How to Get Married in a Religious Ceremony in Portugal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a wedding in Portugal? Here’s everything American couples need to know about getting married in a religious ceremony, including all required documents and timing!

1. 6-9 Months Before the Wedding: Start Collecting Documents

• Certificate of No Impediment: This certificate, also called a “Single Status Certificate,” proves that neither of you has any legal obstacles to marriage. Obtain it from the County Clerk’s Office in your place of residence in the U.S. It must be issued within six months of the wedding date.
• Birth Certificates: Request certified copies of both birth certificates. These are available through the Vital Records Office in your state of birth.

2. 5-6 Months Before: Apostille and Translation

• Apostille Certification: Have your documents (Certificate of No Impediment and birth certificates) apostilled by your Secretary of State’s Office to be legally recognized in Portugal.
• Translation: Documents not in Portuguese must be translated by a certified translator, preferably one familiar with legal translations. This will ensure all paperwork is acceptable in Portugal.

Note: You can do this in the Portuguese consulate.

3. 4 Months Before: Start the Religious Process in Your Home Parish

• Marriage Preparation: If your religious denomination requires it, complete any pre-marriage counseling or preparation with your local parish in the U.S.
• Documentation Transfer: Request your parish to prepare and send all necessary religious documents and permissions to the parish where you intend to marry in Portugal. This often includes a “Nihil Obstat” letter, allowing the marriage to be celebrated abroad.

4. 3 Months Before: Initiate Civil Process in Portugal

• Civil Registration: Even for religious ceremonies, a marriage license from the Portuguese Civil Registry (Conservatória do Registo Civil) is required. Submit all your prepared documents, including passports and any prior marriage termination documents (e.g., divorce decrees, death certificates).

Note: you can start the process in the Portuguese consulate and then it will be sent to the Civil registry that you chose in Portugal.

• Approval: Once approved, the Civil Registry will issue a marriage authorization, needed before any religious ceremony can proceed.

5. Final Preparations: Coordinate with the Religious Institution in Portugal

• Confirm Ceremony Details: Ensure that the officiant is authorized to perform legally recognized marriages and confirm any additional requirements with the Portuguese parish.
• Finalize Documentation: Confirm that all civil and religious documents are in place and ready for the wedding date.

6. After the Ceremony: Register the Marriage

• Official Registration: Following the religious ceremony, register the marriage at the Civil Registry. This ensures the marriage is legally recognized in Portugal and internationally.

Pro Tip: Start early! This process can take several months, especially for document collection, apostilles, and approvals. Planning ahead will make everything smooth and enjoyable.

Let us know if you need our help in conducting this process: info @ amorprasempre.com.