So, you’re dreaming of a wedding in Portugal? Great choice! Picture this: golden sunlight over a historic vineyard, waves crashing along the Algarve cliffs, and a wedding reception that lasts until dawn (yes, really). Portugal is not just a stunning destination—it’s a country with deep-rooted wedding traditions that add romance, meaning, and a bit of fun to your big day.
From age-old Catholic customs to modern trends, let’s dive into Portuguese wedding traditions and customs—because trust me, you’ll want to include a few in your special day!
1. The Proposal: It’s a Family Affair
Before we get to the wedding, let’s talk about the proposal. Traditionally, the groom would ask the bride’s father for permission (old-school, but still respected in some families). Once she says “yes,” there’s often a “pedir a bênção”—a gathering where both families officially celebrate the engagement with lots of food and wine.
💡 Want to pop the question in Portugal? Consider doing it in Sintra, where the fairytale-like Pena Palace (www.parquesdesintra.pt) makes the perfect backdrop.
2. The Ceremony: Churches, Shoes & Superstitions
Since Portugal is predominantly Catholic, many couples choose a church wedding, and let’s be honest—Portugal’s churches are next-level stunning. Think grand baroque cathedrals, candlelit aisles, and centuries-old azulejo tiles.
Portuguese Wedding Superstitions
❌ It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding (okay, that’s everywhere)
💰 The bride places a gold coin in her shoe for financial prosperity
👠 During the reception, guests pass around the groom’s shoe to collect money for the couple (because who needs a GoFundMe when you have a wedding?)
⛪ Top Wedding Churches in Portugal:
3. The Wedding Attire: Black Dresses & Lucky Charms
While most Portuguese brides go for classic white, black wedding dresses were once traditional, symbolizing “till death do us part” (very dramatic, very Portuguese). Nowadays, intricate lace details and cathedral-length veils are common.
Grooms? Think sharp, tailored suits. And don’t forget the blue garter—another superstition for good luck!
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to embrace tradition with a modern twist, incorporate azulejo-inspired designs into your dress, invitations, or décor.
4. The Feast: Come Hungry, Leave Happy
You think you’ve been to a big wedding? You haven’t seen a Portuguese wedding yet! The food is legendary, and the party lasts all night.
🍽️ Traditional Portuguese Wedding Menu:
- Bacalhau à Brás – Portugal’s iconic salted cod dish
- Leitão Assado – Roasted suckling pig (crispy, juicy, delicious)
- Queijo da Serra – A creamy sheep cheese from the mountains
- Tons of Seafood – Because… Portugal
🍷 The Drinks? Oh, You’re in for a Treat!
Port wine, vinho verde, ginjinha (cherry liqueur), and endless refills of homemade sangria—because Portuguese weddings are more about stamina than sipping.
🍰 Desserts You’ll Want to Try:
- Pastéis de Nata – The famous custard tarts (one is never enough)
- Pão de Ló – A sponge cake so soft, it practically melts in your mouth
- Bolo Rei – A festive cake sometimes included in weddings
5. The Festa: When the Real Party Begins
Portuguese weddings don’t end at midnight—they go until sunrise!. After the cake is cut, the party turns into a non-stop dance marathon. Expect:
🎶 Fado music (for those sentimental moments)
💃 Folk dancing like the “vira” (think polka, but more fun)
🎤 A surprise serenade – sometimes the groom arranges a love song for his bride (cue the tears)
💡 Best Wedding Venues in Portugal:
6. Wedding Favors: What Guests Take Home
Portuguese couples traditionally give guests amêndoas—sugar-coated almonds symbolizing love and happiness.
But today’s weddings? Couples get creative with mini bottles of Port wine, ginja liqueur, or handcrafted azulejo tiles as keepsakes.
7. The Morning-After Brunch: Because One Day Isn’t Enough
You survived a Portuguese wedding, and now you wake up thinking, Was that a dream? Nope, but there’s one last tradition—the day-after gathering.
This usually involves:
🥐 Fresh pastries (because more Pastéis de Nata is always a good idea)
🍷 Vinho verde (because why not?)
🍲 Caldo Verde soup (to recover from all that partying)
Getting Married in Portugal? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Best Time for a Wedding:
- 🌸 Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, fewer tourists
- ☀️ Summer (July-September): Beach weddings, but HOT
- 🍇 Autumn (September-November): Beautiful vineyard settings
- ❄️ Winter (December-March): Cozy castle weddings (yes, please!)
📌 Legal Requirements for Foreigners
Want to legally tie the knot in Portugal? You’ll need:
✅ Birth certificates
✅ Passports
✅ A certificate of no impediment
✅ All documents translated into Portuguese
💡 Thinking of a symbolic ceremony? You can have a legal wedding at home and celebrate in Portugal with a stress-free symbolic ceremony!
Why Portugal Is the Ultimate Wedding Destination
From Lisbon’s historic streets to Douro Valley’s vineyards and Algarve’s golden beaches, Portugal is pure wedding magic.
📸 And that’s where I come in! As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic, emotional, and breathtaking moments—because your love story deserves to be told beautifully.
✨ See my Portugal wedding portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
📷 Check out wedding photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s make magic happen! Contact me here: Contact
So… who’s ready for a Portuguese wedding adventure? 💍🍷
