Plan the Dreamiest Portugal Destination Wedding, Stateside With Our Guide

While your first thought when planning a destination soiree may be to search this side of the Atlantic, a Portugual wedding is a worthy alternative for couples looking to go off the white-sand-beaten-path to one of the best European destination wedding locations, instead.

Imagine basking in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun as you say "I do" to the one you love, then feasting on the freshest seafood, cheese and wine as you party until the sun comes up. This is all possible with a destination wedding in Portugal. Europe's westernmost country boats epic natural beauty, significant historical sites and unmatched food and drink that make for a uniquely Mediterranean charm. What's more, Portugal's affordability (yes, even in Europe) landed it on our travel editor's radar for top destination weddings.

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"Portugal is a really magical place," says Jeannette Tavares, president of Evoke DC, a luxury wedding group that specializes in international events. This magic is exactly what makes it the perfect wedding destination. Keep reading for everything you need to know about planning your dream wedding in Portugal.

Portugal Wedding Planning in this Article:

• Why Couples and Guests Love Portugal Weddings
• The Best Places to Get Married in Portugal
• The Top Portugal Wedding Venues and Resorts
• Legal Requirements for a Wedding in Portugal
• Portugal Wedding Planning Tips

Why Couples and Guests Love Portugal Weddings

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"In Portugal, family, community and food is everything," Tavares says. Therefore, a huge selling point is the wedding's drink and dining options. During a wedding in Portugal, Tavares says, food plays an integral part of the experience. Dinner service is a multi-course event that takes place over several hours, followed by parties that go all night.

In addition, "the people are what makes Portugal really special," Tavares says. "Everyone is so warm and welcoming there." Portuguese culture is easygoing and genuine, which makes for a positive experience working with local vendors.

Another huge benefit to hosting a wedding in Portugal is travel logistics. It's not the most romantic thing to think about, but ease of travel is important to consider when planning a wedding. Portugal is a great choice because it is easily accessible from many US (and international) cities. There are plenty of direct flights from most major US cities, and they tend to be affordable. And, since Portugal is the westernmost country on mainland Europe, the flight time itself is less than most other European cities.

"[We] knew immediately that we wanted to get married in a coastal country, ideally one that's been influenced by both of our cultures and could provide a unique experience for our guests," says real bride Rabab Darugar, who tied the knot in Estoril in 2022. "We chose Portugal for its old-world elegance, beautiful architecture and rich cuisine—crispy sardines and fresh pastries, anyone?"

Pro tip: Invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Portugal wedding expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements and more.

The Best Places to Get Married in Portugal

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Portugal's diverse terrain includes 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beaches, mountain ranges, rivers and cities, all of which offer something unique for any type of dream wedding. From the shores of the Atlantic to the hills of Lisbon, we've rounded up some of the best locations to tie the knot in Portugal.

Lisbon Metro Area

Portugal's capital city is a blend of cultures filled with colorful buildings, historical monuments and, of course, its signature fado music. With so much to do and see, it's no wonder so many couples choose to get married here.

Choose Lisbon for a chic wedding filled with sophistication, fun and culture. Since most flights disembark in Lisbon, ease of travel is an added bonus for guests traveling internationally.

Sintra

Located just 15 miles northwest of Lisbon, Sintra is an idyllic region with historical palaces and castles, scenic beaches and gorgeous parks and gardens. Sintra has its own microclimate caused by the cool ocean breeze that makes for mild temperatures. With its magical, dream-like atmosphere, it's no wonder Sintra is a major luxury travel destination.

The Douro Valley

If you and your partner are oenophiles, consider having your big day in the Douro Valley. Located three hours north of Lisbon, Portugal's wine region features terraced vineyards set on rolling hills flanked by the Douro River. This region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's been dedicated to winemaking for thousands of years. It's unique for its winemaking methods, where vines are planted on slate instead of soil, which is thought to make the wine sweeter.

Porto

If you're looking to capture a regal, old-world essence, Portugal's second-largest city is steeped in history and tradition. The city—known for being the home of port wine—features gorgeous views of the Douro River, street art and historical monuments.

