Hannah and Jared’s Château de Thauvenay Wedding in Sancerre, France
If you’re dreaming of a romantic French countryside wedding, Hannah and Jared’s Château de Thauvenay wedding in Sancerre, France is the perfect inspiration. Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, this elegant château wedding venue offers beautiful garden views, recently renovated rooms, architecture to swoon over, and golden evening light photographers dream about!
From the moment I arrived at Château de Thauvenay for their rehearsal dinner, I knew that evening and their wedding day was going to be something special. The setting alone was incredible! So much peaceful countryside, warm air and beautiful flowers created the most timeless backdrop for their destination wedding – Planned to perfection by the team at Peaches And Cream Weddings and Laurence on the day, keeping everything running smoothly ♡
Getting Ready at Château de Thauvenay
The morning began quietly inside the château, where Hannah got ready surrounded by her closest friends. The soft natural light pouring through the tall windows made it the perfect place for dress steaming and applying the finishing touches of makeup. It also gave the girls a great view of the ceremony spot in the distance.
Meanwhile, Jared spent the morning with his friends getting ready in their room upstairs and then having some drinks down in the gardens, taking a few deep breaths before the day officially began! The atmosphere was very relaxed as more guests started to arrive.
A Garden Ceremony in the Heart of Sancerre
Hannah and Jared chose to hold their ceremony outdoors, overlooking the 8 acre gardens that surround Château de Thauvenay. Guests were seated facing the rolling Loire Valley landscape, creating a ceremony backdrop that felt effortlessly romantic. It’s one of my favourite photos of the day, with the chateau in the background while the couple are saying their vows!
Guests relaxed in the front courtyard with signature cocktails and canapés in the warm sunlight – this was also the perfect spot to have family and friends photos, with the chateau in the background.
Golden Hour Portraits in the Loire Valley
While the guests were being seated for their wedding breakfast, we slipped away into the gardens and surrounding rooms for portraits. Golden hour in Sancerre is pure magic. The soft light, the texture of the vines and the château in the distance created the most cinematic setting for their couple photographs.
This is one of the reasons I always recommend scheduling time for sunset portraits when planning a destination wedding in France. It can disappear quite quickly behind buildings and trees, so I’m always on the lookout before it vanishes!
An Elegant French Countryside Reception
The reception took place in the château courtyard, styled with long tables, soft candlelight and delicate pink and blush floral arrangements by Mademoiselle Conte Fleurette. It was the perfect balance of relaxed and refined, exactly what you imagine when you picture a French countryside wedding. Such a gorgeous view from up high too, one of my favourite photos of the evening!
Guests enjoyed local French cuisine by Audaceetg Gourmandises, and Sancerre wine as speeches went underway, followed by lots of laughter and a few tears. As evening fell, the celebration continued under the chateau in the basement, to the cracking tunes played by DJ Kundetlytchh.
Planning Your Own Château de Thauvenay Wedding
If you’re considering a Château de Thauvenay wedding in Sancerre, France, this Loire Valley wedding venue offers a truly timeless setting – It’s an ideal venue for couples dreaming of an elegant, exclusive destination wedding in France.
If you’re getting married in France, and are still looking for a wedding photographer – you can get in touch here!
Wedding suppliers:
Planner: Peaches And Cream Weddings
Venue: Le Château de Thauvenay
Florist: Mademoiselle Conte Fleurette
Dress: Anthropologie Weddings
Perfume: Latelier Parfum
Catering: Audaceetg Gourmandises
Music: Popcorn Factory Orchestra
DJ: Kundetlytchh
Frequently Asked Questions About Château de Thauvenay Weddings
Where is Château de Thauvenay located?
Château de Thauvenay is located in Sancerre in the Loire Valley region of France, surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside. The venue is approximately 2 hours south of Paris and easily accessible for international guests flying into Charles de Gaulle Airport.
How much does a Château de Thauvenay wedding cost?
The cost of a Château de Thauvenay wedding varies depending on guest count, season, and styling choices. As a private château wedding venue in Sancerre, couples should expect a premium investment for exclusive hire, catering, accommodation and supplier travel. Most destination weddings in the Loire Valley range from mid to high five figures.
Can international couples legally marry at Château de Thauvenay?
Most international couples choose to complete the legal paperwork in their home country and have a symbolic ceremony at Château de Thauvenay. France has strict residency requirements for legal marriages, so many destination weddings in Sancerre are celebrant-led.
What is the best time of year for a wedding in Sancerre?
The most popular months for a Château de Thauvenay wedding are May to September, when the Loire Valley countryside is lush and vineyards are vibrant. Summer offers long golden evenings, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and sunset portraits.
Does Château de Thauvenay offer accommodation for guests?
Château de Thauvenay offers on-site accommodation for close family and wedding party members, with additional boutique hotels and vineyard stays available nearby in Sancerre and the surrounding Loire Valley.
Why choose Château de Thauvenay for a French countryside wedding?
Château de Thauvenay combines historic French architecture with intimate vineyard views, making it ideal for couples dreaming of a romantic French countryside wedding. Its private setting and timeless elegance make it one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Sancerre!
