Right in the middle of the Atlantic, you can find the perfect wedding locations, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a paradise of natural beauty. The exotic colours of the flowers stand out between the blue of the sea and the emerald green vegetation.
Thus, Madeira is the most beautiful “island of flowers” in the Atlantic Ocean, which offers a climate, due to its strong influence by the Gulf Stream and the Canary Current, with mild temperatures throughout the year. Therefore, it is one of the best places for weddings and celebrations.
In addition to your wedding, you can stroll through the network of “Levadas”, visit the city of Funchal and discover the heritage associated with the Discoveries or walk freely around the island. You will find a place with fantastic views that invite you to stay. Boat trips are also a great way to admire the coast from a different perspective and have the opportunity to participate in whale watching.
Imagine a dreamlike setting for an outdoor ceremony, with the serene ocean behind you and a vibrant party atmosphere in front of you! Unforgettable experiences abound here, where romance reigns supreme and is always in the spotlight! Everything you ever dreamed of! Your marriage is entirely yours.
It’s the perfect place to get married.
Top 5 Wedding locations in Madeira Island to choose from
Madeira Island offers a wide range of wedding locations from where you can choose to have your ceremony, below we have our recommendations:
1 – Funchal:
This modern, cosmopolitan and rejuvenated city is famous for its luxury restaurants, it is incredible 4- and 5-star hotels, its consistently mild climate, its incomparable natural beauty and, of course, its most famous ‘export’ – the international footballer. Cristiano Ronaldo. That is, it is known for its style and content.
The city itself is set in a grandiose natural amphitheatre, facing the Atlantic and contrasting with the imposing mountains. Located in the south of Madeira Island, on the sunniest coast, nestled in the midst of banana plantations and wonderful gardens where flowers bloom throughout the year, sheltered in the lush mountains, Funchal is a vibrant and relaxed city during the day and with a vibrant and eclectic nightlife, with numerous personalities.
Here you can find some places for your perfect wedding ceremony and party. Some of the special venues for you to take into consideration when choosing your wedding locations in Funchal:
Top 5 Wedding Locations in Madeira Island: Funchal
a) Vila Porto Mar
Located in Funchal, Vila Porto Mare is a fabulous and sophisticated hotel that is more than ready to host your big wedding party. For this, it has exemplary decorated spaces and is equipped with a friendly and professional team. This is the right option if you are looking for a unique and magical place for the most important day of your life.
Spaces and capacity:
Vila Porto Mare has charming indoor and outdoor spaces that promise to surprise your friends and family. In addition to spacious and well-decorated rooms, this luxury hotel offers you an outdoor area of incredible beauty with a terrace and swimming pool.
Services it offers:
From the professionals at Vila Porto Mare, you can expect excellent reception service from the first to the last minute of your party. Everything is thought out and prepared in detail, using only high-quality ingredients so that you can surprise and conquer the taste of all your guests.
b) Palheiro Estate
Choosing the space to celebrate this special day is one of the most important tasks you will have to carry out when organizing your wedding, but Palheiro Nature Estate makes this task very simple.
Spaces and capacity:
In addition to including a hotel, unique in Madeira, part of the world-renowned Relais & Chateaux chain, Palheiro Nature Estate is also known for the magnificent gardens it encompasses. The shades of green serve as a natural decoration and, at the same time, give off vibes of tranquillity, something definitely important to the wedding. The celebration can be held outdoors or in the centenary chapel, built in honour of Saint John the Baptist. For the reception of guests, you can choose the famous Palheiro Gardens or the terrace of the Clubhouse restaurant at Palheiro Golf and enjoy a unique view over the bay of Funchal.
Services it offers:
The team of professionals, which has years of experience, will ensure that every detail is taken into account and will also be able to help you with the other suppliers.
Other services:
In addition to Casa Velha do Palheiro, a 5-star hotel that combines history and elegance, Palheiro Nature Estate offers another accommodation option that allows you to enjoy privacy and flexibility within luxury apartments and villas, with extraordinary views.
c) Nini Design Center
Sophistication and professionalism are just some of the differentials that the bride and groom will find at the Nini Design Centre. In a modern and inspiring environment, with the exuberant scenery over the city of Funchal with the sea around, your wedding celebration at the Design Center will certainly be a dream, memorable and unforgettable day!
Spaces and capacity:
One of the main qualities of the restaurant is the view of the sea which will leave your guests speechless with the beauty of the region. The space includes several rooms with different capacities, with a maximum of up to 250 people. In addition, the cuisine is another strong point.
d) Savoy Palace
Hotel Savoy Palace is synonymous and guarantees beauty, refinement and a lot of glamour for the most important day of your life. Exquisitely decorated, this fabulous hotel located in Funchal will surprise all your guests with its admirable beauty, the luxury of each space and the privileged view over the Atlantic Ocean.
