# Weddings abroad: is the Algarve the right place for yours?

Source: https://www.lovebirdsweddings.com/guides/weddings-abroad/

Weddings abroad work best when you settle the legal route, total budget and guest travel before choosing the setting. ADVICE: compare 2 options—marry legally at home and celebrate away, or complete the destination’s marriage process; LAW: a symbolic Algarve ceremony alone does not create a Portuguese marriage, so decide which event will make you legally married.[2](https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/lexionario/termo/casamento-inexistente)

Last updated 2026-11-12 · By Mia

| Guest band | Package median | VAT evidence |
|---|---|---|
| 2–10 guests | €6,000; 9 observations | Included in 1; unspecified in 8[13](/cost-index/) |
| 31–60 guests | €20,000; 36 observations | Unspecified throughout[13](/cost-index/) |
| 61–100 guests | €20,320; 10 observations | Unspecified throughout[13](/cost-index/) |

| Registry arrangement | Published fee | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary process | €120 | Normal registry arrangements[4](https://irn.justica.gov.pt/Custos-dos-servicos) |
| Specified ceremony | €200 | Location, hours and registrar travel[4](https://irn.justica.gov.pt/Custos-dos-servicos) |

## Questions and answers

### Is a wedding abroad always cheaper than a wedding at home?

No saving is guaranteed by the destination alone. ADVICE: compare the same guest count and inclusions, then add your travel, accommodation and any second celebration before deciding which plan fits your budget.

### Can we legally marry at home and still have a ceremony abroad?

ADVICE: you can plan the legal appointment and the celebration as separate events. LAW: in Portugal, an ordinary symbolic ceremony does not itself create the marriage, so describe the arrangements clearly in your bookings.[2](https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/lexionario/termo/casamento-inexistente)

### Where can a UK couple legally marry abroad?

LAW: Portugal has a civil-registration route for foreign applicants, with identification, birth records and the required capacity evidence.[1](https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/legislacao-consolidada/decreto-lei/1995-34525275)[14](https://irn.justica.gov.pt/Servicos/Cidadao/Casamento/Organizar-o-casamento) ADVICE: check each partner’s nationality, residence and previous-marriage history rather than assuming one destination checklist fits both of you.

### Can we get married abroad without bringing any guests?

ADVICE: plan the travel and celebration around the two of you, then confirm any witness or attendance requirements with the authority handling your chosen legal route. A small guest list does not remove that route’s paperwork.

### Does a September Algarve wedding mean dry weather?

No: Faro’s 1991–2020 September climate normal includes 21.5 mm of monthly rainfall.[8](https://www.ipma.pt/bin/file.data/climate-normal/cn_91-20_FARO.pdf) ADVICE: inspect the covered alternative and agree who decides to use it, even when you hope to celebrate outside.

## Sources

1. [Diário da República — Código do Registo Civil, consolidated](https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/legislacao-consolidada/decreto-lei/1995-34525275) — accessed 2026-11-12.
2. [Diário da República Lexicon — Casamento inexistente, Civil Code articles 1628–1630](https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/lexionario/termo/casamento-inexistente) — accessed 2026-11-12.
3. [Diário da República — Código do Registo Civil, consolidated](https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/legislacao-consolidada/decreto-lei/1995-34525275) — accessed 2026-11-12.
4. [IRN — Custos dos serviços: marriage tariffs 3.1–3.5](https://irn.justica.gov.pt/Custos-dos-servicos) — accessed 2026-11-12.
5. [Diário da República — Lei n.º 9/2010, de 31 de maio](https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/lei/9-2010-332460) — accessed 2026-11-12.
6. [IPMA Normal Climatológica 1991–2020: Faro](https://www.ipma.pt/bin/file.data/climate-normal/cn_91-20_FARO.pdf) — accessed 2026-11-12.
7. [IPMA Normal Climatológica 1991–2020: Faro](https://www.ipma.pt/bin/file.data/climate-normal/cn_91-20_FARO.pdf) — accessed 2026-11-12.
8. [IPMA Normal Climatológica 1991–2020: Faro](https://www.ipma.pt/bin/file.data/climate-normal/cn_91-20_FARO.pdf) — accessed 2026-11-12.
9. [Ryanair: Manchester–Faro](https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/flights/flights-from-manchester-to-faro) — accessed 2026-11-12.
10. [Aer Lingus: Dublin–Faro](https://www.aerlingus.com/en-ie/flights-from-dublin-to-faro) — accessed 2026-11-12.
11. [Quinta dos Vales — Weddings and events](https://quintadosvales.pt/en/wedding-venue-algarve/) — accessed 2026-11-12.
12. [Turismo de Portugal: Lagos](https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/73799/1000) — accessed 2026-11-12.
13. [Algarve Wedding Cost Index 2027](/cost-index/) — accessed 2026-11-12.
14. [IRN — Organizar o casamento](https://irn.justica.gov.pt/Servicos/Cidadao/Casamento/Organizar-o-casamento) — accessed 2026-11-12.