Fairytale Castle Elopement in the French Countryside
This fairytale castle elopement in the French countryside has been residing rent-free in my head since the moment it ended. From the unearthly beauty of Domaine des Etangs to the luxurious details and timeless fashion, I will cherish this time with Emily & Woody for a long while—and will absolutely be encouraging every couple to plan a destination wedding in France from here on out 😉
Emily & Woody’s Fairytale Elopement in the French Countryside
Art is woven into every part of Domaine des Etangs, from geometric sculptures that dangle above the lake shores to the rotating exhibitions that find their home in La Laiterie—the Domaine’s breathtaking 18th-century reception space.
At a venue with so much inspiration drawn from the art of life and nature, of course Emily and Woody had to incorporate a selection of gorgeous designer details, with opulence to match the elegant and innovative design found across the grounds. All of their details complemented the Domaine des Etangs tone perfectly—a bit of old-world French countryside meets modern art in all the best ways!
A few of my personal favorites included the dazzling cult gaia Pearl Bag Emily wore on her arm throughout the day, and her JW Anderson Bubble Heels, as well as Woody’s sleek Tom Ford fragrance bottle that looked fabulous in flatlays. Still thinking about that dreamy leather sandal with its brilliant sculptural heel to this day. If you ever lose me on your wedding day, chances are I’ll be off making your details cute somewhere (especially if they are as droolworthy as these)!
All of Emily & Woody’s gorgeous accessories—plus the sculptures and works of art that surrounded them as they got ready, finalized their vows, and shared a sweet first look together? Impeccable. I especially loooved this one striking sculpture that caught my eye over and over: Permanent Flame from Paris-based designer Mathieu Lehanneur. Need my own for my home, stat.
Want your wedding to be just as fashion-forward as Emily & Woody’s? Don’t miss my guide to the 8 Essential Elements of a High-Fashion Editorial Wedding.
Following their first look was a delightful afternoon jaunt outside, basking in the lush greenery and manicured lawns of Domaine des Etangs, as well as a stop in one of the venue’s two libraries housed in La Laiterie. It was difficult to make much progress as we explored, given that every single light fixture, furnishing, window, and even bathtub was practically begging to be photographed.
The remainder of Emily & Woody’s celebration was spent exchanging vows and picnicking beneath the trees, canoeing along the lake, and seeking out every little nook and cranny we could find. Could NOT have been more obsessed with Emily’s dress change partway through, paired with dangly pearl earrings and fingerless gloves that were to die for. What a way to end the day!
Meet Domaine des Etangs—A Luxury Château Wedding Venue in Massignac, France
This château was everything I look for in a venue as a luxury wedding photographer, and more. Set on 2,500 acres of countryside in Massignac, France, Domaine des Etangs is a storybook castle brought to life; an exquisite blend of fine art, nature, and the slow pace of French country living. Everywhere you look, you are basically guaranteed to lay eyes on one awe-inspiring landscape or another, from manicured gardens to picturesque lakes, rolling hills to lush lawns! With architecture dating back to the 13th century, this restored 700-year-old château brings together past, present, and future through a marvelous resort that doubles as a destination wedding venue for the ages.
Key Venue Features & Highlights
— Nature-inspired guest rooms & farmhouse cottages
— Michelin-starred restaurant
— Award-winning waterside spa
— Gallo-Roman-inspired thermal baths, indoor pool, & steam rooms
— Ephemeral farm-to-table cuisine
— 7 breathtaking wedding venues
— Option to buyout the entire property
Domaine des Etangs is known for bespoke, unforgettable destination weddings, with every detail designed to fit your one-of-a-kind event. And with quite the variety of spectacular venues available to choose from, there’s a space to fit each and every moment of your day; from exchanging vows in the lakefront garden to open-air cocktail receptions and al fresco dining on the castle lawns.
Equally impressive is the assortment of culinary journeys Domaine des Etangs has to offer your party—think elevated poolside picnics, medieval-themed dinners, elegant courtyard brunches, or upscale garden barbecues. The options are endless, and always curated especially for you.
Domaine has to be one of the most romantic & artfully designed venues I have yet to visit—abundant in space and rich in history, culture, and opportunities for connection, both with each other and with the tranquil landscapes. It is quite literally a fairytale in every sense of the word!
How many wedding guests can Domaine des Etangs accommodate?
Domaine des Etangs offers 7 distinct wedding venues with varying capacities, from 50 in Les Combles to 150 in La Laiterie and its adjoining terrace.
How many overnight guests can stay at Domaine des Etangs?
One reason Domaine des Etangs is so fabulous for destination weddings is the wealth of overnight space it offers! Between the Château, Longère, and Métairie Cottages, Domaine can accommodate up to 58 people double occupancy. No matter your guest count, everyone is sure to have room to kick back & relax, explore, and flow through the many different spaces ready to be discovered around the property.
How do we travel to Domaine des Etangs for our destination wedding?
There are a few ways to get to this area of the French countryside for your wedding or elopement: take the 2-hour high-speed train from Paris Montparnasse to Angoulême, where you’ll drive to Domaine; make the 2-hour drive from Bordeaux, or take a 1.5-hour flight from London Stansted to Limoges, and drive to Domaine from there.
Want to add a little extra pizazz to your trip? Arrive at Domaine in style by booking a private helicopter ride that will bring you right to the venue grounds ✨
Ready to design your own destination elopement or wedding in the French countryside?
I will never, ever turn down a chance to photograph a European elopement—especially if it takes place at a literal fairytale castle in the middle of the French countryside.
So if you find yourself engaged and considering tying the knot in France, I’d be honored to tell the story of your special day & capture the love you poured into it. Explore my work here and then reach out to connect. I cannot wait to create magic with you. 🥂
More destination wedding & elopement inspiration to add to your vision board, below:
