Photo (above): Cinderella Photographie
Cin from Cinderella Photographie is of Dutch origin and has been living in the Ardèche, in the south of France, for 15 years. As a wedding photographer, she has captured many weddings all across France: “There are so many stunning places to get married in France. One is a bit more authentic, another has beautiful ruins... all in all, France is home to countless breathtaking châteaux, manor houses and estates surrounded by nature and with an impressive view. They all have their own charms and unique strengths.” Below, she shares her favourite places to get married in France!
1. Château Beaupré
Cin kicks off with a first favourite wedding venue in France: “Château Beaupré is a beautiful and authentic château, with a lovely patio surrounded by columns and a refreshing swimming pool. It’s located in Deleuze – between Avignon, Nîmes and Orange, in other words: right in the heart of Provence. The authenticity of the manor house is also reflected in the interior and the older furniture. Is your French not that strong? Luckily, the owners here also speak English!”
2. Château Blomac
Cin continues with a venue where she has photographed many weddings: “Château Blomac is a very beautiful château with a large swimming pool near Carcassonne. The château itself, which has Dutch owners, is located in a charming little village and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards. One advantage of this venue is that they have a lot of rooms. So many of your guests can stay overnight, and you can also make use of the hotels nearby. Ideal for your destination wedding in France!”
3. Château de Boulogne
Cin: “Château de Boulogne is a stunning château in Saint-Michel-de-Boulogne, in the Ardèche – only about an hour’s drive from where I live. Around the château you’ll find enormous ruins, beautiful forests and an impressive view. The venue instantly gives you a historical and romantic feeling and is the perfect setting for getting married in France.”
4. Château de Bourdeau
“Château de Bourdeau is located on the beautiful, bright-blue Lac du Bourget, close to Annecy and Chambéry. This venue offers a fantastic view and many beautiful rooms,” Cin shares.
5. Château de Massillan
Cin continues: “Château de Massillan is a beautiful and classy château, close to Avignon in Provence. Situated between vineyards and lavender fields, the château forms the ideal setting for a romantic wedding in France. What’s more, you’ll be able to fully unwind in the spa and green surroundings of the estate.”
6. Mas d’Arvieux
Cin: “Mas d’Arvieux is an authentic little château in Tarascon, in Provence. It’s set among olive trees on a beautiful estate with a swimming pool. In the old barn, which is decorated in a rustic yet stylish way, you and your guests will be able to enjoy a wonderful dinner. This truly is a magnificent place to get married in France.”
7. Domaine de Sarson
Cin shares her last – but certainly not least – favourite wedding venue in France: “Domaine de Sarson is a beautiful estate located in the village of Grignan, right in the heart of Provence. Thanks to its elevated position, the estate offers an impressive view and is surrounded by lavender fields. These fields are perfect for your romantic wedding photos! The rustic, stylish barn, the swimming pool and the courtyard with fairy lights make your idyllic wedding in La Douce France completely perfect.”
Editor’s bonus venue: Château de Redon
The editorial team would also like to share an extra wedding venue in France that is definitely worth considering. Château de Redon is a beautiful 18th-century château in the heart of Périgord, in the Dordogne region. This tastefully renovated venue looks out over a valley of walnut trees and is run by Flemish owners.
Cin’s tips for your wedding in France
Cinderella shares a few final tips for your wedding in France:
At the weekend or during the week?
“What makes getting married abroad even more fun? That you and your guests get to celebrate for an entire weekend straight away! But that multi-day celebration doesn’t necessarily have to fall at the weekend. During the week, it’s often even cheaper to hire your wedding venue in France!”
No language barrier issues
“It’s always helpful if the owners can also speak English or Dutch. However, if your French wedding suppliers don’t speak any other language and your French isn’t very strong, it’s definitely useful to work with a bilingual wedding planner. I can also help with your translations, for example when speaking to your reception venue or French make-up artist.”
Plan ahead
“Be sure to plan your wedding in France well in advance. Sometimes it can still be a challenge to get everyone on board. For example, arrange a large coach in good time so your guests can definitely get there.”
The ideal time to get married in France
“From mid-July to the end of August it can get very hot, up to around 35 or 40 degrees – depending on exactly where you are. Weather-wise, June or September is therefore perfect for getting married in France.”
Read more tips here for your destination wedding in Provence.
Travelling to and within France is easy by train.* Search and book train tickets here for you and your guests!
