Story of the day
At first for Katie and William from Canada, the plan was simple — a romantic elopement in the South of France. Just the two of them, a peaceful setting, and timeless photographs.
But as the months passed, their vision gently evolved. Little by little, their guest list grew until we had a beautiful group of ten people, including the bride and groom. It was the perfect size for an intimate celebration, and Chateau Bagen turned out to be an absolute dream venue for it.
Located just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Toulouse, Chateau Bagen is an elegant private estate with accommodation for up to 13 guests, making it ideal for destination weddings where everyone can stay together. It meant that for Katie and William, their wedding felt more like a joyful family holiday — with all the magic of a French chateau wedding.
Getting ready
The morning began with a relaxed atmosphere. Because everyone was staying at the chateau, preparations were unhurried and full of laughter. Katie got ready in a bright, nice room with marble bathroom with her sisters and mother by her side, helping with the dress and adding the final touches to her hair. I photographed the details — the rings, the perfume bottle, the shoes, the bouquet — while the early sunlight streamed through the tall windows.
William prepared in another wing of the chateau, sharing a quiet moments with his close family. I always love capturing those moments: the deep breath before stepping into the spotlight, the anticipation in their eyes.
First look & couple portraits
Before the ceremony, Katie and William decided to have a private first look in the gardens. The moment he turned around and saw her in her dress for the first time, his smile said everything. We wandered through the grounds, taking portraits surrounded by lush greenery and soft July light. This time together gave them a chance to breathe before the celebrations began.
Chapel photos
Although the couple is not particularly religious, Château Bagen’s charming little chapel was impossible to resist. We took a few quiet, intimate portraits there — the soft light filtering through the stained glass felt magical.
Ceremony in the rose arch
After we moved to the rose-covered natural arch for the ceremony. The roses were in full bloom, creating a romantic frame for their vows. Katie’s sister officiated the ceremony and delivered a heartfelt speech that brought both tears and laughter. The intimacy of the group made it feel like every word truly belonged to everyone present.
A creative group photo idea
After the ceremony, we moved on to group photos — and here, the mother of the groom surprised us with an idea that turned into one of my favourite shots of the day. She suggested that each guest lean out of one of the chateau’s many windows, while Katie and William stood together on the central balcony. The result? A playful, symmetrical image full of personality — the kind of photo that perfectly reflects the joy of the day.
A dinner straight out of Downton Abbey
Dinner was served in the château’s elegant dining room, and the atmosphere reminded me of the TV series Downton Abbey. It was grand yet warm, formal yet deeply personal. Because the guest list was so small, everyone could relax and truly connect. There was no rush — we could choose the perfect moments for photographs without interrupting the flow of the day.I captured plenty of candid, documentary-style images that told the story naturally — bursts of laughter, quiet toasts, shared glances. But we also made time for a few posed portraits with family and, of course, romantic couple photos.
Farm2Table Kitchen
We began working on their wedding in November 2024, a full nine months before the big day. Having that time allowed us to fine-tune every detail. One of my recommendations was the catering team at Farm2Table Kitchen, who specialise in beautiful, seasonal food.This wedding was also my first experience of working with Louisa, their chef, who brought something completely unexpected and delightful — a live croquembouche workshop right after the ceremony and cocktails. Guests gathered around, rolling and stacking the choux pastries while laughing together. It wasn’t just dessert; it was an experience they’ll remember forever.
Why an intimate wedding works so well here
One of the best parts about an intimate wedding at a venue like Chateau Bagen is the flexibility. With a smaller group, you’re not tied to a strict schedule. We could adjust timings to make the most of the light, take spontaneous photos, or simply enjoy the moment.If you’re dreaming of something similar — whether just the two of you or with a handful of your closest friends and family — my elopement packages are designed to give you that same blend of beauty, intimacy, and personal connection.
and here are some videos from this wonderful wedding
Final thoughts
Katie and William’s wedding was the perfect example of how an elopement-style celebration can grow into something even richer without losing its intimacy. From the quiet morning preparations to the golden hour strolls, from the rose arch vows to the playful window portrait, every detail told a story.
And yes, I even had a few behind-the-scenes videos from my assistant — which I’ll share soon — but this is also a reminder that if you want the full experience, hiring a videographer is worth every penny. Photos preserve the beauty, but video lets you hear the laughter, the voices, and the music of your day.
Chateau Bagen proved to be not just a venue, but a place where memories settle in the walls and gardens. For couples looking for a French wedding that feels personal, relaxed, and unforgettable, it’s a place I can’t recommend enough.
Thinking of Getting Married in France?
This wedding is a wonderful example of how to blend destination charm with personal touches. Whether you’re coming from the UK, the US, Ireland, or anywhere in Europe—planning a wedding in the South of France can be one of the most exciting (and romantic) decisions you’ll ever make.From the elegance of the venue to the emotion of the day, every element came together naturally. And as a bilingual (English/French) photographer based locally, I’m here to guide you through every step.
Why Couples Choose Château Weddings in the South of France
Couples planning a destination wedding in France are often drawn to the South for its combination of:
- historic architecture
- privacy and discretion
- warm natural light
- relaxed elegance
- meaningful guest experiences
A château wedding in Occitanie offers something rare: grandeur without ostentation.
If you are dreaming of an intimate château wedding in the South of France, estates like Château Bagen offer both history and humanity.
Discover other château wedding venues in Southwest France
Planning a Destination Wedding in France?
Planning a destination château wedding in France requires more than choosing a beautiful venue. Light direction, ceremony timing, multi-day flow, and guest experience all shape how the day unfolds.
After photographing château weddings across Dordogne, Occitanie and the Bordeaux region, I created the Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide to help couples approach their celebration with clarity and calm structure.
The guide covers timeline design, golden-hour strategy, ceremony positioning, and how to create a wedding experience that feels intentional rather than rushed.
J O U R N A L
Chloé & Tom
How to book me as your wedding photographer
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Eugenie was an absolute dream to work with! From day one, she went above and beyond — helping us plan the day (from across the world no less!), keeping the day running smoothly, and even recommending our fantastic caterer. She captured every special moment so beautifully, and thanks to her we will be able to relive our magical day every time we look at these photos. Beyond her incredible talent, she brought so much warmth, calm, and joy to our wedding day. Eugenie — from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. You helped made our day perfect.