Oktoberfest to Lisbon Rooftop Vows
Rob & Carolyn’s
Wedding Adventure
September 18–23, 2026
Munich, Germany → Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal Celebration: The Art INN Lisbon
From the Oktoberfest spirit we grew up around in La Crosse to a rooftop celebration in the heart of Lisbon, this trip is about more than a wedding.
It is about family.
It is about timing.
It is about honoring where we come from.
It is about celebrating this next chapter with the people we love most.
Guests are welcome to join us for the full Munich and Lisbon adventure, or meet us in Portugal for the rooftop celebration only.
After submitting your RSVP, please check your inbox and spam/junk folder for confirmation emails and future updates.
From La Crosse to Love
We are both originally from the La Crosse area — a place where Oktoberfest is one of the community’s most recognizable traditions. The music, parades, laughter, and hometown energy are part of what makes the area feel familiar and meaningful to us.
We first met more than 24 years ago.
At the time, neither of us could have known how life would unfold. We each went on to live full lives, raise families, grow through different seasons, and become the people we are today.
This celebration brings together so many pieces of our story: where we come from, the families we love, the children who are part of our why, and the life we are choosing to build together.
This wedding is not about a big production.
It is about gathering the people closest to us, sharing an adventure, and creating memories in places that feel connected to who we are.
Why Munich and Lisbon?
We chose this trip because it reflects both celebration and meaning.
Munich connects to Oktoberfest, tradition, music, community, and the La Crosse roots we both share. It felt like the perfect place to begin this adventure with joy.
Lisbon gives us something beautiful and grounding — history, art, rooftops, color, and a place to gather our family for a simple vow exchange and dinner.
Together, these two cities carry what we want this celebration to feel like:
Joy and meaning.
Tradition and adventure.
Family and connection.
Gratitude for where we come from and excitement for what is ahead.
Trip Overview
Dates: September 18–23, 2026
Cities: Munich, Germany and Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal Celebration: The Art INN Lisbon
Style: Small, meaningful, family-centered travel celebration
Guests may choose one of two options:
Option 1: Munich + Lisbon
Join us for the full wedding adventure, beginning in Munich during Oktoberfest and continuing to Lisbon for the rooftop celebration.
Option 2: Lisbon Only
Meet us in Portugal for the symbolic vows and rooftop dinner celebration.
There is no wrong choice. We want guests to choose what works best for their schedule, budget, and comfort level.
Important Dates
June 15, 2026
Please RSVP with your interest so we can plan guest count, room needs, dinner details, and communication.
July 15, 2026
Deadline to book your Lisbon room block at The Art INN Lisbon.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Recommended departure date from the United States if joining us in Munich.
Friday, September 18, 2026
Arrive in Munich, Germany.
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Oktoberfest gathering / pre-party in Munich.
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Travel from Munich to Lisbon.
Monday, September 21, 2026
Rooftop vow celebration and dinner at The Art INN Lisbon.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Optional relaxed sightseeing / family time in Lisbon.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Recommended return travel day, unless you choose to extend your trip.
Munich Pre-Party
Oktoberfest Do-Over
A few years ago, a group trip to Munich for Oktoberfest was planned but never happened because of the pandemic.
Now, six years later, we are finally making it happen — and turning it into the joyful beginning of our wedding adventure.
Munich’s Oktoberfest is a vibrant cultural celebration with music, food, parades, traditional dress, rides, and gathering spaces for all ages.
This portion of the trip will be casual and flexible. Think of it as a joyful pre-party, not a formal wedding event.
We will share more specific gathering details as we get closer.
Lisbon Rooftop Celebration
Monday, September 21, 2026
The Art INN Lisbon
Our Lisbon celebration will be simple, intimate, and meaningful.
We are planning a brief symbolic vow exchange followed by rooftop dinner, drinks, music, and time together as a family.
This is not a traditional wedding production. It is a small family-centered celebration in a beautiful rooftop setting.
Tentative Evening Flow
4:30 PM — Guests gather
5:00 PM — Symbolic vow exchange
5:30 PM — Toast and photos
6:00 PM — Rooftop dinner begins
8:00 PM — Dessert, drinks, music, and relaxed celebration
10:00–11:00 PM — Evening winds down
Final timing may shift slightly as venue details are confirmed.
The Art INN Lisbon
Our Lisbon Hotel & Celebration Location
The Art INN Lisbon is both our preferred Lisbon hotel and the location of our rooftop celebration.
It is a creative boutique hotel in the heart of Lisbon with a rooftop space that feels warm, personal, and connected to the kind of celebration we want.
It is not a traditional wedding venue — and that is exactly why we love it.
The space feels intimate, artistic, and meaningful. It gives us a beautiful place to gather without making the day feel overly formal or staged.
Lisbon Hotel & Room Block
The Art INN Lisbon is both our preferred Lisbon hotel and the location of the rooftop celebration.
Guests who would like to stay with the group should reserve their room as soon as possible. The room block must be booked by July 15, 2026, and rooms may fill quickly.
To reserve your room, email:
Alexandre Fernandes, Hotel Manager
Mention that you are part of:
Rob & Carolyn’s September 2026 celebration
Suggested Email
Hello Alexandre,
I am reaching out to reserve a room at The Art INN Lisbon for Rob and Carolyn’s September 2026 celebration.
Could you please share the available room block options, pricing, and booking instructions?
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Guests are also welcome to book another hotel or rental nearby if that works better for their budget or travel preferences.
