Wedding venues in France — 10 of the best picked by destination specialist Emma Reeve

Ask four people to imagine the best wedding venues in France and you’ll get four different answers. One will suggest a grand affair in a chateau that feels straight out of a fairytale. Another will dream up an intimate gathering at a villa in a picturesque village. Someone will wistfully whisper about a traditional french hotel surrounded by fields of lavender. And the most boujee might picture a poolside service overlooking the Mediterranean coastline. Long story short: wedding venues in France have a lot to offer.

If you’re thinking about tying the knot in the land of bread and cheese, sorting through all those gorgeous options can feel overwhelming — especially if your GSCE French is a tad rusty. That's why we had a chat with Emma Reeve, a francophile and a seasoned wedding planner. She routinely organises destination weddings, and she genuinely knows the ins-and-outs of many of the most beautiful wedding venues in France because she grew up spending her childhood summers there. (Jealous, us? Oui!). 

So if you’re considering getting married in France, this guide will save you a lot of time and research. First Emma shares her favourite wedding venues in France. Then she suggests the best honeymoon destinations local to these venues, and finally she recommends what to add to your wedding registry for an incredible vacation while the confetti settles. De rien!

From rolling hills and picturesque towns, to the historic chateaux scattered across the country, France offers endless romantic settings for your wedding. To avoid feeling overloaded, focus on exploring venues within one specific area of France that captures your heart — and if in doubt, go for the south coast says wedding planner, Emma Reeve. "Provence and the South of France will forever be popular destinations for weddings in France. That area typically has gorgeous weather for a longer period, from spring through to late September, making it more reliable for alfresco wedding breakfasts under twinkling festoon lights." And, she adds, "With its rolling landscapes of vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields that connect the quaint, quintessential French villages, the entire region is a stunning backdrop for weddings."

1. Château Canet, Carcassonne, Languedoc

VIBE: Romantic and intimate French countryside wedding
CAPACITY: up to 80 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: up to 39 guests
NEARBY AIRPORTS: Carcassonne Airport (20km), Toulouse International Airport (116km)
LINK TO VENUE: chateaucanet.com

WHY ⁠EMMA LOVES IT
"⁠Château Canet is a charming 19th-century estate located in the heart of the Languedoc region, just outside the medieval city of Carcassonne. Surrounded by vineyards and the rugged landscape of the South of France, the estate boasts elegant, classical architecture with a rustic twist, making it the perfect blend of tradition and romance. This chateau wedding venue offers a versatile setting for weddings, with its expansive grounds ideal for outdoor ceremonies amidst the vineyards, while its grand interior spaces, including tasteful reception rooms and a spacious ballroom, are perfect for a more formal affair. The estate's facilities provide a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere, great for a stylish and relaxed destination wedding in the French countryside."

2. Villa Marie, St. Tropez, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

VIBE: Chic, seaside shindigs
CAPACITY: varies by package
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: 45 rooms and 5 suites (2-bed and 4-bed options)
NEARBY AIRPORTS: Toulon-Hyères Airport (42km), Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (63km)
⁠LINK TO VENUE: saint-tropez.villamarie.fr

WHY ⁠EMMA LOVES IT
"⁠Nestled in the hills of St. Tropez, Villa Marie, is a chic, Provençal-style villa that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline and the glamorous atmosphere of the Côte d'Azur. With its elegant combination of rustic charm and contemporary luxury, the villa boasts intimate, secluded gardens and a gorgeous pool area, making it a picture-perfect venue for a stylish, relaxed wedding in France. The villa’s decor, featuring soft, pastel hues and refined details, creates a warm yet luxurious atmosphere, while its facilities are perfect for both small, intimate ceremonies and larger receptions, ensuring a memorable celebration in the heart of the French Riviera."

3. Cap Estel Hotel, Eze-Bord-de-Mer, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

VIBE: Party on a panoramic, private peninsula
CAPACITY: up to 240 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: 14 suites and 4 rooms
⁠⁠NEARBY AIRPORT: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (40km)
⁠LINK TO VENUE: capestel.com

WHY ⁠EMMA LOVES IT
"Located on the cliffs of Eze-Bord-de-Mer, Cap Estel Hotel is a stunning five-star property offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the dramatic rocky coastline. The hotel's luxurious design blends modern elegance with traditional Mediterranean charm, showcasing sleek, contemporary interiors, a private beach, and a beautiful outdoor terrace perfect for a romantic seaside celebration — picture sipping wedding cocktails with those breathtaking sea views. Its intimate and serene atmosphere, paired with exceptional facilities and services, makes Cap Estel an ideal venue for a sophisticated wedding in France, whether you envision an elegant indoor ceremony or an outdoor event with panoramic sea views."

4. Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

VIBE: Grand, botanical bash surrounded by lush greenery and vistas
CAPACITY: up to 300 seated people or up to 370 for a wedding reception
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: not available
⁠⁠NEARBY AIRPORT: Nice Airport (15km)
LINK TO VENUE: villa-ephrussi.com

⁠WHY ⁠EMMA LOVES IT
"⁠Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean, Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild is a majestic Belle Époque villa set in lush, expansive gardens on the French Riviera. With its stunning architecture, including classical façades and ornate interiors, coupled with panoramic sea views, the villa offers an extraordinarily glamorous backdrop for a wedding. The venue allows for an opulent celebration with indoor and outdoor spaces, such as the beautifully manicured gardens and elegant salons, making it ideal for a luxury event. The ability to accommodate both grand receptions and more intimate gatherings, and the world-class facilities and exceptional location, ensure a destination wedding in France here that is both sophisticated and unforgettable."

5. Château de Fonscolombe, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

VIBE: Old-school fancy French gastronomy, history and service
CAPACITY: up to 200 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: 50 rooms
NEARBY AIRPORT: Marseille Provence Airport (41km)
⁠LINK TO VENUE: fonscolombe.com

⁠WHY ⁠EMMA LOVES IT⁠
"⁠Found in the heart of Provence, Château de Fonscolombe is a splendid 18th-century château wedding venue in France, surrounded by acres of vineyards, olive trees, and beautifully landscaped gardens. It offers a truly picturesque setting for a destination wedding in France. The venue's elegant architecture — with its classical façade, sweeping staircases, and charming courtyards — exudes regal charm. While the lush grounds provide a perfect mix of natural beauty and refined luxury. Those who fancy an alfresco service can play their bride entrance songs amidst the verdant vineyards, or if you want to escape the sun, consider a grand ceremony in the château’s opulent salons, because the venue's versatile spaces are well-suited for large celebrations and intimate affairs both indoors and out. And the exceptional service, fine dining, and exquisite decor of the venue further enhance the beauty of this remarkable region."

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6. Château de Berne, Flayosc, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

VIBE: Quintessential vineyard wedding for serious foodies
CAPACITY: up to 130 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: up to 20 guests
NEARBY AIRPORT: Toulon-Hyères Airport (22km)
⁠LINK TO VENUE: chateauberne.com

WHY ⁠EMMA LOVES IT⁠
"⁠⁠Château de Berne is a renowned winery and luxury hotel located in the heart of Provence, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and forested hills. This stunning venue offers both the elegance of the château's classical architecture and the relaxed charm of the surrounding countryside, providing an idyllic setting for a vineyard wedding in France. Whether hosting a formal indoor ceremony in the château’s grand salons or an outdoor celebration with views over the rolling vineyards, the venue’s versatile spaces can cater to various styles, from rustic and romantic to sophisticated. If you want to get hitched at a chateau wedding venue in France and desire exceptional service, world-class catering (they have a Michelin star!), and luxurious facilities, Château de Berne provides an unforgettable setting for a Provence wedding."

7. Bastide de Gordes, Gordes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

VIBE: Authetic French Charm in one of France's most stunning villages
CAPACITY: up to 200 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: up to 90 guests
⁠⁠NEARBY AIRPORTS: Avignon-Caumont Airport (24km), Marseille Provence Airport (53km)
⁠LINK TO VENUE: airelles.com/fr/destination/gordes-hotel

⁠WHY ⁠EMMA LOVES IT⁠
"⁠Bastide de Gordes is a luxurious 5-star hotel on the edge of the Luberon mountain range in the heart of Provence, offering panoramic views of the picturesque village of Gordes and the surrounding rolling hills. This magnificent 16th-century Provençal bastide fuses rural charm with modern luxury, with its terracotta-tiled roofs, pale stone walls, and delightful courtyards providing a stunning backdrop. The venue is ideal for couples looking for a classic Provençal atmosphere, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including a spacious terrace, manicured gardens, and a grand ballroom. The wedding venue facilities cater to both large, opulent celebrations and intimate gatherings, with top-tier services and bespoke decor options to create a truly magical, romantic event."

8. Château de Tourreau, Sarrians, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

VIBE: Stunning, sprawling, estate wedding
CAPACITY: Up to 150 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: up to 29 guests
NEAR AIRPORTS: Avignon-Provence Airport (32km), Marseille Provence Airport (100km)
⁠LINK TO VENUE: chateaudetourreau.com

⁠⁠WHY ⁠EMMA LOVES IT⁠
"⁠An exquisite 18th-century Provençal château, Château de Tourreau can be found in the heart of the sun-drenched landscape of Provence. With its grand façade, manicured gardens, and historic interiors, the château exudes an aura of refinement and romance, while the surrounding fields of lavender and vineyards provide a quintessentially French countryside backdrop. The château’s magnificent spaces, including elegant salons and vast courtyards, offer a romantic and luxurious setting for both intimate and large-scale weddings in France, with the option for outdoor ceremonies beneath the shade of centuries-old trees. The high-end facilities, including a stunning pool area and picturesque surroundings, ensure an unforgettable celebration."

