A 16th-century masia in the Tenes Valley
Can Ribas de Montbui is a Catalan masia from the 16th century in Bigues i Riells, about 40 km north of Barcelona. The house stands on about 32 hectares of gardens, olive groves and holm oak and oak woodland, with views of the Montseny and the Cingles del Bertí.
It was a family home before it was a venue. The family bought it in the early 1970s, and the house was not built for weddings. A couple asked to marry there, the family agreed, and the venue says it has now held celebrations for more than 35 years.
Civil ceremonies are held outdoors, either in the Cypress Garden or in front of the old tower, in a corner decorated with lavender and bougainvillea. Guests then walk along the cypress path to the masia courtyard for a welcome drink, and the cocktail is served under a wooden porch. Dinner takes place in glass-walled halls with views of the gardens and the mountains, with space for up to 300 guests and a dance floor. A smaller gallery suits very small celebrations. The kitchen is the family’s own, with Mediterranean food and local produce. It suits couples who want the ceremony, dinner and party on one estate. For another country estate close to Barcelona, see Can Borrell.
For your photos
The ceremony corner in front of the tower is the best backdrop on the estate. The walk along the cypress path to the courtyard is a natural place for the first portraits as a married couple, so leave 20 minutes for it before the drinks start. For the couple’s portraits, the olive groves and the oak woods give shade at midday, and the end of the afternoon gives softer light in the gardens.
The halls have glass walls, so a dinner that starts before sunset has daylight and views, and the room needs little extra lighting at first. The rain plan for ceremonies is a decorated tent, and the venue provides white umbrellas, so ask to see the tent set up and how much light it gets. The estate is large, so choose two or three portrait spots before the day instead of walking the whole property.
Good to know
- Location: Camí de Can Ribas, Bigues i Riells, Barcelona province. 35 to 40 minutes by car from Barcelona.
- Ceremonies: civil ceremonies outdoors, with a tent as the rain plan.
- Dinner: glass-walled halls for up to 300 guests, with a dance floor.
- Catering: in-house kitchen, Mediterranean cuisine with local produce.
- Parking: large free car park for cars and coaches.
- Access: ramps, adapted bathrooms and a courtesy cart for guests with reduced mobility. Pets are welcome.
- Without a car: train to Mollet-Sant Fost, then a taxi of 25 to 30 minutes.
- Accommodation: the website does not list guest rooms, so ask the team.
- Website: canribas.com.
