Madeira Elopement Guide
How to elope in Madeira in 2025-2026
Known as “The Hawaii of Europe”, Madeira is one of the greatest destinations for an intimate yet adventurous Elopement Wedding in Europe.
From stunning mountain peaks to dramatic cliff-side views across the Atlantic Ocean and scenic black sand beaches – this incredible little island literally has it all.
Hey, I’m Nico – Your Madeira Elopement Photographer
Photography & Planning
As a multi-award-winning photographer, documenting and planning international Elopements and Weddings has been my life for years now.
Madeira is one of my absolute favorite places in the world, which is why what I do for you goes far beyond only capturing your adventure.
I’ll co-plan your entire experience with you, create the perfect itinerary and timeline for your day, choose the best photo & ceremony locations and assist you throughout your entire planning process.
And, when I got married, I eloped too! I know exactly what it’s like to be in your shoes and truly believe you deserve to feel just as valued, seen and full of love as I did on my own Elopement.
Want to get inspired first?
Take a look at a Pico do Arieiro Elopement above the clouds or a Fanal Forest Wedding in Madeira.
How to get married in Madeira
Can foreigners legally marry in Madeira?
Yes, you can legally get married in Madeira. However, there are a few important requirements you need to meet as a foreigner.
All your documents will need to be translated to Portuguese and handed to the registry office in Madeira at least 30 days prior to your ceremony.
To have some margin for error, it’s best to do this at least 2-3 months before you’re planning to get married in Madeira, though.
If a civil ceremony in Madeira is what you’re going for, take a look at the required documents below and I’ll gladly connect you with a local celebrant / officiant to help you with this.
However, the easier way might be to take care of the legal part in your home country and instead plan a symbolic ceremony in Madeira, with our without an officiant. This is often also the more heartfelt, romantic and personal choice for most couples.
Which documents do you need for a wedding in Madeira?
Valid Passport or ID
A identification document which includes a photograph of you.
Divorce Decree / Death Certificate
If one you has been married before and got divorced or widowed, the appropriate certificate is required as proof.
Certificate of no Impediment
A certificate that states you’re legally allowed to marry. You will get this from your local registry office in your home country.
Birth certificate
Both you and your parter need to provide a valid birth certificate.
Marriage Registration Application
In addition to your other documents, this application needs to be submitted to the Registry Office in Madeira, called Conservatória do Registo Civil.
Translation
And like mentioned before, it’s important that all your documents are translated to Portuguese and authenticated with an Apostille Stamp.
Civil ceremony vs symbolic ceremony
Whether a civil ceremony or a symbolic one is the right choice for your Elopement in Madeira, comes down to personal choice.
When to choose a civil ceremony:
To legally marry in Madeira, a civil ceremony performed by an authorized officiant is the only option. It adds a few more things to your to-do list beforehand, but is absolutely possible.
I’ve listed all the required documents and legal procedures above, so feel free to take a look.
When a symbolic ceremony is right:
Many couples choose not to deal with the legal part of getting married in a foreign country when they’re eloping and take care of this at home instead, which is much easier.
They all opt for a symbolic ceremony – with our without an officiant.
This personal and intimate way to get married is the perfect opportunity for you to share heartfelt vows, exchange your rings and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime moment without any pressure.
Choosing a symbolic ceremony doesn’t make your Elopement any less meaningful or significant! In fact, to me it rather feels like the opposite. Getting married is not about signing a legal document. Instead, it’s about vowing to dedicate your entire life to one another.
The best Elopement locations in Madeira
I’ll of course share my favorite spots and secrets with you, but here are a few great choices for both ceremony locations and photo locations in Madeira:
As one of the most mystical places you’ll ever see, Fanal Forest absolutely deserves its well known nickname “Fairy Forest”. Ancient trees, often enwrapped in a hazy mist, make this one-of-a-kind forest a must-visit for your trip to Madeira and also an amazing choice for a ceremony location and some couple portraits on your wedding day.
Take a look at a Fanal Forest Wedding Gallery.
For watching both a breathtaking sunrise and sunset above the clouds, there’s no better place than the summit of Pico do Arieiro. It’s easily accessible by car (no hiking required!) and offers some of the most dramatic panoramic views.
Want to see more? Check out this Pico do Arieiro Elopement above the clouds.
Along the coast on the northern side of the island lies this better known, yet spectacular view point. Steep cliffs rise straight out of the ocean and look especially stunning at sunrise.
