When we visited Portugal to celebrate Allie's 30th birthday, we absolutely fell in love with the country and our wedding venue, the Penha Longa Resort. Thomas even says "it's the best hotel I've ever stayed at" and if you're familiar with his travel standards, you know that's high praise. We're so excited to have our family & friends experience it on our special day as well!
Yes! Transportation will be provided to and from the Penha Longa Resort. Meet in the lobby at 6:15 pm, buses will be leaving at 6:30 pm.
Yes, please visit our 'Travel' page for the link to the room block booking website and additional details on the hotel.
The nearest airport is the Lisbon International Airport, about 25-30 minutes away by car. Visit our 'Travel' page for additional details and recommendations.
Since our wedding is a destination celebration, we've opted not to have a registry. We’re incredibly grateful to have you join us in Portugal, and truly, your presence is the greatest gift we could ask for!
While we love your kids, we've decided to make our wedding events adults-only. For guests traveling with children, the hotel recommends Baby Sisters (https://babysisters.pt/en) for babysitting services. They regularly work with weddings and events at the hotel, and their caregivers are certified, multilingual and first-aid trained.
Depending on the route, it can be rough. First and foremost, check the gate where you are departing from. When you exit airport security, you will find yourself in a large open concourse area with starbucks and bars. This is where you need to make a decision based on whether you are flying within europe or internationally. The signs and flow of people towards passport control will lead you to believe that is the only path - this is only if you are flying internationally. It is easy to accidentally find yourself moving into the international area (non-Schengen) when you don't have to wait there if you are flying domestic (Schengen). Thomas did this like a dummy and we almost missed our flight. That said, if you are flying within Europe, the wait times can essentially be less than 5 minutes (outside of the security check, which is minimal - chaotic, but minimal). For international flights, this is where you need to pay attention. If your passport scans, no issues. If not for some reason, then you will wait up to 45 minutes and can miss your flight so please please provide yourself sufficient time.
Text Thomas or Allie and he can make you a tee time or incorporate into existing block of tee times. The course is $80 for the tee time, $30 each pp for a cart, and the clubs they say we can rent for free if we book early enough
There are an number of delicious options at the resort including 2 Michelin Star Restaurants. Walking through the day, breakfast starts with Mercatto which has a beautiful view of the property. For lunch, Arola is open (this is the quasi golf clubhouse - modern theme - only during the daylight) and then Aqua / pool which serves some nice classic American bites while you enjoy some Sangria to remind yourself you are in paradise. For dinner, this is a bit of the thinking required. There are 4 options depending on hours and day (and these do change based on the season) - key thing here is make reservations 1.) LAB by Sergi Arola - incredible Michelin experience, tour around portugal with food and offers a wine pairing, definitely something for those willing to dive into an adventure ($$$$) 2.) Midori - sushi michelin restaurant, going to melt your mouth ($$$$) 3.) Arola - contemporary twist to portugese cuisine, one of our favorites and a bit lighter on the wallet ($$$) 4.) Spices - japanese cuisine, mixes in other asian cultures as well to have a rounded experience ($$$) 5.) Mercatto - Italian, straightforward but nonetheless still quite tasty ($$)