Whimsical intimate wedding in the courtyard of an ivy-covered palace in Alenquer

Livvie and Andrew lived in the US, but they weren't afraid of the distance. More than 3,600 miles separated them from Portugal, yet they knew this palace was worth every step of the journey.

Unlike many of our destination weddings, theirs included over 80 guests — all traveling from overseas to witness the couple's once-in-a-lifetime celebration. It could have been overwhelming to plan such a large event from abroad, but with our destination wedding planner in Portugal, Patricia by their side, every challenge had a solution.

From the very first consultation, Patricia became their single point of contact for everything: venues, vendors, logistics, and timelines. With less than a year to plan, she helped bring their vision together seamlessly, sparing them countless hours of research and coordination.

Weekly video calls kept them connected despite the time difference, and Patricia's local expertise meant they could trust every recommendation without needing to second-guess decisions from across the Atlantic.

Long before they began planning, Livvie and Andrew had fallen in love with Portugal. They’ve been in love with Portugal for years, with its golden light, the historic architecture, and the warmth of Portuguese hospitality.

When it came time to choose a wedding destination, they wanted somewhere meaningful — not just beautiful, but connected to their own journey together. Portugal felt like home, even from thousands of miles away.

The palace in Alenquer sealed the deal. Its proximity to Lisbon meant easy access for traveling guests, while its secluded hillside location offered complete privacy and tranquility. They envisioned their families exploring cobblestone villages, tasting Portuguese wine, and creating memories beyond just the wedding day itself.

For Livvie and Andrew, this wasn't simply about one celebration — it was about bringing everyone they loved to a place that had captured their hearts.

The venue itself was one of the biggest reasons Livvie and Andrew chose Portugal. Nestled away from the bustle of Lisbon, this 15th-century palace is an exclusive hideaway surrounded by rolling hills and endless greenery. On their wedding day, it became theirs alone — a private paradise for celebrating with loved ones.

They said their vows in the palace courtyard, posed for photos in the whimsical gardens, and wandered hand in hand through ivy-clad walls that seemed to whisper history with every step. For Livvie and Andrew, it wasn't just a venue; it was a temporary home, a space filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. They couldn't be any happier that they picked this palace among the wedding venues in Portugal that they checked out.

The estate's private chapel, manicured gardens, and historic greenhouse gave them multiple settings to work with, each more enchanting than the last.

The day began with intimate family-centered moments. One of the most touching parts of this destination wedding in Portugal was Livvie's first look with her dad, shared in the palace garden surrounded by blooming greenery.

Soon after, she met Andrew for their own private reveal — a moment full of admiration, joy, and happy tears. Watching him see her for the first time, surrounded by roses and ancient stone walls, was pure emotion captured in time.

The courtyard ceremony was straight out of a fairytale. Guests gathered in the spacious garden, framed by historic palace walls. With the sun shining and their loved ones dressed elegantly in black, Livvie and Andrew stood out as they exchanged heartfelt vows.

Our favorite moment? Their first kiss as newlyweds. It was the kind of scene you can't quite capture in words — pure magic, sealed forever in their photos.