What could be more romantic than saying “I do” in the pastoral paradise of the French countryside? Our blog is the place to be for those seeking the perfect French chateau for your destination wedding. As a pair of wedding planners who have worked stateside and worldwide and share 30+ years of experience, we are familiar with the ins and outs of planning a wedding at a chateau. We can also point you to the top spots for hosting your nuptials!
So, whether you are testing the waters to determine if this type of venue is right for you, or are already committed to finding the perfect one, we can guide you through the process!
How to Find a French Château for Your Destination Wedding
Consider Your Wedding Size
Your guest list is the most important consideration when selecting the right chateau for your wedding. Few homes can sleep more than 20-30 people, so you need to have a clear idea of the number of people you will invite. And while not every guest has to stay on-site, you will need to consider how close additional hotels and lodging are. And if guests are staying off-site, you will need a means of transportation to bring them to the chateau for meals and events. This factor is worth considering before you even sign a contract—NOT six or more months later!
Consider the Location
Many chateaus are quite remote. So, we recommend considering each prospective venue’s location and your guest count before committing to this type of venue. Consider the distance from airports and hotels/a town center if some guests—and your vendors, if you are having a multi-day event— will stay offsite. For example, we would not recommend booking a chateau that houses 20 people if you plan on 50 guests and the closest hotel is an hour away. Most guests are not going to be okay with a two-hour round trip every day!
Visit the Chateau In Person
If you have ever house-shopped, you know that websites can be deceiving! If you can, visit a chateau in person before booking. Or, request your planner to do so, take a video of the space, and send it to you. Many venues will use a wide-angle lens to make a space appear larger than it is, and photos can also hide “dings” and features that are not up-to-date. In person, it is often a much different story. Ultimately, you want to have the most accurate mental picture possible of a venue before signing on the dotted line.
Consider the Destination Wedding Timeline
At weddings in the States, we expect guests to arrive right before the ceremony is due to start. However, a destination wedding at a French chateau requires a different approach. Recall that all your guests (or most of them) will stay at the venue with you, so they will be present all weekend. As such, it’s important to consider the timeline for their arrival and what you will need to provide to ensure their comfort. Will they arrive a day or two before the wedding? Will they be staying for days after? You will need to provide meals throughout the day, and may need to bring in a chef.
Consider Your Comfort
This brings us to another factor of chateau weddings: you will need additional vendors. While some chateaus come with a caterer, many do not. If yours fits the latter description, you will need to hire an outside caterer to feed you and your guests for the weekend. You will also need to book a rental company to provide tables, chairs, cutlery, glassware, linens, etc., for your event(s). Several France-wide rental companies can service any location in the country, and as your wedding planner, we are happy to connect you with one of them and facilitate the process of ordering what you need and transporting everything onsite!
Avoid Booking a Winter Wedding
We do not recommend booking a winter wedding at a chateau, as France does get very cold. You do not want to miss out on the gorgeous outdoor greenery at these venues! If you are looking to book at the perfect time, we recommend June. The middle of the month boasts France’s most ideal weather, with long, mild, and sunny days.
Our Favorite French Chateaus for a Destination Wedding
If you are unfazed by the unique demands of planning a wedding at a French chateau, read on! These six are our favorites because they are particularly suited to destination wedding couples.
Domaine des Halles
If a remote chateau set within a peaceful forest nestled within Monts du Lyonnais is your vision, look no further than Domaine des Halles. You will have the entire castle to yourself, with space for up to 300 guests throughout their five dining rooms. For Allie and Parker’s summer wedding, we kicked off the weekend with a French market inspired welcome party, where guests could explore the lawns and mingle. And of course, there is no better way to end a perfect evening than with fireworks!
Chateau de Villette
Chateau de Villette is another option 40 minutes from central Paris. There are seven suites in the main house for hosting up to 14 guests, while an additional wing can house 16 for a total of 30 guests staying onsite. The massive property is a true highlight of this chateau, boasting several lakes, a lush, 75-hectare woodland park, and a swimming pool.
Domaine de Primard
This chateau is slightly further from Paris, about one hour from the city’s center. It is one of the largest on our list, with 39 rooms, a heated swimming pool, and an on-site spa so you don’t have to miss out on any pre-wedding pampering. Moreover, the property has 30 hectares of gardens where you can get lost among the flowers and unique stone features in summertime.
Chateau de Curzay
Chateau de Curzay just re-opened after a four-year renovation! The 350-acre estate has served as the residence of aristocratic families throughout its long history, beginning in the 12th century. This is a smaller chateau with five bedrooms for hosting up to 12 guests onsite. For lovers of equestrian activities, a horse-back promenade can be arranged.
Chateau de Sannes
This chateau sleeps up to 32 guests and is conveniently located 50 minutes from the Marseille-Provence International Airport. The property consists of three buildings: the Main Chateau, the Farmhouse, and the Maison d’Amis. Therefore, groups can customize their experience to fit their needs, whether they require seven, nine, or 15 bedrooms. When the seven-bedroom chateau is rented alone, the other buildings are closed. The property rents privately to one group at a time. There is also a swimming pool on the premises, perfect for afternoon lounging (just ask Sara!).
Domaine de Fontenille
Domaine de Fontenille nestles in the countryside 55 minutes from the Marseille Airport, where several daily trains can transport you directly to Paris in under three hours, should you choose to take a day trip. It is another larger option with 21 rooms for sleeping up to 42 guests. Foodies will undoubtedly take an interest in the chateau’s two onsite restaurants, especially the Michelin-starred Le Champ des Lunes by Chef Michel Marin. The estate also produces wine and has a kitchen garden.
When planning a destination wedding at a French chateau, it is much easier to book a venue if your guest list does not exceed 30 people. However, that does not mean it is impossible to have a larger wedding. Just remember that guest transportation logistics will be a significant part of the planning if you do. If one of these chateau venues speaks to you, please do not hesitate to contact us! Booking an experienced planner elevates the experience of planning a destination wedding and ensures an enjoyable planning process and unparalleled execution.
We look forward to returning to Paris for two weddings in 2025! Could yours be next?
Domaine des Halles Wedding Vendors:
Planning & Design: @julianleaver & @sarahlizkane
Venue: Domaine des Halles
Travel Partner: Wedaways
Catering: C-Gastronomie
Floral: Florésie
Rentals: Options, Velvet Rendez-Vous
Photography: Thomas Audiffren
Cinema: Juno Wedding Films
Sound Production: Groupe Eurosono
Entertainment: ALR Music
Beauty: Alesia Solo & Co.
Lighting: Jacob Co. Creative
Stationery: Ink & Press Co.
Bridal Gown: Lela Rose Bridal
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