Guide to getting married in Portugal

Top Wedding Venues in Portugal
Legal Requirements
Best Time to Get Married
Local Tips
Working with Local Vendors

Top 10 Wedding Venues in Portugal

1. São Lourenco do Barrocal – Alentejo

A peaceful estate nestled among olive groves and vineyards, São Lourenço do Barrocal blends rustic charm with understated luxury. With its endless views, beautiful light, and thoughtful design, it's a dream for couples wanting a slow and soulful celebration in the heart of Alentejo.

2. Quinta de Sant’Ana – Gradil, near Lisbon

This family-run winery is pure countryside romance with its rolling vineyards, cobbled paths, and ivy-covered buildings. It's perfect for a laid-back yet elegant wedding surrounded by Portuguese tradition and natural beauty.

3. Quinta Nova do Hespanhol – Torres Vedras

An authentic Portuguese manor with history in every corner, Quinta Nova do Hespanhol is full of timeless charm. With its lush gardens, grand interiors, and a relaxed rural vibe, it offers a unique setting for an intimate wedding just outside Lisbon.

4. Forte da Cruz – Estoril

Perched above the beach with panoramic ocean views, Forte da Cruz is a 17th-century fortress turned fairytale venue. The dramatic architecture and seaside setting make it unforgettable for couples looking for an elegant coastal celebration.

5. Quinta dos Machados – Mafra

Surrounded by forest and filled with rustic details, Quinta dos Machados feels like a hidden retreat. It’s ideal for nature lovers who want a warm, relaxed wedding with beautiful indoor and outdoor options.

6. Solar de Pancas – Alenquer

With vineyards as far as the eye can see, Solar de Pancas is a wine estate full of grandeur and serenity. The historic building and classic gardens create a refined and romantic atmosphere for any celebration.

7. Palácio Marques de Fronteira – Lisbon

One of Lisbon’s most stunning palaces, Palácio Marques de Fronteira is known for its azulejo-covered walls and exquisite gardens. This venue is perfect for couples dreaming of an elegant, artistic wedding in the heart of the city.

8. Rio do Prado – Óbidos

Eco-friendly and stylish, Rio do Prado is a bold and modern choice for creative couples who love nature. With its unique architecture, organic gardens, and contemporary vibes, it’s ideal for intimate, unconventional weddings.

9. Quinta da Bichinha – Alenquer

Quinta da Bichinha offers a mix of rustic elegance and vineyard charm, with sweeping views over the surrounding valley. The warm, relaxed setting is perfect for outdoor ceremonies and golden-hour portraits among the vines.

10. Craveiral Farmhouse – Alentejo Coast

Close to the wild beaches of Alentejo, Craveiral Farmhouse blends minimalist design with natural surroundings. It's the perfect spot for a barefoot, boho-chic wedding that feels like a stylish weekend getaway with your favorite people.

Legal Requirements

1. Civil vs. Symbolic Ceremonies
Most international couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in Portugal and complete the legal paperwork in their home country. This is often easier and allows for more flexibility with your wedding location and format.

However, if you’re dreaming of a civil ceremony in Portugal, it’s absolutely possible — but it requires a bit more planning.

2. Civil Ceremony Basics (for foreigners):

Both opposite-sex and same-sex marriages are legal in Portugal.
You do not need to be a resident.
The ceremony must be conducted in Portuguese by a registrar.
You'll need a certified translator if you don’t speak Portuguese.

3. Paperwork Required:
You'll need to provide the following to the Civil Registry Office (Conservatória do Registo Civil):

Valid passports
Birth certificates (issued within the last 6 months, with an Apostille)
Certificate of No Impediment or equivalent from your home country
Marriage application form (Cartório Civil will provide this)

All documents not in Portuguese must be translated and certified.

4. Timeline:
Submit your documents at least 6–8 weeks before the wedding date. The earlier the better — especially in busy summer months.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Portugal

Portugal has a mild climate, but each season brings its own vibe:

Spring (April–June): Blooming flowers, milder temperatures, and fewer crowds. A favorite for lush countryside weddings.

Summer (July–September): Sun-drenched days, warm evenings, and vibrant beach town energy. Perfect for coastal venues — but do expect heat and crowds.

Autumn (October): Still warm and full of golden light, ideal for vineyard weddings.

Winter (November–March): Quieter and moodier, perfect for more intimate indoor venues, though some vendors may have limited availability.

🎯 Insider Tip: May and September are golden months — lovely weather but fewer tourists than peak July/August.

Local Tips for Your Destination Wedding

Golden hour magic happens late in summer! In June/July, sunset can be as late as 9:30pm — so plan your ceremony/photo session accordingly.

Consider a weekday wedding. Venues are more available, travel is cheaper for guests, and you can often negotiate better vendor rates.

Weather is generally kind, but coastal breezes are real. Always consider a plan B if you’re outdoors — just in case.

Some areas in Portugal have really hot summers, so consider planning your ceremony later in the day to avoid the heat. This can mean that, depending on the location, you can start your ceremony by 7pm.

Don’t forget local holidays. Avoid public holidays when vendors may be booked or unavailable.

Working with Local Vendors
(and how I can help!)

Planning from abroad can feel overwhelming — but the right team makes everything seamless. I'm a Portuguese wedding photographer based in Madrid, and I speak Portuguese, English and Spanish, so I’m happy to help you communicate with your vendors and guide you through local traditions and timelines.

Here are some amazing wedding planners in Portugal who specialize in destination weddings: