16 of the best small French wedding venues
Are you planning an intimate destination wedding in France? Then you may already be searching for small french wedding venues to host your big day. If you’re not a local, it can be difficult to choose a venue as you can’t simply stop by to check it out. As such, you want to be sure you’ve chosen the right location before you commit to making the journey over to France.
When looking for wedding venues, you’ll want something that embodies all the elegance and sophistication of France. But with so many wonderful regions, towns, vineyards and chateaus to choose from – where do you even begin!
To help you narrow down your list of wedding venues in France, this guide will look at 16 of the best small French wedding venues so you can get the ceremony booked and move on to the next exciting stage – sending out those all important save the date cards!
Are you planning an intimate destination wedding in France? If you’re looking for a designer to capture the elegance and beauty of your venue and transform this into the perfect wedding stationery, get in touch today, here or email me at rubana@crimsonletters.com!
Small French wedding venues
If you’re planning a French wedding the first important thing you need to do is choose your venue and book your date. You may already have a region or town in mind for the big day, but if not the 17 stunning small French wedding venues below should help to inspire you! The following venues have been listed in order of capacity, from the smallest and most intimate locales to the slightly bigger venues for weddings of up to 150 guests.
-
Domaine du Clos Castaing – http://www.clos-castaing.fr
Location: Dordogne
Venue type: Country house
Venue capacity: Up to 20 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 12 people maximum
Nearest airport: Bordeaux
Facilities: Swimming pool, library, dining room, games room
If you’re imagining lush green landscapes, quaint stone buildings, windows with shutters and sophisticated decor, look no further than Domaine du Clos Castaing in Dordogne. When it comes to choosing intimate wedding venues in the south of France, it doesn’t get much cosier than this. With a maximum capacity of 20 guests, this is the perfect wedding venue if you want a small, private ceremony made up of only your closest friends and family. After the ceremony you can choose to have a delicious dinner in the dining area or enjoy the great outdoors with a barbecue out on the terrace, surrounded by the chateau’s beautiful gardens.
Above and below photographs from https://www.clos-castaing.fr/le-chateau/
What’s more, with the ability to sleep up to 12 people you can rent the whole house and invite a handful of your guests to stay with you for a memorable trip that lasts long before (and after) the actual wedding day. The surrounding woods of Dordogne means there’s plenty to do in the days leading up to the wedding, you can go exploring or take part in water sports if that’s more your thing! This gorgeous venue is ideal for small groups and those looking for a truly personal and intimate wedding day.
-
The Maison d’Ete – https://www.marrymeinfrance.com/venues/the-maison-dete/
Location: Dordogne
Venue type: Country house
Venue capacity: Up to 35 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 22 people maximum
Nearest airport: Brive or Bordeaux
Facilities: Chapel, terrace, courtyard, swimming pool
Bursting with history and culture, this 17th century country house is complete with its own chapel, terrace and courtyard. The perfect backdrop to your wedding photos the house can be found nestled away in the Perigord countryside and is another truly intimate venue. With a maximum capacity of 35 guests you can celebrate with a select group of your closest friends and family, and with everything you need on site, you can plan a seamless and relaxing day.
Photograph courtesy of Marry me in France
Choose to get married in the (air conditioned) chapel or be at one with nature and opt for an outdoor ceremony. Soak up the beautiful gardens as you overlook the Dordogne valley. You can even dine poolside after the ceremony, enjoying an elegant and truly memorable evening that you and your guests won’t forget.
Finally, with three separate houses on the site, you can accommodate up to 22 of your guests, so you can all share a memorable stay together. The buildings themselves might be old, but the interior certainly isn’t! This luxury accommodation comes fully equipped with all the essentials and the nearby beaches, local markets and golf course ensure there’s plenty to keep you happy and relaxed in the run up to your big day.
