Who doesn't love a destination wedding? Well if you're considering saying your 'I dos' in sunny Portugal with the azure Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop then you've come to the right place. The Algarve, on Portugal's southern coast, is a hugely popular spot for nuptials, and we with good reason! Sunshine, sea, great food, and some truly first-class venues. To help you with your hunt for the perfect wedding venue in the Algarve, we've made a list of the most luxurious and breathtaking places. There's everything from five-star resorts, beach clubs and cliff-top havens, to a Portuguese palace and a rustic country house, so there really is something for every style of wedding celebration.
Pine Cliffs Resort
Where: A hidden prime seafront location on the coastline of the southerly Algarve coast near Albufeira.
The Venue: An award-winning luxury, family resort, Pine Cliffs Resort is a hidden treasure that offers a five-star wedding experience from beginning to end. The 72-acre resort is perched on ochre-coloured cliffs that overlook Falésia Beach, a stunning 6km strand with crystal clear waters, which was voted the sixth best beach in the world on TripAdviso, you can just imagine the views. With five outdoor and interior locations to get married, there are lots of picture-perfect settings for your ceremony and reception. Picture a dreamy beachside ceremony at sunset, a lavish celebration in the Salo Pinhal Ballroom, an alfresco ceremony in Tabu Garden overlooking the sea, or a private celebration at one of the charming villas.
Guests: Area dependant | Sleeps: 217 rooms | pinecliffs.com
Vidamar Resort Hotel
Where: The five-star Vidamar is just 10 minutes by car from Albufeira, and enjoys a beachfront location and easy access to Salgados Beach, with its beautiful lagoon.
The Venue: Exchange your wedding vows on the beach under a pergola with the sea as your backdrop, or in a secluded garden setting within the resort's tropical gardens. The beautiful palm tree garden is where you and your guests can sip cocktails afterwards, and our decked terrace of the Restaurante & Terraço Sabor a Mar is generally where the dinner is served surrounded by the swimming pools and lush grounds.
Guests: up to 200 | Sleeps: 25o rooms | vidamarresorts.com
Palácio de Estoi
Where: Estoi is located alongside the Serra do Barrocal, between the coast and mountains, only 12km from Faro Airport and 18km from Faro's beaches.
The Venue: As a member of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, Palácio de Estoi is an architectural gem that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Also known as the Portuguese Pink Palace, the venue boasts French-style gardens with fountains and manicured lawns, and an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the rural region of Estoi. A luxurious neo-Baroque and neo-Rococo mansion, its grandiose interiors feature ornate ceilings, intricate frescoes, and opulent furnishings that speak to the venue's historical significance and make for a truly unique backdrop for exchanging vows. Check out our gorgeous wedding shoot at the venue here!
Guests: up to 100 | Sleeps: 63 rooms | pousadas.pt
Tivoli Carvoeiro
Where: This one-of-a-kind, four-star hotel is located in the charming village of Carvoeiro, where the sea has carved lots of picturesque bays and inlets. makng this the ideal wedding setting for a beach or clifftop wedding.
The Venue: Situated atop majestic cliffs, the resort offers panoramic ocean views pf sparkling azure waters and the dramatic Portuguese coastline. The hotel can provide a cliff-top gazebo set up for your ceremony in the Ocean Garden, where you can also dine, or relcate to the large outdoor terrace of the Sky Bar Carvoeiro, both of which would make for a magical alfreso dining setting. For indoor celebrations there's an exceptional ballroom, overlooking Vale Covo, elegantly decorated with sparkling chandeliers or The One restaurant on the fifth floor with its sweeping sea views. Check out Megan and Ciaran's gorgeous real wedding here for more inspiration.
Guests: 140 | Sleeps: 248 rooms | tivolihotels.com
Grand Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa
Where: The five-star Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa near Albufeira is the perfect location for a picture-perfect wedding, just in front of the breathtaking Santa Eulalia blue flag beach.
The Venue: Who wouldn't love these panoramic sea views from the terrace where you can hold the ceremony, as well as your reception. We highly recommend a day two celebration at Le Club, an exclusive disco bar, where you can dine and dance away until dawn.
Guests: 110 | Sleeps: 344 rooms (155 of these are villas) | granderealsantaeulalia.realhotelsgroup.com
Vila Vita Parc
Where: Located in Alporchinhos, the resort is set on 22 hectares of subtropical gardens and parks, with a winding staircase that leads to a private beach. It's also just a five-minute drive from the famous Lady of the Rock ceremony location.
The Venue: There are nine locations throughout this seriously stylish, contemporary resort where you can have your wedding ranging from lavish to low key. On the lavish end of things, there the Michelin Star restaurant Ocean with stunning sea views. Vila Vita Parc's in-house wedding team are really known for their amazing attention to detail. There's a Moroccan-themed restuarant and nightclub to dance the night away in for day two.
Guests: up to 250 | Sleeps: 203 rooms including 6 luxury villas | vilavitaparc.com
Os Agostos
Where: A little off the beaten track in the best way possible, the Agostos Estate lies between the coastline and the highlands of the Algarve, just 14kms from the city of Faro and 5kms from the village of Santa Barbara de Nexe.
