5 best chateau wedding venues near Paris
If you're enchanted by the romantic allure of a destination wedding in France, this series is your exclusive invitation to explore the five best chateau wedding venues near Paris. Curated by two passionate connoisseurs in the French wedding industry, Sarah Chancel, a seasoned wedding planner specializing in chateau weddings, and Thomas Raboteur, an exceptional wedding photographer and Fine Art Curation member, this selection offers their unique insight into what makes these Parisian chateaux truly exceptional.
1. Chateau de Baronville
Located just over an hour from Paris, Chateau de Baronville invites you to step into an era of opulence and grace. The 19th-century family estate offers an ideal venue for grand weddings with over 100 guests, featuring two beautiful ballrooms and a breathtaking marble hall connected to two galleries.
Adorned with impressive columns and timeless black and white floor, the elegant interior is totally captivating, explains Thomas: “Walking through Château Baronville, I found this stunning white corridor that's simply made for an elegant reception. It's clean, classic, with a few ancestral busts adding character without overwhelming the place. This space is perfect for your welcome soirée or banquet-style wedding feast. Just imagine the photos - every shot against those white walls and historical whispers would be unforgettable.”
The park has a grand entrance fountain and a peaceful lake at the back of the castle, creating an idyllic atmosphere for outdoor ceremonies. Couples often pick the bucolic lakeside lawn for their vows, with the chateau's façade as an incredible backdrop for their ceremony. As for accommodation, there's a suite for the couple in the castle, with extra lodging available in on-site buildings for up to 70 guests, which is a a remarkable offering for a private chateau.
2. Chateau de Champlatreux
Situated an hour away from Paris, Chateau de Champlatreux is an enchanting ode to 18th-century architecture, offering you and your loved ones the opportunity to take a majestic step back in time and embrace the allure of old-world charm.
Beyond its original role as a family retreat, it was thoughtfully designed to host splendid events and grand feasts following hunting excursions in the nearby forest. The opulent interiors feature exquisite paintings, intricate details, and antique decor. You can arrange a delightful wedding dinner for 90 to 120 guests in one of the two charming ballrooms. The chateau also provides on-site accommodation in a cozy and familial cottage, for up to 12 guests.
"As a wedding planner, I’m always amazed by the possibilities Champlatreux has to offer," says Sarah. "Especially if your thinking of an outdoor wedding. The landscape garden and the gracious central fountain set the stage for a one-of-a-kind ceremony. And when it's time for your cocktail hour, with that stunning chateau facade bordered by trees as your backdrop, the whole scene just radiates an air of classic beauty.
"To add a touch of grandeur to your French celebration, right after dessert, picture the night sky lighting up with an exceptional fireworks show that kicks off the party in true royal style!"
3. Chateau de Villette
If you're a romantic Francophile bride, Chateau de Villette is sure to steal your heart at first sight. Surrounded by nature, woodlands, and two picturesque lakes, Chateau de Villette is an iconic wedding venue about an hour's drive from the heart of Paris. The resplendent French gardens, created by André Le Nôtre, who also designed the gardens at Versailles, highlight a breathtaking cascading fountain. The outdoor spaces at Villette are a dream for a refined ceremony and cocktail hour, followed by an open-air dinner with a view of the neoclassical facade.
The interiors of the chateau beautifully reflect the opulence of the Louis XV era, adorned with period furnishings and exquisite artwork. “Accommodations are often the top priority for the couples I work with," shares wedding planner Sarah. "The cherry on top at Villette is the luxurious suites. They graciously host up to 22 of your dearest, ensuring you all dive headfirst into the enchantment of the French Chateau experience, whether it's for a single night or an entire weekend on-site."
4. Chateau de Nainville-les-Roches
Chateau de Nainville-les-Roches is a breath of fresh air, where romance enthusiasts can find serenity and tranquility, just under an hour from Paris. This beautifully renovated 19th-century historic property is seamlessly blending historical charm with modern comfort.
"What I absolutely adore about Nainville is its charming elegance and idyllic ambiance with a cozy twist," explains Sarah. "It's a family-owned chateau, run with love and care. You can genuinely feel that every detail is thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. If your guest count falls within the range of 50 to 110, Chateau de Nainville is the ideal choice for an intimate wedding that exudes luxury."
Adorned with exquisite moldings, tapestries, and restored wooden floors, the four lounges can graciously welcome your guests for a sumptuous wedding reception or a one-of-a-kind rehearsal dinner. The à la française parterre garden is meticulously maintained by the owners, providing the perfect setting for your ceremony. The extensive park adds a more rustic touch of nature and is home to adorable residents, such as peacocks and swans!
5. Chateau de Saint-Martin du Tertre
Chateau de Saint-Martin du Tertre is the epitome of grandeur and opulence. Built in the 19th century and designed for hosting grand parties, it’s probably one of the most captivating venues within an hour from Paris.
The hall features an absolutely impressive staircase adorned with exquisite chandeliers and columns, which serves as a flawless alternative to outdoor ceremonies and even has the potential to surpass the original plan! With an exceptionally high 6-meter ceiling, delicate blue accents on the walls, and intricate details, the main salon can accommodate up to 180 guests, making it the perfect choice for couples seeking a luxurious celebration.
The red salon radiates character and is an excellent choice for post-ceremony gatherings, a man cave hangout, or an extravagant welcome dinner. But what truly sets Chateau de Saint-Martin du Tertre apart is the unique and charming details, explains Thomas. "As a wedding photographer, I've always got my eye out for those unique touches that make a venue special. Well, the round colonnade at this property's entrance stopped me in my tracks. Picture a ceremony right there - it'd be outright magical, blending a French classic vibe that's really out of the ordinary.
"The statues? Pure elegance. The columns? They're something else. It's not every day you come across a place like this, and I can't help but feel inspired by it. Every shot would tell a story, every angle would reveal something new. It's spots like these that really get my creative juices flowing."