-
Idyllic rustic farmhouse – https://www.hitchedinfrance.com/idyllic-rural-french-wedding-venue
Location: Lot
Venue type: Hamlet (with stable barn and cottages)
Venue capacity: Up to 50 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 18 people maximum
Nearest airport: Bergerac or Toulouse
Facilities: Cottages, converted stable barn, courtyard, swimming pool
If you’re looking for intimate wedding venue in the south of France, this idyllic rustic farmhouse could be the venue of your dreams. Hidden in its own little French hamlet, you and your guests can stay in the three converted stone cottages for the duration of the wedding break. The ceremony itself can take place in the open-front stable or outside in the beautiful grounds – the choice is yours. Then, dance the night away in the converted party barn, complete with fairy-lit courtyard and its own dance floor. The venue is able to host 50 guests for the wedding day and 18 can be accommodated for between the three cosy cottages.
Photograph courtesy of Hitched in France
This idyllic setting shows off the beauty of Southern France and is perfect if you want a relaxing day. The owners have created the venue to be wonderfully simplistic so that you can truly make it your own for your big day. A haven of tranquility and stunning backdrops, you won’t regret choosing this rustic farmhouse to say your vows.
Location: Villefranche
Venue type: Villa
Venue capacity: Up to 50 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 13 people maximum
Nearest airport: Nice
Facilities: Roof terrace, swimming pool, daily housekeeping service
Built back in the 1800s this villa oozes historic charm and if you book your wedding day at Villa Sol you’ll be spoilt for choice! You can choose to have your ceremony on the roof terrace, in the garden overlooking the bay or in the dining room. What’s more, located just 100 metres from the beautiful beach, you’ll have a perfect, serene backdrop to your wedding photos.
Photography from Olivers Travels
This sort of a small French wedding venue is a much better choice for a very intimate wedding, with only immediate family members that want to make a very special trip.
Not only this, but if you and your closest friends or family wish to stay in the villa (it sleeps up to 13 guests) then there is plenty to see and do just a stones throw away. Close to Nice and Monaco, as well as the historic village of Villefranche, you can enjoy some of the best France has to offer in the days leading up to, or the days following the wedding.
-
Medieval chateau – https://www.hitchedinfrance.com/medieval-chateau-normandy
Location: Normandy
Venue type: Chateau
Venue capacity: Up to 50 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 12 people maximum
Nearest airport: Paris
Facilities: B&B services
If you want to pair your wedding day with a bit of culture, consider this medieval chateau in Normandy. This small French wedding venue is surrounded by idyllic countryside and farms producing tasty local produce. You can even arrange to set up a tasting session if you’re considering choosing local vendors to cater for the day. The lush green surroundings will make the perfect backdrop to your wedding photos and with a maximum capacity of 50 guests, this is perfect for an intimate destination wedding.
Photography by Hitched in France
You’ll also have the option of staying at the chateau for two days across the wedding, the venue allows for up to 12 guests on a B&B basis. What could be better than starting your wedding day with a delicious continental breakfast made with local goods. If you do choose to stay, there’s plenty around to help you soak up the French culture. Within driving distance you’ll find the Normandy landing beaches and Monet’s Giverny gardens.
-
Chateau Sentout – https://www.chateausentout.com/en/mariages/mariages-et-groupes/
Location: Bordeaux
Venue type: Chateau
Venue capacity: Up to 50 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 50 people maximum
Nearest airport: Bordeaux
Facilities: Courtyard, swimming pool, chapel, Roseraie arches
Smaller Bordeaux wedding venues can be harder to find. The sophisticated city is home to a number of chic hotels and grand mansions, but if you’re looking for something for a more intimate destination wedding, then consider Chateau Sentout. This traditional French building offers couples plenty of choice for saying their vows. You can choose whether you say ‘I do’ in the coach house, the chapel, under beautifully lit stone arches or in a marquee, depending on the style of your wedding day.
Photography by Patrick from https://www.chateausentout.com/en/
The grounds of Chateau Sentout have been kept authentic for the perfect, romantic French experience. You and your guests (yep, all of them!) can spend the weekend in the beautiful bedrooms located in the courtyard. The rooms have modern amenities such as wi-fi and air-con, but they have kept the decor and style of each room true to it’s historical state.
