Cost to Get Married in Portugal: A Complete Guide
If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Portugal, you’re likely wondering about the cost to get married in Portugal. Over the last few years, Portugal has gained popularity as a cheap wedding destination, but prices have increased significantly. However, Portugal is still known for its breathtaking landscapes, charming venues, and delicious cuisine, making it an attractive option for couples worldwide. The total cost to get married in Portugal varies significantly depending on factors such as guest count, location, and services. Here’s a breakdown of key expenses to help you budget accordingly.
Define Your Budget and Guest Count
One of the first steps in planning your wedding in Portugal is determining your budget and guest count. The number of guests directly impacts venue size, catering costs, and other expenses. On average, the cost to get married in Portugal with 100 guests can range from 25 000€ to 70 000€. Intimate celebrations can cost less, while luxury weddings can exceed 100 000€.
My recommendation for couples who are starting to plan their wedding is to define what they’re expecting to pay (and add some margin in case it ends up exceeding), and their guest list.
Wedding Planners
Hiring a wedding planner can help streamline the process, especially for destination weddings. Their fees range from 2000€ to 10 000€, depending on their expertise and the complexity of your wedding. A planner can help with venue selection, vendor coordination, and legal paperwork, saving you time and stress.
A wedding planner is your best ally throughout your engagement. When I was engaged, we had Escape Eventos as our wedding planners, and they truly were like my bridesmaids/ fairy godmothers who helped me before, during, and after the wedding day. And they even help you save money in some situations!
Wedding Planning and Decor by Escape Eventos / Photo by Rita Plácido Photography
Venues and Catering
The cost to get married in Portugal depends significantly on your choice of venue. Portugal offers a variety of options, from beachfront settings to historic palaces and vineyards. Venue rental costs vary widely, starting at around 3000€ and going up to 15 000€ or more for exclusive locations. Catering costs range from 80€ to 200€ per person, including drinks.
The venue cost can change depending on whether your venue has accommodation for you and your guests and what it includes. Some venues are more deluxe, where you pay for the rental and then book separate companies for a unique wedding experience, while others have an “all-inclusive” policy, covering catering, decoration, etc.
Usually, the venue and catering costs make up 50% of your final wedding budget.
How Many Days Will You Celebrate?
The cost to get married in Portugal can also vary depending on how many days you want to celebrate. Some venues offer packages that include additional celebration days, especially those specializing in destination weddings.
Photography and Videography
Capturing your special day is essential. Wedding photography in Portugal typically costs between 1500€ and 6000€, depending on the photographer’s experience and package inclusions. Videography ranges from 2000€ to 7000€.
Many couples try to cut costs by saving on photography and videography, but always remember that these professionals will be responsible for your memories. Your wedding day only happens once, and investing in a skilled photographer ensures that those emotions, candid moments, and stunning landscapes are preserved forever. As a professional wedding photographer in Portugal, I specialize in capturing timeless and romantic moments with a natural, candid-style approach. If you’re looking for beautiful, heartfelt images that tell your love story, feel free to check out my portfolio and get in touch!
If you’re now starting to look for your photographer/videographer, tap here to have access to a guide with all the major tips on how to choose your photographer.
Photography and videography costs typically account for 15% to 20% of your wedding budget.
Flowers and Decoration
The more elaborate your floral arrangements, the higher the cost. Expect to spend between 1000€ and 5000€ on flowers and decorations, with luxury floral designs exceeding this range. Bridal bouquets can cost from 85€ to 300€. The cost of your flowers will vary according to the chosen flowers and their quantity.
Wedding Rings: Buy or DIY?
Couples can purchase wedding rings from 500€ to 5000€, depending on materials and customization. Alternatively, you can opt for a unique “make your own wedding rings” experience, which costs around 200€ to 1000€. You can even use family gold to create a more personal and intimate experience with your partner. This experience is available at Sofia Canas da Mota in Estoril or MIL Jewellery in Nazaré.
DJ and Entertainment
A professional DJ charges between 1000€ and 3000€, while a live band starts at 2000€ and can go beyond 5000€ for top-tier performers.
Makeup and Hair
Bridal makeup and hair typically cost between 500€ and 1000€. If bridesmaids and other guests require services, expect an additional 50€ to 150€ per person.
In Portugal, you can find excellent teams specializing in both hair and makeup, such as Inês Plácido, AME Beauty, Cati Beauty, and Raquel Estevens.
Hair and Make-up by Inês Plácido / Photo by Rita Plácido Photography
Stationery
Custom wedding invitations, menus, and place cards cost between 500€ and 2000€, depending on design and materials.
Wedding Dress and Accessories
A wedding dress in Portugal can range from 1000€ to 5000€, with designer gowns reaching 10,000€. Accessories, including shoes and jewellery, add another 200€ to 1,000€.
For a more personalized outfit, consider a tailor-made dress from ateliers like Maria João Madeira, Pureza Mello de Breyner, or UHMA. If you’re worried about comfort, you can get custom-made wedding shoes at Atelier Rui Branco, where you can choose the design, material, and color for a perfect fit.
Groom’s Outfit and Accessories
A groom’s suit costs between 500€ and 2500€, with additional expenses for shoes, cuffl inks, and ties.
Wedding Favours and Activities
A great way to add a personal touch to your wedding is through wedding favours. The cost varies between 2€ and 15€ per guest, depending on the type of gift you choose. Many couples opt for local Portuguese delicacies, such as mini bottles of Port wine, olive oil, or handmade ceramic tiles as a way to give guests a piece of Portugal to take home. Some also include fun activities that will elevate your guest experience, like a photo booth or custom postcards.
Live sketch artists are also a great way to make your wedding even more memorable. Your guests will have professional sketches to keep and be reminded of what a unique day they had. Hi Sketch Events offers a variety of options that your guests will love.
Legal or Symbolic Ceremony?
Portugal requires legal paperwork for civil weddings, which can cost between 200€ and 500€ for documentation and translations. Many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony instead, keeping legal formalities in their home country to simplify the process. If you’re a Portuguese couple, the legal ceremony costs around 200€, with an additional 100€ for a different property regime.
Honeymoon
Your honeymoon should be included in your wedding budget. Traditional paradisiacal destinations can cost 3000€ to 5000€, but it obviously depends on the location.
Portugal is also a fantastic honeymoon destination. Whether you choose a luxurious resort in the Algarve, a wine retreat in the Douro Valley, or a cultural trip to Lisbon and Porto, honeymoon costs can range from 2000€ to 10 000€, depending on your travel style.
Unforeseen Costs
Every wedding has unexpected costs. Whether it’s last-minute decor adjustments, additional guests, or weather-related changes, it’s wise to allocate at least 10% of your total budget for unforeseen expenses. This ensures that last-minute surprises don’t become major financial stressors.
Photo by Rita Plácido Photography
Final Thoughts
The cost to get married in Portugal depends on your preferences, guest count, and chosen services. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a lavish affair, Portugal offers diverse options to suit different budgets. Of course, you can find cheaper or more expensive options for every vendor, it all depends on what you’re looking for. But with careful planning, you can create an unforgettable wedding experience in one of Europe’s most romantic destinations. And at the end of the day, just remember that this day is about you two and your love!
