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Ellie and Gabriele envisioned an intimate wedding day that was timeless and rooted in history. They wanted to celebrate their deep connection while also giving their guests a taste of Portugal. The historical venue Pousada Do Castelo De Palmela was the perfect fit for them. This was the kind of wedding where time slows down and beauty lives in every gesture.
What do you love about this location?
Rita, the photographer: What do I love about Pousada do Castelo de Palmela, besides the fact that it’s so close to home? Maybe it’s the way the golden light hugs the stone walls in late afternoon, or the quiet majesty of a place that’s watched over this region for centuries. It’s a setting that feels both timeless and deeply familiar to me: every corridor, every corner, every breeze carries a memory. Photographing Ellie and Gabriele’s wedding here felt like witnessing something beautifully poetic — their love story, unfolding gently within these ancient walls, in a space that breathes history and romance in equal measure.
Your top tips for planning a destination wedding/elopement in this location?
Rita, the photographer: Planning a destination wedding or elopement at the Pousada do Castelo de Palmela is like stepping into a quiet fairytale. The light here is golden, the views stretch out endlessly, and the whole place holds a calm, historic magic. My top tip? Stay overnight. Waking up in a castle with your closest people is something you won’t forget. Keep things simple: this venue doesn’t need much décor to feel special. Be mindful of the breeze ! it adds drama, but a few hair pins will go a long way! And if you can, stay an extra day. The nearby hills and vineyards are perfect for a relaxed post-wedding session, barefoot and heart-full.
When is the best time of day/year to plan a destination wedding/elopement in this location?
Rita, the photographer: The best time of year to plan a wedding or elopement at the Pousada do Castelo de Palmela is between April and June, or mid-September to mid-October. These months bring the softest light, milder temperatures, and fewer crowds, which means a calmer, more intimate atmosphere.
Do you need any permits or permission from landowners for this location?
Rita, the photographer: As the venue is part of the Pousadas de Portugal network, they offer comprehensive wedding packages that include the necessary permissions to use their spaces for ceremonies and receptions. By coordinating directly with their events team, you can ensure that all venue-related logistics are handled smoothly.
What advice would you give to others planning a destination wedding/elopement in this location?
Rita, the photographer: You’re getting married in a castle with centuries of history and sweeping views — let that be the heart of your day. Keep things simple, choose a time close to golden hour, and trust local vendors who know the light, the rhythm and the little secrets of the space. And don’t rush: stay overnight if you can, enjoy a slow breakfast the next day, and soak in the feeling of having lived something utterly timeless.
Are you local to this location? How did the couple find you?
Rita: Yes, I am very local to the area: I live just a walk (make it 5 minutes) away, and this castle has been part of my visual memory since childhood. There’s something special about photographing love stories in places that feel like home: I know how the light shifts through the day, the quiet corners with the best views, and how to move through the space gently and intuitively.
Ellie and Gabriele found me through Instagram, drawn by the natural, emotional feel of my work. We connected right away, as they were looking for someone who could document their day with honesty, warmth and presence, and it was such a joy to be that person.
The Vendors:
Photography: Rita Santana Photography
Venue: Pousada Do Castelo De Palmela
DJ: Pureventos-Animacao De Eventos
Planning & Styling: Lieblings
