Château de Gudanes Mountain Wedding

We loved every single detail of this Pyrenées wedding

This Château de Gudanes mountain wedding was regal and fit for a king, or two kings in this case. From mismatched dining ware to an artisan-made feast in this huge castle ballroom. We loved every single detail of this Pyrenées wedding. With two awesome photographers from Essence de la Vie, Coline & Matthew Belsham, they didn’t miss any of the precious moments.

Rebuilt in the 18th century on the remnants of the original chateau

The Château de Gudanes is nestled amongst the snow-capped mountains of the French Pyrenées. Rebuilt in the 18th century on the remnants of the original chateau. Which was built around 1500, this magnificent building is in the process of careful and heartfelt restoration. Dan and Carl fell in love with it the moment they stepped through the ancient iron gates. Deciding it was the only place they could possibly hold their wedding celebration and it’s easy to see why.

Exploring the chateau’s nooks and crannies and wandering through the grounds.

The photographers, Matthew and Coline from Essence de la vie got to know Dan and Carl well over the months leading up to their celebration. That relationship really helped bring everything together in their photographs. The choice of location wasn’t by chance, they met Karina at the castle and had been over to stay several times exploring the chateau’s nooks and crannies and wandering through the grounds.

Where footsteps echoed for generations

Their connection to the Chateau was a crucial element of their celebration and shines through in these photographs. There’s always something magical about these grand old buildings where footsteps echoed for generations and where a thousand stories intertwine with the present. The portraits of the past have given way to contemporary photography but the traces remain still, you just have to scratch the surface.

A beautifully crafted menu, a candlelit forest of cakes and a party to match.

The photographers used natural light and a documentary style to tell the story of this special day and having two perspectives from two photographers means they don’t miss a single precious moment. The wedding was wonderful – filled with wildflowers, champagne, wine, imported beer from London, a beautifully crafted menu, a candlelit forest of cakes (had to be seen to be believed!) and a party to match.

For the photographers, it was a joy to share in this magical day and as they left, the sounds of the party reverberating through the old halls echoed with the history of this magnificent place.

This modern fairytale had everything we could ask for – a historic venue filled with great friends and a feast fit for these Kings! We can’t wait to see this venue transform even more as it completes its restoration.