ANITA & DAWSON
are getting married!
APRIL 29 - MAY 2, 2027 | SINTRA, PORTUGAL
A palace among forests
SINTRA | PORTUGAL
Set within a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, Penha Longa Resort is a former royal monastery nestled in the hills of Sintra - just 30 minutes west of Lisbon. Ancient stone walls, lush gardens, and panoramic Atlantic views make it one of Europe’s most breathtaking celebration settings.
BASE: Penha Longa Resort | Estrada de Lagoa Azul, Sintra
RECEPTION: Palácio do Correio-Mor | Loures, Portugal
AIRPORT: Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS) - 35 minutes
CHECK - IN: Thursday, April 29, 2027
CHECK - OUT: Monday, May 3, 2027
What to Expect
❋ Thursday, April 29Welcome Dinner & Mehndi
6:00 PM at the Mercatto | Casual
❋ Friday, April 30 Haldi
11:00 AM at the Gardens of the Monastery | Bright & Festive Attire
❋ Friday, April 30Sangeet
5:00 PM at the Monastery | Formal & Traditional Attire
♡ Saturday, May 1Wedding Ceremony
10:00 AM at Nuncio Garden | Traditional Attire
❋ Sunday, May 2Grand Dinner and Reception
4:00 PM at Palacio do Correio Mor | Black Tie
We have a detailed itinerary below.
PENHA LONGA RESORT
Situated in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, about 36 km (approx. 40 minutes) from Lisbon Airport.
We have secured preferred rates at this hotel. We recommend staying here since all of the events will be taking place at the hotel.
Book Your Stay
The Details
Day One | Thursday, April 29, 2027
Arrive & Welcome
Settle in, take in the beauty of Sintra, and join us for an intimate welcome dinner to kick off the celebrations. We have a lot of joy ahead.
Check-In | 3:00 PM at the Hotel Lobby
Welcome Dinner | 6:00 PM at the Mercatto, Penha Longa Resort
Day Two | Friday, April 30, 2027
Haldi & Sangeet
A morning filled with blessings and turmeric, followed by an evening of music, dance and celebration. Come ready to move.
Breakfast | 8:00 AM at the Hotel Restaurant
Haldi Ceremony followed by Lunch | 11:00 AM at the Gardens of the Monastery, Penha Longa
Cocktail Hour | 4:00 PM at the Monastery, Penha Longa
Sangeet followed by dinner| 5:00 PM at the Monastery, Penha Longa
Day Three | Saturday, May 1, 2027
The day we have been waiting for. Gather with us as Anita and Dawson exchange their vows in a Hindu Ceremony.
Breakfast | 8:00 AM at the Hotel Restaurant
Baraat | 9:00 at …
Please gather for the baraat on a timeley manner so we can begin the ceremony promptly at 10:00 AM.
Wedding Ceremony | 10:00 AM at the Historical Ruins of Nuncio, Penha Longa
Wedding Lunch | 1:00 PM at Mercatto, Penha Longa
Feel free to take the rest of the evening to explore the resort, or venture out to Lisbon, only a 35-minute drive to explore the city.
Wedding Ceremony
Day Four | Sunday, May 2, 2027
Grand Dinner & Reception
Our grandest evening together. A night of elegance, joy, and celebration to send us off into our new chapter. Dress to impress.
Breakfast | 8:00 AM at the Hotel Restaurant
Transportation from Penha Longa Resort to Palácio do Correio-Mor | beginning at 3:00 PM from the Hotel Entrance
Please gather in a timely manner so we can get everyone on the shuttles and to the venue!
Cocktail Hour | 4:00 PM at the Busch Gardens, Correio-Mor
Grand Dinner and Reception | 5:30 PM at the Central Patio, Correio-Mor
Feel free to take the morning & afternoon to explore or rest. Transportation to Palácio do Correio-Mor will be provided from Penha Longa Resort starting at 3:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you are a US Passport Holder, you do not need a visa to fly to Portugal.
If you hold an Indian Passport, you do require a visa to fly to Portugal.
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Taxis and Ubers are easily available from Lisbon Airport to Penha Longa Resort (35 minutes from the airport).
You are more than welcome to rent a car if you feel comfortable driving in Portugal.
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We have an entire wardrobe planner with recommendations under The Details section of our wedding website.
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The actual wedding ceremony will take place outdoors, weather permitting.
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Most of our events are indoors, with the exception of the Welcome Dinner and Wedding Lunch, both of which will be at the Mercatto, an indoor restaurant.
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Sintra experiences pleasant, mild spring weather between April 29 and May 3, with daily highs around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and lows around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can expect a mix of sunshine and occasional light spring showers.
We recommend layering! While afternoons can feel warm and sunny, mornings and evenings can be brisk.
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We suggest you arrive promptly at the times each event begins so as to not miss any special moments.
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Please contact our wedding planning team, House of Pheras at anitadawson@houseofpheras.com.
Please allow for 4-5 business days for a response.
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We recommend booking your flights early, no later than 6 months before the wedding.
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As soon as possible! We have a limited number of rooms blocked at a special rate, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure you get a spot and the best price, we recommend booking your accommodations sooner rather than later.
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Please RSVP by December 15, 2026.
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We can only accommodate guests formally listed on your invitation.
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Please email anitadawson@houseofpheras.com outlining specifically your allergies and severity, and our teams will forward that request to our catering team.
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Portugal uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and shops in Sintra and Lisbon. However, we highly recommend keeping a small amount of cash on hand for smaller local vendors, street markets, or traditional taxis.
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Yes! English is very widely spoken in Sintra, Lisbon, and the surrounding areas, especially in restaurants, hotels, and tourist spots. You'll have no trouble getting around, but a quick "Obrigado" (thank you) always goes a long way!
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A major pro-tip for Sintra: leave the stilettos at home! Sintra is famous for its breathtaking, historic charm, which means lots of steep hills and uneven cobblestone pathways. We highly recommend wearing block heels, wedges, or dressy flats so you can celebrate comfortably and safely.
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Option A (Unplugged): We are having an "unplugged" ceremony. We kindly ask that you turn off your cell phones and cameras and simply enjoy the moment with us! We have an incredible photography team capturing everything, and we promise to share the photos with you later. Once the reception starts, snap away!
Option B (Phones allowed): Yes, you are welcome to take photos! We only ask that you remain mindful of our professional photographers and videographers so they can get the perfect shots.
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Your presence at our wedding in Portugal is the greatest gift we could ask for!
However, if you would like to honor us with a gift, we have set up a honeymoon fund to help us create unforgettable memories on our first adventure as newlyweds. You can find our fund registry here: [Insert Link]
Kindly RSVP
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Your presence would mean the world to us. Please let us know if you will be joining us in Portugal. We would love to celebrate with you.
Kindly respond by January 15, 2027 so we can let the venues know.