In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Brazil.
Weddings in Brazil: What You Need To Know
Brazil is a land of many wonders – from its lush rainforests to its stunning beaches, it is no wonder that couples are increasingly choosing to tie the knot in this South American country.
Brazil is a renowned destination for weddings, with many stunning locations to choose from.
From the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the rainforests of the Amazon, there is no shortage of places to exchange vows.
Brazil also boasts a rich culture and history, making it a very popular choice for destination weddings.
With careful planning and forethought, a destination wedding in Brazil can be an unforgettable experience.
But first: you need to know where in the world Brazil is…
Where is Brazil?
Brazil is located in east-central South America, and covers about half of the continent’s land area. It borders all countries and territories in South America except Ecuador and Chile, and has an extensive coastline on the Atlantic Ocean to the east spanning 4,655 mi (7,491 km).
Area: 3,282,922 sq mi (8,502,728 sq km), Population: (2022 est.) 214,891,000, Capital: Brasília.
Brazil Facts To Know:
- Language: Portuguese
- Currency: Brazilian real (BRL)
- Airports: São Paulo International Airport (GRU), Brasília International Airport (BSB), Galeão International Airport (GIG)
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.visitbrasil.com/en/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Brazil for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Brazil
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Brazil:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Brazil or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Brazil wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Brazil:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Brazil
Brazil Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Brazil:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Brazil?
- What are the marriage requirements for Brazil?
- What is the weather like in Brazil?
- What should you pack for a trip to Brazil?
- What things are there to do in Brazil?
- What are the best Brazilian wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Brazil Cost?
The marriage license and registration fee is $15.00.
Both partners have to be present to apply for a date at the Civil Registry Office in the state where they will marry.
They have to be accompanied by two witnesses who are at least 21 years old.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Brazil
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport, and copies of the passport.
- Original birth certificate.
- Declaration of Civil Status issued by the local Consulate or Embassy (valid for 90 days).
- If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
- Name change document – generally all names on all documents need to match (including your parents’ names), otherwise proof of name change needs to be shown.
- Proof of residence in the foreign or your home country (utility bills).
Other legal requirements are:
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- Two witnesses are required over the age of 21.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Brazil, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All international paperwork has to be translated into Portuguese by an official translator. It is mandatory that they be authenticated with an Apostille stamp from your home country first.
- Only a civil ceremony is legally recognized, and religious ceremonies alone are not legally binding.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in Brazil?
It is difficult to choose a time of year that is perfect for visiting the whole of Brazil, but you may opt for the austral winter, which runs from June to August, which is often the coolest, driest, and sunniest period of the year.
It’s important to note that this time of year is very hot in the interior of the north-east, but it can get cold in the south, and the far south is very rainy.
Then, for visiting São Paulo and the south, consider the time between mid-April and mid-May.
Rainfall varies greatly throughout the country so it is best to check locally.
The sea in north-central Brazil is always warm enough for swimming. However, from June to October, the sea gets somewhat colder near Rio de Janeiro and significantly colder along the coast of Rio Grande do Sul, where in August the sea temperature drops to 57 °F (14 °C); however in January – March the water is a pleasant 73–75 degrees Fahrenheit (23–24 degrees Celsius) there.
What should you pack for your trip?
In the winter:
If you plan on visiting the Amazon during the winter (June to August), pack tropics-friendly, loose-fitting clothes, perhaps with long sleeves for protection against insects, and a sweatshirt for the evenings.
If you will be traveling to the north-east (from Natal to the south) this time of year, bring light clothing: a sweatshirt for the evening, a light scarf for the breeze, and a light sweatshirt and a light raincoat for thunderstorms. If you are going to São Luís and Fortaleza you can pack a light scarf and a light sweatshirt for the windy evenings.
When going to Rio de Janeiro, you should carry along some light clothing for the day, a sweatshirt or sweater and a jacket for the evening, as well as an umbrella and a raincoat.
Clothing appropriate for spring and fall, a sweater, a jacket, and either a raincoat or an umbrella are essential in Brasilia, São Paulo, and Florianopolis, as well as the extreme south.
In the summer:
During the summer months (December through February), you should pack tropics-friendly, lightweight clothes to wear in the forest and tropical area, all the way down to Rio de Janeiro. You should also bring a sun hat, potentially a light sweatshirt and a light raincoat in case there are thunderstorms, and possibly a sweater and a scarf to wear in places that have air conditioning.
When traveling to Brasilia, São Paulo, or the southern region of Brazil, pack light clothing, a sweatshirt or light jacket for the evening, as well as an umbrella or raincoat.
