Spring is one of the most popular seasons for weddings. The days are longer, temperatures are milder, and nature is at its greenest, making it the perfect time to enjoy gardens, terraces and open landscapes.
When choosing a venue, it is important to look for beautiful outdoor spaces, a suitable indoor alternative in case of rain, and enough capacity to accommodate your guests.
In this guide, we introduce five venues from the Casa de Reguengos group: three near Mafra and two in the Alentejo.
Why Choose Spring for Your Wedding?
Spring runs from late March to late June and offers several advantages for an estate wedding:
- Longer daylight hours. From May onwards, the sun sets after 8:30 pm in the Lisbon region, allowing you to extend your outdoor cocktail reception and make the most of the beautiful evening light for photographs.
- Mild temperatures. With neither the winter cold nor the intense summer heat, spring offers a more comfortable experience for guests of all ages.
- Nature at its best. Flowering gardens and green fields provide a natural setting that requires little additional decoration.
- Seasonal produce. Flowers, fruit and vegetables in season can inspire both the wedding décor and the menu.
What to Look for in a Spring Wedding Venue
Spring weather in Portugal can alternate between sunny days and rain showers, particularly in March and April. The ideal wedding venue for this season should therefore combine attractive outdoor areas with well-prepared indoor spaces.
During your visit, consider:
- Outdoor areas for the reception, cocktail hour and photographs: gardens, terraces and scenic viewpoints.
- An indoor alternative in case the weather changes.
- Natural light in the reception rooms, ensuring a bright atmosphere even indoors.
- Natural surroundings, which come to life at this time of year.
- Accommodation, particularly useful for guests travelling from further away who wish to extend their stay over the weekend.
Casa de Reguengos
Casa de Reguengos is located in Vila Franca do Rosário, near Mafra, and hosts weddings of up to 600 guests.
In spring, its garden and terrace create a relaxed atmosphere for the welcome reception and cocktail hour. The main reception room offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, maintaining a connection with the outdoors even during dinner.
The venue also features a dedicated area for civil ceremonies and an integrated dance floor, allowing the celebration to continue without moving between spaces.
Ideal for: larger weddings looking to make the most of a garden and outdoor terrace.
Quinta do Casal Novo
Quinta do Casal Novo is housed in a fully restored 18th-century building, also located in Vila Franca do Rosário.
Accommodating up to 300 guests, it is one of the venues that makes the most of pleasant weather. Its terrace features a swimming pool and reflecting pool, creating a particularly charming setting on spring evenings.
The reception room is spacious and versatile, and the estate also has a dedicated area for civil ceremonies.
Ideal for: couples seeking the character of a historic building combined with beautiful outdoor spaces overlooking the water.
Our Quinta
Our Quinta is the most intimate venue in the group near Mafra, with capacity for up to 160 guests.
It offers a modern, welcoming atmosphere surrounded by nature, as well as a dedicated space for civil ceremonies.
One of its distinctive features is its accommodation: 16 double rooms on-site, forming part of the estate’s rural tourism offering.
In spring, this allows guests to stay overnight and turn the wedding celebration into an extended weekend.
Ideal for: smaller weddings where guests can enjoy an overnight stay.
Herdade das Sesmarias: Monte and Barragem
Herdade das Sesmarias is located in Ferreira do Alentejo, on a 300-hectare estate.
In spring, the Alentejo plains are green and full of flowers, while the peaceful surroundings invite couples and their guests to enjoy the celebration at a more relaxed pace.
The estate offers two event venues:
- Sesmarias Monte, with capacity for up to 150 guests.
- Sesmarias Barragem, with capacity for up to 200 guests.
Both venues offer exclusive use of the event space, accommodation for up to 48 guests and personalised catering.
Ideal for: couples dreaming of a wedding in the Alentejo, with guests staying on-site throughout the weekend.
Herdade das Sesmarias Barragem
Comparison of the Five Wedding Venues
| Venue | Location | Capacity | Spring Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casa de Reguengos | Vila Franca do Rosário, near Mafra | Up to 600 guests | Garden and terrace, panoramic reception room, civil ceremonies, integrated dance floor |
| Quinta do Casal Novo | Vila Franca do Rosário, near Mafra | Up to 300 guests | 18th-century building, terrace with swimming pool and reflecting pool, civil ceremonies |
| Our Quinta | Vila Franca do Rosário, near Mafra | Up to 160 guests | Intimate natural surroundings, civil ceremonies, 16 double rooms |
| Sesmarias Monte | Ferreira do Alentejo | Up to 150 guests | 300-hectare estate, exclusive use, accommodation for up to 48 guests |
| Sesmarias Barragem | Ferreira do Alentejo | Up to 200 guests | 300-hectare estate, exclusive use, accommodation for up to 48 guests |
All venues provide their own in-house catering services.
Tips for a Spring Wedding at an Estate
- Book well in advance. Saturdays in May and June are among the most sought-after wedding dates of the year.
- Have a rain contingency plan. During your venue visit, agree on where each part of the celebration will take place if the weather changes.
- Plan your schedule around daylight. A late-afternoon cocktail reception makes the most of the beautiful natural light for photographs.
- Consider your guests’ comfort. Blankets for cooler evenings and shaded areas during sunnier hours can make a difference.
- Take inspiration from the season. Seasonal flowers, light colours and natural elements complement the beauty of spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Casa de Reguengos group venues host spring weddings?
Casa de Reguengos, Quinta do Casal Novo and Our Quinta, near Mafra, as well as Herdade das Sesmarias in the Alentejo, which offers two event spaces: Sesmarias Monte and Sesmarias Barragem.
What is the capacity of each venue?
Casa de Reguengos accommodates up to 600 guests, Quinta do Casal Novo up to 300, Our Quinta up to 160, Sesmarias Barragem up to 200 and Sesmarias Monte up to 150.
Which wedding venues have a swimming pool or reflecting pool?
Quinta do Casal Novo has a terrace with a swimming pool and reflecting pool. Our Quinta features a swimming pool set within a lake, while Herdade das Sesmarias Monte also has a particularly attractive swimming pool.
Where can we hold a civil ceremony on-site?
Casa de Reguengos, Quinta do Casal Novo and Our Quinta all have dedicated spaces for civil ceremonies, as does Herdade das Sesmarias.
Do any of the venues offer guest accommodation?
Yes. Our Quinta has 16 double rooms, while Herdade das Sesmarias offers accommodation for up to 48 guests at both Monte and Barragem.
Do the venues provide their own catering?
Yes. All venues within the group provide their own in-house catering.
Where are the wedding venues located?
Casa de Reguengos, Quinta do Casal Novo and Our Quinta are located in Vila Franca do Rosário, near Mafra, approximately 25 minutes from Lisbon. Herdade das Sesmarias is located in Ferreira do Alentejo.
