Chateau de Queille Wedding: A Laidback, Creative Celebration in the French Countryside
Ella and Cillian live in New York. But when it came to getting married, they knew they wanted something completely different from city life. They found it in Chateau de Queille, a tucked away wedding venue in southwest France near the medieval town of Mirepoix. Think hilltop views, terraced gardens, and a real sense of calm. The kind of place where you can truly switch off and just be with your people.
This wasn’t a wedding about fuss or formality. It was a full weekend filled with food, laughter, paint-stained hands, and barefoot dancing. Every part of it felt personal — and it suited them down to the ground.
Why Mirepoix Makes a Great Base for a Wedding in the French Countryside
Mirepoix sits just an hour from both Carcassonne and Toulouse airports, which means guests can fly in easily from the UK or beyond and hire a car for the final stretch. It’s well connected, but still feels properly off the beaten track once you arrive. The town itself has plenty of charm — think market squares, bakeries, and cafés for a quiet morning coffee before wedding celebrations kick off. There are lots of small hotels, guesthouses and gîtes in the area too, so guests can stay nearby without needing to pile into one place. If you're marrying at Château de Queille, the chateau itself sleeps a handful, and nearby properties can take care of the rest.
Why Get Married at Chateau Queille
The venue itself is something special. Chateau de Queille is perched on a hill surrounded by trees, fields and river views in every direction. There’s a beautiful Romanesque chapel for ceremonies, a courtyard for dinner and dancing, and terraced gardens that tumble down the hillside. It feels grand but not over the top.
The Night Before: Painting, Poolside and Hog Roast
Everyone arrived a day or two early, which gave Ella and Cillian the chance to host a relaxed evening by the pool. The food? A full hog roast. The dress code? Swimsuits and linen. People floated between sunloungers and painting tables — yes, actual painting tables. Each guest hand-painted their name onto a stone to use as a place setting the next day.
It was such a brilliant icebreaker. Everyone was chatting and laughing, getting a bit messy with the paint and leaning into the slower pace of the place. It set the tone for the whole weekend. Nothing forced. Nothing over-scheduled. Just everyone easing into being together.
Bridal and Groom Prep Around the Chateau
On the morning of the wedding, Cillian got ready in one of the quiet guest rooms overlooking the trees. No big audience or showy stuff, just a bit of time with his mates and a whisky in hand. His bespoke suit by Alexander Nash was lined with material depicting the stars from the story The Little Prince - a favourite of the couple!
Ella got ready in the soft light of an upstairs room with views across the valley. Her Vera Wang dress hung from a wooden beam. She wore a simple headband, but quickly changed into the crown from Where the Wild Things Are, and it somehow felt completely right — playful and bold and very her.
There was a lovely sense of calm to both mornings. No chaos. No stress. Just a slow build-up to the main event.
Ceremony in the Chapel
The chapel at Chateau Queille is one of the most beautiful ceremony spots I’ve seen. Stone walls, candlelight, and just enough space for everyone to squeeze in and feel close.
Their ceremony was short, heartfelt and exactly what it needed to be. Personal too, as it was conducted by a Vicar from home; close family friend.
Afterwards, guests flowed out into the gardens and the champagne started pouring.
Couple Portraits in the River
After the ceremony, we headed down to the river & the trampoline for a bit of fun!
Ella didn’t hesitate — she stepped straight into the water in her Vera Wang dress, completely barefoot and navigating the stony river bed. Cillian followed and they just stood there for a moment, laughing and taking it all in.
It was magic. Not staged, not overly thought out. Just them, in the moment, doing their own thing. And the photos? Some of my favourites.
Dinner in the Courtyard and Speeches Under the Stars
Dinner was served outside in the courtyard. Long tables, festoon lights, and that classic French late-summer light. Speeches happened between courses. Some hilarious, some teary, all totally sincere.
The atmosphere was so relaxed. People wandered between courses. Kids ran around. Nobody was stuck in their seat too long. It felt like one big dinner party in the best kind of way.
Dancing and the Best Kind of Chaos
Once the sun had set and the plates were cleared, the music kicked in. Dancing spilled across the courtyard and into the night. Shoes came off. The flower crown made the rounds. There was no timeline or to-do list, just music and movement and everyone having the best time.
FAQ: Thinking About a Chateau de Queille Wedding?
Is it private? Yes. It’s in the middle of the countryside and feels completely tucked away. You can play music late into the night and there’s loads of space to spread out.
How many people can stay on site? Roughly 20, with more accommodation nearby in local B&Bs and gîtes.
Where can you have the ceremony? In the chapel or outside in the gardens. Both are stunning.
What if it rains? There’s a newly restored barn that can be used for dinner or dancing if needed. But in summer, most people stay outside the whole time.
What makes it different? It’s creative and rustic in the best way. Nothing feels commercial or cookie-cutter. It gives you the freedom to do things your way.
Final Thoughts
Ella and Cillian’s wedding wasn’t about following tradition. It was about doing things that felt good and true. A river walk in a designer dress. Painted stones instead of printed place cards. A poolside hog roast with everyone chipping in. It was honest, joyful, and full of personality.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels more like a gathering, more about experience than perfection, Chateau de Queille might just be your place.
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