How about some landscapes that sometimes make you feel like you’re on another planet? Ponta do São Lourenço reaches out far into the ocean at the easternmost point of Madeira. I can highly recommend the amazing 3h ridgeline hike (to Miradouro Ponta do Furado).
If the hike out to Miradouro Ponta do Furado isn’t your thing, Ponta do Bode is one of many places to enjoy the views along the dramatic eastern coastline with little to no hiking required, especially at sunrise.
Madeira is home to many amazing waterfalls and the Garganta Funda on the south-western tip of the island is no exception. Easily accessible by a 10min walk, you’ll not only get to enjoy the huge waterfall, but also yet another stunning viewpoint where you often happen to be all by yourself.
Experience the most amazing sunset at this viewpoint on the north-western edge of the island. After a short walk down from the small parking lot you’ll be met by lush greenery and breathtaking cliffs.
After parking next to the cute chapel nearby and quickly walking to the coastline, this lesser known viewpoint delivers some amazing coastal views. You’ll occasionally be met by some curious local cows. With some benches and picnic tables, this spot is also great for a quick lunch break on your Elopement.
Time for something epic!
Are you dreaming of an Elopement adventure of your own?
Let’s make your dreams become reality:
How to get to Madeira for your Elopement Wedding
By plane
The easiest way to get to Madeira for your Elopement will be by plane. The local airport (FNC), named after world famous football player Cristiano Ronaldo, is pretty well connected and many European cities and airlines offer direct flights to get there.
For US couples: There are also direct flights to Madeira from New York and Boston, although currently not available throughout the entire year. However, you always have many option that include a quick layover in Lisbon or Porto for example.
By ferry
If you’re based in southern Europe and flying isn’t your thing, there’s also the option to reach Madeira by ferry from the Portuguese mainland. This will take longer of course and availability is more limited compared to flights, so make sure to plan ahead.
How to get around in Madeira
Get a rental car
With limited public transportation, getting around Madeira without a car would be a huge challenge and one I can’t recommend.
Exploring the island is the most convenient and fun with your own car, so make sure to rent one in advance.
Most major rental companies operate directly at the airport, while smaller, more budget friendly ones will simply pick you up outside the terminal to get to their office.
Important tips:
The best time for an Elopement in Madeira
With its mild and tropical climate, Madeira is an amazing destination throughout the entire year. However, it call still change a little depending on the season.
Madeira is famous for blooming florals and after a little more rainy winter season, the time between March to the end of May allows you to enjoy them the best.
With pleasant temperatures and fewer people around, this is a great time to come to Madeira.
Summer is the peak season in Madeira and therefore attracts the most tourist, but also sees the least amount of rain. With temperatures reaching the low 30s (86°F) in the south, it’s great for many outdoor activities.
Due to the sun rising early and setting late, you get to enjoy long days with tons of daylight, though the more popular places will be more crowded.
Especially from November onwards there’ll be significantly fewer crowds. While you’ll definitely need to bring a jacket for trips to the mountains, this time of the year still offers you enjoyable temperatures.
Winter is when some of Madeiras landscaped will look the most dramatic. It’s perfect for moody and cinematic photos and allows you to have the most secluded and private Elopement experience.
Either March to May or October to November are easily my favorite times to be in Madeira.
You get to avoid the busiest season, could have some places entirely to yourself and while the temperatures might be bit colder, you’ll still have a great experience.
The best hotels and AirBnbs for your Madeira Elopement
Since most couples like to have their Getting Ready be part of their romantic Elopement photo story, choosing the right accommodation is key.
On top of being photogenic, though, it should also be a place that makes you feel comfortable.
Here are a few recommendations to get you started:
Les Suites at The Cliff Bay
Hotel Porto Mare
Reid’s Palace
Hotel Quinta Do Furao
Hilani House
Casa Estrelicia
Villa in São Gonçalo
FAQ – Other important questions answered
How to plan a Madeira Elopement
How to actually create your Elopement in just 9 simple steps
Are you still wondering how to actually proceed with your planning now? What are the next steps for you?
Let’s put words into action with these step-by-step instructions:
Step 01 – Create your vision
Think about what you want to do on your Elopement and the kind of places you’d love to see. Discuss your must-haves like traditions, activities and locations.
