Chateau Cazenac Wedding: Kat & Guy’s Elegant French Celebration
Some weddings stay with you because of the place, some because of the people. Kat and Guy’s wedding at Chateau Cazenac had both. A golden-stone chateau overlooking the Dordogne Valley, with views that stop you in your tracks, and two people whose joy seemed to ripple out across the whole day.
They worked with Marry Me In France, one of the leading wedding planning teams in the region, to create a day that felt relaxed, thoughtful, and totally theirs. From the morning preparations to the last dance, everything was planned so the couple could just be present — no running around, no last-minute stress.
Where is Chateau Cazenac?
Chateau Cazenac sits high above the Dordogne Valley in south-west France, surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and sunflower fields. The nearest airports are Bergerac (about 45 minutes away) and Bordeaux (just over two hours), making it easy for guests to fly in from the UK or further afield. The chateau’s elevated position means you get panoramic views from almost every terrace and garden.
The building itself dates back to the 14th century, with later additions giving it a mix of medieval and Renaissance character. Inside, the rooms are grand but welcoming, with high ceilings, original fireplaces, and light streaming in through tall windows. Outside, the terraced lawns and walled gardens feel made for long tables and late-night dancing under the stars.
Why Chateau Cazenac Works So Well for Weddings
The beauty of Chateau Cazenac is that you can host the entire wedding weekend in one place. There’s space for both sides of the wedding party to get ready without seeing each other, multiple ceremony spots to choose from, and endless corners for chateau wedding photos.
The grounds are designed in tiers — so you can move guests from a ceremony on the upper lawn, to drinks in the gardens, to dinner on a lower terrace, without anyone feeling rushed. The flow is natural and scenic at every stage.
Working with Marry Me In France
Kat and Guy chose Marry Me In France to plan their day, and it made all the difference. They handled everything from liaising with suppliers to coordinating the schedule, and even thought about the tiny details that make a day run smoothly. For couples planning from abroad, having a local, bilingual team on the ground means you can relax knowing nothing will get lost in translation.
Marry Me In France also have strong relationships with the venue’s regular caterers, florists, and musicians, so they can recommend people who already know the space — something that can save a lot of time and stress.
Bridal Prep in the Chateau
Kat got ready in one of the upstairs suites, a huge light-filled room with views across the valley. Hair and makeup were set up near the window, dresses hung from the wardrobe doors, and there was that quiet buzz of excitement as the morning unfolded. Friends drifted in and out with glasses of champagne, and the planners made sure timings were gently kept on track.
Kat’s Bridal Look and Flowers
Kat found her dream dress while visiting family in Sydney, falling in love with a Delila Fox gown from Babushka Ballerina. It had the capped sleeves and low back she’d been searching for, with delicate floral detailing on modern crepe — the perfect blend of elegance and contemporary style. She paired it with gold Jimmy Choo ‘Misty’ sandals and kept her accessories simple, borrowing her sister’s pearl earrings. The scent of Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue was her “something blue,” a fragrance she’s worn for years.
For flowers, Angie Steadman of Les Fleurs Coupée created arrangements that wove in Kat’s Australian roots, featuring eucalyptus, proteas, and other native blooms. This touch of home, set against the backdrop of the Dordogne countryside, made the day feel even more personal.
Groom Prep in the West Wing
Over in another wing of the chateau, Guy and his groomsmen were just as relaxed. The pace of the morning was slow and calm — coffee on the terrace, buttonholes pinned in the garden, and a quick run-through of the ceremony order. The distance between prep spaces means you really can keep that “first look” moment for the aisle.
The Ceremony
Kat and Guy held their ceremony under the line of trees, framed by an arch of greenery and seasonal flowers, with the amazing Claudia Bowden leading the vows. With the Dordogne countryside as the backdrop, it hardly needed extra decoration. Guests sat in neat rows under the warm French sun, and the whole scene felt both grand and intimate.
Drinks in the Garden
After the ceremony, guests moved down onto the main lawn for drinks and canapés. It’s beautifully open to the view beyond, which makes it perfect for mingling and candid chateau wedding photos. Musicians played acoustic sets in the background while trays of local wine and sparkling Crémant made their way around.
Group Photos and Couple Portraits
Group photos took place back under the tree lined canopy, where there’s plenty of space and soft, even light in the afternoon. For their couple portraits, Kat and Guy wandered through the gardens and into the surrounding fields. The combination of golden stone walls, sunlit paths, and wide open skies makes Chateau Cazenac a dream for any marry me in france photographer.
Dinner Outdoors
As the sun began to dip, guests found their seats at round tables outside the front of the Chateau. Candles, linen napkins, and seasonal flowers decorated the tables. Dinner was a celebration of local food — duck, fresh vegetables, French cheeses — all paired with wines from nearby vineyards.
Speeches and Dancing
Speeches were heartfelt and often hilarious, with the chateau’s terrace providing the perfect stage. As night fell, festoon lights came on, the music picked up, and the dance floor filled quickly. Being able to dance outside under the stars is one of the biggest joys of a French summer wedding, and Chateau Cazenac makes it feel like the most natural thing in the world.
Why This Venue is a Photographer’s Dream
From a photography point of view, Chateau Cazenac offers variety without having to travel anywhere else. You have sweeping landscapes, elegant interiors, intimate gardens, and wide terraces — all within a short walk. This means couples can spend less time being whisked away for portraits and more time with their guests, while still ending up with an album full of striking images.
Marry Me In France Photographer
I have been lucky enough to work with Marry Me In France three times now, and every wedding has been a joy to capture. Their planning is seamless, their supplier contacts are brilliant, and they make sure the day runs without a hitch. For me as a photographer, that means I can focus completely on the moments that matter — the smiles, the nerves, the little in-between glances — knowing that everything behind the scenes is being handled.
Tips for Planning a Wedding in France
Hire a planner who knows the region — local contacts and language skills are invaluable.
Visit your venue at least once before booking to get a feel for the flow of the day.
Think about guest travel — send clear directions and airport transfer options early.
Plan for the heat — shade for the ceremony and plenty of water for guests.
Make the most of the setting — dinners outdoors and photos in golden hour are worth it.
Book suppliers early — the best caterers, florists, and bands book up fast in summer.
Advice from the Couple
Kat and Guy’s biggest piece of advice is to trust your suppliers and let them do what they do best. They also recommend building in little pauses throughout the day — five minutes here and there just for the two of you to step back and take it all in. And finally, if you are planning from abroad, invest in a planner who knows the area inside out. It takes away the stress so you can focus on enjoying the celebration you have been looking forward to for so long.
Final Thoughts on a Chateau Cazenac Wedding
Kat and Guy’s day was everything you’d hope for in a French chateau wedding — relaxed, beautiful, and full of love. With the support of Marry Me In France, the stunning setting of Chateau Cazenac, and a plan that allowed them to be present with their guests, they created a celebration that felt as good as it looked.
If you are dreaming of your own chateau wedding, filled with golden light and countryside views, and are looking for a wedding photographer in France, this is a venue that delivers on every level.
My wedding pricing is <£2,500 for three days coverage, including expenses!
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