Ponta de São Lourenço Elopement
Two-day elopement with sunrise photos in Madeira
On a sunny September weekend, Trey & Stephanie, who came all the way from the US to Madeira, celebrated their very own intimate dream wedding with a Ponta de São Lourenço elopement.
Although being one of the highlights of the two days we spent on the island together, this was just one of many locations we visited.
After getting ready in their Airbnb in Funchal around noon, we headed east to Ponta do Bode, before getting lunch and taking photos at a nearby beach in Porto da Cruz. Afterwards, we drove up into the mountains and made a quick stop at the amazing Ponte da Ribeira d’Ametade bridge as well as at a nearby forest, that’s one of my favorite (secret) locations in Madeira.
We originally planned their sunset ceremony at Pico do Arieiro, but on that very evening the weather shifted and we had to change course. Instead, we found the perfect alternative location at another spot in the mountains I had visited a few months before.
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Why getting up early is always worth it when eloping in Madeira
The next morning, we met again for sunrise – this time at the easternmost tip of the island, Ponta de São Lourenço. Although not technically. I chose a nearby viewpoint where we had an amazing view across the entire volcanic peninsula, though.
During the daytime, this entire area is incredibly busy, with cars lining up on the side of the road and busses dropping off lots and lots of other tourists. But at sunrise, it’s peaceful and quiet.
Due to the rain and heavy clouds the night before, conditions weren’t perfect, but we still got a glimpse of the sun peaking through the dark sky, which was obviously perfect for photos.
On our way back to Funchal, we made one last stop at Prainha do Caniçal, a beautiful black sand beach to finish off two amazing days full of adventure.
