There’s something undeniably magical about a Portugal elopement—the golden light, the dramatic cliffs, the lush volcanic landscapes. When Chanel & Sophie decided to forgo a traditional wedding and instead exchange vows on São Miguel Island in the Azores, they knew they wanted their day to be about adventure, intimacy, and breathtaking scenery.
Their elopement was nothing short of a dream. From a ceremony atop Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, surrounded by sweeping green mountains, to private sunset vows by the Atlantic at Ponta da Ferraria, every moment reflected their love story. They explored winding island trails, toasted with champagne, and ended the evening celebrating in the salty ocean breeze.
As Portugal elopement photographers, we had the absolute joy of capturing every detail of their day—from their quiet, emotional moments to the pure excitement of saying “I do” in such an incredible place.
If you’re dreaming of eloping in Portugal, let this real love story inspire you! Scroll through to see the highlights of Chanel & Sophie’s stunning day and imagine what your own Portugal elopement could look like.
Portugal Elopement Ceremony at Miradouro da Boca do Inferno: A Stunning Mountain View Experience
Chanel & Sophie’s Portugal elopement ceremony took place at one of the most breathtaking locations on São Miguel Island—Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. This iconic viewpoint is known for its panoramic views of crater lakes, rolling green mountains, and dramatic landscapes, making it a dream backdrop for an intimate elopement.
How to Get to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
Located in the Sete Cidades region of São Miguel, Miradouro da Boca do Inferno is accessible via a short, scenic hike. From the parking lot, it’s about a 15-minute uphill walk along a dirt trail that leads to one of the most famous viewpoints in the Azores. For couples planning an elopement in Portugal, this spot offers seclusion, stunning scenery, and an unbeatable natural setting for exchanging vows.
A Lucky Break with the Weather
December weather in the Azores can be unpredictable, and the day before Chanel & Sophie’s elopement, thick fog completely covered the view—we couldn’t see a thing! But on their wedding day, the skies cleared just in time for their ceremony, revealing vibrant greens, blue lakes, and golden light streaming through the clouds. It was a perfect reminder of how eloping in Portugal comes with a bit of adventure—and sometimes, a little luck from nature.
Chanel & Sophie stood at the edge of the viewpoint, surrounded by the rugged beauty of São Miguel, as they exchanged vows with only the wind and mountains as witnesses. It was a moment of pure magic, one that truly embodied the spirit of an intimate and adventurous destination elopement in Portugal.
Scenic Drive Through São Miguel: A Fun Detour on This Portugal Elopement
After an unforgettable Portugal elopement ceremony at Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, we started the drive toward Ponta da Ferraria for Chanel & Sophie’s private sunset vow exchange. But one of the best parts of eloping in Portugal is embracing the spontaneous moments—and this drive gave us plenty of those.
Stopping for the Cutest Locals: Cows of São Miguel
One thing Chanel & Sophie loved about São Miguel Island? The cows. And luckily, the island is full of them! As we cruised through the lush, rolling hills, we spotted a group of adorable cows right by the roadside. Naturally, we had to pull over.
They spent a few minutes soaking up the moment, laughing as the curious calves gave them some serious side eye and carried on eating without a second thought. These unexpected stops are what make a destination elopement in Portugal so special—where else can you share your wedding day with tiny, wide-eyed cows against a backdrop of green volcanic cliffs?
A Classic Portugal Elopement Tradition: Espresso Pit Stop
After our impromptu cow encounter, we made another essential stop—for espresso. If there’s one thing you’ll find everywhere in Portugal, it’s rich, delicious espresso served in tiny cups, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. Chanel & Sophie grabbed a quick shot from a small café along the way, savoring the local tradition before heading to their sunset vow exchange on the coast.
Sunset Vows at Ponta da Ferraria: The Perfect Ending to a Portugal Elopement
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we arrived at Ponta da Ferraria, a rugged, volcanic coastline where the black lava rocks meet the deep blue Atlantic. The waves crashed in the distance, the golden light cast a warm glow, and Chanel & Sophie stepped into the moment they had been waiting for—their private vow exchange.
They stood together, framed by the dramatic rocks and endless ocean, reading the words they had written for each other. Soft smiles, quiet tears, hands reaching to brush them away. It was intimate, emotional, and exactly what they had envisioned for their Portugal elopement.
