Portugal—a land of fairy-tale castles, golden beaches, and romance in every cobblestone alley. It’s no wonder couples from around the world choose this dreamy destination for their wedding.
But here’s the big question: Do you go for a civil wedding or a religious one? Both have their charm, their quirks, and yes, their paperwork. So, whether you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked beach ceremony or a candlelit church wedding, let’s break it all down—costs, legalities, and the most stunning venues.
Grab a glass of Port wine and let’s dive in!
Civil Weddings in Portugal: Freedom, Flexibility, and Stunning Venues
If you want a legally recognized wedding with full flexibility over the location and ceremony, a civil wedding in Portugal is your best bet. You can marry at a registry office (Conservatória) or opt for an outdoor venue of your choice—think a vineyard in Douro, a clifftop in the Algarve, or a palace in Sintra.
📜 Legal Requirements for a Civil Wedding
Before you get too excited about exchanging vows under a palm tree, let’s talk paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need:
✅ Valid passports or ID cards
✅ Birth certificates (translated into Portuguese)
✅ A certificate of no impediment (proving you’re free to marry)
✅ Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)
💡 Pro tip: The process takes about 4–6 weeks, so don’t leave it to the last minute!
💰 How Much Does a Civil Wedding in Portugal Cost?
- Registry office fees: €120–250
- Private venue registration: €200–500
- Optional: Wedding planner to handle the paperwork: €500–1500
📍 Best Locations for a Civil Wedding
✨ Sintra – Romantic & Regal
Exchange vows at the magical Monserrate Palace or the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais. The gardens alone are enough to make your wedding photos look straight out of a royal love story.
🔗 Visit Sintra
🌊 Algarve – Beachside Bliss
Crystal-clear waters, golden cliffs, and clifftop wedding venues in Lagos or Albufeira make Algarve a dream for seaside lovers.
🔗 Visit Algarve
🍷 Douro Valley – Vineyard Romance
For wine lovers, Quinta da Pacheca offers the chance to say “I do” among endless vineyards (and with a post-wedding wine tasting, of course).
🔗 Quinta da Pacheca
Religious Weddings in Portugal: Tradition, History, and Sacred Beauty
If a spiritually meaningful ceremony is at the heart of your wedding vision, a religious wedding in Portugal is the way to go. Imagine walking down the aisle in a centuries-old cathedral in Lisbon or exchanging vows in a charming countryside chapel in Alentejo.
📜 Legal & Religious Requirements
Catholic Weddings (which make up most religious ceremonies in Portugal) require:
✅ Baptism and confirmation certificates
✅ Permission from your home parish
✅ Civil marriage license
Other religious weddings—Protestant, Jewish, Hindu—have different requirements, so check with your religious institution before planning.
💡 Good to know: Catholic weddings can be legally recognized, while other religious ceremonies might need a separate civil marriage.
💰 How Much Does a Religious Wedding in Portugal Cost?
- Church rental: €200–1000
- Catholic wedding organization: €500+
- Additional paperwork fees: €100–300
📍 Best Locations for a Religious Wedding
⛪ Lisbon – Grand & Historic
For a wedding that feels straight out of a period drama, the Sé de Lisboa Cathedral or the Igreja de São Roque offer breathtaking architecture and a deep sense of history.
🔗 Visit Lisboa
🌄 Porto – Old-World Charm
The Sé do Porto Cathedral, perched on a hill overlooking the city, is perfect for couples who want a dramatic yet spiritual setting.
🔗 Visit Porto
🏡 Alentejo – Intimate & Traditional
For a more rustic, countryside feel, the small churches in Alentejo’s charming villages offer a peaceful and authentic experience.
Civil vs. Religious Wedding in Portugal – Which One is Right for You?
Still undecided? Let’s make it simple:
💒 Want a fully legal, no-religion ceremony in any location? Go civil.
⛪ Want a meaningful, spiritual wedding in a historic church? Go religious.
🛂 Don’t want to deal with Portuguese bureaucracy? Get legally married at home & have a symbolic ceremony in Portugal.
Both options are beautiful and unique, so it all comes down to what feels right for you as a couple.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married in Portugal
Can foreigners legally get married in Portugal?
Yes! Both civil and Catholic weddings are legally recognized for foreign couples. However, it’s best to start paperwork at least 2–3 months in advance.
Do we need to be residents of Portugal to get married there?
No, you don’t need to be a resident. Portugal is one of the best European destinations for destination weddings due to its foreigner-friendly marriage laws.
How much does a wedding in Portugal cost?
A basic civil ceremony at a registry office costs around €120–250, while a full wedding at a private venue can range from €5,000 to €20,000, depending on the location and services.
Can we have a religious wedding without a civil ceremony?
Yes, but unless it’s a Catholic wedding, it won’t be legally recognized. Many couples combine both ceremonies to make it official.
Let’s Capture Your Love Story in Portugal!
No matter what type of wedding you choose, one thing is certain—Portugal offers some of the most breathtaking wedding backdrops in the world. And what’s a dream wedding without unforgettable photos?
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing the emotions, the beauty, and the magic of your big day. Whether you’re getting married on a sunlit beach, in a vineyard, or in a centuries-old cathedral, I’ll be there to document every joyful, intimate, and unforgettable moment.
📸 See my wedding stories: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Check out my wedding photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s make magic together! Contact me here: Contact
Wherever your love takes you, let’s make sure it’s captured beautifully. Because your happiest moments deserve to last forever. 💕
