FAQs

Your Questions, Answered with Care

What’s the difference between an elopement and an intimate wedding?

An elopement is traditionally just the couple (or with a minimal number of guests, up to 10-20). It is focused on intimacy, your story, and the experience. An intimate wedding is simply a wedding with a smaller guest list — typically 20-30 people — that maintains a focus on emotion and connection. We specialise in both.

Are your "packages" pre-set, or is everything custom-made?

This is the core of what we do. We don't offer "cookie-cutter" packages. Our approach is truly "bespoke." The starting points you see on our Experiences page are a foundation, but every detail is then curated for you, based on your story, your style, and your chosen location.

We don't live in Portugal. How does planning from a distance work?

95% of our couples are international. Our process is designed specifically for this. We start with a discovery video call and handle all planning through email, calls, and project management tools. We will be your "eyes and ears" in Portugal, handling the logistics, vendors, and details so your only job is to enjoy the day, stress-free.

What is really included in your planning service?

Our service is comprehensive and focused on giving you peace of mind. It includes (but is not limited to):

• Creative planning and concept curation.
• Scouting and guidance to find the perfect location (including our "off-the-beaten-path" spots).
• Managing the entire process and communication with top-tier vendors (photography, video, florals, etc.).
• Ceremony design (with a celebrant).
• Creation of a "Plan B" for any eventuality (like weather).
• Full day-of coordination, ensuring everything flows effortlessly.

How far in advance should we book?

To ensure access to the best locations and vendors (especially top photographers and exclusive venues like the Presidential Train), we recommend starting the planning process 9 to 12 months in advance. However, the beauty of an elopement is its flexibility. If you have a shorter timeline, talk to us and we will do our best to create magic.

Can we get legally married in Portugal as foreigners?

Yes! Portugal allows foreign citizens to have a fully legal civil wedding here, which is then recognised in their home country. We can provide support for this process. However, the majority of our couples (about 95%) opt for a "symbolic ceremony" for its flexibility and emotional depth.

What’s the difference between a legal (civil) and a symbolic ceremony?

• Legal (Civil): This is the official, legally-binding marriage. It requires specific documentation, translations, and fees. It is often quicker and less personalised.
• Symbolic: This is our "soulful" speciality. It is a 100% personalised ceremony, written for and about you, led by one of our celebrants. It can be held anywhere (on a cliff, in a forest, in a palace) at any time. Most of our couples handle the legal paperwork in their home country (before or after) and reserve the ceremony in Portugal for the emotion, the vows, and the unforgettable experience.

Can we include our children or our pets in the ceremony?

Absolutely. A soulful elopement is about celebrating your story and your family, in whatever form that takes. We adore finding creative and meaningful ways to include children or four-legged family members in your ceremony. It often makes the day even more personal and unforgettable.

Do your services include booking our flights or accommodation?

Our service focuses on being your expert guides on the ground in Portugal. While we do not book international flights, we absolutely provide a curated list of accommodation recommendations. From boutique hotels to historic homes and hidden eco-lodges, we will help you find the perfect place to stay that matches the vibe of your elopement.

What is the best time of year to elope in Portugal?

Portugal is fortunate to have an excellent climate almost year-round.

• Spring (April - June): Our favourite time. Everything is green, flowers are blooming, and the light is beautiful.
• Summer (July - Aug): Ideal for the coast, but it can be very hot (especially in the Alentejo, Central Portugal, and Douro) and more crowded.
• Autumn (Sept - Oct): The "golden light" season. The weather is still gorgeous, the light is magical for photos, and the crowds thin out.
• Winter (Nov - Feb): Perfect for urban elopements (Lisbon), or for a dramatic, "moody" vibe in places like Sintra.

What is your starting price for an elopement?

Our fully bespoke, "soulful" elopement planning experiences start at €2,800 (VAT included). This foundational price covers the core elements of planning, coordination, and the ceremony. The final investment depends entirely on your bespoke choices, such as your specific location, your chosen photographer, and any extra "soulful" details (like live music or a private chef). We provide a fully transparent, custom proposal after our initial discovery call.

Your site mentions "LGBTQ+ Friendly." What does that mean to you?

It means exactly what it says: we celebrate all love stories, without exception. Portugal is one of the most progressive and safest countries in the world for LGBTQ+ couples. Our promise of a "soulful" and "welcoming" experience is for everyone.

We're not in our 20s. Are elopements also for mature couples or vow renewals?

Absolutely. As we say, "love knows no age." A large part of our clientele is couples celebrating vow renewals or second marriages. The depth, calm, and focus on the story (rather than the "show") of a soulful elopement is often the perfect choice for couples who already know exactly what's important to them.

We saw you are "powered by CONPLAN." What does that mean in practice?

It means you get the best of both worlds. "Elope in Portugal" is our creative, artistic, and personal soul. CONPLAN (our parent company, founded in 1985) is our professional, logistical, and management backbone with decades of experience. In practice, it means your "dream" elopement is supported by a serious, reliable, and professional business infrastructure, guaranteeing that everything runs perfectly.

Is photography included in your services?

Yes, photography is an essential and central part of the elopement experience. Our foundational packages always include a set number of hours with one of the professional photographers from our curated team. We believe that with no large crowd to witness your vows, photography becomes your "witness" and the primary way your story is told.

We have a very specific photography style in mind. Can we choose our photographer?

Absolutely. Our philosophy is "bespoke," and this applies to photography more than anything else.

We don't have just one photographer; we have a curated network of incredible artists we love to work with—each with a unique style (e.g., documentary, editorial, moody, fine art) and different investment levels.

Our process works like this:

1. We listen to what you're looking for and the "vibe" you want.
2. We recommend 2-3 photographers from our network who perfectly align with your style and budget.
3. If you already have a photographer in mind (even if they aren't in our network), we love making new connections! We only require that they be experienced professionals to ensure the quality and seamless flow your day deserves.

Still have a question?

Every love story has unique details. We’re here to listen to yours.

This is the perfect moment to move from questions to a personal conversation.