A Romantic Portugal Elopement in Sintra and Ericeira | Ashley & Craig
When Ashley and Craig reached out about their elopement in Portugal, I could already feel it was going to be something special. They traveled all the way from the U.S. with their closest people — about 15 friends and family — to celebrate love, connection, and the adventure of a lifetime in the lush hills of Sintra and along the wild coastline near Ericeira.
This is the story of their day — a mix of calm moments, seaside wanderings, emotional vows, and golden sunsets.
Morning in the Hills of Sintra
Ashley and Craig stayed in an incredible old villa nestled in the Sintra hills — a place that once served as a monastery, complete with its own little chapel, a pool, and gardens that seemed to stretch forever. The whole property felt like it was holding its breath, waiting for something magical to happen.
The morning started with laughter. Ashley’s bridesmaid had crafted a playful “fake wedding dress” for a fun first look — and with everyone watching, Craig turned around only to burst out laughing. It was the perfect icebreaker, setting the tone for a day that would be both emotional and lighthearted.
A Hike Down to Praia da Ursa
After that, the two of them snuck away from the group for an adventure. We drove toward Praia da Ursa, one of the most breathtaking and beautiful beaches in Portugal. The cliffs there are rugged and dramatic, and the hike down isn’t to easy — but the reward is pure magic.
It was slightly overcast, the kind of soft light that photographers dream about. Ashley and Craig brought letters from loved ones who couldn’t be there, and as the waves rolled in, they sat on the stones reading those messages. There was something so touching about it — two people, completely alone at the beautiful place, surrounded by the sound of the ocean and words from the people they love most.
I always tell couples: if you can, bring letters. It’s such a simple way to feel close to everyone who couldn’t make it, and it adds a beautiful emotional layer to your day.
Coffee, Cliffs, and Coastal Calm
After hiking back up, we stopped in Azenhas do Mar, a cliffside village with whitewashed houses and blue tiles that look like they’re straight out of a postcard. We sat at a tiny café, ordered galão (Portuguese coffee) and tosta mista, and just breathed it all in — the sea, the calm, the anticipation of what was still to come.
A Slow Afternoon and a Ceremony Beneath the Trees
Back at the villa, everything slowed down. The family was together, sipping tea, sharing stories, and moving in and out of the old stone rooms. Ashley had her makeup done by a friend, Greg got ready quietly with the soft light falling through the windows — and the energy was peaceful, grounded, perfect.
Their first look took place in the garden, surrounded by ancient walls and greenery. You could feel the emotion in the air — a mix of joy, nerves, and deep love. A few tears, a few laughs. The family cheering.
Their ceremony was held under a sprawling tree near the house. A friend officiated, which made everything even more personal. The sun peeked through the leaves, the family watched, and there were moments of laughter, tears, and heartfelt vows. It was intimate, honest, and completely them.
Sunset in Ericeira
After the ceremony, everyone gathered for a toast — local Portuguese wine, of course — before heading to Ericeira for dinner. The restaurant Balagan had an open veranda with ocean views, long tables, and the kind of warm light that makes everything feel like a dream. The food was amazing, the staff so kind, and the mood… just perfect.
Before sunset, we slipped away for one last photo adventure. Wandering through the cobblestone streets, down to the cliffs by the ocean, we caught the golden light as the sun dipped into the sea. Ashley and Craig laughed, kissed, and just let themselves be — playful, romantic, real.
By the time we walked back, fairy lights had been strung across the restaurant, candles flickered on every table, and speeches began. One thing I love about my American couples: they know how to give a good speech — heartfelt, funny, emotional, and completely unfiltered.
The End of a Perfect Day
After 12 hours of hiking, laughing, crying, and celebrating, we ended the day with one last toast. I packed up my gear, hugged them goodbye, and left feeling deeply grateful — for love like this, for places like Portugal, and for stories that unfold so beautifully and naturally.
Thinking About Eloping in Portugal?
If you’re dreaming of your own elopement in Portugal, imagine this: soft Atlantic light, dramatic cliffs, historic villas, and quiet coastal villages where time slows down. Whether you want an adventure hike a part of the Fishermen Trail, a private ceremony on the Westcoast, or a seaside dinner in Ericeira, Portugal has a way of making everything feel both effortless and unforgettable.
Let’s create something just as magical — a day that feels completely you.
When my fiancé and I decided we wanted to get married in Portugal we started looking for elopement photographer options. We met with several different people but the moment we met Thijsiena we knew the search was over. She was so warm and fun and exactly the vibe we wanted on our wedding day. We wanted something less traditional and more us, so we spent time coming up with ideas of how to spend our wedding day with her to have her document the day rather than cookie cutter photos. I loved how flexible she was as we fully pivoted on the plans a few days before. We went for a hike the morning of the wedding, and just let the day flow organically and wow did it pay off!! We had a wonderful stress free day with some incredible photos capturing everything that we can look back on for years to come. I felt like we just spent the day with a best friend we have known our whole lives, (I just want to plan a vacation together so we can get to spend time with her in the future). I am someone that can’t act normal in front of a camera, and she was able to lean into that to capture me as a person, but also was able to get some incredible photos of some tender moments without the weirdness I bring, which is a real challenge and art she has perfected! The whole process was so smooth, I really could go on and on but I will say if you are looking for someone to document your day beautifully in a more organic way, you can’t go wrong with Thijsiena!!!
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