Ultimate Wedding Guide: The Do’s and Don’ts of Getting Married in Florianópolis, Brazil

Mari Joo Praise
Mari Joo
27 Sep 2024
6 min reading
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Planning a destination wedding can feel overwhelming, but getting married in Florianópolis, Brazil, can also be the most breathtaking and memorable experience of your life. To make your planning effortless, we created the ultimate guide based on deep research, professional wedding trends, and expert advice.

This is your all-in-one roadmap to getting married in Brazil — stress-free, beautiful, and unforgettable.

DO: Start Planning Early

  • Plan 6–18 months ahead to secure the best venues, photographers, florists, and caterers.
  • Florianópolis' top venues like VOAR Mansion book out quickly, especially from April to September (dry season).
  • Early planning gives you time to personalize your wedding vision and avoid second-choice vendors.
  • Peak seasons in Florianópolis (July, August, December) mean higher competition — lock in early!

DON’T: Book Vendors Without Consulting Your Wedding Planner

  • Your wedding planner orchestrates the entire event flow — from setup to teardown.
  • Booking vendors independently can cause miscommunication and chaos on your wedding day.
  • Share any preferred vendors with your planner first so they can align logistics, timing, and standards.

DO: Define Your Wedding Foundation

  • Confirm your wedding date, guest count, and wedding style before making any big decisions.
  • Popular wedding styles in Florianópolis include beachfront weddings, forest ceremonies, clifftop elopements, and rustic luxury celebrations.
  • VOAR Mansion and other high-end venues have limited capacity — early clarity helps you secure the perfect match.

DON’T: Split Ceremony and Reception Locations

  • Hosting your ceremony and reception at the same venue saves time, money, and stress.
  • Additional venues often mean extra fees for transportation, setup, event permits, and village taxes.
  • Florianópolis venues like VOAR offer panoramic ceremony decks and reception spaces all in one — maximizing guest comfort and minimizing costs.

DO: Hire a Local Wedding Planner

  • A local planner understands Brazil's marriage laws, logistics, and vendor landscape.
  • They negotiate better rates, help with permits, and troubleshoot any unexpected issues.
  • Your wedding planner will guide you through legal paperwork, religious or symbolic ceremony requirements, and cultural nuances.
Credit card mockups
Credit card mockups
Credit card mockups

DON’T: Leave Your Guests Without Entertainment During Cocktail Hour

  • Organize entertainment like:
    • Bossa Nova bands
    • Samba shows
    • Acoustic guitarists
    • Fire dancers or capoeira performers
    • Traditional Brazilian "rindik" music
  • Offering chilled cocktails and canapés keeps guests energized and excited while you take photos.

DO: Arrange Wedding Attire Before Arrival

  • Florianópolis specializes in nature and beach luxury — not wedding attire shopping.
  • Bring your dress, suits, shoes, and accessories from home to avoid last-minute stress.
  • Local hotels and luxury venues like VOAR offer concierge steaming and wardrobe services.

DON’T: Get Stuck on Legal Ceremonies

  • Legal weddings in Brazil involve complex paperwork, translations, and sometimes religious requirements.
  • Many international couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in Florianópolis and handle legal registration back home.
  • Symbolic weddings offer full creative freedom with minimal bureaucratic hurdles.

DO: Use Local Secrets to Maximize Elegance Without Overspending

  • Switch imported flowers for gorgeous local Brazilian orchids and bromeliads.
  • Choose venues that allow you to bring your own champagne and wine.
  • Hire local musicians and artisans for authentic yet affordable entertainment.

DON’T: Ignore Florianópolis’ Weather Patterns

  • Dry Season (April–September): Best time for clear skies, low humidity, and unforgettable sunsets.
  • Rainy Season (November–March): Lush green scenery but unpredictable showers — always have a plan B.
  • Booking outdoor weddings? Target June, July, or August for maximum sunshine and minimal rain.

