Ah, Portugal—the land of golden sunsets, historic castles, and pastéis de nata so good, they should come with a warning label. If you’re dreaming of saying “Sim, eu aceito” in this breathtaking country, you’re in for a treat.
But before you imagine yourself twirling around a cobblestone street in Lisbon, champagne in hand, let’s talk about the least sexy (but very necessary) part of wedding planning: the legal costs and paperwork.
Planning a wedding is like planning a heist—timing, precision, and the right team make all the difference. So, let’s break down everything you need to legally tie the knot in Portugal, from civil ceremony fees to hidden costs, so you don’t get caught off guard.
1. Can Foreigners Legally Get Married in Portugal?
Yes! Portugal welcomes both residents and non-residents to get legally married, no need to live here beforehand. Plus, Portugal recognizes:
✅ Civil and religious weddings
✅ Same-sex marriages (since 2010, because love is love!)
✅ Symbolic ceremonies (for those who want the romance without the legal paperwork)
However, the bureaucracy moves at the speed of a slow Fado song, so plan ahead.
2. Paperwork: The Not-So-Romantic Reality
Before you start choosing between a clifftop vow exchange in the Algarve or a fairytale castle wedding in Sintra, you’ll need to gather some essential documents:
📌 Required Documents:
- Valid Passports (or residence permits)
- Birth certificates (translated into Portuguese + apostilled)
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (proof you’re legally single)
- Request for Marriage Form (submitted to a Portuguese Civil Registry Office)
💰 Estimated Costs for Documents:
- Translations & Apostilles: €120 – €200
- Certificate of No Impediment: €50 – €150 (varies by country)
📌 Pro tip:
Start this process at least 3–6 months in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Portuguese paperwork has a “mañana” approach—except they don’t even say mañana.
3. Civil Wedding Costs in Portugal
If you’re opting for a civil ceremony, fees depend on where and when you get married:
- 💍 Registry Office Wedding: €120 – €200
- 💍 External Venue Ceremony (e.g., beach, vineyard, palace): €200 – €500
📍 Where to Get Married Legally in Portugal?
Want to get married in a castle? Check out Palácio de Seteais in Sintra for fairytale vibes.
4. Religious Wedding Costs
If you’re dreaming of a church wedding, you’ll need additional paperwork, such as a Baptism certificate and permission from your home country’s diocese (if Catholic).
💰 Estimated Costs:
- Catholic Church Fees: €200 – €400
- Document Translations & Legalization: €100 – €300
For a breathtaking setting, check out the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa).
5. Hiring a Wedding Planner vs. DIY: Worth It?
Let’s be honest—unless you love standing in government offices with a folder full of documents, a wedding planner might be your best friend.
💰 Wedding Planner Fees:
- Basic assistance: €1,500 – €3,000
- Full-service planning: €3,500 – €7,000+
DIY option? If you’re fluent in Portuguese (or have patience + Google Translate), you can save a few hundred euros.
6. Additional Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Besides the standard wedding fees, there are a few sneaky extras that couples often forget about:
📜 Marriage Certificate Copies – €120 – €150 (includes translation & postage)
✈️ Travel & Accommodation – Prices soar during peak season (June–September)
🏰 Dream Venues – Wedding venues in Portugal range from €3,000 to €15,000+
📍 Top Wedding Venues in Portugal:
7. Thinking About an Elopement Instead?
Elopements in Portugal are romantic, intimate, and budget-friendly. Imagine: just the two of you, golden-hour photos by the Douro River, and zero stress about seating charts.
💰 Elopement Packages (Paperwork + Photos + Officiant): €2,000 – €5,000
Perfect locations for elopements?
- Algarve Cliffs (sunset views for days)
- Porto Wine Cellars (because why not?)
8. Final Cost Breakdown: How Much Should You Budget?
If you strip things down to the basics, a legal wedding in Portugal can cost under €1,000. But let’s be real—most couples end up spending more.
| Expense |
Estimated Cost (€) |
| Civil Ceremony (Registry Office) |
€120 – €200 |
| Civil Ceremony (External Venue) |
€200 – €500 |
| Religious Wedding |
€200 – €400 |
| Wedding Planner (Optional) |
€1,500 – €7,000 |
| Venue Rental |
€3,000 – €15,000 |
| Marriage Certificate & Translations |
€120 – €200 |
| Travel & Accommodation |
Varies |
Final Thoughts (And Why You Need Me)
Let’s be honest—bureaucracy is boring. Your wedding, however, should be nothing short of magic. Whether you’re getting married on a Lisbon rooftop, in a Sintra palace, or with your feet in the sand in Albufeira, you’ll want to remember every breathtaking moment.
📸 That’s where I come in!
I specialize in capturing the real, raw, beautiful moments of destination weddings—so you can focus on living them.
🌍 Explore my wedding portfolio: yourhappymoments.net/blog
💰 Check out my packages: yourhappymoments.net/investment
📩 Let’s chat about your dream wedding: yourhappymoments.net/contact
Because paperwork fades, but your wedding photos last forever. Let’s make them unforgettable. ❤️
