If you’ve read my blog about the top 6 wedding venues in Northern Italy, you know my take on how important the venue you choose is to the success of your ceremony. Even more so than Northern Italy, the South of France is a region very close to my heart — it is so much more than just a place I’ve officiated weddings. There is a small town, actually a village in the South of France, called Uzès. This is where I spent all of my childhood summers and so many summers since. When I get to Uzès, I immediately breathe a deep sigh and say, “I’m home.” From the miles of lavender fields to the most spectacular outdoor market to the dazzling 13th-century houses, it is a magical, breathtaking spot that is surprisingly still “undiscovered”.
There are many such spots littering the stunning coastlines of Provence and nestled in the lush vineyards of Occitana; thus, there is no shortage of extraordinary wedding venues for you to explore in this one-of-a-kind region. So, follow along for the next installment in my series exploring the world’s best wedding destinations as I highlight six standout venues in the South of France!
1) Villa Ephrussi De Rothschild
We begin our journey along the coast of the French Riviera, with a stunning pastel pink villa constructed for Madame Béatrice Ephrussi (née de Rothschild) during the early 20th century. With a grand courtyard, gorgeous pink marble columns, and nine distinctly-themed gardens, this villa is uniquely suited for couples aiming to capture that dreamy, garden-party feel on their big day. The venue can host up to 500 guests, but, because it is frequently visited by tourists, it does not include accommodations. Luckily, the nearby city of Nice has a variety of options to explore!
Experienced with hosting weddings, the villa lists a variety of refereed caterers, decorators, and florists on their website for couples to peruse. Having these hand-picked resources at your fingertips is sure to alleviate some of the pressure of coordinating with overseas vendors.
We arrive next at Domaine de Canaille, also located on the coast of the French Riviera. The massive luxury property is home to a newly-renovated villa with a large terrace and heated swimming pool. While it can only sleep 26 guests, the venue hosts up to 130.
This venue’s most distinctive feature is, of course, its direct and secluded beach access. With waters aptly described by the Office de Tourisme as “bewitchingly blue”, this private slice of the Riviera coastline is the perfect backdrop for your ceremony, your photos, or even your reception! Domaine de Canaille is also only a 30-minute drive from the Calanques National Park in Marseille. Whether you and your guests want to take a once-in-a-lifetime hike through the rocky cove or just marvel at the magnificent views, this venue’s proximity to the Calanques is certainly one of its most remarkable features.
3) La Lauren
I’ll highlight one final venue in the Provence region: the La Lauren house and gardens. Surrounded by sprawling fields of lavender, this space is perfect for a couple planning a more intimate wedding. With a heated salt pool, striking medieval fireplaces, whimsical gardens, and lodgings for up to 6 guests, La Lauren is nothing short of a dream come true.
The space even has a large private reception hall, perfect for dancing late into the night as you celebrate your union. The La Lauren venue staff are endlessly dedicated to working closely with all clients to ensure your wedding is memorable, beautiful, and stress-free. Plus, they have an in-house chef, the immensely talented Damien Gillon!
Turning further inland, this next venue is home to the largest private garden in the city of Avignon. In addition to its extraordinary garden, the La Divine Comédie house boasts five themed suites, a conservatory, an orangery, and a wellness spa. With antique artifacts on every surface and lush greenery around every turn, La Divine Comédie is incredibly well-suited for any couple who want to capture that quintessential French feel on their big day.
And, if you were intrigued by my mention of Cinque Terre as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in my Northern Italy blog, the magnificent Palais des Papes, also an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a short drive from this gorgeous venue.
We move next to the quaint village of Assignan, home to the Château and Village Castigno. Marketed as a “sustainable wine resort”, this venue is well off the beaten path. Couples have been known to choose this spot for its intimacy and distinctly bohemian style. With 2 swimming pools, a wine cellar, a spa, 3 restaurants, and lodging for up to 50 guests, Village Castigno is the perfect place for an all-inclusive and deeply authentic wedding weekend.
Another important detail about Village Castigno is that the space is entirely “unplugged”. With no wifi to speak of, guests are instead encouraged to engage with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and, more importantly, each other. If the sentiment of being “in the moment” resonates with you and your partner, Village Castigno might be just the place to host your wedding.
Our final venue is nestled deep in wine country, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. A stunning property defined by its intricate 19th-century architecture, Château Les Carrasses also has an on-site winery, incredible views of the Pyrenees mountains, and even a glass-walled garden house said to have been designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel!).
The château’s dedicated staff offer a variety of wedding packages, each of which include a wedding planner and translator; the privatization of all wedding event spaces; a complementary menu tasting lunch for four; and access to the venue’s sound system, table decorations, and custom stationery. So, if you’re looking for a space that is equal parts charming and luxurious, look no further than Château Les Carrasses.
@thevowwhisperer
Crafting Heartfelt Words Into Unforgettable Memories
Serving in Destinations Around the World
Crafting Heartfelt Words
Into Unforgettable Memories
Serving in Destinations Around the World