Portuguese Wedding Traditions: Love, Family, and Celebration

Portuguese weddings blend deep Catholic faith, family loyalty, and joyful parties that last until sunrise

1. Civil Ceremony First, Then Church

Portuguese law requires a civil ceremony at the town hall (Registo Civil) before any religious ceremony. Most couples do both on the same day.

• Civil ceremony is short and legal

• Church ceremony is long and spiritual

• Couple must show civil marriage certificate before entering church

• Guests attend both or just the church

• No church wedding without civil papers first

2. The Bride Wears Gold and White

Portuguese brides traditionally wear white dresses with gold jewelry. Gold represents wealth, stability, and family heritage.

• Gold earrings and necklace from grandmother

• White dress symbolizes purity

• Veil covers the face until after the ceremony

• Something blue is often sewn into the hem

• Married women in the family help her dress

3. The Groom Gives Thirteen Gold Coins (As Treze Moedas)

During the ceremony, the groom gives the bride thirteen gold coins. This represents his promise to support her and their future children.

• Coins are blessed by the priest

• Symbolizes sharing all worldly goods

• Bride returns them as trust in his promise

• Coins become family heirlooms

• Tradition dates back to Roman times

4. The Wedding Procession (Cortejo)

After the church ceremony, guests follow the couple through the streets. Cars honk horns. People shout "Viva os noivos!" (Long live the newlyweds!).

• Guests decorate cars with ribbons and cans

• Bride and groom ride in a decorated car

• Everyone drives to the reception together

• People wave from balconies

• The longer the honking, the better the luck

5. The Wedding Feast (O Copo d'Água)

The reception is called "O Copo d'Água" (The Glass of Water). It lasts until early morning with multiple courses, wine, and dancing.

• Starts with aperitivo and Portuguese wines

• Multiple courses: soup, fish, meat, cheese, dessert

• Port wine served after the meal

• Dancing starts at midnight

• Party often ends at 6 AM

6. The Traditional Cake (Bolo de Casamento)

Portuguese wedding cake is not sweet like American cake. It is a dense almond and egg yolk cake (bolo de amêndoa) with marzipan decorations.

• Often one tier, not multiple tiers

• Very rich and heavy (small slice is enough)

• Served with Port wine

• Leftovers wrapped for guests to take home

• Almonds symbolize fertility and prosperity

7. The Dance of the Money (Dança do Dinheiro)

During the dance, guests pin money onto the bride's veil or dress. This helps the couple pay for the wedding and start their new life.

• Men line up to dance with the bride

• Each man pins money before dancing

• Women also dance with the groom

• Money goes toward the honeymoon

• Very fun and competitive for guests

8. The Shoe Game (Jogo do Sapato)

The couple sits back to back holding one of each of their shoes. The DJ asks questions like "Who cooks better?" and the couple raises the shoe of the answer.

• Very funny for guests to watch

• Answers are not always honest

• Newer tradition but very popular

• Couple must agree without looking

• Shows how well they know each other

9. The Farewell (A Despedida)

At the end of the night, guests form a tunnel with their arms. The couple runs through while guests shower them with flower petals.

• Usually happens around 4-5 AM

• Couple leaves in their decorated car

• Guests follow honking horns

• Some guests continue partying at home

• The newlyweds leave for their honeymoon