Picture this: You’re stepping through the grand doors of a historic château, sunlight dancing on your champagne glass, while your guests admire the sweeping vineyard views. It sounds like a scene from a romantic French movie, but guess what? It could be your wedding day!
Bordeaux, with its fairytale châteaux, world-class wines, and old-world charm, is one of the most magical places to say “I do.” But how do you choose the perfect château? And what’s the real cost of a luxury wedding in France?
Let’s dive into the best Bordeaux wedding venues, pricing, and expert tips to make your château wedding truly unforgettable.
Why Choose a Château Wedding in Bordeaux?
✔ Stunning Backdrops: Rolling vineyards, historic architecture, and dreamy French countryside views.
✔ Luxury & Exclusivity: Many châteaux offer private rentals, so you can have the entire place to yourself.
✔ Wine Lovers’ Paradise: It’s Bordeaux! You’ll be sipping some of the world’s best wines on your big day.
✔ Romantic Atmosphere: The combination of history, elegance, and nature creates a setting straight out of a fairytale.
Top Château Wedding Venues in Bordeaux
1. Château Gassies – Where Elegance Meets Comfort
📍 Location: Latresne, just 10 minutes from Bordeaux
👰 Capacity: Up to 150 guests
💰 Starting Price: €29,500 (3-night exclusive rental)
🌿 Why You’ll Love It: Sweeping views, luxurious suites, and even a spa for pre-wedding relaxation.
Fun fact: They have a heated pool, so even if Uncle Bob gets too enthusiastic on the dance floor, he can cool off in style.
🔗 Check it out here
2. Château de la Valouze – A Fairytale Estate
📍 Location: Saint-Émilion wine region
👰 Capacity: 150+ guests
💰 Starting Price: ~€30,000
🌿 Why You’ll Love It: A majestic château with endless gardens and accommodation for up to 61 guests.
Want a grand entrance? Imagine arriving in a vintage car through an allée of centuries-old trees. Now that’s an unforgettable moment.
🔗 See more details
3. Château Grattequina – Riverside Romance
📍 Location: By the Garonne River, 15 minutes from Bordeaux
👰 Capacity: Up to 250 guests
💰 Starting Price: Custom pricing
🌿 Why You’ll Love It: You can arrive by boat! Their private dock allows for the most cinematic wedding entrance ever.
Imagine this: Your guests are sipping Bordeaux wine on the terrace, the sun is setting over the river, and you make a grand entrance James Bond-style on a private boat. Legendary.
🔗 Discover more
4. Château de Garde – Vineyard Views & Rustic Charm
📍 Location: Near Saint-Émilion
👰 Capacity: 100+ guests
💰 Starting Price: Available on request
🌿 Why You’ll Love It: A vineyard wedding with authentic French countryside vibes.
If you want that “Provence meets Bordeaux” aesthetic, this place is for you. Rolling vineyards, golden-hour glow, and a cozy-yet-elegant atmosphere.
🔗 Find out more
5. Château Rigaud – Intimate Luxury
📍 Location: 1 hour from Bordeaux
👰 Capacity: Up to 26 guests (perfect for small weddings)
💰 Starting Price: Available on request
🌿 Why You’ll Love It: A fully staffed, private venue with Michelin-level catering.
This is for couples who want zero stress and all the luxury. Their team takes care of everything—from flowers to fine dining—so you can just sip Champagne and enjoy.
🔗 Explore Château Rigaud
How Much Does a Château Wedding in Bordeaux Cost?
💸 Wedding budget breakdown:
- Small/intimate château wedding (20-50 guests): €25,000 – €50,000
- Mid-range château wedding (50-100 guests): €50,000 – €80,000
- Luxury château wedding (100+ guests): €80,000 – €150,000+
What’s Included in the Price?
✔ Exclusive use of the château (2-3 nights stay)
✔ Accommodation for guests
✔ Wedding planning & coordination (in some venues)
✔ Catering & drinks (typically €150-€300 per person)
✔ Décor, florals, and lighting
✔ Entertainment (DJ, live band, fireworks)
Pro tip: To save money, book in the off-season (November-March) or opt for a weekday wedding.
Best Time for a Château Wedding in Bordeaux
☀ May – September: Best weather, warm evenings, peak wedding season
🍂 October – November: Stunning autumn vineyards, fewer crowds
❄ December – March: Lower prices, but some châteaux may be closed for renovations
🌸 April: Blossoming gardens, mild temperatures
If you love golden-hour light and alfresco dining, aim for June or September.
FAQ: Planning Your Bordeaux Château Wedding
❓ Do I need a wedding planner for a château wedding?
✅ Highly recommended! Many châteaux require couples to work with a planner who knows the local vendors and logistics.
❓ Can I have a legal wedding in France if I’m not a resident?
✅ France requires a 40-day residency for a legal wedding. Most couples do the legal part at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Bordeaux.
❓ How far in advance should I book my château?
✅ At least 12-18 months in advance—especially for summer weddings!
Ready to Capture Your Château Wedding?
A wedding in a Bordeaux château isn’t just a day—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And what’s the best way to relive it forever? Stunning, emotional photography that tells your story in every detail.
I’m Serg, a destination wedding photographer, and I specialize in capturing love stories in dreamy locations like Bordeaux. Let’s create something magical together!
📸 Explore real weddings: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Find the perfect photography package: Investment & Pricing
📩 Let’s chat about your big day: Contact Me
Final Thoughts
A Bordeaux château wedding is luxurious, romantic, and unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of a riverside celebration, a vineyard backdrop, or an intimate gathering in a historic estate, there’s a château that’s perfect for you.
Now, all that’s left to do? Pop a bottle of Bordeaux’s finest, send out those invitations, and start planning your dream wedding in France! 🍷💍✨
