Lisbon is a riverside city that hums with romance, but not in a flashy, overdone way. It's a place that unfolds slowly and lingers. With roots as an important seaport stretching back over 2,000 years due to its prime Atlantic Ocean-Tagus River location, it layers centuries of history with sun-washed architecture and soulful sounds of fado echoing through its winding neighborhoods. Add in the straightforward flight travel and the warmth of Portuguese hospitality, and it's easy to see why Lisbon has become a favorite for modern honeymooners seeking something both meaningful and effortless in a European destination.

Whether you're toasting your love over a Michelin-star meal, unwinding side by side in a spa treatment, or lingering over wine as the city glows at sunset, Lisbon encourages couples to slow down and savor the moment. From our own recent visit to Lisbon, we have rounded up five unforgettable experiences that we think capture the very best of the city for a relaxing honeymoon. They're the perfect starting point for a honeymoon filled with love, leisure, and a little magic!

Why Visit Lisbon for Your Honeymoon

Lisbon (or locally, Lisboa) is a honeymoon destination that effortlessly blends old world romance with modern ease. One of Europe's oldest capitals, the city is layered with history — from Moorish influences and tiled façades to grand plazas shaped by centuries of maritime exploration.

Yet for all its depth, Lisbon feels refreshingly approachable, especially for U.S.- and UK-based couples, with direct flights from London and major American cities via legacy and budget airlines.

For those struggling with learning Portuguese, don't worry – you're not alone! Lisbon is an easy, English-friendly travel experience once you arrive. We even experienced that many of the older generation taxi drivers love making the effort to communicate their love of Portugal regardless of the language barrier! Just learn obrigado/obrigada (thank you), olá (hello), and bom dia (good morning), and you'll immediately be appreciated for your own efforts. As always, we also recommend downloading the Google Translate app to your phone to help you in the moments where a translation is very handy.

And that brings us to what truly sets Lisbon apart: its warmth. Portuguese hospitality is genuine, unhurried, and deeply welcoming. From lingering meals to heartfelt conversations with locals, couples are encouraged to truly connect — not just with each other, but with the soul of the city itself.

1. Have a Romantic Brunch at Varanda Restaurant

Overlooking Eduardo VII Park, this elegant space at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon pairs relaxed fine dining with Four Seasons' iconic impeccable service. It's the perfect later morning casual-but-chic start during your honeymoon — think decadent, varied buffet, freshly squeezed juices and blends, and the kind of atmosphere where you'll want to linger long after dessert (and there are a lot of options to choose from for that!).

There is both indoor and outdoor seating, but we recommend the varanda if the weather is nice as nothing beats Portuguese sunshine. Bask in the glow of great food and Lisbon's skyline to set the tone for your day!

EDITOR'S EXPERIENCE: As experienced at all of the Four Seasons properties we've visited around the world, food allergies and dietary accommodations are easily cared for here, too. The buffet has bilingual labels for every dish along with allergen symbols. If you're worried about cross-contamination or have more complex dietary needs, just have a chat with your server or the head chef, and they will happily create à la carte dishes safely in the back kitchen. With a long personal list of food allergies including Celiac Disease, we were very well looked after during our visit. We never worry about food when visiting or staying at Four Seasons.

2. Indulge in a Hammam Spa Ritual at Calla Spa @ Torel Palace

After a few days of exploring Lisbon’s hills, treat yourselves to pure relaxation at Calla Spa inside the dreamy Torel Palace. Walk to the spa reception desk (in the building across from the front gate) to check in for your unique experience, and let the Calla team guide you to the spa area via elevator.

Surrounded by Moroccan-inspired aesthetic, this spa offers a myriad of couples' treatments from bespoke massages to half day spa packages. We personally recommend the traditional hammam treatment that combines steam therapy, natural exfoliation, and aromatic oils that melt away tension provided by kind, professional therapists with a knack for putting you at ease. It's divine!

Afterward, sip hot herbal tea in the spa courtyard and decompress before adventuring back into the city.

EDITOR'S EXPERIENCE: If you have some time available, you must also check out Torel Palace's exquisite views of Lisbon from the top terrace as it's unmatched! The horizon is a quiet, luxurious moment just for the two of you and the perfect way to end your spa treat together.

3. Take a Sunset Boat Ride Along the Tagus River

Seeing Lisbon from the water offers a completely different perspective, particularly at most photographers' favorite time of day: the golden hour. A sunset boat ride along the Tagus River glides past some of the city's most iconic sights, from the colorful hills of Alfama to the Belém Tower and the soaring 25 de Abril Bridge (which looks very much like San Francisco's Golden Gate), all bathed in warm evening light.

Many river cruises offer intimate settings with wine or champagne onboard, making it an effortless way for couples to unwind and celebrate together. As the sun dips below the horizon and the seven-hilled city begins to glow, it’s a quietly magical moment. We believe all honeymoons should be about slowing down and taking destinations all in together, and a Lisbon river cruise does just that.

