The Best Wedding Venues in Vendée
What are the best Wedding venues in Vendée, France
Based in Les Sables d’Olonne, and shooting weddings all over Vendée on a weekly basis, here are my favorite venues.
The venues I keep coming back to
I have photographed weddings at dozens of estates across the region. A few I know intimately, because I have spent multiple full weekends working in them:
Domaine de l’Etablière
Château de la Flocellière in the Vendée hills, on the region's southwestern edge. Eleventh-century origins, a keep, formal gardens, and one of the warmest owner families I have met. I have shot at least four weddings here, including a three-day black-tie celebration for a Los Angeles couple and an intimate transatlantic wedding for a pair from Newport Beach. [A+A multi day celebration there]
Chateau de la Corbe
Domaine de Brandois
Domaine de la Chopinière
Chateau de la Barbinière
Domaine de la Gerberie
We can also mention the stunning Villa Océan, overlooking the ocean with a breathtaking view, Domaine de la Moinardière and her two lovely managers Fanette & Vanessa, Restaurant Cayola for its acclaimed cuisine and views, as well as Orangerie du Chateau, Domaine de la Gautronniere, Domaine du Bois des Lys, Logis des Fougères and Villa Cristal
A word on vendors
Vendée has an impressive roster of seasoned wedding vendors experienced in working with international clients… and I know all of them. You'll find English-speaking planners, floral designer and caterers who rotate through various estates throughout the season. As someone permanently based here, I'm fortunate to have established relationships with exceptional professionals I'm confident recommending to my couple, feel free to ask about my favorites during our video call.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a wedding planner? For a multi-day château wedding planned from another country: honestly, yes. For an elopement or a very small wedding: not necessarily, and I can help you shape the day.
How far in advance should we book? Prime venues sell their May, June and September Saturdays 12 to 18 months out. Photographers and videographers you actually want follow the same calendar.
Is the Loire Valley good for elopements too? Wonderful for them. Several châteaux welcome tiny ceremonies, and the region pairs beautifully with a Paris day before or after. [Elopement photography]
Will language be a problem? Not with the right team. I work in French and English daily, roughly half my couples are English speakers, and I have spent years translating for international photography conferences. Your grandmother's toast will be understood.
Where to go next
Read the real Loire Valley weddings in my portfolio to feel how these weekends actually look. [Portfolio] Then, if the region is calling you, check my availability. I photograph a limited number of weddings each year, most of them within an hour of these castles, and there is nothing I love more than showing this valley to couples seeing it for the first time.