I was recently interviewed by Revista Sábado about the growing global phenomenon of micro-weddings, a trend I have been closely observing as both a sociologist and the creative director of Elope in Portugal.

The Return to the Essential

In the world of luxury destination weddings, we are witnessing a profound transition from the traditional "spectacle" to the intimate "rite". As a sociologist, I find this evolution fascinating: while the total number of marriages has decreased over the decades, the demand for intellectual depth and personal meaning has grown.

Contemporary couples are no longer just looking for a "venue"; they are seeking a territory to anchor their intercultural story.

Monsanto: Where Strategy Meets Myth

The article highlights a recent project I directed at Monsanto, famed as a filming location for House of the Dragon. For this specific family, the choice of Monsanto was a deliberate embrace of legacy and lore. To honour their vision, we elevated the experience to a level of exclusivity rarely seen in the industry:

• Historical Curation: We curated a private encounter with a member of the Order of the Knights Templar, allowing the family to immerse themselves in the lineage and secrets of those ancient stones before their ceremony.
• The Privilege of the Sacred: We secured the rare privilege of opening the doors to the Chapel of São Pedro de Vir-a-Corça. A site of absolute mysticism and restricted access, this Romanesque sanctuary provided the perfect backdrop for a vow renewal that felt truly eternal.

Strategic Leadership for 2026

Being recognised in the national press for having our 2026 agenda already in motion is a validation of our rigorous methodology. In the international market, clients are seeking more than a planner; they require a Project Manager capable of granting access to the inaccessible and a Creative Director who can read the culture's soul.



At Elope in Portugal, we believe that authenticity is not an accessory; it is the foundation of the new experience economy.