bride and groom walking at Chateau Rigaud wedding

An opportunity to head to France and photograph a destination wedding is something I just wouldn’t turn down. Jumping on a plane and heading to the beautiful Bordeaux region with my lovely friend Sharon Cudworth had been something I was looking forward to since the first conversation we had about it. As a natural light wedding photographer with a love for neutral tones and luxury weddings, Chateau Rigaud was a dream venue and it didn’t disappoint!

This exclusive use chateau is nestled within the vineyards about one hour from Bordeaux in the South of France and let me tell you it’s a complete show stopper! From the gorgeous French architecture to the huge amounts of private gardens including a pool, you wouldn’t be stuck for stunning backdrops for your destination wedding photos. If you are looking for a private venue to host your destination wedding, Chateau Rigaud is most definitely worth a look.

Erin and Chandlers Day

As the chateau is so large, there was of course adequate space for bridal prep and groom prep to happen without running the risk of seeing each other before the ceremony. Erin and her girls got ready in one of the upstairs bedrooms (with one of the most beautiful windows I have ever seen!), whilst Chandler and the guys got ready in a huge lounge. The father of the groom even had a quick swim in the private pool! The preparations were relaxed and fun and the incredible staff at the chateau were on hand for anything that the wedding party needed!

Of course, being a French destination wedding, the ceremony was outside. The set up was beautiful with white and green flowers at the end of the aisle. Erin and Chandler’s friends conducted the ceremony for them which was just so beautiful to observe and photograph, full of love, emotion and laughter.

Following the ceremony, we got the confetti shot and then the wedding party went to the back of the chateau for their drinks reception. The set up was beautiful with champagne, cocktails and fresh oysters and other nibbles for guests to enjoy.

The barn area was set up with incredible floral instillations by the talented Folies et Fleurs, luxury table wear and neutral stationary with hundreds of candles creating a warm, welcoming and beautiful space for the wedding breakfast and speeches.

As any destination wedding photographer would tell you, the light just hits differently at destination weddings and the golden hour sun didn’t let us down. We took Erin and Chandler for a relaxed walk through the grounds of Chateau Rigaud for their couples photos and it was simply stunning. Arriving back at the barn, Erin and Chandler had their first dance as the sun was setting, before enjoying an evening of live music by The Shuffles Band, lots of dancing and more champagne!

Are you looking to have your destination wedding in the South of France? If you love relaxed, modern and emotive images telling the story of your luxury wedding, do not hesitate to get in touch here, I would love to chat about your plans!