So, you’ve fallen in love with Portugal—the golden beaches, the fairy-tale castles, and the endless supply of pastel de nata. And now, you’re thinking, “What if we got married here?”
Well, let me tell you, Portugal is one of the most magical places on earth to say “I do.” From sunset vows on a dramatic cliffside in the Algarve to romantic ceremonies in a centuries-old palace in Sintra, this country is straight out of a dream.
But before you start envisioning your first dance under the stars, let’s talk about the legal side of things. Because while Portugal is a wedding paradise, you’ll still need to navigate some paperwork to make it official.
Let’s break it down—without the legal jargon and with a touch of fun!
Who Can Get Married in Portugal? (Spoiler: Almost Anyone!)
The good news? Portugal welcomes both residents and non-residents to tie the knot. Whether you’re a local, an expat, or a couple visiting from overseas, you can legally marry here. Even better, Portugal recognizes same-sex marriages, and there’s no minimum residency requirement.
There are three main types of wedding ceremonies in Portugal:
1. Civil Weddings (The Quick & Legal Route)
A civil wedding is legally binding and conducted by a registrar. It can take place at a registry office (Conservatória do Registo Civil) or an approved venue of your choice.
💡 Tip: You’ll need an interpreter if you don’t speak Portuguese!
2. Catholic Church Weddings (For a Sacred & Legal Ceremony)
Portugal allows Catholic weddings to be legally recognized without needing a separate civil ceremony. However, you’ll need additional paperwork, including proof of baptism and confirmation.
3. Symbolic Weddings (No Paperwork, Just Love)
Want to skip the bureaucracy? Many couples legally marry at home and then have a symbolic ceremony in Portugal—on a beach, at a vineyard, or even in a medieval castle.
The Paperwork You Need (AKA, The Not-So-Romantic Part)
To legally marry in Portugal, you’ll need to gather some documents:
✅ Passports or national ID cards (if you’re from the EU)
✅ Birth certificates (issued within the last six months and translated into Portuguese)
✅ Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) – proof that you’re free to marry
✅ Divorce or death certificate (if applicable)
💡 Pro Tip: All non-Portuguese documents must be translated and apostilled (aka officially certified).
Where to Submit Everything?
Your paperwork needs to be submitted to a Portuguese Civil Registry Office at least 30 days before your wedding date. If you’re marrying during peak season, apply even earlier to avoid delays!
📌 Official registry information: https://justica.gov.pt/Servicos/Casamento
Best Places to Get Married in Portugal (Prepare to Swoon!)
Portugal is a visual masterpiece, offering everything from castle weddings to beachfront ceremonies. Here are some of the most breathtaking spots:
1. Sintra – The Fairytale Wedding Destination
If you want to feel like royalty, Sintra is the place. With its whimsical palaces, misty forests, and stunning manor houses, it’s straight out of a fantasy novel.
💍 Top Venues:
- Palácio da Pena (a real-life Disney castle)
- Quinta da Regaleira (mystical gardens and secret tunnels)
📍 More info
2. The Algarve – Sun, Sand & Ocean Views
The Algarve’s golden cliffs and turquoise waters make it a top choice for beach weddings. You can exchange vows barefoot on the sand or in a luxury cliffside villa.
💍 Top Venues:
- Vivenda Miranda (intimate seaside escape)
- Monte Clérigo Beach (a hidden paradise)
📍 Explore Algarve
3. Porto – Vintage Charm & Wine Country Weddings
If historic charm, cobbled streets, and incredible wine are your thing, Porto is calling your name.
💍 Top Venues:
- Six Senses Douro Valley (luxury vineyard wedding)
- The Yeatman (stunning views over Porto’s skyline)
📍 Discover Porto
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Portugal
💡 Want perfect weather and fewer crowds? Timing is everything!
🌸 Spring (April – June): Pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and blooming landscapes.
☀️ Summer (July – August): Hot and lively, but expect crowds (and higher prices).
🍁 Autumn (September – October): Warm days, cool evenings, and a golden glow—ideal for weddings!
❄️ Winter (November – March): Cheaper, but coastal areas can be rainy.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Portugal?
Portugal is more budget-friendly than, say, a chateau wedding in France, but it still depends on your style.
- Civil ceremony fees: €100 – €200
- Church weddings: Varies by location and priest fees
- Wedding venue rental: €2,000 – €10,000+
- Photography (the most important part 😉): Check my packages here
💡 Tip: If you’re eloping or having a small wedding, Portugal can be incredibly affordable!
Portuguese Wedding Traditions You Might Love
If you want to add a local touch to your wedding, consider these beautiful Portuguese traditions:
🎶 Serenades Before the Wedding – In some regions, grooms surprise their brides with a love song the night before the wedding. (Yes, it’s as romantic as it sounds!)
💍 Viana Heart Jewelry – A traditional gold heart-shaped pendant worn by Portuguese brides for good luck.
🎉 The Money Dance – Guests pin money on the bride and groom as they dance (a fun way to start your honeymoon fund!).
FAQ: Quick Answers to Your Burning Questions
Can foreigners legally get married in Portugal?
Yes! There are no residency requirements, making it perfect for destination weddings.
How long does the paperwork process take?
You must apply at least 30 days in advance, but start early to avoid surprises.
How much does a wedding in Portugal cost?
It varies—elopements can be budget-friendly, while luxury weddings can go over €50,000.
Do I need to translate my documents?
Yes! Non-Portuguese documents must be translated and apostilled.
Final Thoughts (And Why You Need a Pro to Capture It All!)
Portugal isn’t just a wedding destination—it’s a love story waiting to be told. Whether you dream of a sunset beach ceremony, an elegant vineyard wedding, or a romantic elopement in Sintra, Portugal delivers magic at every turn.
And guess what? You deserve stunning photos to match that dream. As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing love stories in Portugal’s most breathtaking locations.
✨ Check out my portfolio: here
📷 Explore my packages: here
💌 Let’s make magic happen! Contact me: here
Portugal is waiting for you—let’s capture your love story in the most breathtaking way possible! ❤️
