Why choose Southwest France for a château wedding
Southwest France offers a rare balance of history, authenticity and quiet elegance. Unlike more crowded wedding destinations, this region remains discreet and deeply rooted in tradition — with centuries-old châteaux, vineyards, stone villages and unspoiled landscapes.
Couples choose Southwest France for its calm rhythm, natural beauty and understated luxury. It is a place where celebrations feel intimate rather than performative, and where the setting enhances the experience without overwhelming it.
With a strong local identity, refined gastronomy and easy access from major European cities, Southwest France is ideal for destination weddings that value meaning, privacy and timeless atmosphere.
Château wedding venues in Southwest France
Southwest France is home to an exceptional variety of château wedding venues — from medieval fortresses and Renaissance estates to elegant countryside residences surrounded by vineyards and gardens.
Below is a curated selection of château wedding venues where I have photographed weddings or regularly work with couples. Each location offers a unique atmosphere, and my experience with these venues allows me to guide couples through light, timing and logistics for a seamless wedding day.
Château wedding venues I work with in Southwest France
Below is a curated selection of château wedding venues in Southwest France where I have photographed real weddings or regularly work with couples. As a wedding and elopement photographer based in Southwest France, I guide couples not only visually, but also through light, timing and logistics — ensuring each venue is experienced at its best on the wedding day.
Château Sentout
Set within 12 hectares of private woodland and meadows, Château Sentout Château Sentout feels more like a secluded medieval hamlet than a single estate. A collection of historic stone houses surrounds a central courtyard, framed by gardens, arcades, towers and a discreet private chapel.
The château offers a rare balance of scale and intimacy, allowing celebrations to unfold over a full weekend or extended stay. Accommodation includes a dedicated bridal suite and 23 guest bedrooms spread across seven buildings, with manicured lawns, shaded paths, a heated swimming pool and on-site parking for up to 60 cars — ideal for destination weddings seeking privacy and timeless character.
Having photographed weddings at Château Sentout, I know how its spaces and light evolve throughout the day, allowing the celebration to flow naturally and without interruption.
Château de Saint-Martory
A beautifully restored Renaissance château set within 40 hectares of woodland, Château de Saint-Martory offers a peaceful and immersive setting in Southwest France. The estate is located close to Toulouse, while remaining surrounded by nature and quiet countryside.
Its expansive grounds, historic architecture and calm atmosphere make it suitable for private celebrations, weddings and multi-day gatherings, offering couples both space and privacy for a deeply personal experience.
My familiarity with the estate allows me to guide couples gently through timing and locations, keeping the day fluid and unforced.
Château Saint Michel — Saint-Lizier
Extensively renovated, Château Saint Michel blends architectural character with refined comfort. Its interiors are thoughtfully designed, offering warm communal spaces, elegant dining rooms and fourteen luxury bedrooms accommodating up to twenty-eight guests.
The château also features beautifully restored vaulted spaces on the lower level, ideal for evening celebrations, entertainment and relaxed gatherings with family and friends.
Knowing how these spaces transition from day to night allows me to photograph the celebration with continuity and balance.
Château Rieutort
Château Rieutort is a historic wine estate dating back to the 18th century, nestled in the Languedoc countryside and surrounded by vineyards, river landscapes and a centuries-old park. Originally built in the 17th century and once used as a summer residence by one of Napoleon’s generals, the château has been carefully restored to reflect its Baroque heritage.
Today, Château Rieutort offers an intimate and refined atmosphere, filled with natural light and a sense of quiet elegance. Its peaceful setting makes it particularly well suited for romantic destination weddings where authenticity and understated beauty take precedence.
My experience working at Château Rieutort allows me to anticipate light, rhythm and transitions, ensuring a calm and seamless wedding day experience.
Château du Puits es Pratx
Surrounded by its own vineyards and ornamental gardens, Château du Puits es Pratx is a distinctive destination wedding venue in southern France. The historic wine hall has been beautifully restored into a reception space with bar, opening onto an elegant inner courtyard ideal for dinners and celebrations under the stars.
Located on the edge of the village of Ginestas and within easy reach of the Mediterranean coast, the château combines character, atmosphere and a strong sense of place — perfect for couples seeking a refined yet relaxed destination wedding.
Having photographed weddings here, I know how to use the courtyard and interior spaces to create a natural visual rhythm throughout the day.
Planning a château wedding in Southwest France? I work with a limited number of weddings each year to ensure a calm, thoughtful and highly personal experience.
Château de la Borderie
Completely renovated in 2016, Château de la Borderie blends 19th-century elegance with a refined contemporary touch. Antique furnishings, balanced decor and carefully restored interiors give the château a warm and timeless atmosphere.
Exclusively available for private weddings, the estate is entirely dedicated to one celebration at a time, offering couples an intimate and elegant setting designed for an unforgettable destination wedding experience.
Working in venues like Château de la Borderie, I focus on preserving the natural atmosphere while capturing moments with discretion and intention.
Abbaye du Palais
Once a historic abbey, Abbaye du Palais has been transformed into an exclusive wedding venue rich in character and heritage. Its stone facades, intimate chapel and enclosed gardens create a setting steeped in history and quiet romance.