4. Wander Lisbon's Streets

Some of the most romantic moments in Lisbon happen when you're not rushing anywhere. Wandering through neighborhoods like Chiado (the bohemian vibes), Baixa (the downtown area), and Príncipe Real (the cosmopolitan one), you'll find yourself drifting past tiled façades, sun-faded shutters, and small boutiques selling everything from handmade ceramics to linen clothing and vintage finds.

Exploring Lisbon on foot encourages couples to slow down (you have to with the hills!), follow their curiosity, and savor the in-between moments. Maybe it means stopping for an espresso, sharing a tasty pastel de nata, or simply watching the city go by. Choose your own adventure! Either way, it’s an easy, intimate way to experience Lisbon together, and one that often leads to the most meaningful memories and photos.

5. Admire Colorful Architecture and Historic Details

Lisbon's romance is written into its architecture. From grand arches like Rua Augusta Arch (as seen above) and sweeping plazas to pastel-hued buildings and hand-painted azulejo tiles, the city tells its story through layers of color and design. Wandering through neighborhoods like Baixa, Alfama, and Belém, couples are surrounded by reminders of Lisbon's long, resilient history — from elegant Pombaline buildings to handcrafted details that catch the light at every turn. Taking time to admire and find joy in the city's architecture absolutely invites a more mindful way of exploring!



Whether you’re unwinding at the spa, gazing down a sunlit avenue, or enjoying local food, Lisbon is an immersive honeymoon experience that encourages connection and a deeper appreciation for cultural beauty. Newlyweds will find that every corner of this city has a little romance waiting for you.

WRITTEN BY

Chelsea Barton

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

As a retired wedding photographer obsessed with the wedding industry, Chelsea has always had a passion in helping couples find their wedding ideas for nearly two decades. Marry that with her sea-loving personality, and you have Tidewater and Tulle in a nutshell.

PHOTO CREDITS
Freguesia de Estrela, Tom Byrom, Four Seasons PR, Torel Palace PR, Ronan Furuta, and Hugo Sousa

Disclosure: Spa treatment and meal were provided by Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon and Torel Palace so we could provide an authentic review on our experience. All love and opinions for what's been mentioned in this feature are our own. Some of the above product links may be affiliate-linked and purchasing through these links helps support Tidewater and Tulle and its wonderful partners! You can see our full disclosure policy.

For couples dreaming of a fairytale wedding that feels both timeless and meaningful, there's a place on England's southern coast where history, ocean views, and heartfelt hospitality meet. Welcome to Pennsylvania Castle Estate in Portland, Dorset — an enchanting castle wedding venue that overlooks the sea and carries a charming connection to the American state of Pennsylvania. Editor-in-chief Chelsea and her husband were recently invited as media guests to experience what the Pennsylvania Castle Estate is all about for destination wedding couples, and spoiler alert, it's now one of our most favorite UK wedding venue hidden gems.

It's a location that makes you catch your breath the moment you arrive as the clifftop views and the estate itself are unmatched in luxurious exclusivity. It's peaceful and lets the idyllic scenery do the talking. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a weekend-long gathering with everyone you love, The Penn (as locals affectionately call it) offers a storybook setting and experience you'll never forget.


Photo: Storybox Films

A Castle with Transatlantic Roots

Built in the early 1800s for John Penn (grandson of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania), this fairytale Dorset wedding venue brings an unexpected American connection to the British coast. Today, the beautifully restored Pennsylvania Castle blends regal heritage with modernized luxury, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for couples who want both romance and history woven into their wedding story away from the hustle and bustle of busy UK cities.


Photo: Raja Shah Photography

A Coastal Wedding Venue Like No Other

Overlooking the dramatic cliffs of the Isle of Portland and surrounded by the shifting blue waters of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Pennsylvania Castle Estate captures everything you'd want from a coastal wedding venue. Whether you choose to exchange vows on the Castle Terrace with ocean views as your backdrop or celebrate inside the Orangery, every moment feels cinematic. How could it not when you get this venue all to yourselves!

This is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into your favorite period drama, but with all the comfort of modern luxury and amenities.


Photo: Charlotte Bryer Ash Photography

Stay, Celebrate, and Truly Soak It In

What sets Pennsylvania Castle Estate apart is how immersive the wedding experience can be. Many couples take over the entire Estate — the Castle, the sleek Clifftops lodges, and the charming Front Rows cottages — turning a wedding day into an unforgettable multi-day celebration and post-wedding vacation. If you're coming from abroad, it only makes sense that you'll want to turn it into a longer experience!

With on-site accommodations for you and your guests, everyone can truly relax and stay close together throughout the festivities. Picture a welcome BBQ on the Clifftops terrace overlooking the English Channel or a farewell brunch the next morning inside the Castle — all without ever leaving the estate.

