Casa Monte Cristo hosts destination weddings for up to 100 guests, children and babies included, on a private wedding ground between two of its villas near Lagos, in the western Algarve. Couples book a set of villas for at least four nights, so the wedding party stays on site, and complimentary wedding planning comes with every booking.
Weddings and receptions
Two layouts are offered. In the first, the whole day takes place on the wedding ground between the Casa Monte Cristo Cinco and Seis villas, with views toward the Monchique mountains. In the second, the ceremony and drinks reception are held on the terrace of Casa Monte Cristo Tres, overlooking Lagos, before guests move to the wedding ground for dinner and dancing. Weddings take place from February to the end of October. The package covers the ceremony setup with Chiavari chairs, a ceremony table, a speaker and microphone, then a drinks reception with one hour of unlimited wine, beer, cider, water and juices. Dinner is served under a stretch marquee with festoon lights, with private accessible toilets, tables, linen and tableware. The evening ends with a dance floor, bar and DJ from 7 pm to 11 pm. Celebrants and church ceremonies can be arranged as extras through the planning team. The venue does not present an offer for company events or seminars.
Rooms and capacities
The wedding ground takes up to 100 guests in total, and package tiers start at 40 guests. The terrace at Casa Monte Cristo Tres is used for the ceremony and drinks in the second layout. Gardens around the villas can also be used for ceremonies.
Accommodation
The collection has five villas, named CMC Too, CMC Tres, CMC IV, CMC Cinco and CMC Seis, and five apartments, named Almond, Orange, Lemon, Plum and Lime. Cinco and Seis each sleep 14 people and Tres sleeps 12. A core set of villas is compulsory with every wedding booking, for a minimum of four nights, and further villas and apartments can be added for larger groups. Past couples have used the self-contained apartments for older relatives and families with children.
Catering
A full barbecue menu for all guests is included in the wedding package, with drinks during dinner. Canapés, evening food and full sit-down menus are available as extras. The venue also sells welcome menus, day-after menus and a pizza party, which suit the days around the wedding. Past couples mention vegan and halal options and table service by waiting staff.
History and setting
The villas stand in the countryside near Lagos, a short drive from the beaches of the western Algarve and from Praia da Luz. Gardens surround the villas, and the terraces look out over the sea, the town or the Monchique hills. The business works both as a private villa wedding venue and as a holiday rental company, so guests can extend their stay before or after the wedding. The planning team is led by Victoria.
Getting there
Lagos has a railway station at the western end of the Algarve line. Faro airport, the main airport for the region, is about one hour away by car. A rental car or a pre-booked transfer is the practical way to reach the villas.