Brazil Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Brazil:
Average Temperatures in Brazil
The table below shows the average temperatures in Brazil each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 24.3 | 30.6 | 27.5 | 76 | 87 | 81.4 |
| February | 24.4 | 31.2 | 27.8 | 76 | 88 | 82 |
| March | 23.9 | 29.9 | 26.9 | 75 | 86 | 80.4 |
| April | 22.8 | 28.6 | 25.7 | 73 | 84 | 78.3 |
| May | 20.7 | 26.4 | 23.5 | 69 | 80 | 74.4 |
| June | 19.8 | 25.9 | 22.8 | 68 | 79 | 73.1 |
| July | 19.2 | 25.4 | 22.3 | 67 | 78 | 72.1 |
| August | 19.4 | 25.7 | 22.5 | 67 | 78 | 72.6 |
| September | 20 | 26.3 | 23.1 | 68 | 79 | 73.6 |
| October | 21.2 | 27.1 | 24.2 | 70 | 81 | 75.5 |
| November | 21.8 | 27.9 | 24.8 | 71 | 82 | 76.7 |
| December | 23.3 | 29.7 | 26.5 | 74 | 85 | 79.7 |
| Year | 21.7 | 27.9 | 24.75 | 71.1 | 82.2 | 76.5 |
Average Rainfall in Brazil
The table below shows the average rainfall in Brazil each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 135 | 5.3 | 11 |
| February | 130 | 5.1 | 7 |
| March | 135 | 5.3 | 8 |
| April | 95 | 3.7 | 9 |
| May | 70 | 2.8 | 6 |
| June | 45 | 1.8 | 6 |
| July | 40 | 1.6 | 4 |
| August | 45 | 1.8 | 5 |
| September | 55 | 2.2 | 7 |
| October | 85 | 3.3 | 9 |
| November | 100 | 3.9 | 10 |
| December | 135 | 5.3 | 11 |
| Year | 1070 | 42.1 | 93 |
Sunshine Hours in Brazil
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Brazil each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 5 | 155 |
| February | 5.5 | 160 |
| March | 6 | 180 |
| April | 6.5 | 200 |
| May | 7.5 | 235 |
| June | 8.5 | 255 |
| July | 8.5 | 265 |
| August | 8.5 | 265 |
| September | 7 | 205 |
| October | 5.5 | 170 |
| November | 5 | 140 |
| December | 4.5 | 140 |
| Year | 6.5 | 2365 |
Sea Temperatures in Brazil
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Brazil each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 26 | 78 |
| February | 26 | 79 |
| March | 26 | 79 |
| April | 26 | 78 |
| May | 24 | 76 |
| June | 23 | 73 |
| July | 22 | 72 |
| August | 22 | 71 |
| September | 22 | 71 |
| October | 22 | 72 |
| November | 24 | 74 |
| December | 25 | 77 |
| Year | 24 | 75.2 |
What To Wear in Brazil? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Brazil so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Light, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton, as the weather can be quite warm and humid.
- Comfortable walking shoes: This is a must for any exploring, hiking or sightseeing you will be doing.
- A hat or sunglasses: The sun is strong in Brazil. Be sure to pack a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget sunscreen!
- Beachwear: Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit so you can enjoy the amazing beaches of Brazil!
- Insect repellent: Pack insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be a problem in some areas.
- Camera: Brazil is incredibly photogenic. Be sure to bring along a camera to capture all the memories.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in Brazil
There are many different things to do in Brazil, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Sugarloaf Mountain
- Parque Nacional do Iguaçu
- Corcovado – Christ the Redeemer
- Dunas de Genipabu
- Jardim Botânico de Curitiba
- Ipanema Beach
- Baia do Sancho
- Copacabana Beach
- Mini Mundo
- Chapada Diamantina National Park
- Salvador
- Manaus
- Vila Madalena in Sao Paulo
- Pantanal
- Ouro Preto
- National Park of Aparados da Serra
- Maracanã
- Beto Carrero World
Best Brazil Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Brazil?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Brazil
- BUFFET FASANO in São Paulo
- Hotel Santa Teresa in Rio De Janeiro
- Ponta Dos Ganchos Resort
- Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio De Janeiro
- Botanique Hotel & Spa in Campos Do Jordão
- Trancoso in the State of Bahia
- Ponta dos Ganchos Resort in Governador Celso Ramos
- Ilhabela in the state of São Paulo
- Alameda Figueira in Cachoeirinha
- Saint Andrews Castle in Gramado
Hotels in Brazil
- Rio144 – Rio de Janeiro
- Vila Santa Teresa – Rio de Janeiro
- CLIFFSIDE – Boutique Hotel & Spa – Rio de Janeiro
- Grand Mercure Sao Paulo Vila Olimpia
- Grand Hyatt São Paulo
- Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo
- Hotel & Pousada Favareto – Florianópolis
- Pousada Lozalti – Florianópolis
- Pousada Lembrança – Florianópolis
