Travelling abroad to get married is already an established trend and has been for a few years now. Portugal is already among the top European destinations chosen by couples who want a Destination Wedding. The Algarve, Douro, Alentejo and Lisbon are the most coveted regions and those who tie the knot there do so to enjoy the climate, the Portuguese culture, the professionalism of the suppliers and, of course, the advantageous quality-price relation of the services they offer. The British, Irish and Swiss are the biggest fans of Portugal as a wedding destination. And locations that are great references already consider destination weddings as the most lucrative part of their business. Getting married in Portugal is not only easy, practical and economical, it is also incredibly romantic.
Which procedures do I need to complete?
To begin with, you need to contact the Civil Registry in Portugal. The bride and groom should look for the registry closest to the area where they want to get married and initiate the process from the information they get from there. To help with the process, please also make sure that you’ve already contacted the embassy or consulate of your country. In order to formalise the marriage, you’ll need your passport or citizen’s card (if you belong to a European Union country), your birth certificate and statements issued by the authorities of your country of origin that prove that you are eligible to marry. All documents must still be translated by an official translator and must be authenticated in the Portuguese notary’s office.
For a religious wedding, the process is a little different. To get married in the Catholic church, you need to have everything in order for civil marriage. But you can have just a symbolic ceremony, if you prefer. For this, you must already be married in your home country and just ask for a blessing ceremony in a church in Portugal.
Why Portugal?
The stunning Portuguese landscapes seem to be one of the main attractions for many couples, as well as the sunny climate. The competitive prices also contribute to the equation, with couples saving in the realm of €10,000 without sacrificing the quality of the providers. But what makes the real difference are the professionals who work in the national market and guarantee quality, freshness and professionalism.
Most popular type of wedding?
Douro vineyards, Alentejo plains, Algarve beaches and large manor houses and estates in the Greater Lisbon region (with emphasis on the Sintra and Cascais areas) seem to be the most sought-after places by foreign couples. And civil ceremonies are still the first choice of most foreign couples.
Check out this Fabulous Elopement Wedding in Sintra, Portugal for more inspiration.
Given that Portugal is a fantastic location for a Destination Wedding, what are you waiting for? Choose your favourite area and get cracking on organising your big day! We recommend hiring a wedding planner to help you with the process. Luckily, English is widely spoken throughout Portugal, especially in the bigger cities so that is one less thing to worry about. Check out our guide to your Destination Wedding in Portugal here.
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