Ah, Lisbon! A city where golden sunsets kiss the rooftops, where the scent of fresh pastéis de nata fills the air, and where history whispers through the walls of grand palaces and castles. If you’ve ever dreamed of getting married in a place straight out of a fairy tale, Portugal’s stunning castles near Lisbon offer the perfect backdrop.
But let’s be real—choosing a wedding venue isn’t just about finding a beautiful location. It’s about finding the place where your love story feels right. So, grab a glass of vinho verde, sit back, and let’s explore the most enchanting castle wedding venues near Lisbon!
1. Forte da Cruz – The Seaside Castle of Dreams
📍 Location: Estoril (20 minutes from Lisbon)
🌊 Best for: Ocean lovers who want a castle with a beachside twist
🔗 Website
Picture this: you’re standing in a 17th-century fortress, waves crashing behind you, the salty breeze in your hair, and the love of your life in front of you. Forte da Cruz, located right on Tamariz Beach, blends medieval elegance with stunning ocean views—making it a dream spot for couples who can’t choose between a castle and a beach wedding.
🔥 Insider tip: Want to wow your guests? Arrange for a sunset ceremony and a fireworks show over the Atlantic. Absolute magic!
💰 Price range: €€€ – Luxe, but worth it for the view.
2. Monserrate Palace – A Symphony of Cultures
📍 Location: Sintra (30 minutes from Lisbon)
🏰 Best for: Couples who love unique architecture & lush gardens
🔗 Website
Imagine a palace that looks like a love child of a Gothic cathedral, an Indian temple, and a Moorish castle. Welcome to Monserrate Palace—Sintra’s hidden gem. This 19th-century architectural wonder is surrounded by some of the most exotic gardens in Europe, making it a top pick for intimate, romantic weddings.
🔥 Insider tip: Since the palace is a UNESCO heritage site, there are restrictions on loud music after 11 PM. Plan your first dance early!
💰 Price range: €€ – Mid-range, with a touch of royal luxury.
3. Castle of São Jorge – The Ultimate Hilltop Fairytale
📍 Location: Lisbon
🌅 Best for: History lovers & breathtaking panoramic views
🔗 Website
If you want to feel like actual royalty on your big day, Castle of São Jorge is your spot. Perched high above Lisbon, this fortress offers the best panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. Imagine exchanging vows at sunset with the entire city as your backdrop—romantic, right?
🔥 Insider tip: Since the castle is a major tourist attraction, plan a late afternoon ceremony to avoid the crowds. Or better yet, go for an exclusive evening event when the castle is all yours.
💰 Price range: €€€ – Historic charm comes at a price, but the views? Priceless.
4. Casa dos Penedos – A Hidden Gem in Sintra
📍 Location: Sintra (30 minutes from Lisbon)
🌿 Best for: Couples who love privacy & nature
🔗 No official website, but can be booked through wedding planners.
Tucked away in the mystical hills of Sintra, Casa dos Penedos is the perfect balance between a grand mansion and a fairy-tale castle. With ivy-covered walls, dramatic staircases, and lush gardens, it’s ideal for couples who want an intimate setting with a touch of grandeur.
🔥 Insider tip: This venue is lesser-known than the other castles, which means more flexibility for your wedding plans and fewer tourists to dodge in your wedding photos.
💰 Price range: €€ – Great value for a breathtakingly romantic setting.
Planning Your Castle Wedding Near Lisbon: What You Need to Know
💡 When to book? Most castle venues are booked a year in advance, especially for summer weddings. If you want a prime date, don’t wait!
💡 Legal requirements: If you’re not a Portuguese resident, you’ll need to navigate some paperwork. Consider hiring a local wedding planner to handle the bureaucracy.
💡 Weather considerations: While Lisbon has over 300 days of sunshine a year, coastal venues can get breezy. A stylish shawl or a dramatic cape (think Game of Thrones vibes) might just be your best friend.
💡 Budgeting: Expect to spend anywhere from €5,000 to €20,000 on the venue alone, depending on location, exclusivity, and guest count.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Capture Your Castle Wedding!
Now that we’ve found the perfect venue, there’s one last thing to make your wedding unforgettable—stunning photography! After all, what’s the point of getting married in a castle if you don’t have jaw-dropping photos to prove it?
As a wedding photographer specializing in destination weddings, I know all the best angles, golden-hour secrets, and hidden spots to capture your love story in all its glory. Let’s create magic together!
📸 Explore my wedding portfolio here: Your Happy Moments – Blog
💍 Check out my wedding photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s chat about your dream wedding: Contact Me
