PALÁCIO DE SETEAIS | Sintra | Portugal

The Location

The wedding venue is an 18th-century neoclassical masterpiece. It offers an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

SINTRA

Nestled within the verdant hills of the Portuguese Riviera, our host city is an enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site.

Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, Portugal is a sun-drenched land of dramatic coastlines and ancient traditions.

PALÁCIO DE SETEAIS

Our private estate:

There is a certain stillness and romance to this corner of Sintra that is hard to put into words. We chose this particular setting because it feels less like a hotel and more like a step back into a golden era. From the grand archway that frames the valley to the soft light that hits the staircase at dusk, it is a place truly built for gathering and celebration.

To make our celebration truly personal, we have secured an exclusive buyout of the entire palácio for the duration of our wedding weekend, so the estate will be ours and ours alone. From the pool to the frescoed ballrooms, there will be no outside guests—just our favorite people in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.

For those staying at nearby hotels, you are still very much a part of this private sanctuary. You’ll have full access to the grounds without the distraction of public tours or other hotel guests.

Whether you are staying on-property or nearby, this privacy allows us to create a seamless, relaxed, and completely intimate atmosphere where we can fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the estate.

The palácio is an intimate boutique property, and overnight guest rooms are available. To begin planning your trip, visit the Travel & Stay page for information regarding on-site availability as well as a curated list of nearby hotels that we recommend.

If you would like to catch a glimpse of where the magic will happen, you can explore more of the history and grounds on the official Palácio de Seteais website‎‎.⧉. We can’t wait to welcome you to this special place.

SINTRA

Though only thirty minutes from Lisbon, there is a certain magic that hangs over the hills of Sintra—a feeling that you’ve stepped through a looking glass into a world of mist-shrouded forests, crumbling Moorish walls, and palaces that seem to defy gravity. Often referred to as the "Garden of Eden," it is a place where the Atlantic breeze meets the quiet of the mountains, creating a landscape that has inspired poets and dreamers for centuries.

Jeni and I first found ourselves wandering these winding streets in January 2026. We initially visited at the thoughtful recommendation of our friend, Stacy Nimmo, and within hours of arriving, we were completely captivated. There is a soulful, timeless quality to the town—from the pastel facades of the village center to the hidden grottoes of Quinta da Regaleira—that simply felt like home to us.

We hope that during your stay, you have the chance to lose yourself in its beauty just as we did. Whether you spend an afternoon exploring the winding paths of the Pena Park or simply enjoying a travesseiro at a local bakery, we hope you fall in love with this mystical corner of the world. It is a place of rare, quiet wonder, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

While the wedding festivities will keep us gathered at the palace, we hope you take a morning or afternoon to explore the architectural wonders that make this town a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here are a few of our favorite things to do and see:

  • Palácio Nacional da Pena

    A vivid masterpiece of Romanticism, this palace sits atop the highest peaks of the Sintra mountains, known for its bold colors and eclectic mix of architectural styles. We recommend wandering through the surrounding Pena Park, where hidden lakes and exotic plants offer a quiet escape from the main terraces. Visit ⧉

  • Quinta da Regaleira

    Perhaps the most mystical spot in town, this estate is filled with Gothic pinnacles, secret tunnels, and the famous "Initiation Well"—a 88-foot deep subterranean tower. It feels less like a museum and more like an enchanted playground designed for those who love to explore the shadows and symbols of the past. Visit⧉

  • Castelo dos Mouros

    For the most breathtaking views of the region, walk the ancient stone ramparts of the 9th-century Moorish Castle. The fortifications snake across the mountain ridge, offering a panoramic vantage point that stretches from the historic village all the way to the Atlantic coast. Visit‍⧉

  • Palácio de Monserrate

    Often overlooked by the crowds, Monserrate is a whimsical blend of Arabic, Indian, and Gothic aesthetics surrounded by one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Portugal. It is the perfect place for a slower-paced afternoon, offering a sense of serenity that is hard to find at the more famous landmarks. Visit ⧉

  • Palácio Nacional de Sintra

    Defined by two towering conical chimneys that dominate the village skyline, this medieval palace was the most continuously inhabited royal residence in Portugal. Inside, you’ll find a stunning fusion of Gothic and Moorish artistry,including the "Swan Room" with its painted ceilings and the "Coat of Arms Room," which houses one of the most important heraldic collections in Europe. Visit ⧉

  • Seeing the Sights by Tuk Tuk

    Sintra is famously hilly, and its narrow, winding roads can be a challenge to navigate on foot. We highly recommend booking a Tuk Tuk Tour for a fun and efficient way to zip between the palaces. These open-air electric vehicles allow you to feel the mountain breeze and see the sights without the steep hike, and the local drivers often share wonderful stories about the town’s legends along the way. Tuk Tuk Tours ⧉ offer private and customizable routes that can take you from the historic center up to the highest peaks of Pena in true Sintra style.

Portugal

Conveniently located in the most western part of Europe, Portugal is a country that feels both deeply rooted in history and effortlessly alive. It is a land defined by the Atlantic—a place of dramatic cliffs, golden light, and a seafaring spirit that has shaped its culture for centuries. There is a warmth here that goes beyond the sun; it’s found in the hospitality of its people, the soulful echoes of Fado, and the simple joy of a meal shared over a glass of local wine.

While our celebrations will center in the mist-shrouded hills of Sintra, we hope you take a moment to experience the broader magic of this beautiful country. Whether you find yourself wandering the cobblestone "calçada" of the capital, exploring the ancient cork forests, or standing at the edge of the continent at Cabo da Roca, there is a quiet, evocative beauty to Portugal that stays with you long after you leave.

It is a place that has captured our hearts, and we feel so fortunate to be able to bring our favorite people together in such a storied landscape. We hope your journey here is filled with the same sense of discovery and wonder that we felt when we first arrived.