Step 02 – Set a date
Take a look at the best times to elope in Madeira above, see what sounds the best to you and mark 1-2 options in your calendar. Your initial date doesn’t need to be 100 % final – it’s good to still have a bit of flexibility to be able to work around your vendors schedules for example.
Step 03 – Set a budget
Try to figure out what an approximate budget might look like for you. It helps to go into your planning process with at least some kind of idea of this. You can find more about the costs of an Elopement in Madeira down below.
Step 04 – Decide on guests
Eloping does not mean you have to do it all on your own, so think about if bringing a few people along for your day (or the day after) is a good fit for your vision. There’re multiple ways to go about this and if you’re unsure, I’ll gladly talk about it with you.
Step 05 – Handle the Legalities
If you plan to legally marry in Madeira, gather all required documents (mentioned above) and submit them to the local registry office in time. To be safe, you should get started with this at least 2-3 months before your wedding date.
Step 06 – Hire your vendors
Reach out and hire your vendors. If you feel like you and me might be a good fit, I’d love to join you as your Elopement Photographer & Co-Planner in Madeira and already take things like the locations, timeline and itinerary for your day off your mind. Feel free to inquire with me down below.
I’ll also gladly connect you with any local vendors you might need in Madeira like an officiant, a florist or someone for your hair and make-up.
Step 07 – Book your travel
Book your flights, accommodation and rental car and use platforms like Google Flights or Booking to find the best options. Try to arrive in Madeira at least 1-2 days before your Elopement to have some margin for error and enough time to settle in.
Please note: To pick up your rental car you’ll need a valid credit card that’s in the name of the person who made the booking.
Also, don’t forget to check for Visa requirements. If you’re from the EU or US, you don’t need one.
Step 08 – Attire, Vows, Rings
Choose attire that you’re comfortable in and that allows you to move around freely all day. Even if we’re not going for a hike, the terrain will still often be rocky so bring hiking boots instead of high-heels. Also, a jacket will always come in handy – it can get pretty chilly in the mountains.
Elopements are the perfect place for heartfelt vows so maybe write or at least draft them beforehand.
This is also a great time now to buy your rings. Fully custom ones can sometimes take several weeks until you can pick them up, so keep that in mind.
Step 09 – Get excited
Now it’s time to lay back and get excited! You’ve decided to get married in the most amazing way possible, quickly put it all together in a few simple steps and can now look forward to an experience only few get to have in their life.
How much does an Elopement in Madeira cost?
The cost of an Elopement in Madeira can vary significantly depending on your personal choices, like how luxurious your accommodation is or how many other vendors you hire in addition to your photographer.
Another major part of your budget will be your own travel costs.
However, an Elopement usually doubles as a honeymoon if you extend your stay a little, saving you quite a substantial amount of money.
In general, most Elopements in Madeira fall within the range of 5.000–9.000 € (5,400–9,700 $), not including your own travel costs.
This makes them significantly more budget-friendly than a traditional wedding, which usually costs about 2-3x more.
You deserve
Award-Winning Images
that truly tell your story
Hear what others say:
Over 75+ five-star-reviews
“The best from start to finish!”
10/10! Nico was the best from start to finish.
He helped plan our Elopement day in Madeira, found cool spots for us to check out […] while keeping our vision and interests top of mind.
From immediately putting us at ease on the big day, to playing our favorite music, to possessing a keen attention to detail and creative artistic style, Nico is a master behind the camera!
We’re so happy he captured our special day. We’re beyond thankful to Nico for his breathtaking, incredibly beautiful photos that perfectly capture our enthusiasm, happiness, and love.
– Sara & Evan 🇺🇸
Madeira Elopement Photographer Packages
I’ll co-plan your entire Elopement with you, support you every step of the way and of course capture every precious moment in stunning photos for you.
What’s always included:
Packages starting at
€ 5.400 / $ 5.800
But why me?
Because this isn’t just a job to me – it’s personal
Just like you, I eloped too. You deserve to feel just as valued, seen and full of love as I did at my own Elopement.
I truly believe your story and uniqueness matter, which is why I give my all to ensure you have the intimate wedding experience of your dreams.
With me by your side, you’ll have the space to fully be yourself and savor every second of this incredible, joyful adventure in Madeira.
And? Ready?
Let’s go!
You don’t need to have it all figured out yet, don’t worry.
Just drop me a message and I’ll get back to you within 48h. I can’t wait to hear from you, learn about your plans and make them become reality for you.
