Chateau de La Cote Wedding: Lynsey & Ricky

There is something about a French chateau wedding that makes everything feel just that little bit more magical. Maybe it is the light, maybe it is the centuries old buildings, or maybe it is the way guests relax into the slower pace of life. For Lynsey and Ricky, choosing Chateau de La Cote was about finding a place that felt romantic, relaxed, and completely theirs for the day.

They found me online, and from our very first conversation we clicked. I had not photographed at Chateau de La Cote before, but I have worked at many other French chateaus over the years, and with my dad having lived in France for more than 15 years, I always feel at home here. The blend of French countryside charm and the grand history of these venues makes them such a joy to photograph.

Chateau Wedding Dordogne

Chateau de La Cote is tucked into the rolling countryside of the Dordogne region, surrounded by lush fields, winding lanes, and small stone villages. It is the kind of place where you can wake up to birdsong, take a stroll through the gardens, and instantly feel like you have stepped into another world.

The chateau itself is full of character, with turrets, climbing ivy, and beautiful period interiors. The grounds offer a huge variety for weddings, from shaded ceremony spots to sunlit lawns perfect for outdoor dining. If you are looking for a French wedding venue that has history, beauty, and space for both the ceremony and reception all in one place, Chateau de La Cote should be on your shortlist.

Bridal Prep in the Chateau

The morning of the wedding was calm but full of anticipation. Lynsey got ready in one of the elegant chateau rooms with her sister and bridesmaids. There was laughter, a bit of happy chaos, and that growing buzz as the ceremony time got closer.

One of the moments that really stood out was Lynsey’s dad seeing her for the first time. Those few seconds when he walked into the room and took it all in — the dress, the veil, the makeup — were filled with so much emotion. She wore a dress that she had found after much searching, with elegant details that suited the French setting perfectly, a bespoke veil and a pair of Jimmy Choos that added just the right amount of elegance.

Ceremony in the Trees

The ceremony took place in a shaded spot under the trees, just beyond the main building. It was a beautiful setting, with the branches offering shelter from the sun and creating a natural canopy that made everything feel intimate and private. Guests fanned themselves lightly in the afternoon warmth, and you could hear the soft rustle of leaves alongside the words being spoken.

It was refreshing to photograph something a little different from the usual open lawn set up. The filtered light through the trees added depth and texture to the images, and you could feel the atmosphere of the place in every frame.

Bride and Groom Portraits Around the Grounds

After the ceremony, we moved through the grounds for portraits. We used the driveway lined with greenery, the soft light around the chateau walls, and then the open fields as the sun began to set. The Dordogne countryside has a way of turning golden in the evenings, and that light is a photographer’s dream.

These portraits were a mix of relaxed moments and quiet pauses, giving Lynsey and Ricky the chance to catch their breath and just be together before heading back to the celebrations.

Dinner on the Lawn

Dinner was held outdoors on the main lawn, with simple white tablecloths on round tables and plenty of room for guests to mingle between courses. Each table was named after a rugby player, a nod to Ricky’s playing days and Lynsey’s work with rugby players. It added a personal touch that had guests smiling and swapping stories as they found their seats.

As the evening went on, the sky softened into pastel tones and the string lights overhead began to glow. It is one of the best parts about a French chateau wedding, being able to eat outside long into the evening without feeling rushed, letting the night unfold naturally.

Dancing in Front of the Chateau

Once dinner and speeches were over, the party moved to the front of the chateau where a band was set up. Guests kicked off their shoes and filled the space with dancing, laughter, and the kind of carefree energy that only comes at the end of a perfect wedding day.

The chateau made a striking backdrop for the dance floor, its stone walls glowing in the warm light. It was the perfect finale to a day that had been equal parts elegant and relaxed.

Why Choose Chateau de La Cote for Your Wedding

From a photography perspective, Chateau de La Cote offers so much variety — shaded ceremony spots, wide open lawns, elegant interiors, and countryside views. Having everything on site means less travel on the day and more time to spend with your guests. The Dordogne region is also full of charming towns and vineyards, so it is easy to turn your wedding into a long weekend or even a week long celebration.

For couples looking for a destination wedding that blends French charm with ease and comfort, this venue really does tick every box.

An Experienced French Chateau Wedding Photographer

Although I am based in the UK, I have photographed weddings all over France. It truly is one of my favourite places to work, not just because of the scenery but because of the pace and style of the celebrations.

I know how to work with the light, the architecture, and the atmosphere to create images that feel timeless and true to the day. Whether it is capturing the quiet moments of bridal prep, the joy of a ceremony under the trees, or the energy of a dance floor under the stars, my approach is always relaxed, unobtrusive, and focused on real emotion.

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