Rachel & Alex's Unforgettable City Elopement in Porto, Portugal
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you strip away the massive guest lists, the seating charts, and the pressure of a traditional wedding. You’re left with just two people, completely in love, ready to embark on the biggest adventure of their lives. That’s exactly what Rachel and Alex did on an October day in Porto, Portugal. When they reached out to me about their Elopement in Portugal, it was clear that it has to be Porto. They had been the before and loved the City!
Their city elopement wasn't just a ceremony; it was a journey through cobbled streets, a celebration of food and history, and a testament to doing things your own way. If you’ve ever considered trading a banquet hall for breathtaking European vistas, let this story be your sign to pack your bags.
Getting Ready in the Heart of the City Porto
Our day officially started around midday at a charming Airbnb tucked away in the city center. While we had already met early in the morning for a "pre-wedding" casual shoot to capture the iconic Ribeira and Dom Luís I Bridge without the crowds, this midday meet-up was where the real transformation began.
The vibe was calm, intimate, and full of anticipation. Rachel and Alex fueled up with some delicious local pastries—because you can’t get married in Portugal without indulging in a pastel de nata or two!
While Alex got dressed in the upper bedroom, Rachel had her hair and makeup done downstairs. In a quiet moment amidst the preparations, she sat down to finish writing her vows in her vow book. It was such a peaceful scene, capturing the essence of why couples choose to elope: the space to breathe, reflect, and truly be present.
Since they had already seen each other’s outfits beforehand, we skipped the traditional "first look." Instead, the focus was simply on being together as they put the finishing touches on their wedding attire.
Strolling Through Porto’s Hidden Gems
Once they were ready, we hit the streets. Porto is one of those cities that feels like a living, breathing history. Every corner offers a new texture, a splash of colorful azulejos (tiles), or a winding alleyway that begs to be explored.
We spent the first part of the afternoon just strolling. We had scouted some beautiful, lesser-known streets days before, allowing us to avoid the main tourist hubs and find pockets of privacy. We soaked in the beauty that Porto has to offer, walking hand-in-hand through picturesque streets that offered incredible views of the Douro River below.
Before heading to our next big stop, we paused for—you guessed it—more snacks! Eloping is hungry work, and grabbing a quick bite gave them the energy boost they needed for the permanent memory they were about to make.
Ink and Love: A Tattoo Appointment to Remember
For Rachel and Alex, this day wasn't just about exchanging rings; it was about marking their journey in a way that felt authentic to them. Their next stop was Kria Tattoo, a local studio where they had booked an appointment to get matching—but distinct—tattoos.
This was a huge moment for Alex, as it was his first tattoo ever! Rachel, already familiar with the process, went second, letting Alex take the plunge first.
They chose designs that were symbolic of their relationship. Alex chose an image of a mountain with two people walking toward it. Rachel’s design featured two people dancing together.
The artists at the studio were incredibly friendly, making the experience even more special. It was intimate, a little nerve-wracking for Alex, and completely unforgettable. Now, they carry a piece of their Porto elopement with them everywhere they go.
A Tuk-Tuk Ride Through History
After the ink was dry and the adrenaline settled, a tuk-tuk driver picked us up for a tour of the city. If you’re planning a city elopement in Porto, I cannot recommend this enough. It’s a fun, breezy way to see the sights without navigating the hills on foot in your wedding gear!
Our driver was amazing, speaking excellent English and sharing stories about the city's history as we zipped through the streets. He drove us to a stunning viewpoint on a hillside, to café bosco overlooking the sprawling city below.
Here, we paused for champagne. But this wasn't just a toast; it was a moment of connection with the people who couldn't be there. Rachel and Alex sat together, sipping bubbly, and reading letters sent by their friends and family.
There were laughs and giggles, as they read the words of love and support from back home. It was the perfect way to include their loved ones in their day while maintaining the intimacy of an elopement.
Vows Among the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
As the afternoon light began to soften, we hopped back into the tuk-tuk and headed to the location Rachel and Alex had chosen for their ceremony: the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens).
This park is a fairytale come to life. We wandered through lush pathways, greeted by peacocks, ducks paddling in the ponds, and birds singing in the trees. We took our time here, dancing around the gardens, taking beautiful portraits, and just letting them enjoy the feeling of being almost-married.
They also took a moment to read one final letter they had saved for this specific time—a deeply emotional and touching moment that grounded them before the vows.
Finally, we arrived at our perfect spot. It was a quiet and overlooking the river. There were no arches or altars, just the two of them and the view.
The vow exchange was everything an elopement should be: beautiful, funny, and raw. They spoke their promises to each other with the city bearing witness.
And then, a little bit of magic happened.
As they finished their vows and kissed, we heard clapping. Around the corner, hidden from our view, a couple sitting on a picnic blanket had quietly witnessed the entire ceremony. They cheered for the newlyweds, a surprise audience that added a burst of joy to the moment. It was a reminder that love, even when private, is something the whole world wants to celebrate.
Why a Porto Elopement Might Be For You
We ended the day swaddling a bit more through the park as the sun began to dip lower, wrapping up an absolutely perfect day.
You might be wondering, "Did they miss out on the big landmarks?" Not at all! Remember that early morning shoot? That was a strategic choice. By separating the "tourist" shots from the ceremony day flow, we avoided the crowds at the bridge and the Ribeira district, allowing the actual elopement day to be relaxed, spontaneous, and private.
Rachel and Alex’s day is proof that you don't need a rulebook to get married. You can eat pastries, get tattoos, ride tuk-tuks, and read letters on a hillside. You can embrace your sense of adventure and your desire for intimacy all at once.
If you are dreaming of an elopement that honors your story, connects you to European culture, and feels like the ultimate adventure, Porto is waiting for you.
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 city Elopement in Lisbon or Porto, a private ceremony on the Westcoast, or a seaside dinner in Ericeira, Portugal has a way of making everything feel both effortless and unforgettable.
You want to have a little deep dive into planing an elopement in Portugal? Here is my Portugal Guide 2026
Let’s create something just as magical — a day that feels completely you.
We eloped in Porto, Portugal with Way Up High Elopements, and the experience was absolutely AMAZING! From start to finish, we could not be happier with how everything turned out.
Thijsiena helped us plan our day and timeline a few months in advance, but what really stood out was her flexibility and genuine care. She didn’t just focus on the schedule—she made sure we were comfortable, happy, and truly enjoying ourselves. Her collaborative approach was invaluable; she shared thoughtful ideas and insights from her extensive elopement experience, which made planning stress-free and exciting. It’s clear she’s an elopement expert!
We were initially nervous about having photos taken for eight hours (neither of us loves being in front of the camera), but Thijsiena made us feel completely at ease. That comfort shines through in the photos—they are magical! They capture our true essence in such an artistic and candid way. Her style is stunning, and the natural, authentic moments she captured are exactly what we hoped for.
The photos are beyond what we imagined and were delivered quite fast!
If you’re considering hiring Thijsiena for your elopement, do it—without hesitation! She made our day so special, and she’s an absolute joy to spend time with. You’ll not only get incredible photos but also an unforgettable experience.
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