Dreaming of a destination wedding in France? Of course you are!
Stunning chateau venues, rich cultural heritage, and refined cuisine, it’s easy to see the appeal.
But when it comes to costs and expectations… things can quickly become a bit of a challenge.
That’s why I’m sharing some key insights here, as well as a full budget breakdown — so you can start planning with clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the real costs behind a chateau wedding in France.
Photos credits in this page: 515 Photo Co – Amelia Soegijono – Thomas Raboteur – Catherine Chuang – Iryna Mandryka – Joee Wong
Planning a wedding in France? Lets talk wedding budget.
You’ve probably heard it before: one of the first steps in wedding planning is setting your budget.
There are typically two starting points:
A) You already have a clear budget in mind.
B) You’re flexible but need to understand what things cost to shape your expectations.
And let’s face it, it’s no small task. A chateau wedding involves many moving parts, and it’s often surprising how quickly things add up.
Even if you plan to work with a local planner to guide you (it’s a game-changer, trust me), having some upfront budget knowledge never hurts.
So let’s dive in.
How much does a chateau wedding actually cost?
As a planner specializing in chateau weddings, I get asked this a lot. And my answer is always the same:
It all comes down to your vision. What you want your wedding to look like? And just as importantly, how you want it to feel?
Some key factors that can impact your wedding budget:
– Location
– Guest count
– Number of celebration days
– Level of service and expectations
– Decor & entertainment
– Whether you’re covering guest accommodations
But here is a starting point:
The weddings we plan, and that you see on our website, typically start at €120,000 for 100 guests and can exceed €250,000 for larger or more elaborate celebrations.
Keep reading for a detailed budget breakdown!
Planner tip:
This range is in line with the standards and level of service expected by U.S. and international couples planning multi-day events at exceptional chateau venues. It’s NOT representative of a traditional French wedding, which is usually a single-day event with a much smaller scale and budget.
FULL BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Numbers shouldn’t be a mystery! So here is a detailed breakdown to help you understand the kind of investment a multi-day destination wedding in France truly requires. For an elevated, deeply refined experience, here’s what you can expect.
Please note: This breakdown reflects the type of events we plan at Sarah Chancel Weddings, working only with top-tier vendors across France, known for their exceptional service and attention to detail. Actual costs will vary based on your preferences and priorities.
Chateau venues
First things first, let’s talk venues. One of the most exciting (and budget-impacting) parts of planning a wedding in France.
So, how much does a chateau venue cost?
The truth is, prices vary dramatically depending on the kind of experience you’re after.
Some are family-owned properties available for dry hire, meaning you’re renting the space only (no staff, no furniture, no equipment), while others operate more like boutique hotels, offering in-house catering, multiple guest accommodations, and round-the-clock staff.
As your planner, my job is to help you understand the real cost behind each option and choose the venue that supports your priorities, your guest experience, and your budget — minus the guesswork.
Key factors that can significantly influence the overall cost:
– Location: venues near Paris, Provence, or the French Riviera are typically more expensive
– Rental duration: one-night rentals are possible at many venues, but most of my clients book for a minimum of two nights
– Level of service: from simple dry hire to full-service chateau-hotels
– On-site accommodation: larger estates with room for 30+ guests naturally come at a higher price point
Price range for chateaux venues in France:
– Small dry-hire chateaux start around €8,000–12,000 for a weekend
– High-end dry-hire venues typically cost between €15,000 and €25,000
– Luxury hotel-châteaux or exclusive estates with full service can easily reach €40,000-€100,000+
Planner tip:
The venue is such a significant part of your budget. That’s why I always recommend hiring an experienced destination wedding planner before booking your dream chateau.
Yes, it may look perfect on paper. But do you know if it requires in-house catering for the entire weekend? If setup and breakdown times are limited? Or if the furniture you love in the photos is even included?
A great planner helps you identify these hidden or unexpected costs early on, so you can choose a venue that you love, but also makes sense for your actual budget.
Cuisine & Drinks
French cuisine is world-famous, and for a destination wedding in France, treating your guests to local culinary delights is part of the magic.
Catering costs depend on :
– Guest count
– Menu choices
– Level of service
Realistic high-end catering budget: for 100 guests on the wedding day only
€20,000-€40,000+ in Paris, Provence or the French Riviera
€15,000-€25,000+ in other regions like the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, or Bourgogne area
Planner tip:
That first quote you’ll receive from your caterer? It’s just a starting point. Mainly because it’s hard to resist the delicious extras your caterer will suggest… Once you’ve tasted the food, adjusted the menu, upgraded the wine, and added an open bar, the final bill is usually at least 20% higher.
When you work with a planner, she’ll help you anticipate a more realistic cost range based on her experience and past weddings.
Wedding planner
The cost of a wedding planner in France can vary significantly, as well as the quality of service and experience you will receive. From around €5,000 for a local planner with no experience in destination weddings to €50,000+ for ultra-luxury planners in Paris or the French Riviera.
If you’re looking for an experienced planner who understands the expectations and complexities of a multi-day wedding in France…
If you’re dreaming of a celebration that feels elevated but never over the top…
If you want to give your guests a warm and authentic French experience…
These are exactly the kind of celebrations I love to plan.
Our full-service planning starts at €15,000 for a 3-day wedding, and reflects the care, dedication and expertise we offer every step of the way. Take a closer look at our services here.