The Venue: This gorgeous private estate turned rustic exclusive-use wedding venue comprises an 18th-century living area with five rooms, surrounded by fabulous spaces to host your wedding all set against the backdrop of a traditional orange orchard as well as fig, almond and olive tree fields. There's a spacious marquee for large celebrations that sits next to fragrant rosemary and lavender gardens. Alternatively there's the modern White Room which can seat 160 people, or the architecturally impressive Stables with its domed ceiling. The Cellar, a large room adjoining the old barn with amazing acoustics and original features, is the perfect place for live music and dancing. For more photos check out Eoin and Lara's wedding here or Celine and Patrick's wedding here.
Guests: 300 | Sleeps: 5 bedrooms | osagostos.com
Casa do Lago at Quinta do Lago
Where: Nestled amongst the sandy beaches of Almancil, the Quinta do Lago golf resort sits on the protected nature reserve of Ria Formosa, and comprises one of the three corners of the Golden Triangle of the Algarve's most affluent communities.
The Venue: As a wedding venue you won't be short of options at this sprawling luxury destination. However we love Casa do Lago, the picturesque waterside restauarant at Quinto do Lago that sits on a sandy white beach. The dining room, inspired by a nautical design, is tastefully decorated and can be elegantly adorned for your big day, and the food is incredible with a focus on local seafood specialities. As for accommodation, the Hotel Quinta do Lago is the only hotel in the resort that faces the sea, but we do love The Magnolia Hotel, just a step away from the main resort, with its 1950s Palm Springs vibes.
Sleeps: 141 (Hotel Quinta do Lago) | quintadolago.com
Suites Vila Alba Resort
Where: Located in the midwest of the Algarve - 50 minutes drive from Faro Airport - Vila Alba Resort, is nestled at the top of the cliff overlooking Albandeira beach, near the village of Carvoeiro.
The Venue: We love this secluded spot surrounded by some of the Algarve's best beaches and beautiful limestone rock. There's a fabulous glass-walled marquee available, and the restaurant enjoys panoramic views, with two outdoor swimming pools, including an infinity pool with salty water, and a beautiful spa. With all-suite accomodation consisting of 32 luxury apartments, your guests will love making this their holiday. Check out Laryssa and Issau's wedding here!
Sleeps: 62 rooms | vilaalbaresort.com
Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique
Where: Located in scenic and mountainous Serra de Monchique Natural Park, in the Western Algarve, this area enjoys some of most-loved beaches: Alvor, D. Ana and Aljezur.
The Venue: A boutique hotel in a serene, hillltop setting with its own thermal spa Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique is very different from the other beach and coastal venue options in the Algarve. Consisting of three historic buildings from the 19th century, but with all the modern conveniences you want on a holiday, this unusual hotel really feels like you're stepping back into another era. There's a small tree-covered chapel and grounds located beside the hotel, which would be perfect for your ceremony before returning to the venue through the cobble-locked courtyard for your reception overlooking the valley.
Sleeps: 46 rooms | hoteltermal.monchiquetermalresort.com
NoSoloAgua Portimão
Where: Located in the Marina of Portimão, with panoramic views of Praia da Rocha beach.
The Venue: If you and your other half are looking for more of a beach party vibe, then the Nosoloagua beach bar and restaurant would be the perfect spot. It has its own saltwater swimming pool set into the marina and lends itself to a party vibe (day two celebrations perhaps?). However, it's a bit of a chameleon, and can be as formal as you like, with sit down dining options and a menu featuring everything from sushi to Italian, French, Portuguese dishes to tantalise your tastebuds.
Sleeps: N/A | nosoloagua.com
Monte do Serrinho
Where: Hidden in the beautiful Algarve countryside, located next to the historic village of Alte in São Bartolomeu de Messines.
The Venue: This exclusive-use location is the perfect choice for couples who want a destination wedding with country house vibes. Surrounded by stunning vistas, this traditional white-washed Algarve quinta will feel like your own little hideaway. Choose from any of the unique spaces; the elegant Piano Room; a fabulous spot to enjoy a pre-dinner drink or post-dinner sing-song. Make the most of the balmy evenings with a party on the patio, as fairy-lights twinkle in the trees. And the next day enjoy some laid-back fun time with cocktails and canapés or a barbeque around the pool.
Guests: 250 | Sleeps: N/A | montedoserrinho.com
Monte Das Oliveiras
Where: Just 1km Sao Rafael Beach and 2kms from Albufeira Marina, this venue sits in a verdant area of 1200 acres.
The Venue: This is a beutiful ceremony and reception only venue, that's brought to life by an incredible catering and planning team - Algarve Wedding Catering Food & Passion. Say yes in the beuatiful gardens, before enjoying some truly amazing food either under festoon lighting in the gardens or in the grogeous marquee.
Guests: 100 | montedasoliveiras.pt
If you're searching for a planner to help you organise your destination wedding, check out our recommended suppliers here or for more destination wedding inspiration see our real weddings here, and read our guide to getting married in Portugal.
