Frequently asked questions about getting married in Portugal

In order to have a relaxed planning period, you can say the earlier the better. This ensures that a larger selection of different service providers are available on your desired date and are not yet fully booked. Photographers, musicians or especially the venue for the celebration or ceremony are likely to be booked a little longer in advance. Further details can then be organised step by step afterwards. To give you a small scale, you can keep a period of one to one and a half years before the wedding in mind.

Those of you who start contacting me a little more spontaneously or with a shorter planning period shouldn't let this unsettle you. Even with less time, we can organise a great wedding!

The following legal documents are required for a civil marriage:

- Original version of your birth certificate 

- Original version of the certificate of no impediment 

- A divorce certificate or a death certificate if it is not your first wedding

- A letter of authorisation (Procuração) for the wedding planner to register your wedding at the registry office in Portugal. 

- A valid passport

Registrations can only be done 6 months before the wedding.

If you wish to experience your civil marriage or the symbolic wedding ceremony on the beach, Portugal will be your perfect destination. It is the only country in Europe where registrars are allowed to marry you on the beach or generally wherever you wish.

There are two options available to you:

1) A wedding ceremony right on the beach

A license from the authorities is required which I will apply for you. With this license, the registrar or the wedding celebrant may conduct your wedding on the beach.

2) Wedding venue by the sea

Especially in the Algarve or in Madeira there are many venues such as quintas (classic Portuguese country houses), villas or hotels right by the sea where the ceremony can be held. If desired, your wedding celebration can also take place in the same venue afterwards. This variant will not require a license in most cases. The garden by the sea, the beach section or the cliff above the ocean are private property of the venue.

In both options, you get married by the sea which will remain an incomparable experience. If you prefer to be inspired to see what the different options look like, I am happy to present you different venues.

Symbolic weddings became more and more popular, especially for destination weddings. It is often the most romantic and soulful part of your wedding. Far from any legal or bureaucratic obligations, this ceremony may proceed as it is desired.

By telling your story, a wedding celebrant will touch your hearts with just the right words.

In addition to the exchange of your rings, a symbolic ritual can be held. The speech can be told in several languages such as German, Portuguese, Russian or French or more for couples of different origins or with international guests.

The civil marriage is also the official bond of marriage.

The symbolic ceremony by a celebrant can either take place separately or after the civil marriage.

The civil ceremony is the shorter moment and will take place in Portuguese. An interpreter or someone who speaks Portuguese will translate the legal ceremony. This can be done by the wedding planner.

Most newlyweds decide to have it done in their home country before traveling to Portugal. It's a quick process, hassle-free and very reasonable. Afterwards they celebrate their emotional part, the actual moment of love with a symbolic wedding ceremony in Portugal.

The benefit you can experience from is the wide range of options that is offered to you.

A beautiful and popular way is getting married in the Algarve with a wedding on the beach or by the sea. From there you can make your way with your wedding guests to the venue where you have your party, unless it is the same one for the ceremony.

A great and memorable alternative is a wedding on a vineyard. There it is worthwhile to spend the entire day including the ceremony in order to be able to use the entire area. Isn't it a great idea to have dinner at a long table among the vines and toast with friends?

Private villas with pools or sea views are also very trendy. Sufficient space offers the best conditions to have a great celebration. Villas are often located in the countryside and either in a mediterranean or modern style. With additional decoration according to your wishes, the day seems to be almost perfect.

Quintas are similar to the principle of villas with a more Portuguese romantic, southern style. These are also spread over the country on vinevards, along the ocean or rural and yet central.

The spectrum can be expanded with old palaces, castles or monasteries. Due to the construction and the old style, these ones automatically lend a mystical, rustic flair.

Another romantic option is to get married in a riverhouse along a river. Surrounded by nature and fig trees, hardly anything is left to be desired.

It is difficult to give a general answer to this question. Many people believe a wedding abroad is related to very high costs which is not the case.

Of course you have to fly to Portugal in advance and pay for the accommodation. However, if this is combined with an annual or short vacation, the costs are no longer so significant. Depending on the number of guests and the ideas, wonderful weddings can be planned even on a smaller budget. It all depends on how comprehensive the wedding details will we planned.

There is a certain leeway especially when it comes to the choice of the catering. Food and drinks are the most expensive part of the wedding but it can be easily adapted to different budgets through the choice of dishes and the scope.

In general, the costs for various wedding service providers are cheaper compared to those in other European countries, the US, Canada, Australia and more. These include the costs of the wedding photography, flowers, musicians and many more.

Bride and groom usually cover the costs that arise for the actual wedding. This includes all components of the entire day.

The flights and accommodation are mostly covered by the guests themselves. If the wedding venue is also accommodation for you and some guests for the subsequent vacation, the costs can of course be passed on to all persons individually.

Yes of course! Same-sex couples have been able to get married in Portugal since 2010. The LGBTQ+ community is more than welcome.

A small present is still a lovely gesture. There are hardly any limits to creativity and it often only refers to a small sweet to nibble on or something personal from you to your guests.

Since your wedding will take place in a different country, the small presents can be thematically adapted. So it's always a great idea to give away small bottles of Portuguese olive oil, traditional jams or other local specialties such as salt from the Algarve.