The ultimate guide to eloping in the Azores
TIPS. VENUES & LOCATION IDEAS
for an adventurous Azores elopement
The Azores are an archipelago that lies off the coast of Portugal, with nine beautiful islands that offer remote landscapes and rugged natural beauty. An Azores elopement is perfect for any couple seeking an adventure on their wedding day – one that’s unique, and perfectly crafted just for the two of you!
This guide will tell you everything you need to know to elope in the Azores and plan your once in a lifetime experience.
Let’s dive in…
Hey! I’m Amber.
Your Azores elopement photographer + planner
Hey there, I’m Amber! I’m your elopement photographer and planner – your one-stop-shop for absolutely everything you need for a magical, incredible elopement day.
I offer all-inclusive elopement packages for couples who want to relax and let me handle absolutely everything, as well as options for couples who like a little bit of DIY! I’ll find the perfect place for you to exchange vows, recommend vendors, help you figure out travel and lodging, make a timeline, and more – personalizing each part of your elopement day to perfectly suit the two of you. And of course, I’ll be there to take the photos and document this once in a lifetime adventure.
You aren’t like every other couple, and your wedding day shouldn’t be either! I’ll help you craft a day that’s true to you, authentic, and real, allowing you to immerse yourselves in the experience as you say your “I dos.”
First, let’s be sure we’re talking about the same thing:
What is an elopement?
An elopement used to be all about scandals, rushed ceremonies, and getting married at a courthouse. But, that’s not what eloping is anymore! An elopement is all about making sure your wedding day is what you want it to be – so that you can get married in a way that you’ll actually love. When you elope, you can do absolutely anything, and you can celebrate however you want to!
How to Legally Elope in The Azores
The Azores are part of Portugal, so to get married during your Azores elopement, you’ll need to follow Portugal’s marriage laws. You can get legally married abroad in Portugal, but a lot of couples choose to do the paperwork at home and not have to worry about it during their elopement! This way, on the big day, you can focus on adventuring and having a blast without worrying about logistics.
If you want to get legally married during your Azores elopement, you’ll need to get a marriage license from the Civil Registry Office, which you can do in person, or you can give someone power of attorney to do it for you. If you’re having a Catholic ceremony, a priest can do this for you. This needs to be done at least 6 weeks before the ceremony, and you’ll need a passport, or a National Identity Document if you live in the EU, along with a birth certificate and a Certificate of No Impediment. All of your documents need to be in Portuguese, so they may need to be translated.
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 Azores.
Why Elope in the Azores
Perfect Weather
The weather in the Azores is pretty idyllic, all year round. This makes it the perfect elopement destination for couples from all over the world! Different times of year can be better for different activities, but there’s truly no bad time for an Azores elopement.
Natural Beauty
The best reason to plan an Azores elopement is the natural beauty found all over the islands. Every island has amazing hiking trails, volcanoes, rainforests, and incredibly scenic beaches. The views don’t end on land, either – if you scuba dive or snorkel, you’ll see even more beauty unfold under the sea!
A Remote Destination
Travelers often overlook the Azores – and this archipelago remains a peaceful, remote destination! Especially if you visit some of the less developed islands, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature, and you’ll often have the entire place to yourselves!
Top 5 spots to Elope in the Azores
Choosing the place where you’ll tie the knot is so exciting – and there are countless beautiful places to elope in the Azores. Here are a few ideas!
Corvo
There are nine islands that make up the Azores, and each one offers something unique! Corvo is the smallest island, and the most remote – which means this is one of the best places for an Azores elopement if you want to find some privacy. The landscapes are lush and green, the beaches are gorgeous, and you can swim in natural pools, and see a volcanic crater!
Flores
Flores means “flowers,” and it’s easy to see how it got its name! In the summer, this island in the Azores is covered in a rainbow of blooms, and the green landscapes are decorated with thousands of flowers. This island has some of the best pools for swimming, and if you choose this island for your elopement, be sure to check out the Seven Lakes, where turquoise lakes surround a volcanic crater!
