Amor Awaits: Why is Getting Married in Portugal So Magical?
14-minute read
TL;DR:Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, and choosing the perfect location is key. Discover why Portugal should be at the top of your list for a destination wedding: from cost advantages to breathtaking venues and a warm, inclusive culture.
Portugal offers:
- 300 days of sunshine
- Affordable options compared to other European countries or the U.S.
- Exceptional cuisine and wines
- Safe, inclusive settings for all couples
- Excellent international flight connections
Let’s explore what makes Portugal an enchanting wedding destination.
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Portugal?
Budget Considerations
A wedding for around 100 guests in Portugal typically costs between €18,000 and €25,000, making it more budget-friendly compared to many other European destinations or the U.S.
Can I legally marry in Portugal if I’m not religious?
Yes
Legal Requirements
- Residency: One partner must reside in Portugal for 30 days prior.
- Documents Needed:
- Valid passports
- Birth certificates
- Certificate of non-impediment (translated into Portuguese)
- Cost: Approximately €130 for paperwork.
Tips:
- Opt for a symbolic ceremony after legally marrying at home to simplify the process.
- A celebrant can officiate your ceremony for around €500, adding a personal touch.
Religious Ceremonies
Catholic and other religious ceremonies are legally recognized.
- Documentation includes baptismal certificates and permission is valid for three months.
- English-speaking priests are available in locations like Porto and Lisbon.
As you embark on this beautiful journey, keep in mind that Portugal offers a blend of affordability, stunning scenery, and memorable experiences. It’s time to start planning the wedding of a lifetime!
Why Portugal?
Friendly, Great Food and Warm Weather
Year-Round Weather Bliss
- Sunny Southern Portugal:
- Perfect for outdoor and beach weddings.
- Warm, lively atmosphere with stunning coastlines.
- Serene Northern Portugal:
- Lush landscapes and cooler temperatures.
- Ideal for couples seeking a romantic, nature-inspired setting.
What are the best months for a wedding in Portugal?
While the summer season officially lasts to September, you can still expect some sunny days extending into October. Avoid the interior regions during July and August when temperatures can reach 44°C (114°F). Instead, choose spring or early fall for perfect weather.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Weddings in Portugal
Portugal is inclusive and open-minded, celebrating love in all its forms. With a range of options for civil or religious ceremonies, couples can create a wedding that reflects their unique story.
Indulge Your Senses: Culinary Delights
Portugal is a haven for food lovers. Impress your guests with:
- Traditional Dishes: Pastel de Nata, Bacalhau, and Piri-Piri chicken.
- Regional Favorites: Caldo Verde soup, Cataplana, and Leitão (roasted piglet).
- Unique Specialties: Alheira sausage and the hearty Francesinha sandwich.
- World-Class Wines: Complement your meal with the region’s acclaimed wines.
Why It’s Perfect: Portugal’s culinary scene offers both variety and affordability, elevating your wedding feast to a memorable experience.
Ease of Access: Flights and Logistics
Love Knows No Borders
Affordable Direct Flights
With a multitude of direct flight options from major cities, Portugal is highly accessible. Guests can reach your wedding without overspending on travel.
Did You Know?
Despite the rise in destination weddings, Portugal still maintains one of the lowest marriage rates in the EU, offering a unique and exclusive experience for your special day.
Where to Go? The Perfect Wedding Backdrop
Sintra
- Why Choose Sintra?:
- Picturesque, fairytale-like setting with palaces and lush gardens.
- Close to Lisbon (30 km/18 miles), making it easily accessible.
- Venue Highlight: Monserrate Palace offers expansive gardens for a private, scenic ceremony.
Douro Valley
- Known For: Dramatic terraced vineyards and stunning views.
- Venue Pick: Quinta do Portal, where you can exchange vows surrounded by iconic landscapes.
Alentejo
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn.
- Why It’s Special: Rolling hills, historic towns, and peaceful settings.
Planning Your Wedding Journey
DIY or Planner?
Dreaming of doing it all yourself? You can! Check out our Complete Planning Guide packed with tips just for couples getting married in Portugal. You’ll also love this Wedding Ideas guide to spark your creativity.
Prefer to leave the details to a pro? That works too. Romã Eventos are amazing planners we trust and love working with.
Close to Lisbon
“Sintra, a charming town nestled at the foot of the Sintra Mountains, is located just a short distance from Lisbon (18 miles/ 30 km). While Sintra has gained popularity among tourists in recent years, it remains a magical destination for an intimate vow exchange, despite the challenges posed by the crowds.
The Monseratte Palace, among the many palaces in Sintra, offers a picturesque setting with its expansive gardens. Although there are associated costs, the advantage is a more private ceremony with fewer random onlookers in the background. Experience the unparalleled beauty and quaintness of Sintra, making it a worthwhile choice for your special day.