Algarve

If getting married in the Mediterranean means you have to be beachside, look no further than Algarve. The dramatic, picturesque cliffside in this southernmost region of the country is framed by buildings white-washed in the iconic Algarve style. Choose from beautiful beaches—85 of which have Blue Flag status—on over 125 miles of Atlantic coastline. The coastal vibe and ocean views make for a beautiful wedding.

Pro tip: As you consider Portugal wedding locations, don't forget about your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing Portugal honeymoon, too, with our complete guide.

The Top Portugal Wedding Venues and Resorts

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Portugal's diverse topography, rich history and easy access to wineries make it a country able to meet so many couples' visions for their wedding day. Portugal wedding venues include those by the water and those with sprawling vineyard vistas. Couples hoping for a fairytale affair can even tie the knot in royal fashion in palaces. Some offer Portugal wedding packages to streamline planning. Speaking of which, some of these packages come with Portugal destination wedding planners who can help you navigate the local vendor scene from afar and execute every last detail flawlessly on the big day.

Forte da Cruz, Lisbon

Forte da Cruz, located 30 minutes from downtown Lisbon in Estoril, is a 17th-century beachside castle whose wedding packages include a variety of different ceremony types and reception styles. Picture a cocktail hour on a terrace by the sea followed by a dance party in a sprawling disco room. A spacious oceanfront tent can seat 200-250 comfortably. A package includes a wedding consultant who is well-versed in Portuguese soirees (and Pinterest) and day-of coordination, menu assistance, some sound equipment and venue fees. Bonus: It's also only 20 minutes from the Lisbon airport, making arrival a royal cinch for couples and guests.

Penha Longa Resort, Sintra

Penha Longa Resort is a high-end compound built on a 14th-century monastery that was converted to a palace in the 1800s. It features a luxurious hotel, a golf course, a spa and multiple restaurants that'll make for a luxe experience for you and your guests. The of-all-trades venue specializes in everything from intimate elopements to grand South Asian weddings — some couples even choose to stay in Portugal for their honeymoon. Spots for ceremonies and receptions include gardens, the Salao Nobre room with an arched ceiling and a fireplace and an elegant ballroom.

Six Senses Douro Valley, The Douro Valley

Six Senses Douro Valley is a luxury, five-star hotel set in the sun-kissed valley. Enjoy a touch of 19th-century romance amidst a rolling landscape of vineyards overlooking the Douro River. Specialists can help you customize your big day and every little detail, from the all-important food choices to personalized decor that makes a day truly yours. A spa will have couples and guests truly glowing on the day of, from nail services to massages and even yoga instructors. On-site experiences can also include wine tastings, boat trips and tree-climbing.

Palacio do Freixo

Palacio do Freixo in the Campanhã area of Porto is a five-star hotel and restored 18th-century manor house adorned with ornate, baroque-style decor. This fairytale venue offers beautiful views of Porto and the Douro River. Say "I do" inside the palace or outside overlooking the Douro River or within charming gardens. Refined menus will take parties from hot and cold appetizers at cocktail hour and so-European cheeses (and sweet treats for dessert).

Vila Monte Farm House, Algarve

Vila Monte Farm House's classic white mansion is set amongst olive groves and towering cypress trees. Cobblestone pavement, mountain views and enchanting gardens add contemporary and throwback appeal. Couples can stay in spacious suites equipped to hold their big-day and pre-wedding party attire. Dedicated event managers can help to-be-weds plan menus that play into Portuguese cuisine, secret just-us picnics and tours of the river, winery and region that will delight pairs and their guests.

Pro tip: Once you've decided on your Portugal wedding venue, send out destination wedding save-the-dates with important info so your guest can book the time off and start thinking about travel plans.

Legal Requirements for a Wedding in Portugal

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International couples planning a wedding in Portugal have several options when choosing between a legal and a symbolic wedding. Choosing to wed in a religious ceremony also adds an additional layer of requirements. Read on for more information about the differences and resources to help you with both options, including how to obtain a marriage license in Portugal.

