The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in São Miguel, Azores
Why Choose São Miguel for Your Wedding?
São Miguel in the Azores is an idyllic destination for couples looking to exchange vows in a breathtaking setting. With a variety of stunning venues to choose from, you can say “I do” at oceanfront resorts or in lush botanical gardens, surrounded by nature’s beauty. The island boasts mild weather year-round, making it the perfect location for an outdoor ceremony, no matter the season. From cascading waterfalls and serene lagoons to dramatic cliffs, the unique backdrops available on São Miguel will make your wedding day feel like a dream come true. Plus, São Miguel is easily accessible, with direct flights from Europe and North America, ensuring that your loved ones can join you without hassle.
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Best Wedding Venues in São Miguel, Azores
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (
Furnas)
A historic venue surrounded by one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Perfect for a romantic and intimate wedding.
A luxurious boutique hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering an exclusive and tranquil setting.
If you dream of a barefoot beach wedding, this resort offers stunning views and elegant simplicity.
A stunning oceanfront venue with a small private chapel, perfect for a destination wedding with breathtaking views.
A lush, historic garden offering a peaceful, romantic setting with exotic plants and serene pathways.
The most charming eco-friendly retreat surrounded by lush gardens, offering a tranquil and romantic atmosphere for weddings.
If you love history this is the place for you. Blending medieval charm with beautiful gardens, perfect for a romantic and intimate wedding.
Recommended Vendors
Entertainment
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in the Azores
Yes, you absolutely can! The Azores are part of Portugal, so if you’re planning a wedding here, you’ll need to follow Portugal’s marriage laws. While a lot of couples choose to do the legal paperwork at home beforehand (so you can skip the stress during your elopement and focus on the adventure), you can get legally married in the Azores too.
To legally marry in the Azores, you’ll need to get a marriage license from the Portuguese Civil Registry Office. You can do this in person, or even have someone do it for you if you give them power of attorney. If you’re having a Catholic ceremony, a priest can handle the paperwork for you. Make sure to take care of this at least 6 weeks before the ceremony.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Passport (or National Identity Document if you live in the EU)
Birth certificate
Certificate of No Impediment
All documents need to be in Portuguese (so they may need translating!)
The best part? Whoever you are, wherever you come from, and no matter your gender, religion, or sexual orientation, the Azores welcome you to get married!
For couples from the US:
In certain states, you can ask your county clerk the authorization to sign your wedding license abroad. If they agree, as a registered minister, my team and I will be able to legally marry you without the hassle of a legal wedding ceremony in the Azores.
Cost of a Destination Wedding in São Miguel
While every wedding is different, here’s an estimated breakdown
Venue Rental: €2,000 - €15,000
Photography & Videography: €2,500 - €10,000
Music & Entertainment: €500 - €3,000
Hair & Makeup: €150 - €500
Catering (per guest): €60 - €150
Travel & Accommodation (for 50 guests): €10,000 - €50,000
Total Budget Estimate: €15,000 - €70,000 depending on venue, guest count, and style.
When to plan your Azorean Wedding
The weather is pretty great year round, but there are different experiences you can have in different seasons!
Here’s what you need to know to set a date for your Azores Wedding.
For a secluded elopement – Winter
Winters are pretty mild, so you can definitely have an Azores elopement this time of year. But, there is more rain, and there are more cloudy days! If you’re hiking, you can expect some mud on the trails. The ocean will also be a little more wild, so it’s not a good time for swimming or other water activities. This is the least popular time for tourism, though, so you can get more privacy!
A blooming ceremony – Spring
Spring is warmer than winter, and there is much less rain – although you’ll occasionally see some drizzle and cloudy skies. The landscapes are beautiful this time of year, lush and green and full of wildflowers because of the winter rains! This is the best time to go whale watching, because the whales come through the Azores on their migration each year.
The peak season – Summer
Summer is the most popular time to visit the Azores, because it’s usually sunny and warm the entire season! There’s little to no rain, and this is the warmest time of year, so it’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There will be more people around, but it’s usually still pretty easy to find a secluded spot!
The rain season – Fall
Fall is another great time for an Azores elopement. It’s still warm, but the sun does hide behind clouds often. There is a higher chance of rain, so there are fewer people around!
Unique things to do when you get married in the Azores
The Azores is a paradise for adventure-seekers and nature lovers, offering a mix of volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and stunning ocean views. Whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor experiences or peaceful moments in nature, these islands provide unforgettable ways to celebrate your elopement. Here are some unique activities to make your Azores elopement even more special.
Bathing in natural hot springs
Relax in the steamy, mineral-rich hot springs scattered across the Azores, especially in São Miguel. Whether soaking in the thermal pools of Terra Nostra Park, hidden within a lush botanical garden, or unwinding in the ocean-heated waters of Ponta da Ferraria, these geothermal baths offer a magical way to connect with nature and unwind after your elopement ceremony.
Exploring a lava tube cave
Step into an underground world by exploring one of the Azores’ many lava tube caves, like Gruta das Torres on Pico Island. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, these caves reveal a fascinating landscape of lava stalactites and underground tunnels. Walking through these naturally carved formations feels like an otherworldly adventure, adding a unique and mysterious touch to your elopement experience.
Whale watching in the Atlantic
The Azores is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with over 20 different species passing through its waters. Hop on a boat tour and witness majestic sperm whales, playful dolphins, and even the occasional blue whale. Experiencing these incredible marine creatures in their natural habitat adds an unforgettable element to your elopement trip.
Hiking to a hidden crater lake
For an epic elopement backdrop, hike to one of the Azores’ breathtaking crater lakes, like Lagoa do Fogo or Lagoa das Sete Cidades. These serene volcanic lakes, surrounded by lush green mountains, create an almost fairytale-like setting. Whether you exchange vows at sunrise or take in the sweeping views together, this experience will be one of the most magical moments of your elopement adventure.
Final Tips for Planning Your Azores Wedding
Hire Experienced Vendors - We will help you and keep you calm from the first meeting until the very last dance!
Plan for Unpredictable Weather – Always have a backup indoor option.
Book Early – The best venues and vendors get booked fast!
Make It a Wedding Week – Turn your wedding into a vacation with hikes, whale watching, and local food experiences!
Ready to Plan Your Dream Wedding in São Miguel?
Hello hello hello! I’m Nia, a romantic wedding photographer based in Lisbon (but always ready to travel!).
I’m obsessed with capturing raw, unfiltered love stories, with an editorial twist —so if you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in São Miguel, Azores, you’ve just found your perfect photographer!
Click the button below to fill out my contact form and spill all the details about your big day. I can’t wait to capture the magic with you!