Cat and Zach tied the knot at Lisbon’s Estufa Fria, one of the most magical wedding venues in 2025.
Although their wedding took place in 2022, I still look back on that day with great fondness. We had our first meeting in 2019, never imagining we’d have to wait three years to celebrate their big day. The pandemic brought challenges to many couples, but Cat and Zach stayed strong. With the help of the talented wedding planner Olivia from Nulyweds, they pulled off an incredible wedding at what is, without a doubt, one of the best places to get married in Lisbon: Estufa Fria.
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An Intimate and Soulful Wedding in Lisbon
I’ve photographed many weddings, from grand celebrations to small, intimate ceremonies. Over time, I’ve come to prefer the smaller ones. They’re more relaxed, full of soul, and create more authentic moments. Both the couple and I can focus more on the people who truly matter. I know how hard it is to make a guest list, but a minimalist wedding always brings a wonderful sense of closeness. So, if you’re working on your guest list, consider going for something more intimate.
And of course, Estufa Fria was the perfect backdrop for this type of ceremony. The little spot they chose was simply magical — check out the images below and see for yourself!
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Estufa Fria: The Perfect Wedding Venue in Lisbon
The Estufa Fria in Lisbon is a true green oasis in the heart of the city, located in Parque Eduardo VII. This unique space blends the lushness of nature with elegant architecture, creating a magical setting perfect for strolls, events, and, of course, dream weddings. With its distinct greenhouses — the Cold, the Hot, and the Sweet — it offers an impressive variety of tropical and exotic plants that turn any event into a fairytale. Beyond its natural beauty, Estufa Fria stands out for its tranquility and romantic atmosphere, providing a charming escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether for a relaxing visit or to celebrate a special moment, this is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in Lisbon.
I loved the space so much that I’m already planning to visit again with my family!
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The Best Part of American Weddings? The Speeches!
One thing I absolutely love about American weddings is the speeches — and luckily, they’re starting to gain popularity in Portugal. I’ve photographed weddings from many different cultures, but American speeches always strike that perfect balance between humor and emotion. Sometimes, I even find myself wanting to put down the camera just to listen more closely.
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An American Celebration with a Portuguese Twist
Cat (short for Catarina) has Portuguese roots — both of her parents are from Portugal, and her dad, in particular, had hoped she would get married in Porto, his hometown. There’s always been a friendly rivalry between Lisbon and Porto. Still, even those who dreamed of a wedding in Porto couldn’t resist the charm of Lisbon’s Estufa Fria.
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So, what do you think? Can you imagine your wedding surrounded by the lush beauty of Estufa Fria?
If you enjoyed this story and love documentary wedding photography, leave a comment! And of course, check out more stories I’ve captured HERE.
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Suppliers
Wedding planner: Nulyweds
Hair & Makeup: B-lust
Celebrant: Your European Wedding Celebrant
Floral design: Flor de Laranjeira
