Engagement Session in Sintra | Rita + Afonso
A few weeks before they headed south for their stunning wedding at Solar do Paço, I met up with Rita and Afonso in the mist-covered hills of Sintra.
As a wedding and engagement photographer in the Lisbon area, I always tell my couples that an engagement session is the best way to "warm up" before the wedding. It’s a chance to hang out, get used to the camera, and capture a different side of their relationship. For Rita and Afonso, we wanted something that felt like a contrast to the sunny Algarve—something classic, romantic, and a bit adventurous.
Editorial Vibes at Palácio de Seteais
We started our spring afternoon at the Palácio de Seteais. If you’re looking for a luxury engagement session in Sintra, this is the spot. The architecture is so grand that it naturally lends itself to an editorial photography style. We spent the first hour wandering the manicured gardens and those iconic arches, capturing the quiet excitement they felt just weeks away from saying "I do."
Getting Lost in Sintra Village
Next, we headed into the heart of the village. I love shooting candid couple photos in the narrow alleys of Sintra. It’s a bit of a maze, but it’s perfect for a documentary photographer like me. We kept it casual—just a walk through the cobblestone streets, laughing about the wedding plans and soaking in the atmosphere of one of Portugal’s most historic spots.
A Wild Sunset at Praia da Adraga
To finish the day, we drove toward the Atlantic for a sunset photoshoot at Praia da Adraga. There is a reason this is a top search for couples looking for a photographer in Sintra. The cliffs are dramatic, the light is soft, and the energy is completely different from the palace gardens.
Watching them together on the sand, with the wedding just around the corner, was special. It wasn’t about posing; it was about two people on the edge of a huge new chapter. The resulting photos have that cinematic, fine-art feel that only a spring sunset in Portugal can provide.
Why book an engagement session?
Beyond getting beautiful photos for your "Save the Date," it’s about the experience. By the time Rita and Afonso’s wedding day arrived in the Algarve, we were already friends. They were complete pros in front of the lens, which allowed us to focus entirely on the unscripted, authentic moments of their wedding day.
Planning your own destination wedding or engagement in Portugal? Reach out and let's plan your Sintra adventure.