Budget for an experienced destination wedding planner: €10,000 to €20,000+
Photography & videography
Images have the power to bring you right back to your wedding weekend in France; the joy, the beauty, the atmosphere. That’s why it’s important to find someone you truly connect with and trust to capture your day as it naturally unfolds.
When reviewing portfolios, look for a blend of beautiful couple portraits and candid, in-between moments that tell the full story.
We’re proud to collaborate with some of the most talented wedding photographers and filmmakers in France and beyond. Artists who consistently deliver exceptional work with sensitivity, professionalism, and heart.
Photography & videography budget: €6,000–€9,000+ each
Florals
Flowers have this magical way of immersing your guests in your world of aesthetics, setting the tone for your entire event.
And the good news? France has some of the most creative floral designers, with a true passion for what they do and a talent for making your vision come to life.
Floral services cover more than just the flowers. It includes the designer’s expertise, time spent arranging everything, travel, and the extra help needed for setup. Here’s a realistic budget range based on the most recent weddings I’ve worked on, as well as those I’m currently designing.
Floral designer cost: €12,000 to €20,000+ depending on the style and complexity of your florals.
Decor & Rentals
This is one area couples often underestimate, but design goes far beyond florals. To bring your vision to life, you’ll often need to bring in nearly everything else too:
tables, chairs, bars, tableware, linens, candles, and multiple layers of details.
Depending on your wedding venue, additional infrastructure may be required, such as tenting, a custom dance floor, luxury restroom trailers, or a bespoke lighting setup.
Producing a beautifully designed celebration at this scale l also requires a dedicated team for setup and breakdown.
Decor & rental budget: €8,000-€20,000 ranging from a minimalist aesthetic to a more sophisticated design concept.
Music & Entertainment
Whether it’s live musicians for the ceremony, a killer band to elevate the cocktail hour, or a great DJ to keep everyone dancing into the night, the right entertainment will bring energy and excitement to your celebration. I know the ones who truly stand out, and I’d be happy to recommend the best of the best!
You can even surprise your guests with fireworks in the gardens, dancers to add a touch of extravagance, or a live painter capturing your guests in watercolor during cocktails. The possibilities are endless!
DJ budget: €3,000-€4,000+
Live music budget: €1,500-€10,000+ depending on the style, the number of performers, and the level of production. From an intimate small group to a full band with singers, musicians, and full stage setup.
Hair & Makeup artist
You want to look and feel your absolute best on your wedding day. As you should!
That’s why we collaborate with top hair and makeup artists across France.
Whether you’re drawn to refined, natural beauty or a more glamorous look, I’ll recommend artists with a style that aligns perfectly with your vision.
Bridal hair & makeup budget: €1,000-€2,000 including trial session
Welcome event & Brunch
If you have guests traveling to France for your wedding, you may want to host a welcome event or rehearsal dinner. Whether it’s a cocktail on the Seine, a themed party at your venue, or a relaxed French bistro dinner, your guests will love the chance to get together before the big day.
And before they head home, a farewell brunch by the pool or a laid-back barbecue can be the perfect send-off!
These additional events require more than just food and drinks. You’ll also need extra decor along with a dedicated setup/teardown team to bring everything together flawlessly.
Welcome event: €10,000-€20,000+
Brunch: €8,000-€14,000+
Planner tip: Events in Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera typically fall at the higher end of the range, while other regions are closer to the lower end.
Transportation & Accomodations
For destination weddings in France, couples often love having as many guests as possible stay on-site at the venue. Whether you decide to cover accommodation costs or leave that to the guests, it will influence your overall wedding budget.
Guests typically take care of their own flights, as well as their own transportation during their extended stay in France. But for the wedding day itself, you may want to arrange shuttle services to and from the venue, making it easy for everyone.
Shuttles on the wedding day: €1,500 to €3,000+
Other costs to keep in mind
– Stationery & signage
Invitations suite, menus, place cards, welcome signage… Paper goods can cost anywhere from €2,000–€5,000+ depending on materials and printing techniques.
– Guest favors & welcome gifts
From local treats to curated gift bags: plan for €20–€70 per guest based on the selected items and how customized they are.
– Celebrant
English-speaking celebrant for your symbolic ceremony: €1,000-€2,000+, depending mainly on the location.
– Security & Insurance
Some venues or couples may request security services or insurance: €500–€2,000+ depending on the scope of coverage.
– Kids entertainment
If your guests include young families, childcare options start at €1,500.
– Content creator
A growing trend for weddings is capturing real-time, behind-the-scenes moments. A content creator for this type of coverage typically costs between €1,000 and €2,000.
Total cost of a chateau wedding in France
In iconic regions like Paris, Provence, or the French Riviera, most of our couples spend a minimum of €130,000 for 100 guests over 3 days. Budgets can reach up to €250,000, depending on the level of sophistication, vendor choices, and how they prioritize the elements we’ve covered above.
In other areas of France, you can host a beautiful 3-day celebration with a budget between €100,000 and €180,000.
I hope you’ve found this page helpful and that you now have a clearer idea of what your chateau wedding in France might cost.
Whether you’re planning something small and intimate or a grand, multi-day celebration, I’d love to help you make it happen. If you’re looking for a local expert to guide you through the planning, feel free to reach out!
