The wedding will take place on Tuesday, November 4th, in Porto, Portugal. We’ll arrive in Porto on Sunday, November 2nd, and spend a few days exploring the city. On the 4th, we’ll have a small, intimate dinner with our loved ones to celebrate. For more details about our our special day, visit the What's Happening page.
All group activities will take place at various locations and times in Porto and Lisbon, Portugal. Full details are listed on the What's Happening page.
We’re kicking off the week with a casual Bem-vindo à Festa on Sunday, November 2 at The Wine Box. It’s a relaxed, late-evening happy hour to shake off the jet lag and mingle with friends and family. Attendance is completely optional. Join us if you’re in town. We’re not having a rehearsal dinner. It didn’t feel necessary for the way we’re celebrating. For more details on the Bem-vindo à Festa, visit the What's Happening page.
We want everyone to feel comfortable and have fun. There’s no need for formalwear at any point. For the wedding, we’re going with smart cocktail attire. Wear whatever makes you feel good and ready to celebrate. For outfit suggestions for each event, head to the What's Happening page.
We know guests will be arriving from different cities and on different schedules, so travel arrangements are entirely up to you. Whether you're booking with points, flying your favorite airline, or working with a travel agent, plan in whatever way works best for you. For details on our flights and suggested travel timeline, check out the Travel & Stay page.
For U.S. travelers, a valid passport is required to enter Portugal. Make sure it’s in good condition, has at least two blank pages, and is valid for at least three months beyond your departure from the Schengen Area. Heads up: Starting sometime in 2025, the EU plans to launch a new travel authorization system called ETIAS. It’s not a visa, but you’ll need to apply for it online before your trip. It’s quick, inexpensive, and similar to the ESTA required for U.S. entry. We recommend checking official sources like the U.S. Department of State or the ETIAS website closer to your departure to stay updated.
The best way to get from Porto to Lisbon is by train, especially the Alfa Pendular. It’s fast, scenic, and runs regularly from Porto’s Campanhã station to Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations. The ride takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and is usually the most comfortable and efficient option. You can also drive or take a bus, but the train is typically the smoothest experience. Flying is possible, but by the time you factor in airport logistics, it’s rarely faster. For more details on train options and timing, head to the Travel & Stay page.
We know everyone has their own preferences when it comes to accommodations, whether that’s a favorite hotel brand, a boutique stay, or a group rental like Airbnb or Vrbo. Feel free to book whatever suits you best. You’re welcome to stay where we’re staying or find something nearby. In Porto, we’ll be at Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments from Sunday, November 2 to Thursday, November 6. After that, we’ll head to Lisbon and stay at Torel Palace from Thursday, November 6 to Saturday, November 8. You can find more details on both hotels on the Travel & Stay page.
For those staying at Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments, here are a few easy ways to get to the wedding venue at Real by Calçada Restaurant: By Metro It’s a 5-minute walk to the station, a quick ride on the Yellow Line, and another short walk to the venue. If you leave around 7:00 PM, you’ll have plenty of time to arrive by 7:30. On Foot If you'd rather walk the whole way, it's about half a mile and takes roughly 15 minutes. By Taxi or Ride-Share Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are easy to find. The drive takes around 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
Porto and Lisbon are both very walkable, with plenty of charming streets and easy-to-navigate neighborhoods. For longer distances, public transit is reliable and affordable. Taxis and ride-share options like Uber are also widely available and convenient.
In early November, both Porto and Lisbon usually have mild fall weather with a chance of rain. In Porto, temperatures range from 50–65°F. Lisbon is a bit warmer, usually around 55–70°F. We recommend packing layers for cooler evenings and a light rain jacket, just in case. Think comfortable fall vibes, with a side of flexibility.
Portuguese is the official language in Portugal. English is widely spoken in both Porto and Lisbon, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots. You might run into the occasional language barrier, but most locals are friendly and helpful. A translation app can come in handy for quick questions or smaller shops off the beaten path.
Yes, staying connected is easy in both Porto and Lisbon. Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer free WiFi, and you’ll find it in many public areas too. For calls and data, check with your mobile provider about international plans to avoid surprise charges. Many people use WhatsApp to call and message over WiFi, which is a great way to stay in touch. If you want extra coverage, you can also pick up a local SIM card or rent a portable WiFi hotspot once you're there.
In both Porto and Lisbon, tipping is appreciated but not expected. Here are a few general guidelines if you’d like to show thanks for good service: Restaurants If there’s no service charge included, tipping 5–10% is common. If it’s already included, a small tip for great service is always a nice gesture. Taxis and Rideshares For taxis, it’s common to round up or add 5–10%. For apps like Uber or Bolt, tipping is optional but appreciated. Hotel Staff It’s typical to tip 1–2 euros per night for housekeeping, and 1–2 euros per bag for bellhops. Tour Guides For guided tours or excursions, tipping around 5–10% of the tour price is standard if you enjoyed the experience. Tipping is always up to you. It’s a personal way to show appreciation, not a strict rule.
We don’t have a wedding registry. Your presence in Portugal means the world to us, and truly, that’s the only gift we need.