Dreaming of a Catholic ceremony and a vineyard celebration? At Quinta do Boiro couples marry in one of the historic churches of Alenquer — the most popular are a 16th-century sanctuary in Merceana, the neoclassical basilica of Santa Quitéria in Meca and the medieval Franciscan convent church in Alenquer, all within 15 minutes — and then return to Quinta do Boiro for the reception. Here are the churches our couples choose most often, how the paperwork works for Portuguese and international couples, and how we plan the day around the ceremony.
The churches at a glance
| Church | From Quinta do Boiro | Why couples choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Merceana | 10 min | 16th-century sanctuary · three naves · Property of Public Interest |
| Basílica de Santa Quitéria, Meca | 15 min | Neoclassical, completed 1799 · twin towers · Property of Public Interest |
| Igreja e Convento de São Francisco, Alenquer | 15 min | Founded c. 1222 · 14th-century cloister · Manueline portal, National Monument |
The churches our couples choose most
Drive times are approximate, from the estate gate. These are the most common choices, not the only ones: other churches in the area are possible too. Every church ceremony is subject to the agreement of the parish priest and the parish calendar — we are happy to make the introductions.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Merceana
Our closest church and a sanctuary with seven centuries of devotion. Legend tells of a shepherd who, in 1305, followed his ox to an oak where it knelt each day — and found there a small image of Our Lady. The present church was built in the 1520s–1530s: three naves in a blend of late Gothic and Renaissance, gilded altarpieces, azulejos and a ceiling painted in 1746. It is classified as a Property of Public Interest.
16th-century sanctuary · three naves · Property of Public Interest
Sanctuary page →Basílica de Santa Quitéria, Meca
A grand neoclassical church completed in 1799 under the patronage of Queen Maria I, inspired by the architecture of Mafra and often compared with Lisbon's Estrela Basilica. Twin bell towers, a barrel-vaulted nave painted with the life of Saint Quitéria, fine marble work and paintings by Pedro Alexandrino make it one of the most impressive settings for a ceremony in the Lisbon region. Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1949.
Neoclassical, completed 1799 · twin towers · Property of Public Interest
Wikipedia →Igreja e Convento de São Francisco, Alenquer
One of the first Franciscan convents in Portugal, founded around 1222 when the Infanta Sancha gave her palace to the friars. Its 14th-century cloister survived the 1755 earthquake, and the carved Manueline portal of the chapter house is a National Monument. The church has been Alenquer's parish church since 1834, in the heart of the town the Portuguese call the “Nativity Village”.
Founded c. 1222 · 14th-century cloister · Manueline portal, National Monument
Wikipedia →How a church wedding works
Choose the church and set the date
Tell us the style and size of ceremony you imagine and we will introduce you to the parishes that fit. The date is confirmed by the parish priest, so it is worth settling the church before anything else.
Open the marriage file at your home parish
The Catholic paperwork is prepared by the parish where you live. Couples living abroad ask their own parish priest to prepare the file, which is then sent through your diocese to the Patriarchate of Lisbon and on to the Portuguese parish.
Gather the documents
Typically: recent baptism certificates (usually issued within the last six months), confirmation certificates, proof of a marriage-preparation course, declarations of freedom to marry and identity documents. Your parish will confirm the exact list.
Decide how to handle the civil side
In Portugal a Catholic wedding can also be your legal marriage, provided the civil preliminary process is completed at a Portuguese civil registry office beforehand. Many international couples prefer to marry civilly at home and hold the church ceremony here. Our guide to getting married in Portugal explains both routes.
Plan the day around the ceremony
Church ceremonies usually last 45 minutes to an hour. We coordinate guest transport between the church and Quinta do Boiro, and the reception begins among the vines — with our chapel and courtyards as the backdrop for photographs.
Not Catholic, or marrying in two traditions?
Civil and symbolic ceremonies take place on the estate itself — in the vineyard pavilion, the courtyards or the gardens, with our chapel as a backdrop. Couples of other faiths can bring their own celebrant for a blessing among the vines. See our chapel and outdoor ceremonies.
Frequently asked questions
Can we get married in the chapel at Quinta do Boiro?
Ceremonies are not held inside the estate's chapel itself; it is kept for photographs and quiet moments. Couples who want a Catholic ceremony marry in one of the historic churches nearby — the closest is about 10 minutes away — and hold the reception at Quinta do Boiro. Civil and symbolic ceremonies can take place on the estate, in the vineyard pavilion, courtyards or gardens.
Which churches near Quinta do Boiro can we get married in?
The churches our couples choose most often are the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Merceana (about 10 minutes), the Basílica de Santa Quitéria in Meca (about 15 minutes) and the Igreja e Convento de São Francisco in Alenquer (about 15 minutes), though other churches in the area are possible. Every ceremony is subject to the agreement of the parish.
Can foreign couples have a Catholic wedding in Portugal?
Yes. Your home parish prepares the marriage file and sends it through your diocese to the Patriarchate of Lisbon, which forwards it to the Portuguese parish where you will marry. Start the process 6 to 12 months before the wedding.
Is a church wedding in Portugal legally valid?
It can be. A Catholic marriage celebrated in Portugal has civil effect once the preliminary civil process has been completed at a Portuguese civil registry office and the marriage is registered. Alternatively, many couples marry civilly in their home country and hold the religious ceremony in Portugal.
How far in advance should we book a church near Lisbon?
For a Saturday between May and October, contact the parish 12 months ahead if you can. The religious paperwork itself usually takes a few months, so allow at least six.
How do guests get from the church to Quinta do Boiro?
The churches most couples choose are 10 to 15 minutes from the estate. We help arrange coaches or shuttles so guests travel together from the church to the reception, with free parking inside the estate for those who drive.