This Portuguese-speaking nation offers fantastic experiences for spice-seeking couples. Southeast Brazil houses the country’s two most famous cities, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, both replete with thriving cosmopolitan scenes (think superior wining and dining, top-notch shopping and an ever-present samba beat). Beyond the cities, outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves in the middle of the most unbelievable playground — from the Amazon rainforest to Jalapão’s sweeping dunes to Foz do Iguaçu’s jaw-dropping waterfalls, it’s clear that Brazil and Mother Nature are close friends. (Tip: Considering Brazil’s vast size, you should plan on one or two domestic flights if you intend to hop around.)
Wedding Requirements Marrying in Brazil is fairly complicated for U.S. citizens. For starters, you must have a civil ceremony first (religious ones aren’t legally recognized in Brazil). Necessary documents include a Brazilian visa (just to travel in-country), a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, evidence of termination of prior marriage (if applicable) and an affidavit of single marital status. Then you have to appear in person at the Brazilian Civil Registry Office where you want to get married to register your “intent to marry” and then register the marriage. (Don’t forget to bring two Brazilian witnesses with you.) After these steps are completed, it takes about 30 days until the license is approved; it’s good for 90 days.
What to Do
Rio de Janeiro Couples with limited time should start with the key attractions centered in Rio de Janeiro. Start by pulling out your itsy-bitsy bikini and taking a stroll along renowned Copacabana beach. Your suit definitely won’t be the skimpiest (it’s not called a Brazilian bikini wax for nothing), but your new hubby will surely appreciate the effort! Next, head to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain (via cable car) to capture Rio’s best photo op. Another must-see is the iconic Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue. As you stand under this awe-inspiring creation, you’ll feel like your marriage is being blessed all over again. Finally, no trip to Rio would be complete without a trip to a churrascaria rodizio (barbecue house), followed by a local samba show.
Iguaçu Falls Located in the southwest region of the country (bordering Argentina), the town of Foz do Iguaçu is your jumping-off point for exploring the magnificent wonder of Iguaçu Falls. One of the most powerful of the falls’ 275 cascades is the Garganta do Diabo (Devil’s Throat), where you might not get the best view but you’re sure to get a good soaking. Walkways around the falls allow you the opportunity to peer into the mouth of the falls; if that’s not enough of an adrenaline rush for the two of you, then you can hire a speedboat to ride along the rapids close to the falls’ edge!
Amazon Exploration Manaus, in northern Brazil, is your gateway for an excursion into the Amazon. Take a day cruise along the Amazon River, and look for wildlife as you glide past the rainforest. Opt for an Encontro das Aguas (Meeting of the Waters) day tour, and you’ll be able to watch two distinctly different-colored river channels mix together, or up your wildlife encounters with a multi-night cruise that takes you further upstream. You can also spend a few days exploring the rainforest’s many treasures from an inland jungle lodge.
Off the Beaten Path Brazilians are seriously passionate about two things: soccer and samba. Sporty duos should consider taking in a match at world-famous Maracanã Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro. With the capacity for almost 100,000 fans, it’s one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world. (Tip: Contact a travel agent specializing in Brazil to inquire about soccer packages as soon as possible. Tickets aren’t easy to come by without advance legwork.) Newlyweds can celebrate their love all over again at Brazil’s annual Carnival. Nothing will ignite your passion for each other more than immersing yourself in this sensual samba dance parade from dusk till dawn. The days-long celebration takes place in February or March, depending on the year. — Anita K. Henry
