WEDDING AT QUINTA DA BICHINHA
Since my mom lives in Portugal (and I’m Portuguese), I’m often in the Algarve visiting. So when Ariel and Dom reached out about their destination Portuguese wedding – I was thrilled!
After multiple postponements due to the pandemic, they settled on an intimate wedding in Portugal (to celebrate Ariel’s heritage), and managed to create a truly memorable weekend away for their family, friends and little girl.
QUINTA DA BICHINHA WEDDING VENUE
Quinta da Bichinha is a family run old wine estate (over a 100 years old) that was renovated into a wedding venue in 2003.
Only an hour away from Lisbon (hullo, easy flights from the UK!), the venue also has accommodation for your guests, so that no one has to leave the party early.
The main part of the wedding venue is beautifully set up with a courtyard outside the reception venue (the renovated wine cellars), and is surrounded by gardens and vineyards.
But my favourite part of the Quinta (other than the incredible dessert table!) is the ceremony space overlooking the lake. Within walking distance from everyone’s rooms and the main venue – it provides the most incredible backdrop for your wedding ceremony.
DESTINATION WEDDING AT QUINTA DA BICHINHA
Quinta da Bichinha has a total of 31 rooms (and two wedding suites) for all your guests so that everyone can stay close by, and not worry about driving home.
You can start out your day in the Vineyard house (the gorgeous blue trimmed house in the middle of the courtyard), and all your guests can enjoy a tasty Portuguese breakfast.
When your guests are ready, they can head over to the pergola overlooking the lagoon, and wait for you to walk down the aisle. If you’re choosing to do the legal wedding at home (my recommendation – read more here), you can hire an English speaking celebrant to conduct your wedding for you. Or alternatively, ask one of your friends or family members to create a custom ceremony.
The real benefit to this – means that you can do what you want during your ceremony! Ariel and Dom had shots just after their vows, and combined their daughter’s naming ceremony with their wedding ceremony.
HOW TO GET TO QUINTA DA BICHINHA
Quinta da Bichinha is an hour’s drive away from Lisbon (or under an hour away from the airport) and easily accessible with a rental car or an Uber from the airport or Lisbon city centre.
Flight times from the UK are;
London: 2hr45min
Manchester: 2hrs50min
Edinburgh: 3h10min
GETTING MARRIED IN PORTUGAL
There are quite a few things to consider about getting married in Portugal, all of which I talk about here: A Comprehensive Guide to Weddings in Portugal.
Most importantly, you need to consider whether you’re wanting to do the legal ‘bit’ in Portugal, or get legally married in the UK.
A few things to note; you can have a Catholic or civil ceremony but it will be conducted in Portuguese. You need to acquire a marriage license in Portugal which can take quite some time and require a fair bit of paperwork.
QUINTA DA BICHINHA WEDDING PRICES
Wedding packages for up to 50 guests start at €14000 during off peak, and up to €19000 during peak season.
Their super affordable packages also include;
– a wedding coordinator
– exclusive rental of the whole villa
– floral centrepieces & candles
– wedding ceremony set up at the pergola over looking the lake
– wedding bouquet and two boutonnieres
– their amazing DJ (he was lovely!) and sound system
– all food & meals (including supplier meals)
– wedding stationery (menus, table numbers)
– wedding cake & fireworks
– open bar
– accommodation for 51 guests
QUINTA DA BICHINHA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
You really don’t have to go far at Quinta da Bichinha to take incredible photos with a variety of backdrops. From the typically Portuguese courtyard (the fairy lights at night are a dream!), to the lakeside views, the beautiful gardens and the breathtaking vineyards – all achievable on foot and with a short couple’s session.
If you’re looking to add on photography coverage for the barbecue the night before, or additional shoots the day after, just mention that when you get in touch and we can have a chat.
