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How much does a wedding in the Douro Valley cost? Featured
Portugal has a justified reputation as a relatively low-cost location for destination weddings, so here we are going to look at the prices we typically charge. First of all, lets look at the in season pricing - the wedding season in the Douro is April to October and there is a sharp distinction between on and off season, which is of course because of the sun! Actually there is still plenty of sunshine out of peak season, but the truth is that it will be a lot colder, so having an outside wedding is generally problematic during the Winter (even if there are blue skies!). During the wedding season, things get pretty busy, both for us as wedding planners and of course for the most desirable venues, which means that there is a floor for <a href="https://douroweddings.com/douro-wedding-venues/douro-wedding-packages/">wedding package prices</a>, which we have established at €20,000 (not including accommodation). We do not stipulate a minimum number of guests for our peak season weddings however and this price may include activities outside of the wedding itself, such as river cruises, wedding rehearsal dinners or other fun stuff for your guests which we can organise for you. If you organise a wedding in Portugal without a wedding planner, it may be possible to find some lower cost options than this, but given that all our clients are from outside Portugal, we believe in giving full-service planning with a full-wedding package; that is to say that we take responsibility for every element of the wedding and we only work with reliable, high quality vendors, so we cannot operate at the budget end of the market and still be certain that we can guarantee our clients a perfect wedding every time. <img class="alignnone wp-image-705" src="https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/douro_wedding-300x225.jpg" alt="douro_wedding" width="823" height="617" /> Outside of wedding season, everything changes however - we generally have just a sprinkling of weddings to run and our vendors are all looking for work, so it is possible to get some fantastic deals, without compromising on quality. On top of this, accommodation and flights are generally a lot cheaper out of season, so the total spend on the wedding for you and your guests can be a lot lower. And with a bit of luck you will still get some decent weather, even if it not warm emough to have part of the wedding outside. If you need some more information about our in or out of season weddings, then please don't hesitate to get in touch so that we can set up a meeting and take you through your options. Whilst we do generally start with a package option, we always tailor it to our client's specific requirements, to create a unique package for every couple!
How we plan a destination wedding in the Douro Valley Featured
<p>At <a href="https://douroweddings.com/"><strong>Douro Weddings</strong></a>, we specialise in destination weddings, meaning most of our clients are based outside Portugal. Planning a wedding from afar is often much more complex than that of a traditional wedding planner. Many couples may not be familiar with the Douro region or even Portugal itself. On top of that, nearly all wedding guests will be travelling to Portugal for the big day and need looking after, too. In this post, we’ll break down how we plan and coordinate destination weddings, taking these factors into account to create unforgettable celebrations.</p><h3><strong>Understanding your requirements</strong></h3><p>The first step in planning any wedding is understanding the couple’s vision. With destination weddings, this can vary greatly. Some couples may have already chosen their dream venue, while others might have no idea where to start. Some prefer an all-inclusive package covering guest accommodation, transport and activities, while others leave these details to their guests.</p><p>To ensure a smooth and personalised planning experience, we will first ask you to complete a short questionnaire. This allows us to gain a clear understanding of your preferences, such as guest numbers, budget, wedding style and logistical requirements. By gathering this information upfront, we can provide tailored advice and solutions that align with your vision right from our very first consultation with you.</p> <a href="https://douroweddings.com/about/"> <img width="1024" height="699" src="https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/douro-river-weddings-1024x699.jpg" alt="douro wedding planner" srcset="https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/douro-river-weddings-1024x699.jpg 1024w, https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/douro-river-weddings-300x205.jpg 300w, https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/douro-river-weddings-768x524.jpg 768w, https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/douro-river-weddings-1536x1048.jpg 1536w, https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/douro-river-weddings-2048x1398.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> </a> <h3><strong>Choosing the perfect venue</strong></h3><p>Many of our clients come to us with a love for the Douro Valley, having visited the region and a few quintas before. However, they often have limited knowledge of the available venues or their pricing. Selecting <a href="https://douroweddings.com/douro-wedding-venues/">the right venue</a> involves more than just aesthetics - we consider factors such as:<br />- Proximity to Porto (for guest convenience)<br />- On-site accommodation availability<br />- Catering and event facilities<br />- Nearby attractions and activities for guests</p><h3><strong>Guest accommodation</strong></h3><p>Not all wedding venues in the Douro Valley offer on-site accommodation and those that do often have limited capacity. This makes finding the perfect place for your guests to stay an essential part of our planning. We consider every detail: from how far guests will need to travel to whether there are enough rooms nearby to accommodate everyone comfortably. For larger weddings, we can arrange multiple accommodation options. Whether it’s block-booking an entire hotel for a seamless experience or providing personalised recommendations, we’ll find the best solution to suit your needs.</p><h3><strong>Planning your Big Day</strong></h3><p>Since many of our couples are unfamiliar with Portugal, they rely on us to source and manage trusted wedding suppliers. We take care of everything, including:<br />- Hair and makeup artists<br />- Photographers/videographers<br />- Flowers and decorations<br />- Entertainment and music<br />- Catering and more<br />We work exclusively with a select group of vendors we've collaborated with for years, ensuring exceptional quality and reliability. Trust is paramount in destination weddings and we pride ourselves on working only with partners who share our commitment to excellence.</p> <a href="https://douroweddings.com/douro-wedding-venues/douro-wedding-packages/"> <img width="651" height="1024" src="https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/douro-wedding-651x1024.jpg" alt="douro wedding" srcset="https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/douro-wedding-651x1024.jpg 651w, https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/douro-wedding-191x300.jpg 191w, https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/douro-wedding-768x1209.jpg 768w, https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/douro-wedding-976x1536.jpg 976w, https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/douro-wedding-1301x2048.jpg 1301w, https://douroweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/douro-wedding-scaled.jpg 1627w" sizes="(max-width: 651px) 100vw, 651px" /> </a> <h3><strong>Activities for your wedding guests</strong></h3><p>One of the greatest joys of a destination wedding is that it becomes more than just a day. Many guests take the opportunity to extend their stay, turning it into a mini holiday, while the bride and groom get to enjoy extra time with their closest friends and family. To make this time even more special, we can arrange a <a href="https://douroweddings.com/activities-for-douro-wedding-guests/">range of memorable activities</a>, from scenic Douro River cruises (whether as a relaxing excursion or a unique way to arrive at the venue) to vineyard tours and wine tastings paired with delicious local cuisine or outdoor activities for adventure seekers. We work exclusively with trusted suppliers to ensure every experience is truly unforgettable.</p><h3><strong>Handling logistics with ease</strong></h3><p>Coordinating transport is key to ensuring a seamless destination wedding experience. From airport transfers and boat journeys along the Douro River to shuttles between hotels and the venue, we take care of every detail. Our goal is to make travel effortless, so you and your guests can relax and fully enjoy your time in Portugal.</p><p>Planning a destination wedding means placing a great deal of trust in your wedding planner. You’re relying on us to bring your vision to life, manage your budget and create an unforgettable celebration - without the stress. Choosing the right wedding planner is the most important decision you'll make for your Douro Valley wedding. At <strong>Douro Weddings</strong>, we take the uncertainty out of the process, guiding you with expertise and care to ensure your special day is everything you’ve dreamed of. <a href="https://douroweddings.com/contact/">Get in touch with us today</a> and let’s start planning your perfect wedding in Portugal.</p> <a href="https://douroweddings.com/contact/"> Contact Us </a>
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