Imagine golden sunsets, clifftop vows, and timeless romance—Portugal is calling.

Planning a wedding abroad can seem daunting, but if you’re dreaming of getting married in Portugal from the UK, you’re in for a beautiful, sun-soaked journey. Portugal offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and affordability—making it one of the top wedding destinations for British couples.

Whether you’re envisioning a beachside ceremony in the Algarve, a vineyard celebration in the Douro Valley, or a romantic elopement in Lisbon, Portugal provides the perfect backdrop for your love story.

Why Get Married in Portugal?

1. Breathtaking Venues: From coastal cliffs and historic castles to charming quintas and boutique hotels, Portugal has a venue for every style.

2. Mediterranean Climate: With over 300 days of sunshine a year, outdoor weddings are not only possible—they’re practically guaranteed.

3. Affordability: Compared to other European destinations, Portugal offers high-end experiences at surprisingly reasonable costs.

4. Easy Travel from the UK: With frequent flights from major UK cities to Lisbon, Faro, and Porto, your guests will thank you for choosing such an accessible and stunning location.

Legal Requirements for UK Citizens Getting Married in Portugal

To legally marry in Portugal, UK couples will need:

• Valid passports
• A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from your local registry office
• Birth certificates
• Completed legal paperwork, translated into Portuguese and notarised

Tip: Many couples opt for a legal civil ceremony in the UK, followed by a symbolic or blessing ceremony in Portugal. This offers more flexibility in terms of location and style.

Best Time of Year to Marry in Portugal

The most popular months for weddings in Portugal are May to October, thanks to the warm, dry weather. Spring and early autumn are particularly magical, offering mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Planning Your Portuguese Wedding from the UK

Here are a few essential steps:

• Hire a local wedding planner: They’ll help navigate legalities, vendor sourcing, and cultural nuances.
• Choose a photographer who knows the area: A Portugal-based wedding photographer (or someone experienced with destination weddings) will capture your day with the perfect light and setting.
• Visit at least once before the wedding: Plan a trip to scout venues, meet vendors, and do a hair/makeup trial.
• Set up a wedding website: Keep guests informed about travel logistics, dress codes, and RSVP details.

FAQs

Can UK citizens legally get married in Portugal?
Yes. UK citizens can legally marry in Portugal by providing the required documents, including a Certificate of No Impediment and notarised translations.

Is it cheaper to get married in Portugal than in the UK?
In many cases, yes. Portugal offers excellent value for money, with stunning venues, experienced vendors, and lower overall costs compared to UK weddings.

How far in advance should we plan a destination wedding in Portugal?
Ideally, start planning 12–18 months ahead, especially if you want a peak season date or a popular venue.

Do we need to speak Portuguese to get married in Portugal?
Not necessarily. Many wedding planners, photographers, and venues are fluent in English, especially in tourist-friendly areas.

Where are the best wedding venues in Portugal?
Top locations include the Algarve for beach weddings, Sintra for fairy-tale castles, Douro Valley for vineyard views, and Lisbon for modern city-chic celebrations.

Want to dive deeper into Getting Married Portugal Topics?

I wrote some more articles on my blog, like:

A Guide to Getting Married in Beautiful Portugal

Discover the Most Enchanting Wedding Venues in Lisbon, Portugal

A Cliff‑Side Wedding Location in Portugal: Aethos Ericeira

And if you’re looking for a Luxury Destination Wedding Planner, get in touch with Magdalena from All Things Beautiful. Her website.