Pousada do Gerês: The Perfect Setting for an Intimate Destination Wedding

When Ana & Paulo decided to get married in Portugal, they knew it had to feel real — no stiff traditions, no empty protocols. Just them, sharing a day that made sense for who they are: two designers from Portugal now living in vibrant Berlin. They chose the wild beauty of the Pousada do Gerês as their wedding backdrop, and what unfolded was a day full of connection, intimacy, and raw emotion.

The setting couldn’t have been more perfect. Tucked deep inside the Gerês mountains, the Pousada do Gerês feels like a forgotten slice of cinematic history — wooden walls, long narrow corridors, and a low ceiling vibe that could easily have been pulled from a Twin Peaks scene. Even the rain that fell throughout the day added to the mood, making everything feel even more atmospheric.

Breaking Traditions, Living the Moment

Instead of hiding away from each other before the ceremony, Ana and Paulo helped one another get ready — buttoning jackets, fixing hair, sharing quiet laughs. It was pure, real, and true to them.

They broke the “rules” because, for them, marriage wasn’t about following traditions. It was about being present, embracing each other, and living the experience fully.

From the very beginning, it felt like an alternative wedding day — intimate, authentic, and emotional.

And as an alternative wedding photographer and videographer, this is exactly where I feel at home.

This is exactly why intimate weddings have a magic of their own. There was no rush, no performance — just time. Time to soak in every smile, every touch, every laugh. The rain outside meant we could explore the Pousada’s beautiful interiors, transforming those long corridors and wooden textures into a dreamlike cinematic setting for their couple shoot.

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Civil Ceremony at Pousada do Gerês / Pousadas de portugal

Ana and Paulo’s civil ceremony was simple, emotional, and full of soul. Their closest family and friends gathered indoors, escaping the rain, surrounded by the cozy atmosphere of the mountains and the warmth of the Pousada’s old wood walls. Every word spoken, every glance exchanged, felt heavier in the best possible way. This was real, and you could feel it in the room.

Choosing a place like the Pousada do Gerês — part of the Pousadas de Portugal network — gave them a setting that blended historic charm with raw nature. It’s the perfect spot for couples who want something deeper than a standard wedding venue.

Berlin Souls, Portuguese Hearts

Living in Berlin definitely left its mark on Ana & Paulo. Their wedding had that Berlin edge — effortless style, deep emotion, no pretension. And it was beautiful to see how they brought that spirit into the lush, wild backdrop of Northern Portugal. It created a contrast that felt just right: freedom meeting roots, design meeting nature.

Even with the rain, even with the “unplanned” moments, everything flowed exactly the way it was supposed to. And honestly? That’s what real weddings are made of.

Heads up — full gallery below. You know I don´t cut on the pictures. Take your time and dive into the story.

Forget perfect. Forget traditions.

If you want a destination wedding that’s raw, real, and feels like you, let’s make it happen.

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