In Portugal, the traditional age of marriage for a bride is 16 years, and for a groom, 19 years.
If a girl and a guy agreed among themselves, then society considered them "agreed". And now they could save money for an independent life or to complete their education. At the same time, the agreed-upon couple exchanged gifts according to their standard of living. Most often, it was a ring, a rosary, an embroidered scarf. For the scarf, it was supposed to be paid with a coin, so as not to cry. When giving each other icons of saints, it was not supposed to pass from hand to hand; the recipient was told where the icon was hidden, so that it was kind of stolen.
During the week before the wedding, the newlyweds (noyvush) went to friends and neighbors with an invitation to the wedding ceremony. The bride carried a basket - always a new one. The basket was covered with a scarf and filled with bread, which the bride distributed to those invited to the wedding. Refusal could only be justified by ill health. In this case, the guest had to give a wedding gift: linen, a tablecloth, a towel, a sheet, a bedspread, or just a piece of linen.
If there were no objections to the wedding from either side, it was held on Saturday. In the morning, the unmarried youth would set up an arch with flowers near the house where the newlyweds would live. The groom would put on a black or gray wedding suit. If he did not wear it out for the rest of his life, the owner would be buried in it. The bride was dressed in a festive dress according to the fashion of her era; her head was always tied with white cloth. In the northern provinces, the tradition of hanging all the gold that the bride had on her remained for a long time. The wedding dress also became a burial dress.
Such forms of delay on the way of the wedding procession as arches were very interesting. A lemon and an apple were hung on the arch. The bride would take off the lemon, and the groom – the apple, then they would exchange the fruits. The lemon is supposed to make family life "tasty", and the apple is supposed to remind the bride that she should not give in to temptations. Almost all over Portugal, people walked to the wedding, but it was also possible to ride in a decorated carriage. In the church, the whole action was reduced to an established pattern. On the way to the church and back, the participants in the procession made noise, shouted, shot, and set off firecrackers.
The wedding feast was and still is organized by those parents with whom the new couple was going to live. Depending on their wealth, there were two types of feasts: a "dry wedding", where only sweets, wine, and light snacks were served, and a "fat wedding" - with meat dishes. A significant part of the food was supplied by the guests, sending wine, goat meat, chicken, bread, and other things in the morning, according to the proverb "Whoever goes to a wedding brings his own food."
The main thing for parents is to stock up on as much wine as possible: if there is not enough, this shame is remembered for a long time by the neighbors. In the middle of the feast, the newlyweds are showered with sweets and almonds. The dinner ends after dark, and the newlyweds are led to bed with toasts, rockets and firecrackers. There is a belief that the spouse who is the first to go to bed, who is the first to put out the fire on the wedding night, or whose candle goes out first in the church, will die before the other.
Exploring wedding traditions in Portugal shows how culture, symbolism, and rituals can create truly memorable celebrations. From heartfelt family customs to festive dances, these traditions remind us that a wedding is not just about the ceremony, but about preserving love in a meaningful cultural context.
For couples who dream of blending cultural inspiration with a unique destination, the beaches of Phu Quoc in Vietnam offer a breathtaking stage. Imagine saying your vows under a floral arch at sunset, with the golden light reflecting on the ocean waves — a symbolic ceremony that combines romance with unforgettable scenery. Unlike the formalities of registry offices, a symbolic wedding on Phu Quoc allows freedom, intimacy, and creative expression.
As a professional photographer based on the island, I capture these moments in a way that reflects both your personal story and the stunning tropical backdrop. Whether you envision a quiet beach elopement or a styled shoot inspired by traditions from around the world, your celebration on Phu Quoc can become an experience as timeless as the wedding customs we admire in Portugal.
If you’re planning your destination wedding, I’d be honored to document your day with images full of emotion, elegance, and the natural beauty of Vietnam’s most romantic island.
📩 Contact me to discuss your wedding photography on Phu Quoc and turn your love story into timeless art.
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