Yes and no. As of May 2025, the Brazilian government requires citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia to hold a valid visa to enter the country. You must apply for an e-Visa online before your trip via the official portal: brazil.vfsevisa.com. We highly recommend submitting your application at least one to two months before departure. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of departure.
Our ceremony and reception will take place at Vale Lagos (Estrada da Batalha, 200, Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro). Please note that Campo Grande is a beautiful, green residential district located roughly 1.5 to 2 hours away from the famous tourist beach areas (like Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon). If you want a classic Rio beach vacation, we recommend staying in the South Zone (Zona Sul) and planning your travel time to the venue accordingly. If you prefer to minimize travel on the wedding day, look into accommodations closer to the venue or in nearby Barra da Tijuca, which sits comfortably in between the beaches and the venue.
Because of the distance between the traditional tourist zones and Campo Grande, we highly recommend using Uber or booking a private driver/taxi service in advance. Uber is incredibly affordable, reliable, and widely used throughout Rio. Note: Traffic in Rio can be entirely unpredictable, especially during peak afternoon hours. Please look at maps ahead of time and give yourself a generous cushion of extra travel time so you don't miss the start of the ceremony!
The dress code is Formal Attire. We want everyone looking their absolute best! For Women: Please avoid wearing white or pink. For Men: Please avoid wearing navy blue or light blue. A quick tip on footwear: Vale Lagos features a gorgeous lakeside deck and outdoor garden spaces integrated with nature. While the main dining area is glass-enclosed and paved, ladies may want to opt for block heels, wedges, or heel protectors to comfortably navigate the outdoor natural walkways.
Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere in Rio—even by beach vendors! However, it is always smart to notify your bank of international travel before you land and carry a small amount of local cash for emergencies.
December is the official start of summer in the Southern Hemisphere! Expect beautiful, vibrant, and hot tropical weather, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 85°F to 90°F (29°C to 32°C). It’s perfect beach weather, so definitely pack your swimwear and sunglasses. A note on summer showers: Because it is tropical summer, passing afternoon rain showers (known locally as chuvas de verão) are common. Don't worry—our venue, Vale Lagos, has gorgeous, fully glass-enclosed spaces to keep us perfectly comfortable and dry while still letting us enjoy the stunning lakeside views. The venue is fully air-conditioned, but we recommend wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics for the outdoor portions of the day!
Rio is a massive, bustling metropolis. Like any major global city, just practice basic situational awareness. Keep your phone secure while walking on public streets, avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry in crowded public spaces, and use rideshare apps like Uber instead of hailing street cabs at night. Stick to well-traveled tourist areas, and you will have an incredible time!
Yes and no. Brazil uses Type N and Type C outlets (three round pins or two round pins). Your flat American plugs will not fit into the walls, so you will need to purchase a plug adapter before you arrive.