Colorful Palácio de São Marcos Wedding in Coimbra

If you’re looking for a Portugal wedding photographer who documents real emotion with a calm, observant presence, this wedding at Palácio de São Marcos in Coimbra is the perfect example of what I love most: honest connection, big energy, and a day designed for people to truly enjoy.

And although this day was in Coimbra, I photograph celebrations across the country, including Lisbon, Setúbal, and beyond: here’s my page for couples looking for a Portugal wedding photographer.

Carolina and Zé met through their profession, first crossing paths at university and later working together. Their story feels grounded and effortless, the kind of love that grows quietly, then suddenly becomes undeniable.

Palácio de São Marcos: a wedding venue in Coimbra made for celebration

Coimbra has a timeless rhythm to it, and Palácio de São Marcos carries that feeling beautifully. In September 2025, this venue became a stage for a wedding that was anything but traditional in the best way: bold, playful, and full of color.

The design was inspired by Bordallo Pinheiro elements and a vibrant palette that brought joy into every corner. The result was a wedding that felt artistic and alive, with details that invited guests to look closer, laugh louder, and stay fully present.

What mattered most to them: energy, joy, and no dull moments

When I asked Carolina and Zé Miguel what was fundamental for their wedding day, their answer was clear: party, no dull moments, no boredom, just a room full of people having a great time with them.

That intention shaped the entire day. From the way guests moved through the spaces, to the rhythm of the music, to the emotional peaks that landed at exactly the right moments, everything felt designed around experience over perfection.

A symbolic ceremony centered around friends and family

Their ceremony was symbolic, hosted by Débora Duarte Celebrantes, and it carried a gentle intimacy that balanced the party energy perfectly. It was heartfelt without being heavy, personal without being performative.

One of the most memorable parts of the day was the speeches by siblings: honest, funny, and deeply affectionate. Those are the moments I photograph with extra care, because words have weight, and you can feel them ripple through a room.

From Gili Air to Coimbra: a sunset proposal story

Their proposal happened at sunset on the beach on Gili Air. That detail alone tells you something about them: they’re drawn to beauty, but not the staged kind. The real kind. The kind you can’t control, only witness.

That same feeling carried into their wedding day in Coimbra: spontaneous gestures, quick glances, hands reaching for each other, and the kind of laughter that makes photos feel like they’re still moving.

Average cost of a wedding in Coimbra (realistic budgeting)

If you’re planning a wedding in Coimbra and trying to build a realistic budget, here’s a helpful way to think about it.

Because venues and catering packages vary a lot by season, guest count, day of the week, and what’s included, most couples will see their total budget fall into one of these ranges:

  • Intimate wedding (20 to 50 guests): often €8,000 to €15,000

  • Mid-size wedding (60 to 100 guests): often €15,000 to €30,000

  • Larger wedding (120+ guests): often €30,000+

A big part of the budget usually goes to venue plus catering, then photography, videography, florals and decor, music, hair and makeup, and stationery.

Wedding details and vendor team

A wedding like this comes together through a team of talented creatives. Here are the vendors who helped bring Carolina and José Miguel’s colorful Coimbra wedding to life:

  • Wedding dress: Inês Pimentel Atelier 

  • Flowers and decor: Prometo Amar-te 

  • DJ and entertainment: The Groovy Events 

  • Hair and makeup: Team Ana Santos 

  • Invitations: Bloem Atelier 

  • Stationery: Mimi Creative Studio 

  • Videography: Rui Silva Films 

Looking for a Portugal wedding photographer for a wedding in Coimbra?

If you’re planning a wedding at Palácio de São Marcos, or anywhere in Portugal, and you want photography that feels like you: documentary-led, emotional, and grounded in presence, I’d love to hear your story.

Explore more weddings on the blog, then reach out through my contact form to check availability.

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