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings in Portugal

A legal wedding ceremony involves securing necessary documentation that makes it so you are legally married in Portugal. A symbolic wedding, on the other hand, is considered a "ceremonial show" that looks just like a civil ceremony but isn't actually legally binding in Portugal. Couples going the symbolic route would have their wedding ceremony in Portugal, but would also need to have a civil ceremony stateside, typically in the city or town they live in. According to Tavares, symbolic ceremonies, "make life a lot easier."

Required Legal Documents

To apply for a legal wedding in Portugal, you'll need to submit several documents, including:

• Birth certificates of both spouses, translated to Portuguese
• Passports for both spouses, and resident cards if one or both are Portuguese residents
• Divorce or death certificates for previous marriages, if applicable, issued within the last six months
• Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage

Visit the US Embassy in Portugal's website for more information.

If you plan on having a religious ceremony, additional paperwork is needed. In those instances, Tavares says, couples can work with their local place of worship to establish contact with the place of worship where you'll be getting married. They will coordinate between one another to ensure necessary documentation is procured.

If you're looking to get married on the beach, such as in Algarve, keep in mind you will need to secure additional permits.

Legal Marriage Timeline

It usually takes a minimum of four weeks to process the application for a marriage license in Portugal. Once approval is granted, the wedding needs to take place within six months.

If you're taking the legal wedding route, Tavares recommends getting started on the process up to a year in advance.

Portugal Legal Marriage Cost

A couple getting married in a legal ceremony in Portugal can expect to pay $50 for each document's notarization.

Portugal Wedding Planning Tips

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Destination wedding costs vary based on your party size, locale and vision. Generally, planning a destination wedding involves navigating local languages and customs. Differences between cultural expectations, time zones and holiday schedules can influence the planning process. For that reason, Tavares recommends working with a wedding planner, especially one who's stateside and can help mitigate communication barriers. "I recommend being strategic about the professionals you hire so communication strategies and tactics are the same," she says.

How to Get There

A huge benefit to having a wedding in Portugal is that it's one of the most accessible European destinations from the United States. There are direct flights to Lisbon from several major US cities, including Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, DC.

Most venues within the Lisbon metropolitan area and Sintra are accessible by taxi and rideshare services. Further regions like the Douro Valley, Porto and Algarve are accessible by plane or Portugal's rail system.

Weather

Portugal's climate is temperate and Mediterranean. The weather is typically mild and sunny, with four distinct seasons. There can be big variations in climate according to region, so make sure to read up on specific areas you're considering before setting a date.

Most travel guides agree that the best time to visit Portugal is in the spring, when the flowers are in bloom, or in the fall. The summer months can get hot, and traveling during peak season is also more expensive.

Choosing Your Portugal Wedding Venue and Vendors

It's a great idea to enlist the help of a planner. Working with a planner based in the US can help reduce communication and cultural barriers. The Knot Marketplace is a comprehensive resource of vendors that may include international specialists in your area.

Narrowing down your search to a particular geographical region is a good place to start. Then, you can decide which venue is the best fit for what you want. Check out websites, establish contact and see which venues speak to you and your partner. Once you choose your venue, they will likely be able to point you in the direction of florists, photographers and other vendors.

Portugal Wedding Cost and Setting a Budget

In 2019, a wedding in Portugal cost an average of $16,700 for 126 guests. The venue you choose and how many guests you invite will be the biggest factors in determining your final cost. For example, a luxury hotel in an affluent area like Sintra will cost more than a low-key venue in a small town.

Keep in mind that travel expenses, such as flights and hotels, will bump up your final total. And if you choose to host additional events, such as welcome drinks or a morning-after brunch, these will also impact your total budget.

Portugal is widely considered one of the least expensive Western European countries to visit. Its relatively stable exchange rate from dollars to euros makes it a great value for US travelers. Overall, Portugal's vendors tend to be less expensive than those in the US, which means you won't have to pay a fortune for your dream wedding day.

Pro tip: Set up a free destination wedding website on The Knot with all the event details including your Portugal wedding itinerary, things to do, guest travel information, RSVPs and more.

BethAnn Mayer contributed to this article.