Another key selling point for the chateau is that the owners are very relaxed and happy to be involved as you’d like. They can recommend local vendors and caterers, or you can find these yourself. Plus their happy for you to provide your own wine without paying corkage – bonus!
-
Safari lodge – https://www.hitchedinfrance.com/unique-safari-lodge-venue
Location: Ger
Venue type: Lodge
Venue capacity: Up to 60 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 45 people maximum
Nearest airport: Toulouse
Facilities: Lakes, swimming pool, outdoor dining area (including pizza oven), safari lodges
This next venue is a little different to those we’ve looked at so far. If you’re looking for laid back wedding venues in France, the setting of these stunning safari lodges could be perfect for you! The venue has a very unique feel and is different to what you might associate with a traditional French wedding venue. Favoured by boho brides, families and couples looking to throw a festival wedding, this secluded spot is perfect if you’re organising a family-friendly day with a difference.
With the capability to accommodate 45 guests in the safari lodges, the owners also offer additional space for your guests to pitch up tents! This is particularly great if you are planning a festival themed wedding. And when the big day arrives, you can say your vows overlooking the lake, dine outdoors for your reception and dance the night away under the stars (or a marquee if you prefer). This intimate venue really is perfect choice for those looking for fun and relaxation on their big day.
-
L’Abbaye Chateau de Camon – https://www.chateaudecamon.com
Location: Camon
Venue type: 16th century palace
Venue capacity: Up to 70 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 29 people maximum
Nearest airport: Carcassonne
Facilities: Dining room, old monk’s kitchen, cloisters
L’Abbaye Chateau de Camon is a sixteenth century palace, perfect for those dreaming of a fairytale wedding day where they can feel like a real princess. This tranquil spot can host 70 guests in the summer, but 50 in the colder months, so this is worth noting depending on the size of your wedding party. This stunning setting gives a truly French experience to your day, imagine your guests gathering outside on the lawn and clinking their champagne glasses as you watch from the shuttered windows. The beautiful flora and fauna of the venue will inspire even the smallest details of your day.
Photography by Chateau de Camon
The chateau itself is rustic and romantic, true to its sixteenth century roots but with all the modern amenities you’ll need for your dream wedding day. Your reception can take place outside under the beautiful cloisters and there’s also an intimate dining room which you can use the night before your stay for a lovely family meal. And after the ceremony, the couple can sneak away to the secret garden to spend a quiet moment together as newly weds.
Photography by Richard Hadley
-
Château de Redon – https://www.chateauderedon.com
Location: Périgueux, Dordogne
Venue type: Manor house
Venue capacity: Up to 75 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 16 people maximum
Nearest airport: Périgueux or Brive Vallee
Facilities: Swimming pool, barn, tennis court
If you’re looking for something modern, but that captures all the charm and elegance of France, look no further than Château de Redon. This eighteenth century chateau underwent a two year renovation back in 2011, but was kept true to its original elements so you can still enjoy the stunning oak floor and wooden mouldings. With such an authentic and beautiful setting, you might even want to use the venue as inspiration for your day, be that your theme (perhaps rustic or boho), wedding invitations or even your dress!
You’ll have your pick of places to say your vows, but why not choose total romance and say ‘I do’ underneath the shade of the old oak tree. For smaller, more intimate weddings you can dine in the old barn or there are number of other function rooms available for you to choose from, each just as beautiful as one another. This venue will take your breath away with its authenticity, opulence and romance, and better yet, you and your closest friends and family can stay on the grounds and enjoy the ultimate French experience in the days leading up to the wedding.
Photography from Wedding Community
-
La Lauren – http://www.la-lauren.com/english.php
Location: Provence
Venue type: Medieavel chateau
Venue capacity: Up to 80 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 6 people maximum
Nearest airport: Avignon-Provence
Facilities: Lavender fields, French garden, reception room
The perfect intimate wedding venue in the south of France, La Lauren guest house offers the ultimate sophistication for your big day and breath taking panoramic views for the perfect wedding photos. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the French countryside as the venue is nestled in amongst the lavender fields. You can choose to get married right there or perhaps in the French garden for those having very small, intimate ceremonies. Come dinner, you can enjoy a private and romantic meal for two under the trees or join your guests on the lawn for the perfect al fresco dining experience.
