The Ultimate Destination Wedding Weekend in Faro, Portugal

The Ultimate Destination Wedding Weekend in Faro, Portugal

September 29, 2025
Words by Kristi Blane
Photos courtesy of Anée Atelier

Harriet and Vincent pulled off the ultimate wedding-slash-holiday vibe, and trust me, it’s the kind of story that’ll have you Googling “Portugal flights” by the end of this post.

First things first: the venue. Forget hotels and ballrooms, Harriet’s parents offered up their gorgeous vacation home as the setting. “I had always dreamed of getting married in my back garden at home, and Vinny wanted an abroad wedding, so it was the perfect compromise,” Harriet explains. Talk about the best of both worlds: cozy backyard feels and Portuguese sunshine.

A couple stands on a boardwalk by the ocean. Below are images of a seaside lounge area, a wedding setup, a DJ, and an aerial view of a beach venue.

Because these two are total visionaries, they didn’t stop at just a pretty spot. With the help of the incredible Tara Fay Events, they leaned into Harriet’s love of pink-and-red everything. Seasonal flowers from The Garden brought that vibrant palette to life, and Harriet admits, “It is hard to pick a favorite detail from the day, but I loved the stationery. From the save the dates to the invites to the wedding weekend itinerary, Julie King’s designs were magic.”

A church venue decorated with white flowers, a basket of white paper parasols with wooden handles, and floral arrangements on a stone altar. A collage shows a bridal party in robes, bridesmaids in bright dresses, wedding invitations, a bride adjusting her hair, and groomsmen walking outdoors in suits.

The ceremony itself was held at a traditional Catholic church nearby, but it wasn’t cookie-cutter. Harriet shares, “We incorporated three separate readings delivered by friends, adding a personal touch to the traditional framework. Music played a central role—we carefully selected hymns that held significance for us.” With live music from Opus 2 Musica Faro, it was equal parts moving and magical.

Now, let’s talk about the party. This wasn’t just a one-day affair. Harriet and Vincent wanted their friends and family to experience Portugal together, which made the whole weekend extra special. “There is a unique magic that comes with a destination celebration,” Vincent explains. “When everyone travels together, there’s a special camaraderie that develops among guests. They’re not just attending a one-day event; they’re sharing an entire experience.” Preach.

A wedding ceremony takes place inside a historic church, with the couple standing at the altar and guests seated in pews. Four close-up images show different moments at the altar. A bride and groom pose for photos at their wedding; one image shows them walking, another with guests, and a third against a graffiti wall. A long banquet table is set under a canopy decorated with hanging pink, red, and white flowers and greenery, with floral arrangements visible in close-up views below. A bride and groom stand by a green wall in the top image; the bottom image shows an aerial view of a wedding reception by a pool with guests and white tents.

A pro tip from the newlyweds? Don’t underestimate the power of a solid wedding website. Harriet tells us, “We included detailed area recommendations, a full weekend itinerary, transportation options, and practical information about the location. This resource allowed our guests to plan their trip confidently and meant we weren’t constantly fielding questions.” Genius.

A long dining table with wooden chairs is set with white linens, pink-themed tableware, and decorated with hanging pink and red flowers. A wedding scene with decorated tables, a printed menu card, personalized napkin, and guests celebrating with flower petals and raised napkins. A collage shows an outdoor wedding reception, a couple cutting a multi-tiered cake, and an aerial view of a venue at night. A modern indoor bar setup with lounge seating above; below, people dressed formally dance, sing, and walk through a neon-lit tunnel under the sign "Discoteca.

Vendors: Wedding Planner: Tara Fay Events; Flowers: The Garden; Photography: Anee Atelier; Venue: Private Venue; Staging and Lighting: Eurologistix; Design: Patrick Williams; Video: Amazing Rabbit; Bridal Dress: Kate Halfpenny London; Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik; Welcome Party Trouser Suit: Kate Halfpenny London; Welcome Party Shoes: Prada; Groomswear: Drakes; Bridesmaids: Styled by Anny Choi OTM; Stationery & Invitations: Julie King Studio; Dinner Music Wedding Day: London Essentials; Band Wedding Day: Brooklyn Shakers – ALR Music; Welcome Party Music: Gypsy Queens; DJ all weekend: Gordo; Ceremony Music Instrumental: Opus 2 Musica Faro; Bridal Hair: Darren Ambrose; Bridesmaids’ Hair: David Cashman; Bride’s Makeup: Diva; Bridesmaids Makeup: Nicola Cuddy; Cake: Edelweiss Wedding Cakes; Hats Pool Party: Gigi & Olive; Catering: Penha Longa; Structures and Design Support: Aura Works; Welcome Party Venue: Bold Octopus; Dining Marquee: Algarve Marquee

Outdoor event setup with tables, chairs, and umbrellas, a decorated bar area with shelves and plates, string lights, and floral centerpieces on the tables. Collage of a lively outdoor pool party with people socializing, inflatable pool floats, colorful decorations, and a DJ booth adorned with flowers and disco balls.