Imagine exchanging vows with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop, golden light dancing on the cliffs, and just the two of you soaking in the magic of the moment. No pressure, no huge guest list — just love, adventure, and a wild, beautiful place to begin your journey together.

If that sounds like your kind of wedding, then eloping in Madeira might be exactly what you’re looking for.

As someone who’s been lucky enough to call this island home since 2009 — and to photograph countless love stories here — I’ve created this guide to help you navigate the process. From the types of ceremonies you can have, to the paperwork (yes, there’s a bit of that!), and all the beautiful extras to make it your own.

Let’s dive in.

Why choose elopement over a traditional wedding?

Elopements are about you two. No complicated logistics, no endless guest lists — just real, intentional moments in a setting that feels meaningful.

Some of the reasons couples choose to elope:

• It’s intimate — no big show, just pure connection
• It’s flexible — you can make it completely your own
• It’s less stressful — fewer people, fewer decisions
• It’s budget-friendly — more room for travel, experiences, and photography
• It’s an adventure — especially when you get married somewhere like Madeira

 

Why Madeira Island?

Madeira is a volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic, and it’s honestly one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Picture dramatic cliffs, misty forests, black sand beaches, and warm, golden light almost all year round.

Why couples fall in love with eloping here:

• Breathtaking landscapes — perfect for any style of ceremony
• Mild climate year-round
• Easily accessible from mainland Europe
• A rich local culture (and food & wine to match)
• Safe, quiet, and full of secret spots
• And the best part? Your wedding and honeymoon are wrapped into one trip

Things to know before you elope in Madeira

Before we get into the paperwork, here’s a quick overview of what makes eloping in Madeira so unique — especially if you’re coming from abroad.

What type of ceremony can you have?

There are three options:

• Civil wedding – Legally binding and recognized internationally.
• Religious wedding – Mostly Catholic. Involves both the church and civil registry.
• Symbolic ceremony – Not legally binding, but the most flexible and romantic option.

Pro Tip: Many couples choose to do the legal paperwork in their home country and have a symbolic ceremony in Madeira. It keeps things simple and gives you the freedom to get married literally anywhere on the island.

️ Don’t speak Portuguese? No stress. Most vendors and officials here are used to working with international couples. Having a local planner or celebrant helps a lot though!

️️ Symbolic ceremony: the no-stress, all-heart option

A symbolic ceremony is the go-to for many couples eloping in Madeira — and for good reason.

It’s perfect if:

• You want total freedom over location and timing
• You prefer to skip the legal process abroad
• You want to write your own vows, involve a friend, or just keep it casual

Symbolic weddings are deeply personal and just as meaningful as legal ones. You can still exchange rings, have a first dance, and make it your own — without the paperwork stress.

And of course, your photos will look just as magical

Extra tips to make your elopement unforgettable

Here’s what I’ve learned from photographing elopements across the island:

• Plan your ceremony at sunrise or sunset for the most beautiful, golden light
• Avoid weekends or high-tourist seasons for more privacy
• Add local flavor — Madeiran wine, tropical flowers, poncha, or a traditional meal
• Make a day of it — hike together, have a picnic, explore, enjoy dinner under the stars
• Wear comfortable shoes — trust me, Madeira has a lot of stairs and trails
• Relax and soak it in — this is your day, and it should feel like you

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Need a wedding planner ? Ask Anke Jokanovic !

Anke Jokanovic is an experienced wedding planner and international celebrant who has been living on the island of Madeira for over 20 years. She is the founder and director of Weddings Madeira, a bespoke wedding planning agency that has organized more than 700 weddings across the island and Porto Santo.

Before launching her own business, Anke worked as a travel agent and tour operator, gaining valuable international experience and building a strong network of contacts. Today, she leverages these connections to coordinate every aspect of a wedding — from venue selection and vendor negotiations to logistics and legal requirements.

Fluent in German, Portuguese, English, Serbian, and Spanish, Anke bridges the language gap between international couples and local Portuguese authorities. She not only translates but also personally celebrates wedding ceremonies, ensuring they are both meaningful and legally sound.

In addition to running Weddings Madeira, Anke has also worked for several years at the Honorary Consulate of Germany in Funchal, giving her a deep understanding of local administration and legal procedures.

Together with her team — including Daniel, Nancy, and Nadja — she delivers tailor-made celebrations in a wide range of stunning locations: cliffside venues, gardens, beaches, private villas, and even boats. Her attention to detail and commitment to going the extra mile make her a trusted and well-respected figure in Madeira’s wedding industry.

 

 

Summary:

• Over 20 years of experience in Madeira and international tourism.
• Organizes all aspects of weddings: legalities, logistics, translation, celebration, and vendor coordination.
• Has planned 700+ weddings with a reliable, multilingual team.
• Known for personalized service, multilingual skills, and deep local expertise.
• Anke Jokanovic is a leading name for destination weddings in Madeira, known for her professionalism, creativity, and heartfelt dedication to making each ceremony truly unforgettable.

 

Website : https://weddingsmadeira.com/
Instagram : instagram.com/weddingsmadeirabyanke/

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