Destination Weddings: Getting Married in Sintra, Portugal

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Located in the beautiful Portuguese Riviera, Sintra is nestled near the coast to the west of the capital, Lisbon.  Sintra is one of the most sought after places to live in the Iberian Peninsula because it has natural beauty, luxurious homes, and it provides a high standard of living for its residents.  Portuguese royals lived in the village of Sintra until the early 1900s and left their lavish homes as evidence.    

Why should I get married in Sintra?


Weather – When should I have my wedding in Sintra?


Summers are warm and dry while autumns and winters are much wetter with pleasantly moderate temperatures for their respective season.  October, November, December, January, and February are the months that will have the highest chance of precipitation.  June, July, August, and September have the most days of sunshine.  For the most comfortable weather, April, May, and October are blissful as normal daily low to high temperatures range from the 50s to the 70s Fahrenheit.

What is unique about getting married in Sintra?

If you decide to walk down the aisle in Sintra, you will likely find yourself on tours of the region’s prominent palaces, mansions, and castles.  Some of these attractions of note are Castle of the Moors, Pena National Palace, National Palace of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Convento dos Capuchos, Santuario da Peninha, and Palace of Monserrate.  The National Palace of Pena is possibly the biggest draw of the group, though each site has its own unique appeal.  With so many picturesque palaces, castles, gardens, and mountains, it’s no surprise that tourists have been known to describe Sintra as somewhere straight out of a fairytale.

Key Legal Requirements for Getting Married

According to pt.usembassy.gov, these are the requirements to get married as a non-resident:

  1. A marriage license is required which takes at least 4 weeks to process.  After approval, you need to get married within 6 months.

  2. Certified birth certificate which must be issued within the past 6 months and translated into Portuguese

  3. An attorney-in-fact holding power of attorney may be required to request your marriage on your behalf as a non-resident

  4. If either person has been divorced, a certified copy of the final divorce papers will be necessary.  It will need to be issued within the last 6 months and translated in Portuguese.

  5. Similarly, if you are widowed, a certified copy of the death certificate that was issued within the last 6 months and translated into Portuguese

  6. A statement of eligibility to marry by scheduling an appointment with the notary services at the US Embassy

  7. Cost of the service is $50 as of June 20, 2019 and it must be paid in cash (Euros or Dollars) or credit card.
Visit the US Embassy website for Portugal to view the full marriage requirements for non-resident United States citizens.



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