Portugal is one of the countries where you do not need to be an actual resident to be married by the Portuguese national authorities. In the next article, we will present to you how magical can be your perfect wedding destination, also depending on the area you have chosen, you will see a lot of different possibilities. We will also cover how to legally prepare your document if you wish to be married in Portugal even if you are from abroad. If you plan your Wedding or Elopement in Portugal you should know the market is about 20 to 30% lowest than most countries in Europe and would cost between €7500 up to €30.000 in 2023/2024. Depending obviously on the number of guests, the location. You can rather rent a Palacio (castle), a fully inclusive hotel, or a private house. The providers are amazing and the products and music scene are even better.

From the Knot Articles in 2019: “Weddings in Portugal also come at a hefty price tag of $16,700 with an average of 126 guests.” but the pricing now is rising as Portugal is becoming very popular.

Portugal is one of the best, rather romantic, or adventurous elopement destinations in modern times in Europe. Portugal offers a variety of landscapes, temperatures, and cultures and provides the best mix between beautiful weather, amazing food, wine, and traditions. We will find a lot of different opportunities for your Wedding or Elopement. If you like an outdoor location by the mountain, by the beach, in a colorful city, or beautiful architectural location full of history. There are a lot of palaces, and castles, you can easily get married to a Portuguese administration and plan a nice dinner at a beautiful typical or modern restaurant enjoying typical Fado while drinking Porto wine and eating sea food.

The cost of hiring a wedding photographer in Portugal varies based on experience, package inclusions, and coverage duration. Generally, prices range from €1,200 for emerging photographers to €3,000 or more for full-day coverage by seasoned professionals. This typically includes ceremony and reception coverage, formal portraits, and a selection of edited digital images.

As of December 1, 2024, there are 421 wedding photographers in Portugal, reflecting a 4.2% increase from the previous year. Notably, 95.49% of these are single-owner operations, while the remaining 4.51% are part of larger brands. The majority are concentrated in Lisbon District (117), Porto District (98), and Braga District (38).

It's important to note that a significant portion of wedding photographers in Portugal are amateurs who supplement their income from other professions. Estimates suggest that over 80% fall into this category.

When selecting a wedding photographer, consider factors such as experience, style, package details, and whether they operate full-time or part-time. This ensures you choose a professional who aligns with your vision and expectations for your special day.

When considering wedding photography in Portugal's autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores, it's essential to understand the local market dynamics.

Madeira:

• Number of Photographers: In Funchal, Madeira's capital, there are approximately 31 professional wedding photographers available.

• Pricing: The cost for wedding photography services in Madeira typically starts from €1,000.

Azores:

• Number of Photographers: The Azores have a smaller pool of wedding photographers compared to mainland Portugal and Madeira. While exact numbers are not specified, several professionals specialize in capturing weddings across the archipelago.

• Pricing: For a wedding in the Azores, it's advisable to budget at least €10,000–€15,000 to cover essential expenses, including venue, catering, and photography. This estimate is general, and actual photography costs may vary based on specific requirements.

ALL THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW TO GET CIVIL MARRIED IN PORTUGAL. HOW DO GET MARRIED IN BEAUTIFUL PORTUGAL

Mentioning the Government of Portugal: “The marriage process is initiated when the engaged couple goes to a civil registry office and declares their will to get married. They may also do it online.

In the marriage process, the engaged couple may also be represented by their representatives with special powers. The process is concluded with the registry office’s order which authorizes or refutes the marriage.”

The marriage process may be initiated by:

• the individuals who intend to get married or by their representatives with special powers

• by the priest or religious minister of a church or religious community established in Portugal, through a request.

Who can get married?

Any individual over 16 years old.

However, if any of the engaged parties are not yet 18 years old, the parent’s or guardian’s authorization is necessary. This authorization may be waivered by the civil registry office, through a specific process.

To get married, no marriage impediments may be observed

During the marriage process, the registry office verifies if there are no impediments to the marriage of those two individuals. If there are no impediments, the registry office authorizes the marriage.

WHERE CAN YOU INITIATE THE MARRIAGE PROCESS?

• Online, at the Civil Online website.

• In-person, at any civil registry office.

• At certain offices, you may schedule the service.

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS TO INITIATE THE MARRIAGE PROCESS?

You must submit the following documents of the engaged couple:

• Citizen Card or identity document.

• A prenuptial agreement certificate, if it has been prepared at a notary office.

WHAT IS THE PRICE TO INITIATE THE MARRIAGE PROCESS?

The cost of the marriage process and registry is 120€This amount includes the process before the marriage and the registry carried out after the marriage.

Non-urgent marriage on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, outside the registry office or at the registry office but outside of the operating hoursThe cost of the marriage process and registry will be 200€ if you opt to get married:

• on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday

• on a business day, outside the registry office or at the registry office but outside the operating hours.