Who We Are

Elopement Specialists in Portugal

We are architects of experience and creators of authentic elopements.

We cultivate a passion for intimacy, authenticity, and the unique beauty of Portugal. We transform your love story into a celebration that interweaves emotions, local traditions, and stunning landscapes — a moment truly your own, lived with intention.

Meet The Team

Anabela sits smiling on a large, mossy, felled tree log in a dense, foggy forest. She wears a cream-coloured cardigan over a patterned dress. The misty woods of Serra de Sintra create an ethereal, atmospheric backdrop.

anabela@elopeinportugal.com

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Anabela Lança

Creative Director & Project Manager

Anabela is the creative force and sociologist behind Elope in Portugal. She designs authentic elopements, deeply rooted in the culture and soul of local Portugal. As a meticulous project manager, she ensures a flawless experience. She is also the founder of Celebrantes - Bespoke Ceremonies®, personally crafting the bespoke narratives that honour each couple's unique story.

Sofia stands laughing in a vibrant outdoor setting, wearing a light purple t-shirt with sunglasses resting on her head. She leans forward slightly, looking joyful, against a backdrop of vast, rolling green hills and fields under a blue sky, identified as being in Tibet.

sofia.matos@elopeinportugal.com

Sofia Matos

Brand Keeper & Manager

As Brand Keeper & Manager, Sofia is the guardian of the Elope in Portugal promise. Her background in law is the foundation of her calm clarity and meticulous attention to detail. She ensures that the brand's integrity and the authenticity of your story are protected at every stage, from the first conversation to the "I do". Sofia guarantees that the creative vision becomes a reality, with rigour.

Palmira walks carefully up a leaf-strewn incline in a forest of tall, slender trees, possibly eucalyptus. She is wearing a black and white dotted shirt and a black cardigan. A body of water, like a river, is visible in the background through the trees.

palmira.matela@elopeinportugal.com

Palmira Matela

Detail Weaver & Assistant

As the 'Detail Weaver' & Assistant, Palmira is the hands-on heart of the celebration. She brings a quiet, focused strength behind the scenes, meticulously ensuring every practical detail flows smoothly. Her calm presence is a grounding force on the day, allowing each couple to feel present and honestly 'held'.

Our Vision

Elope in Portugal was born from a simple idea: to create heartfelt, intimate celebrations that feel truly special.


To us, an elopement is more than just a “yes.” It’s a quiet, meaningful moment where everything feels right — the place, the light, the breeze, the words spoken from the heart.

Inspired by Portuguese heritage and a global outlook, we are a team of planners, celebrants, and creatives who design weddings that honour love in its most genuine form.


Most of all, we welcome every couple, every story, and every kind of love —
Always with care. Always with heart.

A couple celebrating an elopement in the forest of Serra de Sintra – Peninha, surrounded by mist, with an officiant standing between them; the bride holds a bouquet and wears a flowing dress, creating an intimate and mystical atmosphere.
A bride and groom stand smiling outdoors near a historic stone structure with columns and pink walls. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a sparkling white dress. Joana, the celebrant, is adjusting the bride’s train while holding a folder, ensuring everything is perfect for the ceremony.

Behind the Brand

Elope in Portugal is powered by CONPLAN, a family-run consultancy founded in 1985.

With decades of experience in planning and organisation, CONPLAN gives our project the structure and reliability that allow us to dream boldly and create freely. This partnership means every elopement is not only intimate and soulful but also carried out with professionalism, transparency, and care.

Trusted Partnerships

We are proud to collaborate with carefully selected partners who share our vision of meaningful and authentic celebrations.

  • CP – Comboios de Portugal
     As official partners of the Presidential Train, we design exclusive elopement experiences aboard one of Europe’s most legendary journeys — blending heritage, romance, and slow travel.
  • Somewhere Crazy
     We collaborate with international agencies such as Somewhere Crazy. For couples dreaming beyond Portugal, we provide referrals. For couples eloping here, those same agencies trust us as their local team of celebrants and coordinators.
  • Order of the Templars
    Through our partnership with the Ordem dos Templários, we design elopements and vow renewals inspired by history, symbolism, and the timeless mystique of the Templars in Portugal.
  • Momo's Love by Chef Mónica
    In collaboration with the talented Chef Mónica from Momo's Love, we craft unique culinary experiences — from charming PICNICs to elegant brunches, perfect for intimate and unforgettable moments.
  • Casal Sta. Maria Winery
     In partnership with Casal Sta. Maria, Europe’s westernmost vineyard, we create intimate elopements surrounded by ocean views, golden light, and the timeless beauty of Portugal’s winemaking heritage.

Working with us directly means connecting to the heart of Portugal, with a team that knows its hidden gems, traditions, and most soulful places.

Your Elopement in Portugal,

off the beaten path

We’re passionate explorers with a deep love for uncovering hidden corners

of Portugal — places where nature, intimacy, and emotion meet. Over the years, we’ve mapped out secret beaches, quiet villages, mossy forests, and cascading waterfalls — ideal settings for soulful elopements and intimate weddings in Portugal.



But this is about more than beautiful places. Through Elope in Portugal, we’re committed to sustainable and regenerative travel — celebrating love in a way that honours local communities, protects the environment, and uplifts small family-run businesses.