Destination Weddings in Portugal Booming
The number of marriages in Portugal increased by 9% in the first half of 2022 compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with 13,904 wedding ceremonies. Of these, 3,294 are destination weddings, ie weddings related to foreign couples, or couples in which at least one of the members is of another nationality, according to the Ministry of Justice.
It is reported that the number of foreign weddings increased by 43% when compared to the same period in 2021, although it is still 16% lower than 2019. Tourists from the United Kingdom and Ireland are the main markets in this segment, followed by Brazil and India. The Swedes, Australians, Spaniards and French are growing markets. Take a look at this Indian Destination Wedding in Portugal.
It is estimated that destination weddings spent around €158 million in 2019, according to an independent study cited by Turismo de Portugal, which points to an average of €25,000 per wedding, excluding other associated costs such as travel and accommodation.
"Foreigners spend a lot of money when they come to Portugal because they bring people with them; they often stay in more than one hotel, and they extend their stay for many days. They spend a lot and look for high quality services", explains Carina Monteiro, one of the founders of Portugal In Love, an international wedding forum held in Portugal.
Portugal is taking action to position the country as a wedding destination and compete with the main competitors such as Italy or Greece. Turismo de Portugal has focused on promoting this segment abroad, considering that the wedding market "begins to assume a leading role in the national economy".
"The climate, security, competitive prices, gastronomic wealth, the diversified landscape, the cultural offer, the quality of service and available venues, along with the art of hospitality, the ability to speak different languages, the simplicity of required legal documentation, the thorough preparation and the availability of the agents involved in organising the event, are factors that put Portugal at the forefront when it comes to choosing a destination to get married", explains Luís Araújo of Turismo de Portugal. Read: Top 6 Reasons to Have Your Destination Wedding in Portugal.
