Where to even start with this beautiful wedding! Firstly can I just say that I really do have the best job in the world! Not only do I get to capture the happiest day of my couples lives, but I get to fly around the world doing so. What an absolute honour. When Chelsey asked me if I would capture her beautiful wedding at Chateau La Durantie, I was over the moon. Chelsey and I both work in the wedding industry and she is a beautiful soul, inside and out. I was fortunate enough to capture their micro wedding at Marylebone town hall, and now this beaut! I hope you enjoy their blog and love their images as much as they do.
A picture-perfect summer wedding at Château La Durantie
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Dordogne, Chateau la Durantie is one of France’s most enchanting wedding venues. It’s not hard to see why so many couples fall in love with it. Located near the charming town of Lanouaille, this 19th-century château is the epitome of French elegance. Surrounded by lush gardens, lavender fields, and timeless countryside views. With its soft cream stone façade, grand interiors, and sweeping paths, lined with tall trees, the château offers a truly fairytale backdrop for a destination wedding in France.
The Dordogne itself is a region rich in history, known for its medieval villages, sunflower-filled landscapes, and long, golden summer days. It really is the perfect setting for a relaxed and romantic celebration. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of an outdoor ceremony in manicured gardens or dining under the stars in front of a château, Château La Durantie delivers on every level. It’s a place where time slows down, love takes centre stage, and memories are made to last a lifetime.
Bridal prep in the Château’s romantic bridal suite
The day began in the morning as Chelsey got ready in the château’s beautiful bridal suite. Surrounded by her mum and close friends, the atmosphere was full of quiet excitement. Chelsey looked stunning in her Caroline Castigliano wedding dress. She truly looked like a modern-day princess in the fairytale setting of Château La Durantie. We captured some timeless bridal portraits in the soft light pouring through the château windows – some of my favourite images of the day.
An intimate outdoor ceremony in the Dordogne sunshine
With the sun high in the sky, Chelsey and Dale exchanged vows in a small and intimate outdoor ceremony within the château’s manicured grounds. Despite the scorching summer heat (a typical feature of weddings in the Dordogne!), the ceremony was serene and deeply personal, with just close family and friends present. The lush greenery and golden light made for a picture-perfect setting for their “I do’s”.
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the terrace for the outdoor drinks reception. In true English style, Pimms was served – a refreshing touch that brought a relaxed and joyful vibe to the afternoon. With laughter, hugs, and clinking glasses all around, it was the kind of reception every destination wedding in France should have.
Portraits in the grounds of Chateau La Durantie
As the sun began to set, I took Chelsey and Dale off for a short portrait session around the grounds. The golden light, the château in the background, and their undeniable connection made for some truly stunning images. These are the kind of portraits couples dream of when planning a romantic wedding in France – relaxed, elegant, and full of love.
After dinner, the celebrations continued in the château’s rustic barn, where everyone danced late into the night. The atmosphere was electric, with music, laughter, and love filling the space. It was the perfect ending to a perfect destination wedding in the Dordogne.
Chelsey and Dale’s wedding was beautifully intimate – full of personal touches, heartfelt moments, and all the magic that comes with celebrating love in such a stunning part of the world. If you’re dreaming of a small, elegant wedding in France, Château La Durantie offers the kind of romantic setting that makes everything feel like a fairytale. If you would like to discuss your wedding photography, I would love to have a chat and get to know each other a bit better. Please contact me here and lets get to know each other better and talk all things wedding.
