A romantic rainy-day wedding at Château Lagut

A château in Dordogne perfect for destination weddings

For couples traveling from the UK, USA, Ireland and across Europe, the Dordogne region is the essence of French romance — rolling hills, ancient villages, and historic estates surrounded by nature. 
Château Lagut is one of those rare venues that feels both luxurious and comforting. The stone walls, grand rooms, and soft countryside light make it ideal for elegant destination weddings.But one of its greatest strengths is something you only truly appreciate when the weather changes:
the château is just as beautiful indoors as outdoors. And for Chelsea and Michael, this became the key to a magical day.

When the rain arrived — and transformed everything

The morning of October 22nd greeted us with steady rain. The ceremony and dinner, initially planned outdoors, had to be moved inside. But instead of disappointment, what filled the day was something else: softness, intimacy, warmth.

The ceremony took place indoors beside Château Lagut’s grand, elegant fireplace — a feature that instantly set the tone. Candles glowed gently behind the couple. The sound of rain tapping against the windows created a natural soundtrack. Guests gathered closely, wrapped in the cozy, romantic atmosphere of the château.

It wasn’t the wedding they first imagined. It was something even more memorable.

One detail that made their wedding uniquely personal was the beautiful gift Chelsea prepared for Michael: cufflinks engraved with the image of their beloved dog. It was a small gesture filled with meaning, and Michael wore them proudly throughout the day. Even his suit carried a touch of personality — the inside lining of his jacket featured a Dalmatian print, a playful and stylish reference that made every portrait feel even more intimate and authentic. These thoughtful details added depth to the story and reflected the couple’s character in the most sincere way.As a wedding photographer in France, I meet many couples, but some weddings stay with you. This one will stay with me for a long time.

The most emotional moment: the first touch

One of the most touching elements of the day came from a creative idea suggested by the videographer — Katy Fendall, one of my favourite collaborators, whose intimate approach to filming I always admire.Chelsea and Michael chose not to do a “first look, ” but Katie proposed something even more meaningful:

a first touch.Because of the rain, the groom waited outside under an umbrella, carefully protected from the drizzle. Chelsea remained inside the château, keeping her dress in perfect condition. They stood on opposite sides of a window — seeing only a silhouette, feeling each other’s presence through the glass.Their hands met.
No one spoke.
The rain tapped softly on the window.
It was a moment of pure emotion — simple, honest, unforgettable.For me, it became the most powerful moment of the entire wedding.

A warm indoor dinner and a champagne tower celebration

Dinner was moved indoors, and once again Château Lagut showed why it is one of the best venues in Dordogne for destination weddings.Although the fireplace was used only for the ceremony, the reception room was transformed into a beautifully intimate space thanks to candlelight, warm stone walls and thoughtfully arranged tables.Guests enjoyed a relaxed, elegant dinner as the rain finally softened outside. The atmosphere felt cozy and refined — the kind of evening that brings everyone together naturally.One of the highlights of the night was the champagne tower, a moment that brought instant celebration and excitement. Guests gathered around as the couple poured champagne over the stacked glasses, the golden bubbles catching the candlelight. It was festive, glamorous, and undeniably French — a perfect contrast to the earlier quiet moments.The combination of rainy-day intimacy and joyful celebration made this dinner truly unforgettable.

Ending the night with fireworks

Just when the rain finally faded, Chelsea and Michael ended their day with a stunning fireworks display.The colours illuminated the wet château stones, creating dramatic reflections and unforgettable photographs. The couple embraced under the shimmering light — the perfect closing chapter to a day full of emotion.