Blue skies, sunshine, waves lapping the beach, chilled Portuguese wine, whitewashed villages and lively seaside towns – there’s lots to love in Portugal, especially if you’re in love too…
If you dream of holding your perfect wedding in Portugal, here’s what you need to know.
How to get married in Portugal if you’re British
Probably the easiest way to organise your perfect wedding day in Portugal is with the help of a local and professional wedding planner. Search the internet and you’ll find plenty of ideas to help you find a planner who’s right for you.
They’ll explain the rules which need to be met for your wedding – whether you opt for a civil or religious ceremony. Of course you can also have a celebration ceremony, also known as a partnership celebration ceremony, which though not legally binding, is a wonderful way to celebrate your partnership with the words you choose to say, where you wish and to share your love in a way that’s special to you.
“Weddings in the Algarve are 99% outdoors” says Inês Longuiero at Dream Day Wedding Planners. “With a beautifully cooked buffet featuring a giant Cataplana, a Portuguese seafood dish and paella cooked by a chef in front of the guests – it’s unforgettable”.
Wedding Ceremonies in Portugal
You’ll need ID (valid passport), birth certificates and a certificate of no impediment which is a legal document confirming you are both free to marry. You might also need further paperwork, if you’re divorced or widowed.
All documents must be translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator and authenticated locally.You may also need a translator for the ceremony.
If you wish to have a Catholic church ceremony, further documentation from your priest is needed.
Fees – the amount varies from year to year so check beforehand.
We recommend you check details and requirements with the Portuguese Embassy in the UK, there is a consulate in London and Manchester.
Book the most perfect accommodation for your wedding celebration in the Algarve
“The Algarve has 200km of coastline and some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the entire world” says Inês. “But if you want to get married on the beach, it can get crowded in summer so we like to recommend places for a sunset ceremony that are a bit off the beaten track like the clifftop location at Senhora da Rocha (known as the “Lady of the Rock”).
Once you decide on your wedding plans in the Algarve, just take a look at our gorgeous villas to find the most beautiful accommodation available.
If you’re looking to host friends and family, you’ll find we have plenty of truly stunning holiday homes that are suitable for large groups, so special they will definitely make memories to cherish. It’s easy to organise a spa pamper session, round of golf, cocktails under the stars, pool party, beach barbecues and romantic dinners al fresco and the Algarve has a huge choice of things to do.
Quinto do Lago, the prestigious holiday resort in the Algarve is one of the most fabulous places for a wedding celebration. They have an onsite wedding planning team to help you organise your perfect day. With a backdrop of stunning sandy beaches, wonderful countryside, manicured golf courses, scenic lakes and several restaurants, not to mention the sensation villas for wedding we have, it’s a great place to get married.