Spaces and capacity:
This incredible hotel comprises spacious rooms and lounges, terraces and upper terrace, a garden, dance floor, stage and private parking for all your friends and family. This is the right option if you are looking for a dream space for your dream reception.
Services it offers:
In addition to a complete reception service and with everything you are entitled to, the Hotel Savoy Palace also offers you a fantastic ceremony service and has luxury partnerships to also offer you transport services, music, decoration and cakes wedding.
e) Reid´s Palace
Have your reception in a paradisiacal place that combines comfort and contemporaneity to satisfy your desire and exceed expectations. Reid’s Palace is a unique opportunity for exclusive moments with special people. Efficient and professional services motivated to make a difference.
Services it offers:
You are about to start a new life together and there is nothing better than starting this stage with a romantic and intimate night. Reid’s Palace personalizes your honeymoon with an exclusive dinner in the gardens and facial and body treatments at the regional spa.
Gastronomy:
The unique and diverse cuisine pleases all styles and palates. Customers have the opportunity to enjoy an excellent afternoon tea on the terrace or enjoy a typical dish by the pool, accompanied by a good wine from the region and irresistible desserts.
Accommodation service:
Accommodation is available in rooms specially designed for your comfort and tranquillity. The decor combines old-world charm with modern-day charm. The suites are spacious and considered a great option for the wedding night.
History:
Built-in 1891 by a Scotsman, Reid’s Palace was modernized with the aim of maintaining the beauty and characteristics of the time. With a privileged view of the Atlantic Ocean, the space has a subtropical garden with species that provide a grandiose natural spectacle.
Top 5 Wedding Locations in Madeira Island: Santana
2 – Santana:
The municipality of Santana, located on the north coast of the island of Madeira, has an area of 96.2 km². Due to the fact that the county has been inaccessible for a long time by sea and land, its inhabitants have preserved characteristics that have not suffered external influences. An example that comes from this isolation is the architectural style of its typical houses with thatched roofs, better known as “Casinhas de Santana”.
The tourist sector is currently the main economic resource of this county.
Here you can visit the Madeira Theme Park and the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve.
In June 2011, the municipality of Santana received the distinction of “Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO, recognizing the richness of an ecosystem that seeks to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use. This reserve includes a terrestrial component, corresponding to the entire surface area of the municipality and a marine component, which presents a great diversity of natural and human, scenic, environmental and cultural values of unique local, regional, national and international interest.
At this wedding location in Madeira you can find one very special venue for your dream day:
a) Quinta do Furão
Located in the beautiful region of Santana, on the island of Madeira, Quinta do Furão is a beautiful and magical place that meets all the conditions for the celebration of your love. With an absolutely magnificent sea view, this farm also has charming indoor and outdoor spaces, which will delight your guests, making your big day absolutely memorable.
Spaces and capacity:
In perfect harmony with the surrounding nature, Quinta do Furão offers you spacious gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, a gym, a bar and a beautiful restaurant to welcome all your friends and family. If you are looking for a romantic place with a wonderful sunset, this is the right option for you.
Services it offers:
For the happiest and most important day of your lives, Quinta do Furão offers a glass of water service which will not miss the best delicacies and wines of the region.
Top 5 Wedding Locations in Madeira Island: Calheta
3 – Calheta:
The municipality of Calheta is located between the south and the extreme west of the island of Madeira and its area of approximately 116 km² makes it the most extensive in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
It is believed that the origin of its name comes from the small bay or cove that serves as a port and that assisted João Gonçalves Zarco when he wanted to go ashore. This is the meaning of the word “Calheta”.
The Centro das Artes “Casa das Mudas” is located in this location, a project conceived in complete harmony with the surrounding landscape, which presents a vast cultural offer. Here, exhibitions of a different nature, plays, musical shows, conferences and many other events are held.
The venue for the day:
a) Savoy Saccharum
Located in Calheta, on the charming island of Madeira, Savoy Saccharum is the ideal place to celebrate your dream wedding. Give the most special day of your lives an even more refined and exclusive touch, celebrating your party in the magnificent facilities of this five-star hotel.
Spaces and capacity:
Savoy Saccharum has luxury facilities, including three banqueting rooms, with capacities for between 30 and 200 guests. They will also have three restaurants and three outdoor swimming pools. Outside, too, they can enjoy the phenomenal views of the ocean provided by the terrace.
Services it offers:
Savoy Saccharum has at your disposal a unique catering team that will provide you with a service of refinement and exclusivity. If you choose to have your party in one of the fantastic banquet halls, you can also count on the space decoration service, which will transform it according to your preferences.
Top 5 Wedding Locations in Madeira Island: Ponta do Sol
4 – Ponta do Sol:
Located on the south coast of the island, Ponta do Sol is considered the hottest county on the island and where the sun shines for the longest number of hours.