Room Type Rate
Single Room 189€
Double / Twin Room 208€
Family or Studio Room — 3 people 259€
Family or Studio Room — 4 people 349€
Guests are welcome to book their own accommodations elsewhere if preferred.
Travel & Flight Search Examples
Guests are responsible for booking their own flights and accommodations.
The flight routes below are example searches for guests traveling from the Midwest United States. Please adjust your departure airport based on where you live and what works best for your schedule, budget, and comfort level.
Because this is a multi-city trip, your flight search will depend on whether you are joining us for Munich and Lisbon, or Lisbon only.
If Joining Munich + Lisbon
Guests joining both Munich and Lisbon will likely want to search using the multi-city flight option.
Example search:
Flight 1:
MSP → MUC
Depart Thursday, September 17, 2026
Arrive Friday, September 18, 2026
Flight 2:
MUC → LIS
Depart Sunday, September 20, 2026
Flight 3:
LIS → MSP
Depart Wednesday, September 23, 2026, or later if extending your trip
Airport Codes
MSP = Minneapolis / St. Paul
MUC = Munich
LIS = Lisbon
Guests traveling from the Midwest may also want to compare flights from:
ORD = Chicago O’Hare
MSP = Minneapolis / St. Paul
Chicago may sometimes offer more international flight options or lower fares, depending on the route.
If Joining Lisbon Only
If you are only joining us in Portugal, you can search for a round-trip flight to Lisbon.
The flight route below is an example search for guests traveling from the Midwest United States.
Example search:
MSP → LIS
Arrive Sunday, September 20, 2026
or by the morning of Monday, September 21, 2026
LIS → MSP
Depart Wednesday, September 23, 2026
or later if extending your trip
You may also compare nearby major airports, including Chicago O’Hare, depending on your location.
Please give yourself enough time to arrive, rest, and get settled before the rooftop celebration.
What Guests Should Budget For
Each guest is responsible for their own:
Flights
Hotels or rentals
Transportation
Meals outside of planned gathering times
Optional sightseeing
Travel documents
Travel insurance, if desired
We are doing our best to keep the celebration simple and approachable.
This is not intended to be a high-pressure or overly formal destination wedding.
We want everyone to make the choice that feels right for their budget and season of life.
Passport Reminder
Please make sure your passport is current.
We recommend that your passport be valid through at least:
March 2027
If you do not currently have a passport, we encourage you to begin that process early.
International travel always goes more smoothly when documents are handled well in advance.
What to Wear
Think elevated vacation dinner attire.
Comfortable, polished, photo-ready, and easy to move in.
For Lisbon, the rooftop celebration will be relaxed but special. Dresses, jumpsuits, button-downs, linen, dress pants, or elevated casual outfits would all work well.
Lisbon has hills, cobblestones, stairs, and uneven walkways, so comfortable shoes are strongly encouraged.
For Munich, plan for comfortable walking clothes, layers, and shoes you can wear for a full day out.
A Note About Accessibility
Lisbon is beautiful, but it is also known for hills, cobblestones, stairs, and uneven walking areas.
The Art INN Lisbon is located in a historic building, and some areas may include stairs.
If mobility, stairs, or walking distance may be a concern, please let us know so we can help think through options and make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Comfort matters. We want this trip to feel joyful, not stressful.
Common Questions
Do I have to attend both Munich and Lisbon?
No. Guests are welcome to join us for the full Munich and Lisbon adventure, or meet us in Portugal only for the rooftop celebration.
Is this a traditional wedding?
Not exactly. This is a family travel experience with a small symbolic vow exchange and intimate rooftop dinner.
Where is the Portugal celebration?
The Portugal celebration is planned for The Art INN Lisbon in Lisbon, Portugal.
Are flights and hotels included?
No. Guests will book their own flights and lodging.
When do I need to RSVP?
Please RSVP by June 15, 2026.
Why is the RSVP deadline June 15?
The Lisbon room block must be booked by July 15, 2026, so the earlier RSVP helps us plan and gives guests enough time to book rooms before the deadline.
When do I need to book my Lisbon room?
If you would like to stay at The Art INN Lisbon, please book your room by July 15, 2026. Rooms may fill quickly.
How do I reserve a room at The Art INN Lisbon?
Email [email protected] and mention that you are part of Rob & Carolyn’s September 2026 celebration.
Can I stay somewhere else?
Yes. Guests are welcome to book another hotel or rental that works best for their budget and travel preferences.
Which airport should I search from?
The flight examples are based on guests traveling from the Midwest United States. Many guests may start with MSP or compare Chicago O’Hare. Please choose the airport that works best for you.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. We recommend that your passport be valid through at least March 2027.
Can teens attend?
Yes. This is a small family-centered celebration, and teens are welcome.
What should I wear?
Elevated vacation dinner attire for Lisbon. Comfortable walking clothes and shoes for Munich. Comfortable shoes are strongly encouraged for both cities.
RSVP by June 15, 2026
If you are interested in joining us, please complete the RSVP form by June 15, 2026.
Because the Lisbon room block must be booked by July 15, 2026, this earlier RSVP deadline helps us plan and gives guests enough time to review details, ask questions, and reserve rooms.
When you RSVP, please let us know whether you are considering:
Munich + Lisbon
Lisbon only
Still deciding
Unable to attend, but sending love
After you RSVP, we will send a detailed guest travel guide with planning reminders, hotel information, flight examples, celebration details, and helpful tips.