LOCAL TIP: While your own dreamy coastal tranquility on-site is perfection, we absolutely also recommend adventuring around the Isle of Portland, especially to Portland Bill, because you'll soon find out why this place is such a special spot for locals and visitors alike! Local walks alongside the cliffside and near the red-and-white striped lighthouse are just one reason why the Dorset Coast is unforgettable. Don't forget to have British cream tea (the snacky version of afternoon tea) at The Lobster Pot where gluten-free delights are also available. Paid parking with plenty of spaces is available nearby. It makes for a perfect afternoon out.

Photos: Storybox Films

Luxury Meets Ease: Bespoke Guest Services

Destination weddings can feel daunting to plan, but the Pennsylvania Castle team specializes in seamless, personalized service. They can arrange groceries pre-delivered to rooms before arrival, accept wedding-related shipments, and even help plan non-wedding activities to make the experience effortlessly luxurious.

Because everything is bespoke and pricing changes depending on time of year, it's best to contact The Penn team directly to find out more about their wedding packages, but a general starting price is around $20,000 (foreign currency exchange rate varies) that could include exclusive use of venue, accommodation for up to 20 guests, ceremony, and reception catering for up to 120 guests. Not able to travel for a site visit? The team will send you a complete 360 video tour of the property or even walk you around on video call!

Even though The Penn can accommodate up to a medium-sized guest list, we personally found the size of the property to also be perfect for even smaller, more intimate weddings. You won't feel swallowed up by the venue as there are diverse areas to the estate property that will give you privacy when you want it and beautiful meeting spaces when you gather.

QUICK VENUE STATS
✔ Maximum Event Guests: During the summer, the Orangery reception room can accommodate 120 guests. During winter, 60 guests.
✔ Maximum Accommodations: 40 overnight guests (throughout the Castle, Clifftops, and Front Row Lodges).
✔ Vendors: Couples can bring in their own vendors if they wish, but we suggest having a look at their recommended local vendors for ease and seamless planning. Catering is chosen with one of the Penn's preferred vendors.
✔ Reception End Time: 11:00pm.

For couples flying in from the U.S., this level of detail makes planning from abroad feel smooth and stress-free so all you have to do is focus on celebrating and maybe even a few wedding DIYs to personalize your special day.


Photo: Storybox Films

Getting There: Surprisingly Easy from London

Though it feels a world away, the Estate is just 2 to 3 1/2 hours' drive from major London airports. There's also a direct train line from London Waterloo to Weymouth, and from the station, the Estate can also arrange a private car to pick you up which is only a 15 minutes' scenic drive from the station.

But after a long flight with jet lag, maybe you don't have the headspace to DIY your own transportation. Good news, you don't have to! One of the best parts we learned when visiting The Penn is that your personal planning team can arrange private airport transfers or private bus transport for your whole party. Say yes to letting someone else handle driving on the opposite side of the road when you're travel-fatigued!

TRAVEL TIP: Once you get to Isle of Portland, we do recommend renting a car for this destination as you may want to explore into Weymouth, Lyme Regis, and other Dorset hotspots. This can easily be done through your Penn Castle team or do-it-yourself through Enterprise or Europcar where they might be able to offer car delivery (subject to availability). At the time of writing, you can drive on an international license in the UK without additional permits during your visit.

Photo: Nicola Streader Photography

A Hidden Gem for U.S. Couples Seeking a British Castle Wedding

For American couples dreaming of a castle wedding venue in England, Pennsylvania Castle Estate offers everything you could wish for: history, beauty, and that quintessentially British seaside magic. There's a certain special Easter egg in knowing that the grandson of Pennsylvania state’s founder once called this castle home, and that centuries later, couples from across the ocean come here to begin their own new chapters. (Fun Fact: One recent couple flew from Pennsylvania to get married here because of the connection! It makes for a lovely story to tell for decades beyond the big day.)

From its meaningful heritage to its cliffside panoramas and luxury guest experiences, Pennsylvania Castle Estate isn't just a Dorset wedding venue. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down, savor every moment, and celebrate surrounded by the people (and the views) you love most. Because you'll want to come back for anniversaries, special vacations, and more. Guaranteed.




Photos: Storybox Films

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PENN
Address: Pennsylvania Castle Estate, Pennsylvania Road, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1HZ
Website: www.thepennestate.co.uk
Email: office@thepennestate.co.uk

WRITTEN BY

Chelsea Barton

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

As a retired wedding photographer obsessed with the wedding industry, Chelsea has always had a passion in helping couples find their wedding ideas for nearly two decades. Marry that with her sea-loving personality, and you have Tidewater and Tulle in a nutshell.

Disclosure: Accommodations were provided by Pennsylvania Castle Estate so we could provide an authentic review on our experience. All love and opinions for what's been mentioned in this feature are our own. Some of the above product links may be affiliate-linked and purchasing through these links helps support Tidewater and Tulle and its wonderful partners! You can see our full disclosure policy.