Santo António Weddings 2025

Love, Tradition and Emotion on the Streets of Lisbon

The Saint Anthony Weddings are one of the most beautiful and moving popular traditions in Lisbon. Every year, on June 12, the eve of Saint Anthony's Day, dozens of couples say "I do" in a collective event organized by the City of Lisbon. In 2025, this romantic and cultural celebration will once again unite hearts in the capital, in a setting of celebration, basil, popular marches and shared emotion.

Fun fact: there have been more than 400 marriages celebrated since the first edition of the Saint Anthony Weddings in 1958

The tradition of the Saint Anthony Weddings began in 1958, when the city of Lisbon decided to promote collective weddings for couples with fewer resources. The idea was to simultaneously support and celebrate love, associating it with the figure of the Matchmaker Saint. The initiative was interrupted in 1974, during the period of instability after the Carnation Revolution, but returned in 1997 with greater strength and popularity.
Saint Anthony of Lisbon (or of Padua) is known as the patron saint of the poor and lovers, and is traditionally invoked by those seeking love, a happy marriage or marital harmony. Therefore, weddings held in his name have a deep spiritual and symbolic meaning.
Below we will explore the symbolism, the emotions he arouses, the preparations, the role of jewelry and what makes this event so special for the bride and groom and for those who follow this Portuguese tradition with such pride.

Marrying the City: An Open-Air Stage

When getting married at the Santo Antônio Weddings, the bride and groom also marry the city: with the sun, the excitement, the people, the energy of the decorated streets.
It is a wedding with an open heart, where every smile, every applause, every step of the march is intertwined with the couple's story.
A beautiful aspect of this tradition is its social component. Many couples receive material and logistical support to make their dream of getting married come true. In addition, this event mobilizes the city, promoting values ​​of solidarity, sharing and inclusion.

Who are the Bride and Groom?

This year, the bride and groom of Santo Antônio are between 27 and 50 years old and have different nationalities (such as Paraguay or Brazil), as well as different professions. However, they all have one thing in common: they are looking for a happy ending that began on June 12! This year, 16 couples said the long-awaited “I do”. If, in 1958, when it began, this tradition was aimed at people with more economic difficulties, today there are several criteria that allow choosing the bride and groom.
Below is the list of names of all the bride and grooms this year (*Source: egeac.pt):

• Cyndi Britez e Alejandro Ledesma
• Vanessa Otero e Sérgio Caetano
• Elisabet Gallego e Rui Pinto
• Gisela Epifânio e Vitor Gândara
• Ana Rute Salvado e João Fernandes
• Maria Sofia Almeida e Pedro Miguel Pires
• Diana Silva e João Quintas
• Vanessa Mota e Domingos Correi
• Patrícia Gomes e Pedro Ramalho
• Liliana Fonseca e Jorge Oliveira
• Vera Marques e Hugo Pinho
• Marina Rodrigues e Vasco Leitão
• Vânia Neves e André Ferreira
• Diana Ferreira e Carlos Ramos
• Sónia Luís e Joaquim Costa
• Mariana Saavedra e Francesco Bontempi
  
  

Image: informacao.lisboa.pt

The Magic of a Popular Wedding

Being one of the couples chosen for the Santo Antônio Weddings is a privilege. More than a ceremony, it is a community event, followed with affection by the entire city. In 2025, there was another edition full of emotions, live television, popular marches, flowers, basil and many love stories.

The ceremonies included:

• Civil or religious wedding (in the Church of Santo Antônio or in the City Hall);
• Photo session;
• Parade through the historic neighborhoods of Lisbon;
• Presence in the Popular Marches of Avenida da Liberdade;
• Support for dresses, costumes, makeup and, of course, the rings.

How to Participate in the Santo António Weddings

Registrations usually open at the beginning of the year and are open to couples over 18 years old, residents of Lisbon (or with a significant connection to the city), who wish to get married in June of that year. In addition to love, the reasons, the couple's history and the desire to celebrate this commitment publicly are also evaluated.
The bride and groom must fill out a registration form at one of the stores located in Alcântara, Baixa, Entrecampos, Marvila and Saldanha. The form must contain the bride and groom's identification documents, birth certificates, proof of residence in the city of Lisbon and updated passport-size photographs.
The initiative is organized by csa@egeac.pt, and clarification is the responsibility of the event organizers.
A iniciativa é organizada pela EGEAC and the Lisbon City Council, with the support of dozens of partners, stylists, hairdressers, florists and jewelers.

The Role of Jewelry: Wedding Rings and Emotions

No wedding is complete without wedding rings — the greatest symbol of commitment and eternal love. At the Santo António Weddings, wedding rings take on an even deeper meaning, as they represent not only the union of a couple, but also the involvement of an entire community.

At Lusijoia, we recommend celebrating this tradition with 19K Yellow Gold wedding rings engraved with the names of the bride and groom and this special date, offering a touch of classic elegance with a lasting meaning. Couples often choose other pieces, such as filigree earrings, engraved bracelets or medals with the image of Saint Anthony to wear to the ceremony and bring (even) more luck.

Image: informacao.lisboa.pt

Traditions and Symbolism

The Santo António festivities are full of symbolism:

• Basil, with popular verses, offered between lovers;
• Promises to the Saint, such as lighting a candle or praying for 13 days in a row;
• Requests to the Saint, with folded paper under the pillow on the night of June 12;
• Ringing of bells, during weddings, as a blessing.

These elements are part of the emotional experience of getting married in such a traditional environment and linked to the Lisbon identity.

Fashion, Style and Trends in 2025

More and more, couples at Santo Antônio Weddings are opting for personalized looks, which mix tradition and modernity, such as:

• Vintage or minimalist-inspired dresses;
• Natural makeup with touches of sparkle;
• Romantic hairstyles with fresh flowers;
• Suits with a modern cut or details in navy blue, beige or olive green.
• The jewelry was chosen with care, with brides displaying filigree details, Viana hearts and religious medals with sentimental value
  
  

Images: Visage Studio

If you also want a wedding full of meaning, tradition and community involvement, Santo António Weddings may be the ideal choice for you.
In addition to being a unique experience, it is also a way to celebrate love in tune with the Portuguese soul.

Happy Santo António and best wishes for many happy loves in 2025!

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