A Wedding Cake Inspired by Portuguese Tradition
After soaking in the moment, we made our way to another scenic spot along the coastline, where Chanel & Sophie celebrated with one of the most beautifully designed wedding cakes we’ve ever seen.
Their cake, crafted by QM Cake Designers, was a true work of art—a nod to Portugal’s iconic azulejo tiles, with intricate blue-and-white patterns wrapping around the sides. Gold detailing added a touch of elegance, blending modern design with traditional Portuguese craftsmanship. The cake was topped with fresh white roses and greenery, making it almost too beautiful to cut. Almost.
With the ocean behind them and the last light of the day fading, Chanel & Sophie shared their first bite of cake, followed by a champagne toast to the adventure of a lifetime.
If you’re dreaming of eloping in Portugal, this is exactly why it’s so special—breathtaking landscapes, private moments, and a day that feels completely, beautifully yours. Ready to make those dreams come to life?
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Eloping in Portugal
Can you legally elope in Portugal?
Yes! You can legally elope in Portugal, but the process requires official documentation, including a passport, birth certificate, and a certificate of no impediment. Civil ceremonies must be performed by a registrar, and all documents need to be translated into Portuguese. Many couples choose a symbolic ceremony for ease.
How many days do you need to be in Portugal before getting married?
There is no residency requirement to get married in Portugal, meaning you don’t need to be in the country for a specific number of days before your wedding. However, the legal process can take at least 30 days, as all paperwork must be submitted in advance and approved by Portuguese authorities.
Do you need witnesses to get married in Portugal?
No, witnesses are not required for a civil ceremony in Portugal. However, if you’re having a religious or symbolic ceremony, the requirements may vary depending on the officiant. Many couples eloping in Portugal opt for a symbolic ceremony to simplify the legal process and focus on their unique experience.
Is Portugal a good place to get married?
Absolutely! Portugal is one of the best places to get married, offering stunning landscapes, a mild climate, rich culture, and affordable wedding costs compared to other European destinations. Whether you prefer ocean cliffs, mountain views, or historic cities, Portugal provides breathtaking backdrops for both intimate elopements and larger weddings.
Is Portugal cheap to get married?
Compared to other European destinations, Portugal is relatively affordable for elopements. Costs vary based on location, vendors, and guest count, but eloping in Portugal is often cheaper than a traditional wedding. Travel, accommodation, and vendor rates are typically lower than in France or Italy, making it a budget-friendly yet stunning option.
Meet Your Portugal Elopement Photographers: Scenic Vows
Your elopement isn’t just about stunning photos—it’s about creating a day that feels completely, beautifully you. That’s where we come in.
We’re Becky and Brian, Portugal elopement photographers who do more than just capture the moment—we help you build an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From finding the perfect location to planning a stress-free timeline, we’re with you every step of the way.
You know you want to elope. You’re not interested in a big wedding or being the center of attention. Instead, you want an intimate, meaningful experience in a place that speaks to you. You love adventure, but not in a “let’s-hike-10-miles-on-our-wedding-day” kind of way—you want to explore, take in the views, and truly enjoy every moment without stress. That’s exactly what we help you do. And if you want ideas to kick-start what that looks like, check out our favorite 15 Adventure Elopement Ideas!
How We Help You Plan Your Portugal Elopement
✔ Personalized Location Scouting – Whether you’re drawn to the coastal cliffs of the Algarve, the volcanic beauty of the Azores, or the historic streets of Porto, we help you find the perfect place to say “I do.”
✔ Stress-Free Planning Support – We take the guesswork out of eloping abroad by guiding you through everything—timelines, logistics, permits, vendors, and unique experiences.
✔ A Day That Feels Like You – Forget stiff poses and forced moments. We create space for real, natural emotions—the quiet hand squeezes, the teary-eyed vows, and the wind in your hair as you stand on the edge of the world together.
✔ Photography That Feels Like Memories – Our approach is all about capturing your day as it truly happens—filled with warmth, movement, and emotion. The kind of images that bring you right back to how it felt.
If you’re dreaming of a Portugal elopement that’s laid-back, adventurous, and completely tailored to you, we’d love to help bring it to life. Let’s set up a time to talk!
