Wedding Venues in the Loire Region

A Guide to Destination Weddings in the Loire Valley

Why Get Married in the Loire Valley?

The Loire offers a harmonious blend of cultural prestige and natural beauty, ideal for a romantic wedding celebration.

• UNESCO-listed region filled with iconic châteaux and manicured gardens
• Elegant countryside setting with easy access to Paris
• Ideal for couples seeking both luxury and authenticity
• Fewer crowds than Provence or the Riviera, offering a more intimate feel
• Exceptional wine and cuisine to elevate the guest experience
• Endless options for outdoor ceremonies, château banquets, and riverside receptions

When to Get Married in the Loire Valley

The region enjoys four distinct seasons, each offering a unique atmosphere for weddings.

• Spring (March–May): Gardens bloom, tourist crowds are low, ideal for photography
• Summer (June–August): Warm, lively, and full of festivals; perfect for outdoor events
• Autumn (September–November): Harvest season, golden light, and fewer tourists
• Winter (December–February): Peaceful and cozy, with romantic castle interiors and truffle season

Types of Wedding Venues in the Loire Valley

From medieval fortresses to Renaissance retreats, the Loire Valley is rich in venue diversity.

• Châteaux: Lavish estates like Chambord, Chenonceau, or Villandry with grand architecture
• Manor Houses: Elegant countryside homes with gardens and private courtyards
• Wine Estates: Vineyard venues in Vouvray, Chinon, or Saumur for scenic weddings with wine pairings
• Boutique Hotels & Auberges: Perfect for intimate events with local character and cuisine
• Riverside Properties: Offer scenic ceremony spots along the Loire, Cher, or Indre

Popular Villages in the Loire Valley

These villages offer charm, local culture, and beautiful settings for ceremonies or guest stays.

• Amboise: Royal history and the final home of Leonardo da Vinci
• Chinon: Hilltop fortress, wine caves, and medieval streets
• Candes-Saint-Martin: White stone houses and riverside views
• Crissay-sur-Manse: One of France’s most beautiful villages
• Montsoreau: Known for its riverside château and contemporary art scene

Things to Do in the Loire Valley for Wedding Guests

A wedding in the Loire is more than a day—it’s an immersive experience for all who attend.

• Explore over 300 châteaux with guided tours and gardens
• Cycle along the 900 km Loire à Vélo bike trail
• Take a hot air balloon ride over Château de Chenonceau
• Enjoy wine tastings in tufa caves in Saumur or Vouvray
• Visit local markets in Tours, Blois, or Angers
• Kayak under château bridges or cruise the Loire River at sunset

Food and Wine in the Loire Valley

Rooted in regional terroir, the Loire’s culinary scene offers refined dishes and renowned wines.

• Signature Dishes: Rillettes de Tours, tarte Tatin, and Loire river fish
• Cheeses: Goat cheeses like Sainte-Maure and Crottin de Chavignol
• Wines: Chenin Blanc (Vouvray), Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre), Cabernet Franc (Chinon), Crémant de Loire
• Experiences: Vineyard dinners, cooking classes, and wine + cheese tastings
• Venues: Château kitchens, riverside restaurants, and Michelin-starred dining

Getting to and Around the Loire Valley

The region is centrally located and well-connected for international and domestic guests.

• By train: TGV from Paris to Tours, Blois, Orléans, or Angers in 1–2 hours
• By car: Ideal for flexible château-hopping or vineyard excursions
• By air: Tours Val de Loire Airport for limited regional flights
• By bike: Rent bikes to explore the Loire à Vélo route
• Transfers: Private shuttles from Paris airports or local stations available

The Châteaux of the Loire Valley

Celebrate your love in castles steeped in centuries of history.

• Château de Chambord: The Loire’s crown jewel, known for its massive scale and iconic double-helix staircase
• Château de Chenonceau: Built over the River Cher, famous for its arches and women-led legacy
• Château du Clos Lucé: Leonardo da Vinci’s final home, filled with invention models and interactive exhibits
• Royal Château of Amboise: Childhood home of Francis I, with gardens and the Saint-Hubert Chapel holding da Vinci’s tomb
• Château Gaillard: The birthplace of French citrus cultivation with the enchanting “Seven Paradise Paths”
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: Reflected in the Indre River, surrounded by English-style parks
• Château de Villandry: Known for its geometric Renaissance gardens and peaceful, bird-friendly setting
• Château d’Ussé: Inspiration for Sleeping Beauty, complete with fairy-tale architecture and André Le Nôtre gardens
• Château de Montsoreau: A riverbed château turned contemporary art museum
• Château de Montrésor: Home to Polish aristocrat Xavier Branicki, filled with curiosities and art collections
• Château de l’Islette: Romantic hideaway of Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin, offering boat rides on the Indre
• Château de Montpoupon: A unique look at 20th-century château life, with forest trails and a hunting museum
• Château de Gizeux: Restored family estate with treasure hunts and an impressive Gallery of Châteaux
• Château de Champchevrier: Secluded in the forest, with a working hound pack and elegant interiors
• Château de Candé: Site of the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson’s wedding, equipped with early 20th-century luxuries