Getting Married in Portugal as a Foreigner? The Legal Path to Your Happily Ever After
Danielle Avidago | Lawyer
Planning Your Portuguese Wedding as a Foreigner: Legal Framework
A sunset ceremony in Portugal may look effortless, but for international couples, the path to “I do” is paved with legal formalities, strict documentation, and careful planning. Romance may set the scene, yet it is legal precision that ensures the celebration truly lasts a lifetime.
Every girl in this world has probably dreamed, even if just for a second, of a wedding by the beach at sunset. Blame it on Hollywood, but do not be afraid to admit that a small part of you has imagined yourself in a summery white dress, holding the hands of your loved one beneath a floral arch, while guests sit happily in wicker chairs overlooking a purple and orange sky.
When you picture this fairytale setting, certain countries may come to mind, and Portugal is certainly one of them.
With the rise of Portuguese tourism and the influence of social media, Paris is no longer the only capital of love. Many Portuguese cities are now closely associated with romance, from sun drenched coastlines and historic towns to timeless villages and an unmistakable sense of charm. It is no surprise that many international couples choose Portugal as the place where their happily ever after formally begins.
However, behind this Disney fairytale, there is a bureaucratic structure that must be followed. When one or both parties are
foreign nationals, Portuguese marriage law requires careful preparation, strict
documentation and
procedural accuracy. This is where experienced legal guidance becomes not only helpful, but essential.
Legal assistance is particularly important when the couple intends to enter into a prenuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement allows future spouses to choose their matrimonial property regime, protect pre existing assets, address cross border concerns and reduce future legal uncertainty.
Each country has its own rules regarding
matrimonial property regimes and the matters that may or may not be regulated in such agreements. For this reason, understanding the limits imposed by
Portuguese law on this fairytale agreement is essential for a
peaceful married life.
Although Portuguese law allows people of every nationality, religion, sex and residency status to marry in Portugal, there are still specific legal requirements that must be met.
Eligibility is subject to strict legal criteria, and the burden of proof rests entirely with the couple. The Portuguese Civil Registry places particular emphasis on verifying the parties’
civil status and
legal capacity to marry.
In practical terms, to be legally eligible to marry in Portugal, each party must:
- be at least 18 years old or legally emancipated
- have legal capacity to marry under their national law
- not be legally married to another person
- not be closely related by blood or adoption in a manner prohibited by Portuguese law.
Once the documentation is submitted to the Civil Registry, it will be carefully analysed by the Registrar, who may request additional documents to confirm that the couple meets all legal requirements. If the application is approved, a wedding date may then be scheduled between the fiancés and the Registrar.
The use of the word if approved is not accidental. The Civil Registry has discretionary powers to refuse a marriage process if it considers that the legal requirements have not been fulfilled.
If, for any reason, one of the fiancés cannot be present on the day of the civil wedding, a specialised lawyer can quite literally save the day. Portuguese law allows civil weddings to be celebrated with the presence of one fiancé and a legal representative granted specific powers for that purpose.
While having your first wedding ceremony in a Civil Registry Office may not be as magical as saying I do on the beach, the guests will certainly make the moment memorable. Depending on the Civil Registry where the wedding takes place, the number of guests allowed will depend on the capacity of the venue.
With careful planning and experienced legal guidance, getting married in Portugal can be as smooth as it is memorable, setting the stage to live happily ever after, both romantically and legally.
At LVP Advogados, we guide international couples through every legal stage of marrying in Portugal, from verifying eligibility and preparing documentation to advising on prenuptial agreements and representation before the Civil Registry.
If you are planning to celebrate your wedding in Portugal, ensure the legal foundation is as secure as the setting is beautiful by seeking advice tailored to your specific circumstances through our contact form.
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