Planning a destination wedding in Portugal and wondering if you need to be a resident to legally marry here? Great news—you don’t! Portugal welcomes couples from around the world, offering a relatively simple and accessible legal process for non-residents who wish to tie the knot in this stunning country.
Whether you're dreaming of a romantic ceremony by the cliffs of the Algarve, a chic wedding in Lisbon, or a vineyard celebration in the Douro Valley, this guide will walk you through the residency requirements (or lack thereof!) and help you plan your wedding with confidence.
Can Tourists Get Married in Portugal?
Yes, tourists can get married in Portugal. There is no legal requirement to reside in the country before your wedding day. This makes Portugal an ideal destination for international couples who want a legally recognized ceremony without the need for long-term stays.
Portugal recognizes both civil and religious weddings for foreigners, and both types are legally binding when the proper documentation is provided.
What Documents Do You Need?
Even if you don’t need residency, you’ll still need to prepare a few important documents. These usually include:
- Valid passports or ID cards for both partners
- Birth certificates (with an Apostille)
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (or equivalent)
- Divorce or death certificates (if applicable)
- Proof of address (not mandatory for residency, but sometimes required for paperwork)
All documents must typically be translated into Portuguese and certified by the appropriate authority.
It’s highly recommended to start the legal process at least 2-3 months in advance to allow enough time for paperwork and official approvals, especially if you’re planning a civil ceremony.
Where Can You Get Married as a Tourist?
Portugal offers endless possibilities for destination weddings. As a tourist, you can legally get married in:
- Civil Registry Offices (Conservatórias) in any city or town
- Religious venues like churches (Catholic weddings require additional church documentation)
- Private venues like vineyards, palaces, or beaches—with prior approval from the registry office
Popular locations include:
- Algarve – beach weddings with a relaxed, sunny atmosphere
- Lisbon – stylish urban venues with historic charm
- Porto – riverside ceremonies with stunning views
- Douro Valley – perfect for vineyard weddings in a romantic countryside
Do You Need a Wedding Planner or Legal Help?
While it’s possible to handle everything yourself, most foreign couples hire a local wedding planner or legal consultant to manage the bureaucracy. This helps avoid language barriers and ensures all paperwork is submitted on time.
Some photographers (like myself!) also work closely with planners and local vendors and are happy to share trusted recommendations.
Timing Tips: How Early Should You Plan?
Since you won’t need to establish residency, you can plan more flexibly. However, you should still allow time for:
- Gathering documents in your home country
- Having them translated and certified
- Scheduling and submitting paperwork to the local registry
- Booking your wedding venue in advance
Ideally, start planning 6 to 12 months ahead of your desired wedding date.
Summary: No Residency Required for Your Portuguese Wedding
To recap:
- No residency is required to get married in Portugal.
- Tourists can have a legally recognized civil or religious ceremony.
- You’ll need to submit the correct documents in advance.
- A wedding planner or legal advisor can make the process easier.
- You can choose from beaches, cities, countryside estates, and more.
Planning Your Wedding in Portugal?
As a wedding photographer based in Portugal, I love working with international couples to capture unforgettable moments in the country’s most breathtaking locations.
Get in touch here if you’re planning your wedding in Portugal and want natural, timeless photographs of your big day.