9. Château du Grand-Lucé, Grand-Lucé, Loire Valley

VIBE: Fairytale chateau in chateauxland!
CAPACITY: up to 250 people
ON-SITE ⁠ACCOMMODATION: up to 44 guests
⁠NEARBY AIRPORT: Tours St Symphorien Airport (51km)
⁠LINK TO VENUE: chateaugrandluce.com

⁠⁠WHY ⁠EMMA LOVES IT⁠⁠
"⁠Situated in the heart of the Loire Valley, Château du Grand-Lucé, is a magnificent 18th-century château surrounded by expansive, manicured gardens and tranquil parkland, creating an air of refined elegance. The château's grandeur is evident in its classical French architecture, with ornate interiors, intricate detailing, and sweeping staircases, offering a majestic atmosphere for a wedding celebration. With several stunning indoor and outdoor spaces, including a grand ballroom, elegant salons, and spacious gardens, Château du Grand-Lucé provides the perfect setting for a sophisticated, fairytale-style wedding in France, offering excellent facilities, impeccable service, and bespoke wedding planning to ensure every detail of your celebration is extraordinary."

10. La Divine Comédie, Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

VIBE: City centre private oasis with a dash of history
CAPACITY: ask the venue
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: up to 29 guests
NEARBY AIRPORTS: Avignon-Provence Airport (10km), Marseille International Airport (89km), Montpellier International Airport (94km)
⁠LINK TO VENUE: la-divine-comedie.com

⁠⁠WHY ⁠EMMA LOVES IT⁠
"⁠La Divine Comédie is a luxurious and exclusive venue located just outside the historic city of Avignon, offering a stunning backdrop of Provence's natural beauty and rich history. The venue is housed in a beautifully restored mansion, with a mixture of classic Provençal architecture and modern touches, set amidst acres of manicured gardens and vineyards (the garden is the largest private garden in Avignon). The expansive grounds provide numerous options for outdoor wedding ceremonies, while the elegant indoor spaces, including a grand ballroom, are perfect for sophisticated receptions, blending the charm of the region with modern luxury. The facilities are ideal if you're planning a high-end wedding in France with a touch of intimacy, offering both outdoor and indoor versatility."

Emma tells us if you choose a wedding venue in France you don't have to travel far for a fabulous honeymoon. "After you get married in France, I'd recommend staying local. You really can’t go wrong honeymooning anywhere along the south coast of France. With picturesque seaside towns and quaint villages, it's one of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe to continue your wedding celebrations if you want a more relaxed honeymoon."

1. Gordes

"A picturesque hilltop village in the Luberon, Gordes often makes the lists of the most beautiful hamlets in France. Its narrow, cobbled streets, stone houses, and panoramic views of the surrounding lavender fields and vineyards make it feel like a fairytale. I recommended La Bastide des Gordes hotel already as one of my favourite wedding venues in France, but it makes a fabulous honeymoon destination too. Everyone gets the celebrity treatment there, so you leave on cloud nine!"

2. Saint-Tropez

"Saint-Tropez will give any luxury honeymoon destinations a run for their money. Offering ultimate glamour and seaside luxury, Saint-Tropez is known for its high-end shopping, superyachts, and exclusive beach clubs. It attracts A-listers from around the globe. Stay at Château de la Messardière, a grand hotel perched on the hill overlooking the Mediterranean. With its private beach, exquisite spa, and lush gardens, it offers a perfect combo of opulence and romance. Enjoy sunset cocktails in the hotel’s rooftop bar, or rent a private yacht to sail along the coast."

3. Aix-en-Provence

"For a blend of luxury, culture, and stunning landscapes, Aix-en-Provence is a fantastic choice for a minimoon (though it would also make a great base to explore the surrounding area for a week or two as well!). This charming town, with its tree-lined avenues, lively markets, and historical buildings, is both relaxed and refined. Birthplace of Paul Cézanne, the father of modern art, you’ll find art galleries, quaint markets, and beautiful gardens in this historic town. Opt for a stay at Les Lodges Sainte-Victoire, a boutique luxury hotel nestled in the hills with panoramic views of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. With its modern design, exclusive spa, and fine dining, it’s a peaceful haven that offers an intimate and bespoke experience. Or for a stay closer to the centre, opt for Le Pigonnet, within walking distance of the centre of Aix. Guests rave about the service and the mix of modern luxury and old-fashioned charm."

Alright, lovebirds, are you ready to get married in a romantic chateau in the heart of Provence or in a luxe hotel on the Côte d'Azur? If these top wedding venues in France haven’t inspired you, then we don’t know what will!

While you’re in wedding planning mode, why not make a start on your wedding registry with Prezola? (Unsure what we're talking about? Read our explainer about what a wedding registry is). Guests absolutely love them as it makes their lives SO much easier. And couples dig them because you can add everything from traditional gifts to experiences, cash, honeymoon funds and more. So, what are you waiting for?

Emma Reeve is an award-winning UK & Surrey-based wedding planner, specialising in marquee, country and destination weddings. Follow her wedding planning studio, Emma Reeve Wedding, on Instagram.

Main image credits: Château-de-Tourreau, Cap Estel Hotel and Bastide de Gordes.