What Every Bride Wishes She Knew Before Booking a Venue in Portugal

Take A Vow Portugal
Oct 2
2 min read

Wedding Venue in Portugal — Vineyard Wedding Venue In Portugal

The True Cost of "Affordable" Venues Outside City Centres

It’s tempting to choose a venue outside Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve to save on rental fees. But venues further out come with hidden costs—think shuttle buses, taxis, and sometimes even overnight accommodation for your guests and vendors. Couples often underestimate the time and budget needed for transporting guests and suppliers. If you’re dreaming of a countryside estate, factor in logistics early to avoid last-minute surprises.

Hotels Offer Built In Peace of Mind - Independent Venues Don't

Hotels in Portugal are a popular choice for destination weddings because they have almost everything on hand. If you forget to rent extra chairs or a cake table, hotels usually have a backup available. By contrast, independent venues often require you to source every detail yourself, from furniture to tableware. This can add stress and unexpected rental costs—especially if you’re planning from abroad.

Tented Venues and Portugal's Summer Heat - Timing is Everything

Tented venues can be magical, but they get incredibly warm—especially from May to September, when Portugal enjoys long, sunny days with average highs reaching 30°C (86°F) in July and August. Local meteorological data show that ceremonies under tents are far more comfortable after 5:00 pm. If you’re set on a tented celebration, plan for a late afternoon ceremony and consider providing fans or cooling stations for guests.

Wedding venue tent in Portugal — Wedding Tent in Portugal

Don't Forget the 23% IVA - It's a Game Changer for Your Budget

In Portugal, IVA (Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado) is a value-added tax of 23% added to most venue rental fees. This can be a shock if you’re not expecting it—especially as some venues only mention this in the fine print. Make sure to clarify if prices are “IVA included” or not. Always confirm with your venue and add this tax to your calculations from the start.

Deposits and Payment Schedules: What to Expect in Portugal

To secure your date, most venues in Portugal require a deposit of 30–50% of the total fee. If the venue also handles catering, you’ll often need to pay a deposit for both the space and the food. Payment schedules can vary, so read contracts carefully and ask for a breakdown. This ensures you’re prepared for every stage—no surprises when the next invoice arrives.