Question 1

Where in Portugal do you plan weddings?

Accepted Answer

We plan weddings across Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, and the Algarve. Each region offers a distinct experience, and we help couples choose the one that matches the wedding they're picturing.

Question 2

How far in advance should I start planning a Lisbon wedding?

Accepted Answer

Ideally 12–18 months ahead, especially if you're booking popular venues or planning a destination wedding with guests traveling from abroad. If your dates are flexible, you can often move quicker.

Contact the WeddingBox Lisbon if you need support plotting a timeline for your wedding.

Question 3

When is the best time of the year to get married in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer ideal weather - sunny but not too hot, with fewer tourists than peak summer.

Question 4

Where are the best destination wedding locations in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

Most couples start with Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, and the Algarve. Lisbon works well for city elegance and historic venues. Sintra is for gardens, palaces, and dramatic scenery. Cascais is coastal and close to Lisbon. The Algarve is ideal if you want beach proximity and a wedding weekend feel.

Question 5

What are some popular wedding venues in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

The best Portugal wedding venues for international couples are the ones that balance beauty with logistics. That usually means clear access for guests, strong vendor infrastructure, and a venue team used to destination events.

Options range from historic palaces (like National Palace of Queluz), seaside villas in Cascais, rustic quintas in Sintra, to chic rooftop terraces overlooking the Tagus River.

You can view our list of recommended Lisbon Wedding Venues here.

Question 6

What are the legal requirements for getting married in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

Non-residents must provide birth certificates, passports, and a Certificate of No Impediment. All documents must be translated into Portuguese and apostilled.

Question 7

Can we have a symbolic ceremony instead of a legal one?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many couples opt for a legal marriage in their home country and a symbolic ceremony in Lisbon for ease and flexibility.

Question 8

Do we need a destination wedding planner for Portugal?

Accepted Answer

You do not “need” one, in the same way you do not “need” a suitcase with wheels. But if you are planning from the US or UK, a Portugal wedding planner reduces risk, speeds up decisions, and helps you book trusted vendors and venues without wasting months trying to compare options you cannot visit and vet easily.

Contact our WeddingBox Lisbon team if you have more questions.

Question 9

What is the average cost of a destination wedding in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

There is no single average that helps without context, because a 30 guest garden dinner and a 150 guest weekend celebration are two different worlds. A better approach is to estimate based on guest count, location (Lisbon vs Algarve), season, and venue style. If you share those details, you can get a realistic range fast.

Contact our WeddingBox Lisbon team for a detailed wedding cost estimate.

Question 10

What's the closest airport to Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is just 15–20 minutes from the city center.

Question 11

Can Americans or UK citizens get legally married in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

Many international couples can get legally married in Portugal, but requirements depend on nationality, documents, timelines, and local registry rules. Because legal requirements can change and vary by situation, the safest approach is to confirm early and decide whether you want a legal marriage in Portugal or a symbolic ceremony in Portugal with legal paperwork handled at home.

Our WeddingBox Lisbon team can answer any questions you have about the process.

Question 12

Can we include Portuguese traditions to our wedding?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! Consider Fado music performances, traditional Portuguese cuisine, or a pastel de nata dessert bar.

Question 13

What are great activities for guests before/after the wedding?

Accepted Answer

Wine tasting in Setúbal, tram tours through Alfama, day trips to Sintra, or sailing on the Tagus River.

Question 14

Can we come over and see the venues?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer guided viewings which usually take a day. We typically see two or three of your shortlisted venues. We charge €250 for the tour which is payable on the day. Ask us for more details.

Question 15

When do we pay?

Accepted Answer

Our planning deposit is 50% paid at the time of booking. We will advise you of deposits required to secure venues and other services for your wedding (deposits usually vary between 20% and 40%). The full balance must be paid within 6 weeks of the date of your wedding and there may be smaller deposits as we plan and secure your vendors.

Question 16

What methods of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept payments by international bank transfer. All payments are made in Euros.

Question 17

Is it possible to plan a wedding at short notice?

Accepted Answer

It is, though for civil weddings you will need time to have your legal documents processed. You should really allow around four months minimum to be safe. Symbolic weddings can be planned with very little notice, though venues do get booked up in advance so the later you leave it, the less choice you will have.

Question 18

Can same sex couples marry in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, same-sex couples can marry in Portugal and these marriages are recognised by the law.

Question 19

What would happen if you or a key supplier was ill on the wedding day?

Accepted Answer

As part of a team, we have staff who could take over at short notice. All of our suppliers have similar support and would be able to cover should the need arise.

Question 20

Are you able to arrange group activities and welcome parties around the wedding date?

Accepted Answer

Yes, send us your requirements and we will be happy to help you. An additional fee will apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions