Brazil | Planning Notes

Legal Requirements:

High degree of difficulty. Two documents are required: an application to register one's intention to get married, as well as a marriage license.

Further info:

http://www.casamentocivil.com.br

Time Needed:

At least 35 working days to obtain license.

Where to apply:

Bride and groom must apply at Civil Registry Office in Brazil, with 2 witnesses over the age of 21 who carry their own legal ID.

ID Requirement:

Passport and Tourist Permit, birth certificate (Original Copy) showing your parents full names. If birth certificate does not show parent's full names, then the US Embassy or Consulate will provide a “Certidao e inscricao consular” if you present your US passport and a recent 2”x2” photo and ($20 fee). Please note: All documents, including Birth Certificates, need to be authenticated by a Brazilian consulate, where they need to be translated by a sworn Brazilian translator.

Previous Marriages:

Present to the Civil Registry office closest to your wedding site a sworn affidavit declaring your marital status as single signed by the US Embassy or Consulate. $55 fee. Sworn death certificates also required, if applicable. A Brazilian lawyer is needed to assist in filing legalized divorce decrees from other countries (list of attorneys available at www.consulado-americano-rio.org.br)

Waiting Period:

Once required documents have been filed and fees paid, 30 day waiting period before license is approved

License is valid for:

3 months

Fees:

Check with Civil Registry Office. At least $45 US dollars

Blood Tests:

No

Witnesses:

2 witnesses over 21, with passports.

Translation:

All documents must be translated by a sworn Brazilian translater into Portuguese, names of whom are available through www.consulado-americano-rio.org.br)

Immigration/Visas:

Brazilian Visa Required of US citizens, Canadians, Australian and New Zealanders and many other countries.

Civil Ceremonies:

Only civil ceremonies are legally recognized in Brazil.

Religious Ceremonies:

Religious ceremonies may be performed, but are not legally binding. Brazil enjoys complete religious freedom and therefore, offers a great variety including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal, Spiritist (Kardecists), Mormon, Jewish, Moslem, Buddhist and Candomblé and Umbanda which are African religions. Most religious services in Brazil are quite short.

Design Ideas:

It was once necessary for the groom to first tame the unbridled donkey of the father of the bride-to-be before given permission to marry! “Bem –casado” means well-wed. Known for their love of parties, Brazilians lavish themselves and others with attention when an occasion arises to celebrate. In Sao Paulo there is a street dedicated just for wedding celebrations called Rua das Noivas, or “Bride Street.” Parking is free for brides. Because weddings can be so expensive, many Brazilians forgo both the church wedding and the reception. Those wealthy enough to afford a big reception have ornate invitations hand delivered to their guests. Buffet style receptions usually include hors d’oeuves called salgadinhos (little salties) and along with the traditional wedding cake, several hundred bon-bons are given out . Each guest is given a “bem-casados,” or shortbread cookie with a chocolate filling, as a parting gift. The bride's maids (madrinhas) and groomsmen (padrinhos) are expected to give the couple lavish gifts, and also often foot part of the cost of the wedding itself! Parents are often expected to give their children an apartment as a wedding gift!

Bahian cuisine, which was developed by the slaves, lots of shrimp, rice, manioc, churrasco which is spicy meat skewed on a metal sword and cooked over an open fire. The gauchos used to cook an entire steer that way! Feijoada is a very typical dish in Rio and it consists of beans, air-dried beef, smoked sausage, tongue, pigs ears and tails, garlic and chile peppers. It is served with rice, collard greens and orange slices. To drink you must serve Brazilian beer which is believed to be some of the best in the world! They also make Cachaca Rum which is most often served with sugar and lime to make a Caipirinha drink. Guaraná is a delightful soft drink made from a tropical fruit that grows in the Amazon.