The charming seventeenth century house plays host to your evening celebrations, where you can laugh, drink and celebrate alongside the medieval fireplace and authentic decor. You and a small number of your guests can also rent out and stay in the house in the days leading up to the wedding. This secluded chateau will make for the perfect, peaceful location for your big day, there’s even a spa down the road if you feel like you could do with even more rest and relaxation!
-
Manoir La Croix de La Jugie – http://www.lajugie.co.uk/weddings
Location: Nouvelle Aquitaine
Venue type: Manor house
Venue capacity: Up to 90 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 22 people maximum
Nearest airport: Limoges
Facilities: Swimming pool, courtyard, converted barn, terrace
If you’re looking for total freedom over your day, the owners of Manoir La Croix de La Jugie are happy for you to use all your own suppliers, caterers and decorations so you can make your wedding dreams a reality. With its sweeping lawns, courtyard and converted barn, this is the ideal venue for those looking to host a festival themed wedding or stick to their rustic, country bumpkin roots.
The beautiful grounds are home to hidden copses and stunning views that result in breath taking wedding photos. You and up to 22 of your guests can even stay at the manor in the run up to the day to ensure everything is perfect. Come your wedding day, guests can gather in the courtyard, champagne in hand and soak up the beautiful French weather as they wait for the ceremony to begin. This family venue has a really unique feel and is the perfect location for those who want a laid back and intimate wedding day with their nearest and dearest.
Photography by JJMedia Group
-
Cognac Chateau- https://www.marrymeinfrance.com/venues/cognac-chateau/
Venue type: Chateau
Venue capacity: Up to 150 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 10 people maximum on site
Nearest airport: Bordeaux or La Rochelle
Facilities: Private swimming pool, event barn, walking distance church
If you’re planning a French wedding and looking for a small venue, the beautiful barn at Cognac Chateau could be the ideal venue for you. The barn can hold up to 80 guests and the marquee can hold 100 guests and are found in the beautiful grounds of this stunning chateau. With a grand entrance to the manor – great for photo opportunities – plus a number of ceremony spots and the natural backdrop of the countryside, this venue can play host to the charming wedding day you’ve always dreamed of.
Not only this, but there is the option to rent the venue, which sleeps up to 10 guests, on site, so it’s great if you’re hoping for a longer break and more time to prepare before the big day. This is the right venue for you if you want pure French charm and sophistication for your wedding day.
Photography by Marry Me in France
-
Chateau Belle Vie – https://www.oliverstravels.com/france/picardy-nord-pas-de-calais/chateau-belle-vie/
Location: Picardy
Venue type: Chateau
Venue capacity: Up to 100 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 24 people maximum
Nearest airport: Lille
Facilities: Dining room, tennis courts, games room
This nineteenth century chateau was built in 1880 and has all the grandeur you’d expect from a French manor, including intricate wood panelling throughout the house to inspire your sophisticated wedding style. The venue was originally built for a wealthy family and therefore embodies all the decadence and elegance you’d expect from a traditional French wedding venue.
The tranquil and idyllic location of Chateau Belle Vie means you can host your ceremony in the great outdoors, and for really intimate weddings of 30 or less you can sit down to a meal in the dining room, still home to the original table. Offering the perfect balance between fun and elegance, this is a venue that the whole family is sure to love and with the ability to accommodate 24 guests, you can spend the night after your ceremony with your closest friends and family.
