Château le Mas de Montet Wedding - The Photos You Have to See
Some venues just have presence. Château le Mas de Montet, with its grand towers, sweeping lawns and classic French charm, is one of them. When Nat and Rob finally got to celebrate here after rescheduling from 2020 to 2024 — now with their gorgeous twins in tow — the day felt extra special. They worked with Marry Me In France, with planner Zoe making sure everything ran effortlessly from start to finish.
Where is Château le Mas de Montet?
Château le Mas de Montet sits in the heart of the Dordogne countryside, a region known for its rolling fields, sunflower patches and medieval villages. The nearest airport is Bergerac (about an hour’s drive) with Bordeaux offering a wider choice of international flights just over two hours away. Once you turn down the tree-lined driveway and the chateau comes into view, you instantly understand why so many couples fall for it.
A Closer Look at the Venue
Built in the 19th century on the site of a much older estate, the chateau blends romantic French architecture with modern comfort. Inside, you will find high ceilings, polished wood floors and large windows that flood the rooms with light — a dream for chateau wedding photos.
There are several guest bedrooms within the main chateau and additional accommodation in the converted stables, so close family and friends can stay on site. The manicured lawns, formal gardens, and shaded terraces give plenty of options for different parts of the day, while the rustic barn provides an indoor reception space without losing the countryside charm.
Why Château le Mas de Montet Works for Weddings
One of the biggest advantages of this venue is how naturally the day flows. You can have an outdoor ceremony, drinks in the gardens, and dinner either al fresco or inside the barn — all without guests needing to walk far. The variety of settings means even in poor weather you can switch plans seamlessly and still enjoy the day.
Travel and Accommodation for Guests
Most guests arrive via Bergerac or Bordeaux airports and hire a car to explore the area. The Dordogne is a destination in its own right, so couples often turn their wedding into a long weekend with wine tasting, canoeing, and market trips in the days before and after.
In addition to the on-site rooms, there are plenty of charming gîtes, bed and breakfasts, and boutique hotels within a 15-minute drive, making it easy to accommodate larger guest lists.
Morning Prep at the Chateau
One of the joys of getting married at Château le Mas de Montet is having everything under one roof. Nat spent the morning with her bridesmaids with her twins making occasional appearances; they happily stole the spotlight in a cute dress & mini suit with tiny shoes from JoJo Maman Bébé and Next. There was laughter, champagne, and a beautiful first-look moment when her dad saw her ready in her gown. Just along the corridor, Rob got ready with his groomsmen, sharing a few drinks and final jokes before heading out. For a photographer, this setup is perfect — being able to move easily between the two rooms means every moment, from the smallest details to the big reveals, is captured without missing a beat.
Ceremony on the Lawn
Nat and Rob held their ceremony on the front lawn with the chateau’s façade rising behind them. Claudia Bowden, whom I have worked with before on Kat & Guy’s Chateau Cazenac wedding, led the ceremony with warmth and humour. Chairs were set out in neat rows, simple florals pillars framed the couple, and the twins were more than happy to steal the spotlight whenever they wandered over.
Vin d’Honneur and Gin
After the vows, guests strolled over to the terrace for the vin d’honneur — a French tradition of drinks and canapés served between the ceremony and dinner. The chateau’s terrace made a perfect setting, with shade from the trees and views across the lawns. A dedicated gin & cocktail truck proved popular, keeping the atmosphere light and sociable while the incredible Charlie T Smith & Jodie Mellor from Feels Like July played softly in the background.
Group Shots and Couple Portraits
The gardens and exterior of the chateau offer endless options for portraits. We took group shots on the terrace, then moved into the gardens for more relaxed, candid photos. For Nat and Rob’s couple portraits, we wandered around the grounds, taking in the sweeping driveway, hidden pathways, and that golden Dordogne light. For a marry me in france photographer, this venue is a gift — you barely have to direct, the setting does the work.
Speeches Outside the Barn
Nat’s parents welcome speech took place outdoors before dinner, right beside the barn. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow across the scene, and with everyone gathered close, it felt intimate even with a larger guest list. It was a beautiful start to the evening celebrations, where Rob and his Best Man continued with their speeches in the barn.
Dinner in the Barn
Dinner moved indoors to the converted barn, with its exposed beams and stone walls creating a cosy but celebratory atmosphere. Long tables encouraged conversation, and local food was the star — think duck, fresh vegetables, and cheese boards you could happily spend an hour over.
Dancing and Evening Celebrations
After dinner, the party flowed easily between the barn and the courtyard outside. The barn kept the music going late, while the courtyard offered space for quieter chats under the night sky. Having both spaces available means you can cater to every kind of guest, from the die-hard dancers to those who just want to sip wine and catch up.
The Day-After Pool Party
The celebrations didn’t stop with the wedding day. The next afternoon, everyone gathered again for a relaxed pool party in the chateau grounds. The dads took charge of the barbecue, filling the air with the smell of grilled food while the beers kept flowing. Guests lounged on sunbeds or cooled off in the pool, making the most of the Dordogne sunshine. One of the best parts of choosing me as your photographer is that I cover the whole weekend for one price, so these relaxed, joy-filled moments are captured alongside the wedding itself. From the big “I do” to the barefoot dips in the pool the next day, you’ll have it all documented.
Marry Me In France Photographer
This was my second time photographing a wedding at Château le Mas de Montet and my third time working with Marry Me In France. Planner Zoe was as organised as she was calm, ensuring that every supplier was in the right place at the right time. For me as a photographer, that meant I could focus entirely on capturing moments without needing to worry about logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Château le Mas de Montet Weddings
How many guests can the venue host?
Up to 150 guests for a seated dinner, with space for more at an evening reception.
Can you have an outdoor wedding here?
Yes — ceremonies are often held on the front lawn or in the gardens.
What happens if it rains?
The barn is an ideal indoor backup for both ceremonies and receptions.
Do you need a planner?
Highly recommended. Working with a local planner like Marry Me In France makes the process smoother, especially if you are planning from abroad.
Is there accommodation on site?
Yes, the chateau and outbuildings can host around 20 guests, with additional accommodation nearby.
Tips for Planning a Wedding in France
Hire a local planner — their supplier network and language skills are invaluable.
Book early — the most popular venues and caterers get snapped up quickly.
Plan for the heat — offer shade and plenty of drinks during the day.
Make it a weekend — guests will love having time to explore the area.
Trust your suppliers — it frees you up to enjoy your day.
Final Thoughts on a Château le Mas de Montet Wedding
Nat and Rob’s day was a blend of elegance, joy, and family warmth. The venue offered the perfect mix of grandeur and comfort, and with Marry Me In France guiding the process, the whole celebration flowed without a hitch. If you are dreaming of a French chateau wedding that feels as relaxed as it is beautiful, Château le Mas de Montet should be at the top of your list.
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