hotel Pestana Palácio do Freixo, in Porto, is the perfect choice. It has five banqueting rooms or, if you prefer, a tent with a capacity for 500 people, which can be installed in the garden, by the pool. A true palace to fulfil your fairy tale.

The event company "Set Lounge Beach Weddings" has a premise: fulfilling the dream of those who want to marry with their feet in the sand. In the middle of the beach of Azurara, in Vila do Conde, the couples can formalize their union, with everything they may need, be it a civil ceremony, catering, decoration or animation. Celebrate love in a magical environment, overlooking the sea.

In the countryside, in Seia, we find Quinta da Bica, ideal for those who want a rustic and romantic wedding. With a 17th century origin, the building has a balcony with a capacity for 80 people overlooking Serra da Estrela. In the surrounding area, there is a huge cobbled courtyard where the banquet can be served, and a winery area, perfect to perpetuate the day.

Is there a more romantic setting than the one that witnessed the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro? The Quinta das Lágrimas Hotel in Coimbra, home of kings and emperors for centuries, has a variety of gardens - including romantic, medieval or Japanese styles - and a bamboo grove that will make your special day even more unforgettable.

In Mafra, there is a space that intends to be the extension of the family dining room, combining sophistication with rustic inspiration. The halls of Quinta dos Machados, a 17th-century manor house, boast a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Outside, an extensive Portuguese pavement and an eleven-hectare woodland that delights visitors.

Owned by the same family for over six centuries, Quinta do Hespanhol, in Torres Vedras, combines refinement and comfort. The surrounding green area, isolated from buildings, conveys tranquillity and harmony, perfect for exchanging vows of love. The courtyards and patio, as well as the gardens with secular trees, make the scenery attractive for the traditional photo shoot.

If you dream of a royal wedding, Monserrate Palace is the ideal setting. Loaded with history, elegance and charm, it has a majestic Music Room with gold accents, a piano and Gothic, Indian and Moorish-inspired décor that will make the wedding reception original. The exotic gardens, overlooking the Serra de Sintra, complete the magical setting.

The natural charm of the region in which it operates, at the foot of the Serra da Arrábida, makes this a special place. At Quinta de Catralvos, in Azeitão, the engaged couple and guests are welcomed into a cosy space with 25 hectares of vineyards, where quality wines are produced. The sophisticated facilities have rooms for both small groups and ceremonies for up to 1600 guests.

In the heart of Evora, in Alentejo, there is a National Monument, converted into a luxury hotel, which represents the perfect symbiosis between history and sophistication. There, where kings and nobles lived, there is a fourteenth-century church to celebrate the union, and Manueline cloisters that carry us into the fifteenth century. The beautiful gardens give a romantic touch to the memorable day.

At Hotel Quinta do Lago, in Almancil, dreams have no limits, so the choice of setting is up to the couple. By the lake, on the beach or on the golf course, in a more refined or more relaxed register, creativity is unleashed to make an unforgettable ceremony. With the stunning scenery of Ria Formosa as a backdrop, it is an idyllic place to celebrate your special day.