Photography by Olivers Travels
-
Chateau Lartigolle – https://www.lartigolle.com
Location: Auch
Venue type: Chateau
Venue capacity: Up to 120 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 24 people maximum
Nearest airport: Toulouse
Facilities: Tennis court, courtyard, converted cellars
Nestled away in the French countryside, Chateau Lartigolle is a eighteenth century building perfect for a relaxed, but equally as romantic wedding day. The rolling hills and impressive garden make a beautiful backdrop to your wedding photos and you can choose to have your ceremony held at the chateau or at the local church just a short walk down the road. For your evening meal you can be wined and dined al fresco in the courtyard, or perhaps you’d prefer a more rustic theme? Then choose to have your dinner served in the converted cellar instead.
As part of the wedding package you do need to book the chateau for three days, but this gives you plenty of time to relax and spend some time with your loved ones in the run up to the day. The house can accommodate up to 24 guests and you’ll have full use of the swimming pool and tennis courts while you’re there, so there’s plenty to do in your down time. This venue manages to strike the perfect balance between laid back and sophisticated, so you can host a relaxed day that’s in-keeping with a traditional French wedding.
-
The Vineyard Villa – https://www.marrymeinfrance.com/venues/the-vineyard-villa/
Location: Bordeaux
Venue type: Villa
Venue capacity: Up to 120 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 22 people maximum
Nearest airport: Bordeaux
Facilities: Swimming pool, tennis court, two barns
France is the wine country, so it’s understandable that you might be dreaming of a vineyard wedding in France. Hidden away amongst the vineyards of Dordogne, this wedding venue is the perfect mix of modern and traditional French design. You can choose from two barns for your ceremony depending on the size of your wedding party and then pose for the perfect wedding photos with beautiful sweeping views of the countryside.
Located near beaches and overlooking the Dordogne river, let the cool breeze and flowing water inspire your day. This is the perfect blend between traditional French elegance and a free-spirited day where you can relax and celebrate with your closest friends and family. Should you choose to stay, the chateau can accommodate up to 22 guests, but there are also three additional apartments available if you wish to have more of your wedding party nearby. Not far from Bordeaux and Bergerac, there’s plenty to see and do in the area.
-
Dovecote Manoir – https://www.oliverstravels.com/france/dordogne/bergerac/dovecote-manoir/
Location: Dordogne
Venue type: Manor house
Venue capacity: Up to 150 guests
Accommodation: Sleeps 20 people maximum
Nearest airport: Bergerac
Facilities: Swimming pool, boules green, table tennis, restored barn, courtyard
Dovecote Manoir will win you over with it’s idyllic French charm. The manor itself boasts traditional stone walls, wooden beams and warm terracotta floors. Then, for the perfect intimate ceremony the restored barn offers a rustic vibe, you can decorate the barn and the courthouse for a unique ceremony that you’ll never forget. This venue may hold the most guests of any other on this list, but the quaint manor in no way detracts from the small and intimate feel of the venue. What’s more, the family that owns this venue actually held their daughters wedding here, so they know a thing or two about organising the perfect day.
The couple and up to 20 guests can enjoy a stay in the manor, with use of the facilities such as the swimming pool, table tennis and boules pitch – so it’s perfect if you want to combine your wedding with a family getaway. The location of the manor provides to complete tranquility for you and your guests, but it’s close enough to the local towns and other major cities to ensure you have plenty to see and do.
Are you planning an exciting destination wedding in France?
If you’re planning an intimate destination wedding and you’re looking for a designer that can capture the elegance and beauty of your French venue, I’d love to work with you. Here at Crimson Letters I take inspiration from the sights around me to produce beautiful and immaculate artwork, even better when this comes from the intricate decor of small French wedding venues.
I love working with couples who are planning weddings around the world. Travel is a passion I share too and I’m always to delighted to discuss destination wedding options with my clients. If you would like to work together on creating luxury wedding stationery for your big day in France, do get in touch or email me at rubana@crimsonletters.com so we can discuss your vision.
Hop over to connect with me on Instagram or Pinterest!
Here are some other blogposts that you might find useful:
Luxury Wedding Venues in Italy
Italian Style Wedding Invitations
Destination Wedding Stationery Tips
Elegant French Style Wedding Invitations
When to Send out Your Invitations
Custom Watercolour Invitations