1. Why get married in Portugal?
- Excellent value for money: for a comparable setting, Portugal remains more affordable than France or Italy
- Varied landscapes: the beaches of the Algarve, the vineyards of the Douro, quintas near Lisbon and Porto, and the island of Madeira
- An ideal climate: plenty of sunshine and beautiful light for an outdoor wedding
- Generous cuisine: seafood, bacalhau, leitão, vinho verde and pastéis de nata
2. Where to get married in Portugal?
- The Algarve: beaches and resorts in the south, perfect for a seaside ceremony
- The Lisbon and Sintra region: quintas and historic palaces a short distance from the capital
- The Douro Valley: wine estates overlooking terraced vineyards
- Porto and the North: traditional quintas and wine cellars
Quintas (farming or wine estates) are the country's most iconic reception venues.
3. The formalities for a wedding in Portugal
A civil marriage between foreign nationals in Portugal is possible but involves an administrative file (birth certificates, certificates of marital capacity, certified translations). For this reason, many French couples choose to:
- Get married civilly in France before leaving
- Hold a symbolic (secular) ceremony in Portugal, with no local administrative constraints
Check with the consulate and a local wedding planner for the solution best suited to your situation.
4. The budget for a wedding in Portugal
For a wedding of 80 to 120 guests, expect to spend generally between 15,000€ and 40,000€, excluding guests' travel and accommodation. Portugal often makes it possible to secure a high-quality venue and service for a lower budget than competing Mediterranean destinations.
5. The French-Portuguese wedding
The Portuguese community is one of the largest in France, and many couples celebrate a French-Portuguese wedding. The challenge is to unite the two cultures:
- Food: a menu that blends Portuguese specialties (bacalhau, leitão, pastéis) with French cuisine
- Music: fado, traditional music and contemporary hits for every guest
- Bilingual ceremony: so that families from both countries feel included
6. Finding your vendors with NUPLY
Whether you are getting married in Portugal or planning a French-Portuguese wedding in France, NUPLY connects you with bilingual vendors who understand both cultures. Explore the vendors for a wedding in Portugal page and launch your NUPLY matching.
In summary
Sunshine, charming quintas, great food and a manageable budget: Portugal has everything for a successful destination wedding. Plan ahead for the formalities and surround yourself with bilingual vendors for stress-free planning. Parabéns!
Read also: Getting married in Mauritius · Getting married in the French Caribbean · Planning a mixed wedding