Palacio de Seteais, Sintra
The opulent 5-star Palacio de Seteais, located in the Serra de Sintra, 25 minutes from Lisbon, is a charming palace hotel that will transport you to the 18th century. The palace is surrounded by lovely green grounds and has views of Mouros Castle and Pena Palace. The palace is well-equipped for weddings, with three ballrooms painted with beautiful frescos that can accommodate up to 280 people.
You may also have your wedding outside in the beautiful green gardens, which feature traditional XVII century palace mazes, lemon trees, and flowers, as well as views of the Sintra mountaintop.
The palace exclusivity for one day, total privacy // All 30 rooms, including the Diplomatic Suite, for occupancy with breakfast included // Exclusive butler service for couples getting married // All palace rooms, gardens, and facilities // Capacity to hold up to 200 guests // Service staff during all event event // The wedding can be held until 5:00 // 20% of all spa treatments for the couple
This fee, however, does not include the wedding banquet. The menus begin at €155 per person.
Close to Porto
The Douro Valley, near Porto, is a UNESCO World Heritage site ideal for wine lovers and offers accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses. It’s one of the most romantic settings imaginable. Find out why so many couples fall in love with it in Why Douro Valley Wedding is the Idyllic Getaway.
The Douro Valley is located in northern Portugal and runs along the Douro River. The setting is magnificent and dramatic, with high terraced vineyards clinging to the slopes. The terraces were created by hand over millennia to avoid erosion and maximize sunlight exposure for the grapevines.
The climate in the region is Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers, making it excellent for grape growth.
In addition to Port wine, the Douro Valley produces high-quality table wines including as reds, whites, and rosés. The region’s lodgings range from luxury hotels and wine resorts to lovely guesthouses and rustic cottages. Aside from wine, the Douro Valley is famed for its traditional gastronomy, which frequently involves robust meals produced with local goods like sausages, cheeses, and olive oil.
Quinta do Portal
Quinta do Portal is a hotel made of schist and glass in a system that extends nearly all the way to the Douro river in northern Portugal. The venue was designed to blend in with its surroundings while also addressing environmental issues.
A wedding at Quinta do Portal delivers the ideal blend of beautiful views and iconic building in a modern and hospitable setting. The hotel has magnificent gardens, two outdoor swimming pools with a panoramic view of the Douro, a library, a cinema room, and the Raiva Restaurant, all of which have their own distinct ambience.
You may have your wedding ceremony next to their panoramic pool or in one of their indoor or outdoor venues. Douro41 also offers visitors enrichment experiences like as surprise lunches in secluded hideaways, boat cruises, and walks.
The full hotel may be rented solely for the wedding celebration for €550 (up to 70 guests). For weddings with more than 60 people, the full hotel must be leased for at least two nights.
Oitavos Hotel, Cascais
The Oitavos is a five-star hotel nestled in the stunning coastal line of Cascais, Portugal. With individual large balconies that draws attention to the amazing views of a blue ocean.
Get ready to say “I do” in style and swing those clubs like a champ!
Alentejo
The Alentejo region is seriously something else. Let me tell you, it’s my absolute favorite part of the whole country. The scenery here is out of this world – wide open spaces, hills that roll on for miles, cute little towns all painted in white! Sure, it takes longer to get there, as it stays a few miles/ km from Lisbon Airport. But it’s so peaceful there, don’t let the distance deter you.
Let me spill the beans about summers in the Alentejo – they’re scorching hot! So, if you’ve got your heart set on exploring this region, I’d suggest steering clear of July and August. Instead, spring and autumn are where it’s at.
Top Vendors for Getting Married in Portugal: Essential Tips
FAQs About Wedding Photography in Portugal
Choosing a Photographer: Style and Vision
Photography isn’t just about pictures. It’s about how you remember the day, spending time with your guests, living the moment, and never feeling like you have to step away just for photos. If that sounds like the kind of wedding experience you want, explore our approach as Portugal wedding photographers.
When should you hire a wedding photographer?
- Book your wedding photographer as soon as you secure your venue.
- Photographers are often among the first vendors to be reserved, so don’t delay.
How Do I Choose a Photographer Whose Style Aligns With Mine?
- Look for photographers whose work resonates with your vision.
- Keep in mind: each photographer has their unique shooting and editing style.
- Avoid expecting a photographer to replicate someone else’s work—authenticity is key.
Main Wedding Photography Styles:
- Photojournalism:
- Captures candid, emotive moments to tell a story.
- Focuses on real-life interactions over posed shots.