This unique venue is particularly suited to couples seeking an authentic and meaningful celebration in a place where architecture and atmosphere speak for themselves.
My role here is to observe and preserve the spirit of the place, allowing moments to unfold naturally within its historic surroundings.
Château de Goudourville
Staying at Château de Goudourville means embracing château life for a weekend or longer. Fully privatised, the estate offers a wide range of settings — from intimate dinners and courtyard cocktails to ceremonies held in the chapel, village church or outdoor spaces.
Whether rustic, bohemian, classic or romantic, the château adapts naturally to each celebration, offering couples flexibility, privacy and a deeply immersive experience.
My approach here focuses on guiding gently while allowing the celebration to remain authentic and unposed.
Château de Puydaniel
Located just outside Toulouse, Château de Puydaniel sits within a four-hectare park overlooking the Ariège Valley. Elevated above the surrounding landscape, the estate offers panoramic views and a calm, welcoming atmosphere.
The château is known for its warm hospitality and intimate scale, making it particularly appealing for couples seeking a refined yet relaxed wedding setting close to the city.
Having worked in similar settings, I pay close attention to light and landscape to maintain a natural flow throughout the day.
Château de Loubéjac
Set on the heights of Tarn-et-Garonne, Château de Loubéjac is a fully renovated wedding venue offering generous space, beautiful natural light and modern comfort. Its large reception area and adaptable layout make it suitable for celebrations of varying sizes.
With multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, the château offers flexibility while maintaining a sense of elegance and calm throughout the day.
My experience in venues like this allows me to adapt effortlessly to changing light and layouts while remaining discreet.
Domaine du T
Located just minutes from Toulouse, Domaine du T is one of the rare venues combining proximity to the city with large-scale capacity. Open year-round, it hosts weddings, private celebrations and family gatherings in a preserved and spacious environment.
Its versatility allows both intimate and larger celebrations, offering couples freedom in how they design their day.
Here, my role is to bring structure and calm to a dynamic environment, ensuring the experience remains fluid and cohesive.
Domaine de Montcausson
Nestled within a five-hectare listed park near the Canal du Midi, Domaine de Montcausson offers a peaceful and elegant setting for weddings. The estate features a spacious reception room, guest accommodations and outdoor areas designed for extended stays.
Its combination of comfort, accessibility and natural surroundings makes it ideal for relaxed destination weddings.
My familiarity with estates like this helps me anticipate transitions and preserve a sense of ease throughout the celebration.
Château de Belmont-Sainte-Foi — ideal for elopements
Located in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, Château de Belmont-Sainte-Foi offers an intimate setting perfectly suited for elopements. With guest rooms and private cottages spread across a five-hectare estate, the atmosphere is calm and secluded.
The château also hosts small private events, making it a discreet and meaningful choice for couples seeking simplicity and connection.
For elopements here, my focus is on presence, timing and subtle guidance rather than direction.
Château de Mercuès — ideal for elopements
A legendary 13th-century château, Château de Mercuès offers a fairytale setting paired with refined hospitality and renowned gastronomy. The estate combines historic grandeur with attentive service, making it ideal for elegant destination elopements.
With on-site dining, guest accommodations and leisure facilities, the château allows couples and guests to remain fully immersed in the experience.
My role in such settings is to balance grandeur with intimacy, keeping the experience personal and unforced.
Château de Pennautier
Set among vineyards near Carcassonne, Château de Pennautier offers a versatile and prestigious setting for both intimate and larger weddings. Celebrations can take place outdoors in the park, under marquees, or within the château’s elegant interior spaces.
Warm, welcoming and steeped in wine heritage, the estate provides a refined yet lively atmosphere for destination weddings in southern France.
Here, I work quietly in the background, allowing the energy of the place and the people to shape the story.
I take on a limited number of weddings and elopements each year to ensure a calm, thoughtful and highly personal experience for every couple I work with.My work is best suited for those who value discretion, elegant simplicity and images that feel natural rather than staged. Couples who appreciate a well-structured day, gentle guidance and the freedom to be fully present in their celebration.
If this resonates with the way you imagine your wedding or elopement in France, I would be glad to learn more about your plans and explore how we could work together.
Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide
Planning your wedding photography can feel overwhelming — especially when you are planning a destination celebration in France. This guide was created to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. From timing and light to atmosphere and flow, it is designed to ensure that every meaningful moment of your day is captured with intention and care.
Written for couples getting married in the South and Southwest of France, this guide reflects years of on-the-ground experience working with international couples and château venues.
J O U R N A L
Chloé & Tom
How to book me as your wedding photographer
Rachel and Giles. Wedding at Château De Saint-Martory, France
Wedding photo session of Anna & Daniil
Wedding of Maria and Corentin at Domaine du T
Pegah and Paul. Wedding in Capitol. Toulouse
British-scottish wedding in Souquet Hall, Aquitaine, France
Château de Mercuès perfect for elopements
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse
Roxane & Denis. Wedding at Abbaye du Palais, Thauron, France. June 29, 2024