Pico
Pico is unique, because of the black volcanic soil that can be found throughout the island. It’s also home to Portugal’s tallest mountain, Mount Pico – which you can hike if you’re feeling adventurous! This is the perfect place for an Azores elopement for couples who want to hit the trails, but you can also find gorgeous beaches.
Sāo Miguel
The island of São Miguel is the most popular island in the Azores, so if you want to explore the city and get a feel for the culture of this region, this is a great place to elope! The island has a rich culture, and lots of delicious Azorean food to try. You can also get off the beaten path a little with hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving!
Santa Maria
This is usually the warmest and driest island in the Azores, as it’s the furthest south. Here, you’ll find yellow beaches and a red desert, and there are natural pools to swim in all over the island, as well as quaint villages to explore!
When to Elope in the Azores
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 elopement.
WINTER IN the Azores
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!
SPRING IN the Azores
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.
SUMMER IN the Azores
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!
FALL IN the Azores
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!
Example budget of an elopement in the Azores
All-inclusive, 7-day ELOPEMENT + Honeymoon
6 nights in accommodation (3* or more)
Award-winning elopement photographer for 3 days
All meals for the 7 days
4-5 beautiful, natural and raw ceremony location options
Custom timeline of the day
Officiant
Florist
Hair and makeup
Car rental
Airport transfers
TOTAL FOR An all-inclusive ELOPEMENT IN the Azores:
$22 100
12-hour ELOPEMENT
Award-winning elopement photographer for 12 hours
4-5 beautiful, natural and raw ceremony location options
Custom timeline of the day
TOTAL FOR A 12-hour ELOPEMENT IN the Azores:
$8 000
What to Wear to Elope in the Azores
A traditional wedding outfit may not be a good fit for your Azores elopement. It’s really important to be comfortable, so here are some tips for what to wear!
The Dress
The Azores are pretty warm, so it’s a good idea to choose a lightweight dress that won’t be too hot! For elopements, I always recommend opting for loose skirts and comfortable styles, since you’ll be walking around and adventuring all day. Make sure you can move freely!
The Shoes
Shoes are just as important as the rest of your outfit! Hiking boots are best if you plan to walk a lot, and if you’re eloping in the rainy season, make sure your shoes are waterproof. If you get new shoes for the big day, make sure to break them in!
The Suit
Just like with the dress, your elopement suit should be comfortable, and it shouldn’t restrict your movement. Make sure you can move, squat, bend over, and do all the things without a wardrobe malfunction!
Elope in the Azores – Your Checklist
Choose a Location
Finding the perfect spot to exchange vows and marry your best friend is the best part! As an elopement photographer and travel planner, I’ll help you find some amazing, secret spots in the Azores.
Pick a date
After you learn about the weather, set a date for your Azores elopement!
Find more information about travel visas and wedding documentation
Most couples won’t need a visa to elope in the Azores, unless you plan to extend your stay for a few months. Make sure all of your other documents are up to date!
Book your flights and accommodation
Book your flights, accommodations, and rentals as soon as possible, because the Azores have a limited number of places to stay! Doing this early will ensure that you can be close to your elopement location.
Book your vendors
A great team of vendors will make a huge difference for your elopement day, so find people you love who will bring your dream day to reality! Reach out early, as our calendars fill up quickly.
Live your dream elopement
This is it! Time to adventure around the islands, have the best day of your life, and marry the persian you love. If you want to know more about my Azores elopement packages, or want to start planning your day, contact me!
DO the Azores SOUND LIKE YOUR DREAM?
How it works to plan your elopement in the Azores
Let’s dive in, so you can start your journey right away!
Imagine a wedding where you can be you. Breathe. Bask in each other’s love.
Experience a place close to your hearts, or a bucket-list dream.
Let’s chat!
Are you eager to start planning your elopement in the Azores? I’m here to help you envision, plan and immortalize this beautiful adventure! Contact me now for a free consultation!