DO: Focus on What Matters Most to You

  • Identify your top wedding priorities early:
    • Breathtaking ceremony location
    • Gourmet dinner experience
    • Live band and entertainment
    • Luxury accommodations for guests
  • Focus your budget and energy on what makes your day meaningful to you.

DO: Trust Your Florianópolis Wedding Experts

  • Local planners and vendors have decades of experience curating world-class weddings.
  • Trust their advice on:
    • Best photography times
    • Hidden beaches for photoshoots
    • Secret gardens for intimate receptions
  • Their insider knowledge can make the difference between a good wedding and an unforgettable one.

Final Thoughts

Getting married in Florianópolis, Brazil, isn’t just about beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountains — it’s about creating a deeply personal, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

With early planning, the right team, and insider knowledge, your Florianópolis wedding can be everything you’ve dreamed of — and even more. Whether you say "I Do" atop a mountain, on a hidden beach, or surrounded by the Atlantic forest, Brazil’s magic will infuse every moment of your love story.

At VOAR Mansion, we're ready to bring your dream wedding to life — with breathtaking views, award-winning architecture, and unforgettable memories awaiting you.

FAQs

Q: Is Florianópolis a good destination for a wedding? Absolutely! Florianópolis – nicknamed Brazil’s “Magic Island” – is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, safety, and affordability​. With over 40 beaches, lush hills, and a laid-back, luxurious vibe, the island gives couples a dreamy backdrop and an unforgettable adventure. Many say it’s one of Brazil’s best-kept secrets for weddings.

Q: What paperwork do we need to get married in Brazil? You must register your marriage at a local cartório (notary office). Bring your passports, birth certificates, and a civil status certificate – all legalized/apostilled by your home country and translated into Portuguese. You’ll file a declaration of intent with two witnesses, pay a fee, and publish a notice of your marriage. After the 15-day waiting period, you can hold the ceremony​. A local translator or wedding lawyer can help you complete these steps smoothly.

Q: When is the best time of year to get married in Florianópolis? For warm, sunny weather, plan your wedding between October/November and March/April. This corresponds to spring and summer in Brazil​. Summers (December–February) offer long days and golden light – perfect for beach weddings. (Couples generally avoid the cool, rainy winter months of June–August​.)

Q: Do we need a wedding planner or coordinator in Florianópolis? It’s highly recommended. Language and local regulations can be tricky; a planner will handle permits, translations, and vendor contracts​. They also know the best local vendors (caterers, photographers, florists) and can negotiate package deals. Essentially, a good planner becomes your on-the-ground advocate, saving you time and stress so you can enjoy your wedding vacation.

Q: What are some popular wedding venues in Florianópolis? The island offers many unique venues. Beach lovers adore Ponta dos Ganchos – a private-peninsula resort for intimate elopements​– and Praia Mole Eco Village for boho-chic ceremonies on the sand​. In the city, historic mansions like Mansão Styllus (with grand ballrooms) are also famous. For a tropical retreat, VOAR Mansionin Ribeirão da Ilha is an eco-luxury villa estate with sweeping ocean and mountain views, multiple villas, and an infinity pool​. Discuss your style with a local planner to find the perfect match.

Q: Are there any unique Brazilian wedding customs we should include? Many couples love adding local touches. In Brazil, it’s customary to give guests a party favor called a bem-casado (literally “well married”), a sweet cake symbolizing the couple’s happiness. Some couples host a “chá bar” before the wedding (a co-ed shower with games and small gifts). And don’t forget the music – incorporating samba, bossa nova or even a live accordion for a forró dance will make your celebration lively and authentically Brazilian.

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Mari Joo Praise
Mari Joo
Writer and wedding expert at VOAR Mansion, I help couples create intentional, unforgettable weddings rooted in beauty, connection, and presence. With a background in conscious events, my focus is storytelling, authenticity, and meaningful celebration.