Planning Your Dream Wedding in Portugal: Tips, Rules, and Regulations You Need to Know
Portugal has quickly become one of the top spots for couples looking to say "I do" in style. From its beaches and cities to its rich culture and delicious food, Portugal offers the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding. But before you start picking out your venue or choosing your floral arrangements, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of getting married in Portugal.
Here’s your go-to guide for navigating the rules, regulations, and all the fun details of planning your wedding in this beautiful European country.
The Timeline: When to Start Planning
Planning a wedding in Portugal can take a little time, so it’s best to start early! You’ll want to give yourself about 12–18 months to get everything in order, especially when it comes to paperwork, securing the right vendors, and finding the perfect venue.
Tip from Claudia: If you’re eyeing a specific venue, start planning early! Popular spots can get booked up quickly, especially in peak season.
The Legal Stuff: What You Need to Know Before Saying "I Do"
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First things first: you’ll need to take care of the legal requirements to ensure your wedding is officially recognized. Don’t worry though, it’s pretty straightforward once you know what to expect!
The top three things to note are as follows: just like in Canada, the eligibility to get married in Portugal is 18, and if you are younger than that, you’ll need parental consent. As for residency, you don’t need to be a resident to get married in Portugal!
Additionally, you will need to bring a few documents to get officially married, which are listed below.
Documents You’ll Need:
Valid passports or national IDs
Birth certificates (make sure these are translated into Portuguese depending on the region; this will be needed)
Proof of marital status (divorce decree or death certificate, if applicable)
Completed marriage application forms (available at the local registry office)
Tip from Claudia: Be sure to get all your documents translated and notarized ahead of time! Some consulates offer services to help with translations, which can save you time and hassle. This is often not something we think of when getting married in a new country!
Weather and Best Time to Marry in Portugal
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Portugal is known for its pleasant weather throughout most of the year, making it an ideal wedding destination no matter the season. However, understanding the climate and timing of your wedding is important for a smooth and enjoyable day for you and your guests.
The perfect seasons to tie the knot in Portugal are, without a doubt, late March to May and October to November. During these seasons, you can expect pleasant weather that ranges between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor weddings. With this weather, you can enjoy the stunning greenery of the spring and the fall foliage from October to November.
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It’s important to note that summer and winter are also beautiful times to visit. However, the weather can be more variable. Summer temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F), while winter temperatures can range between 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F), depending on the region.
Tip from Claudia: Spring and fall weddings offer a lot of flexibility for your dress and décor choices. You won’t need to worry about sweltering heat or unpredictable rainfall, but it’s still essential to keep an eye on the forecast. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan for outdoor events, like a tent or an indoor option, just in case the weather turns.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Portugal?
Great news—Portugal is often considered one of the more affordable destination wedding options in Europe! Of course, your budget will vary depending on the size of your wedding, the venue, and the services you choose.
Claudia and Co
Marriage License Fees: The official marriage license will typically cost around €100–€200 (approximately CAD $150–$300), but there may be additional costs for translations or the ceremony itself.
Venue and Catering Costs: Portugal offers a variety of stunning venues, from vineyards and palaces to luxurious resorts. Prices can range from €5,000 (about CAD $7,500) for a beautiful estate to €10,000+ (around CAD $15,000) for a luxury hotel. Catering costs are generally between €50–€150 per person (about CAD $75–$225), depending on your menu and style. If you are looking for more venue options you can find our Top 7 Venue For Lisbon Portugal!
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in Portugal
1. How long before the wedding do I need to submit documents?
It’s recommended to submit your documents about 2-3 months before your wedding date. This will give you plenty of time to address any issues or translations that may arise.
2. How can I ensure my marriage certificate is valid in my home country?
After your wedding, you’ll receive a Portuguese marriage certificate. If needed, you can have it legalized at the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This will make it valid in most countries.
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3. How far in advance should I book my wedding venue in Portugal?
It’s best to book your venue at least 12-18 months in advance, especially if you're planning a wedding during peak seasons (spring and fall). This will ensure you get the location and date you desire.
4. Are there any specific traditions I should be aware of when marrying in Portugal?
Portugal has beautiful wedding traditions, such as the "bola de berlim" (a delicious local dessert) or the traditional Portuguese wedding dance. You can incorporate some of these customs into your wedding or simply enjoy them as part of the cultural experience.
5. Can I marry in Portugal as a same-sex couple?
Yes, same-sex marriage has been legal in Portugal since 2010, and same-sex couples are welcome to marry and enjoy all the legal rights and benefits of marriage.
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6. How can I handle my wedding guests’ accommodation in Portugal?
Many couples choose to arrange accommodations for their guests by booking a block of rooms at their wedding venue, or at a hotel or resort close to the wedding venue. Portugal is home to many stunning resorts and boutique hotels.
7. How much time do I need to spend in Portugal before getting married?
You don’t need to be in Portugal for an extended period before your wedding. However, it’s recommended to arrive at least 2-3 days in advance to finalize documents and make arrangements. For couples travelling from abroad, a few extra days can help adjust to the time zone and ensure everything runs smoothly.
8. How much should I budget for a wedding in Portugal?
A wedding in Portugal can range significantly in cost, depending on your preferences and the size of your event. On average, you might spend between $20,000 to $40,000 CAD for a mid-sized wedding, including venue, catering, and entertainment. Be sure to plan for additional costs such as travel, accommodations, and wedding attire.
9. What are the marriage license fees in Portugal?
Marriage license fees in Portugal typically cost around about $150–$300 CAD. Additional costs may include document translations and the ceremony itself.
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10. Can we have a destination wedding in Portugal if we don’t speak Portuguese?
Absolutely! Many wedding venues and vendors in Portugal cater to international couples and speak English.
11. Do I need to provide my own officiant?
For civil weddings, the officiant will be provided by the local registry office. If you’re opting for a religious ceremony, the officiant will be a priest or religious leader.
12. Can I get married at a religious venue, like a church or cathedral?
Yes, Portugal has many beautiful historic churches and cathedrals available for weddings. Religious ceremonies are common, and you may need to fulfill certain requirements for a church wedding, such as providing proof of baptism or attending premarital counseling.
13. How do we handle the paperwork for a marriage in Portugal?
You’ll need to provide essential documents like valid passports, birth certificates, and proof of marital status (if applicable). It’s important to ensure all documents are translated into Portuguese and notarized before submission.
14. Can I plan a wedding in Portugal with limited time in advance?
While it’s always best to plan ahead, you can plan a wedding in Portugal with less time in advance, especially if you’re flexible on dates. If you're looking to marry during the off-season (late fall to early spring), venues and vendors are often more available.
Let’s Make Your Wedding Dreams Come True
If you’re dreaming of a wedding in beautiful Portugal, don’t let the planning overwhelm you! With the right legal prep, and the right wedding planner your wedding in Portugal will be one to remember!
Ready to plan the wedding of your dreams in Portugal? Let’s chat and make it happen!
XO
Claudia and Co