When you think of a château wedding, you think of France. The two are so closely intertwined that you’ll have trouble thinking about one without the other. The pure elegance and romantic appeal of getting married in an ancient castle is what makes this type of wedding so sought after. To truly elevate your experience, you’ll need to know what it takes to pull off this kind of occasion. Here are a few expert tips for planning a stunning chateau wedding in France.

How to Choose the Perfect Château

When planning a château wedding in France, it’s important to remember that no two are alike. From the exterior aesthetics to the history that’s made each venue what they are today, they all have something different to offer you and your big day.

Type of Château 

The type of castle you choose to get married in will have a big effect on the overall vibe of your day. You’ll find there are 16th-century chateaux, medieval chateaux, and chateaux that are more along the lines of a modern country estate. Most should be set up for wedding events if they’re offering it, but some of the older ones may come with a few quirks!

Region

If you’re looking to rent a chateau in France for a wedding, you’ll first need to decide on a region. Known as ‘The Garden of France’ Loire Valley is perhaps the most well-known of all with an abundance of grand Renaissance châteaux (like Chateau Fleur du Ciel), turreted estates and riverside manors. 

There’s also Provence with sun-drenched venues surrounded by olive groves (like La Bastide de Gordes), and a number of wedding chateaux in Bordeaux that are more akin to elegant wine-producing countryside estates. 

Local Vendors

Château venues are intricately tied to the history and culture of France, and even more the specific area they reside in. This is one of the main reasons to work with local vendors, those who understand the culture, language, logistics, and most importantly your vision. This will ensure your day goes off without a hitch and your wedding chateau in the South of France shines like it truly should.

The Right Photographer

Hiring the right photographer is crucial to achieving that vision you’ve always dreamed of for your French castle wedding. You should be aiming to find someone experienced not just in destination weddings, but specifically in château weddings like this one I captured. 

These places are often set in beautiful locations — you don’t have to stretch your imagination too far to realise just how incredible the photo opportunities will be. Grand and ancient architecture coupled with beautiful French nature and the small yet extraordinary finishing touches from the vendors — absolutely an occasion to remember.

Embrace French Culture & Style

If you’re looking for a chateau to get married in France, embracing the local as well as French culture, in general, is a great way to ‘level up’ your wedding. Elegant florals, candlelit receptions, French string quartets, multi-course meals, wine pairings and traditional desserts, the list is almost endless.

It’s these little touches that won’t only give you a memorable day but will help you fully immerse yourself in everything this country has to offer.

Cover Your Logistics

One of the simplest, yet most overlooked tips for hosting a French château destination wedding is dealing with logistics. 

These castles are often incredibly old, and while many do have extra accommodation for guests, it’s important to clarify all of this well before the big day. It’s no surprise that a number of these venues aren’t all easy to get to so it makes sense to plan in advance. These logistics look different for every couple (and depend on the château in question), but two of the most frequent are arranging transport for international guests and booking rooms in or near the château. 

Once you’ve sorted transport to (and possibly from) the castle, and your guests know where they’re sleeping for the night, you’ll be able to relax in the knowledge that everyone can party a little later without worry! 

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If you’re still considering a Château wedding in France but aren’t sure about the next steps, let’s talk. As a destination wedding photographer in France, I’ve captured many château weddings, and I can help you along the way.