- Fine Art Traditional:
- A classic, formal style aiming to evoke emotions and convey a message.
- Typically involves more posed and curated shots.
Our Approach:
- We specialize in photojournalism with a cinematic twist.
- Expect candid, story-driven images that feel natural yet carry an artistic edge.
- We focus on authentic moments, making your wedding memories feel like a film scene.
Do I Need a Second Shooter for My Wedding?
- Recommended for larger or more complex weddings.
- Provides additional perspectives and smoother coverage.
- Our base packages include a second shooter to enrich your wedding story.
When Will I Receive My Wedding Photos?
- Your online gallery will be ready within four months.
- High-resolution images come with a print release for your convenience.
Are Albums Included in Your Packages?
- Full-resolution digital images are standard in all packages.
- Handmade albums are available as an add-on for a seamless experience.
Do I Need to Provide Meals for the Photographers?
- Yes, providing hot meals is customary and often arranged by wedding caterers.
- Discuss this with your caterer to ensure proper accommodations.
Engagement Photos: Cost and Timing
- Optional but beneficial for getting comfortable in front of the camera.
- Offered at €360, typically taken three months prior or the day before the wedding.
- Unique to each couple; the wedding day alone still offers plenty of unforgettable moments.
Capturing Your Wedding Day in Portugal: The Importance of Videography
Reliving Emotions Through Film
Sharing Your Wedding Moments with Loved Ones
Why Wedding Videography Matters:
- Photos capture stills, but video immerses you in the unseen moments.
A skilled videographer highlights raw emotions, subtle gestures, and candid interactions.
Benefits:
- Voices and Words: Captures the heartfelt toasts and speeches that photos can’t.
- Sharing the Experience: Perfect for friends and family who couldn’t attend.
- Emotional Time Capsule: A wedding film becomes a cherished heirloom to relive your day’s love and joy.
Top Recommended Videographers:
As a fellow photographer deeply committed to capturing the essence of weddings, I wholeheartedly recommend the following teams:
Duarte WV
Minimal and Experimentalist
duartewv.com
João Rosa Visuals
Living the dream
joaorosavisuals.com
Sublime Films
Chilled and easygoing
sublimefilms.pt
FullCut
Authentic as the day unfolds
fullcutweddings.com
How Much Does Catering Cost for a Wedding in Portugal?
What to Expect from Portuguese Wedding Catering
What to Expect:
- Average cost: €150 per person (ranges from €60 to €180).
- Typically includes a welcome cocktail hour, a four-course meal, and an open bar.
- Unlimited wine is a common feature; some venues offer an open bar for a set time.
Typical Budget:
- A buffet-style dinner plus venue rental can range from €10,000 to €15,000.
Wedding Cakes and Floral Arrangements: Prices and Tips in Portugal
Wedding Cakes:
- Average cost: around €400.
- Look beyond price, think about flavor and design.
- Featured Pastry Chef: Ana from CakeShop.pt is known for her elegant, nature-inspired designs. She brings beautifully crafted creations to life, combining refined artistry with delicious flavors.
Floral Arrangements:
- Centerpieces and decorations: €250 to €500; elaborate designs can go up to €3,500.
- Tip: Use seasonal flowers for cost efficiency.
Meet Filipa from Pé de Flor Atelier
- Specializes in both bohemian and classic arrangements.
- Brings unique touches like flower wreaths or timeless elegance to your day.
- Works seamlessly with Sandra to create an awe-inspiring look.
Bouquet Costs:
- Bridal bouquet: approximately €120.
- Bridesmaid bouquets: about €60 each.
Makeup and Hairstyling Costs for Weddings in Portugal
Prices:
- Range from €250 to €600, depending on complexity.
- Top Artists Bárbara Brandão, Susana Mathias, Márcia Dinora and Laura Costa for flawless wedding-day looks.
Personalizing Your Ceremony with a Celebrant in Portugal
Your Ceremony, Your Story
Why Hire a Celebrant?
- Customizes your ceremony to reflect your unique love story.
- Allows you the flexibility to hold your ceremony anywhere you choose.
- Creates a personal and memorable experience.
Remember: It’s your day—celebrate it on your terms!
Celebrants are all about inclusivity.
No matter who you are, what religion you follow, or whom you love, a celebrant will make sure your ceremony is a celebration of love, pure and simple, a everyone will fell welcomed.
I cannot emphasize enough how for sure these two great human beings will be an invaluable resource to assist.
Mónica Magalhães if you’re in Douro Valley.
Flora Torralvo if you’re in Lisbon.
Débora Duarte if you’re anywhere else in the country. She owns a team able to help with everything you need.
Still have questions? Check out our 10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer, or just pop us a message and we’ll get right back to you.
