I have said it before, and I will say it again — I really do have the best job in the world. Not only do I get to capture the happiest day of my couples’ lives. Sometimes that means boarding a plane and photographing a wedding in one of the most beautiful corners of France. This was one of those days, and I am still smiling about it.
Chelsey and I go back a little way. We both work in the wedding industry, and she is one of those people who lights up every room she walks into — warm, generous and genuinely beautiful inside and out. I was honoured to capture her and Dale’s intimate micro wedding at Marylebone Town Hall, and when she asked me to photograph their celebration at Château La Durantie in the Dordogne, I said yes before she had even finished the sentence. Some invitations you simply do not think twice about.
Château La Durantie — A Fairytale Destination Wedding Venue in France
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Dordogne, Chateau la Durantie is one of France’s most enchanting wedding venues. It is not hard to see why so many couples fall in love with it. It sits near the charming town of Lanouaille. This nineteenth-century château is the epitome of French elegance. Soft cream stone, grand interiors, sweeping tree-lined paths and lush gardens — it is a truly fairytale backdrop for a destination wedding in France.
The Dordogne itself is a region rich in history and beauty. Medieval villages, sunflower-filled landscapes and long golden summer days make it one of the most romantic parts of Europe for a wedding. Whether you dream of an outdoor ceremony or dining under the stars, Château La Durantie delivers on every level. It is a place where time slows down, love takes centre stage, and memories are made to last a lifetime. As a destination wedding photographer, I can honestly say it is one of the most beautiful venues I have ever had the privilege of shooting in.
Bridal Preparations in the Château’s Bridal Suite
The morning began in the most beautiful way. Chelsey got ready in the château’s romantic bridal suite, surrounded by her mum and closest friends. The atmosphere was full of quiet excitement and warmth — exactly the kind of morning that sets the tone for a perfect day.
Chelsey looked absolutely stunning in her Caroline Castigliano wedding dress. Elegant, timeless and completely breathtaking — she was a modern-day princess in the most fairytale of settings. The soft light pouring through the château windows created the most beautiful conditions for bridal portraits. These are genuinely some of my favourite images I have ever taken, and that is saying something.
An Intimate Outdoor Ceremony in the Dordogne Sunshine
With the sun high in the sky, Chelsey and Dale exchanged their vows in an intimate outdoor ceremony in the château’s manicured grounds. Despite the scorching Dordogne summer heat — a very real feature of destination weddings in this part of France — the ceremony was serene, deeply personal and full of emotion. Just their closest family and friends, golden light, lush greenery and two people completely in love. It was perfect.
Afterwards, guests made their way to the terrace for drinks in the sunshine. In true English style, they served Pimm’s, a refreshing and joyful touch that brought a wonderfully relaxed energy to the afternoon. Laughter, clinking glasses and warm Dordogne sunshine. It was exactly what a French destination wedding drinks reception should feel like.
Golden Hour Portraits at Château La Durantie
As the sun began its descent, I took Chelsey and Dale out for their portrait session in the grounds. Golden hour at Château La Durantie is something else entirely. The warm light, the château rising behind them, the lavender fields and the long tree-lined paths — it all came together in the most extraordinary way.
These are the portraits that couples dream of when they imagine a romantic wedding in France. Relaxed, elegant and completely full of love. Chelsey and Dale were naturals — connected, joyful and utterly at ease. I could have photographed them all evening.
As a destination wedding photographer based in the UK, golden hour portraits at a French château are one of life’s great privileges. I will never take moments like these for granted.
Dancing the Night Away in the Rustic Barn
As the evening fell, the celebrations moved into the château’s beautiful rustic barn. The atmosphere was electric from the very first song. Music, laughter and love filled every corner of the space, and the dance floor was packed all night. It was the kind of evening that destination weddings in the Dordogne do so well — intimate, joyful and completely unforgettable.
Chelsey and Dale’s wedding was everything a destination celebration should be. Personal, relaxed, romantic and full of the kind of magic that only comes from celebrating love in a truly extraordinary place.
Planning Your Own Destination Wedding in France?
If Chelsey and Dale’s day has caught your eye, I would love to hear from you. Château La Durantie is one of the most stunning destination wedding venues in France, and I would be absolutely thrilled to photograph your celebration there.
I am a UK-based destination wedding photographer, and I travel widely for weddings — whether that is France, Italy, India or beyond. If you are planning a destination wedding and are looking for a photographer who will travel with you, capture your day beautifully and make the whole experience feel relaxed and joyful, please get in touch. I would love to be part of your story.