Economic activity is based on the primary sector, where agriculture stands out, with a predominance of sugarcane and banana production, horticulture and floriculture. Traditional trade and hotels also stand out. There is a plant export company in the municipality.
In this municipality is located Paul da Serra, which is distinguished by being the only plateau on the island of Madeira and by being at an altitude of 1500 m. This place has unique natural features due to its extension and location, such as cores of indigenous vegetation, fauna species and migratory birds. In Paul da Serra there are wind turbines that produce electricity in a non-polluting way.
Looking for that shining venue, unique view:
a) Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
The best way to define the concept behind the Estalagem da Ponta do Sol is the idea of an escape hotel. It sits on top of a cliff – a more spectacular location is hard to imagine. The hotel is the result of the rehabilitation of an old farmhouse, and the objective was simple: to integrate the original buildings in a distinct and contemporary style.
The architecture enhances the beauty of a special place and the atmosphere is simple and relaxed, yet sophisticated.
Nestled inside a high ravine, the village of Ponta do Sol is situated on the south coast of Madeira. A palm-lined boardwalk borders the pebbly beach, while traditional whitewashed buildings and red roofs nestle at the foot of the rugged mountains overlooking the sea.40 minutes from the Airport, 25 minutes from the city of Funchal and 5 minutes from Ribeira Brava Village.
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol has a varied and specialized cultural program, which brings together the local community with its guests in carefully selected quality events, being already considered a valuable cultural institution.
The various levels where the hotel is located allow all events to take place in areas almost parallel to the rest of the hotel space, thus allowing the customer to choose between joining the event or simply enjoying the area reserved for them.
Caniço is another location of our Top 5 Wedding Locations in Madeira Island
5 – Caniço:
Caniço is another location on our list with 5 wedding locations in Madeira to choose from. Caniço is a parish in the city of Santa Cruz, on the fantastic island of Madeira.
In the western part of the coastline is the Garajau with much more rugged geography. At the top of the slope are a group of houses in a very «sui generis» environment.
Its characteristic, very quiet environment provides much sought-after peace of mind. Here you can enjoy a natural landscape that is still intact, abundant in fennel plants (an aromatic plant much appreciated for tea, from which Funchal derives its name), and in terrestrial fauna, namely quail and partridge.
The “brinquinho”, a typical instrument of Madeiran folklore, was invented by a Canicense citizen, a source of pride for the locals. This is used in the Bailinho da Madeira, consisting of a set of wooden dolls dressed in regional costumes.
The wedding venue for the day:
b) Quinta Splendida
Come celebrate your wedding at Quinta Splendida and make this beautiful and exciting occasion an even more remarkable, special and unique moment. Enjoy a privileged atmosphere, realizing one of your big dreams together with your family and friends in total well-being.
Spaces and capacity:
It has an exclusive space for holding events. Located in the middle of a wonderful botanical garden composed of ancient subtropical trees and more than 1000 species of plants and flowers from various countries. An exuberant and welcoming environment, which can receive 170 guests with all the comfort and refinement.
Services it offers:
To provide everything you want, deserve and need to live an unforgettable experience, the house offers all the care and attention of a team specialized in ensuring customer satisfaction. It works with seriousness and dedication to offer the best in buffet or menu.
Other services:
Looking to further increase your comfort, the farm has a magnificent hosting service. Offered in different packages, with them you will enjoy a luxury resort to enjoy everything the place has to offer. During their stay, the couple will be provided with delicious meals, spa services and delivery of flowers, sparkling wine and chocolate upon arrival, in addition to being able to use other facilities belonging to the farm.
Location:
Quinta Splendida is located in Caniço, in the wonderful archipelago of Madeira. It has the best and most modern infrastructure in the region for the celebration of weddings, making each event a completely unforgettable occasion.
Conclusion to our Top 5 Wedding Places in Madeira Island
As a unique destination, Madeira is a great commitment – a wedding in a welcoming, beautiful and exotic environment, famous for its excellent cuisine, but at the same time very close to Europe and without suffering a cultural shock. For EU citizens, only an identity card is needed to cross the border and no preparations are required. There are many convenient air connections between Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport and the main airports in Europe. Charter flights are also an option.
Even couples on a small budget should be able to have the beautiful wedding of their dreams. Some hotels and restaurants, especially those outside the capital Madeira-Funchal, offer prices per person that are comparable or even much, much lower than most northern European countries.
Of course, the wedding trip shouldn’t last just one day. You and your wedding guests should stay at least a few days and discover what the island has to offer. With a plethora of trekking routes, flowery parks, wonderful nature, beautiful mountains, dolphins, and delicious cuisine – there is something for everyone in Madeira.
A dream comes true. Live a unique day on the Atlantic pearl, the beautiful Madeira.
If you need more reasons to choose Madeira or Portugal, have a look at these 10 Unique Reasons to Choose Portugal as a Destination Wedding in Portugal.
