In recent years, it is becoming increasingly popular for couples to plan their wedding in an exotic area, and for recently engaged couples the The Luxury Travel Guide recommends Portugal as the perfect setting for the big day.  There are many locations in the country to suit every couple, from the warm and sunny setting of the Algarve to the historic backdrop of Lisbon.  Traditional Portuguese weddings are governed by local customs which couples can incorporate into their own ceremony to create a day of magic and culture. 
 
Portugal is predominantly a Roman Catholic country, and religion and community is a big part of the ceremony.  In smaller villages, the bride will walk to church through the streets, followed by her wedding party and receiving gestures of goodwill and prosperity from the locals.  The wedding ceremony will take the form of a traditional Catholic mass, during which the priest will wrap the bride and groom’s hands together in his stole to represent their binding love.  Upon leaving the church, the couple are showered with bonbons and flowers, instead of rice, as they make their way to the reception.  The reception is always a joyous and entertaining affair, where the marriage is celebrated with an immense amount of local food and wine.  During the reception, the couple will take part in ‘Copo d’Agua’ where they take the opportunity to talk to their guests and make sure everyone is having fun; added to all these unique traditions, Portuguese weddings follow the usual Western style.
 
If you’re planning your big day in Portugal, it’s often recommended you sort out the legal work in your home country, though to legally marry both the bride and groom will have to submit their passports, birth certificates and individual certificate of no impediment.  To follow tradition and have a Roman Catholic ceremony, you’ll need additional baptism, communion and confirmation certificates.  These documents need to be translated by a certificated translator and it’s worth noting that the ceremony will be conducted in Portuguese so you may need a translator to help you communicate.  But no matter what kind of wedding you choose, the sublime setting of Portugal will ensure it’s a day to remember.  

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