Top 15 South of France Wedding Venues [Updated 2023]

A Guide to Your South of France Wedding Venues

Are you on the hunt for a beautiful South of France wedding venue? This region sets an idyllic stage for special occasions and boasts a myriad of wedding venues, each infused with its own unique charm, character and history. From the shores near the Spanish border to the charming landscapes that stretch towards Italy, the South of France stands as a magical canvas for couples ready to say “I do.”

Cap Ferrat French Riviera South of France - wedding venue

Cap Ferrat – French Riviera

The South of France is a location that attracts many people every year who love this magical place’s climate, history, culinary specialties and beauty. There is always something to explore, whether you are seeking relaxation on the beach, cultural experiences in historic cities, or adventures in natural landscapes, the South of France offers a multitude of options for exploration and enjoyment.

south of france provence wedding venues chateaux

Abbaye de Senanque

Below, we look at how Southern France seamlessly blends natural beauty, history, and romance, making it an ideal wedding location for couples looking for that unique destination wedding in the South of France. We will also share our list of the Top 15 South of France wedding venues where you can host your celebration.

In this Article

Explore our Top 15 South of France Wedding Venues

1. Chateau Saint Martin et Spa

20-minute drive to Nice Airport

Noted as one of the most romantic hotels in the world, Chateau Saint Martin et Spa is located on a scenic hill, overlooking a beautiful expanse of azure from the French Riviera. That said, this fabulous location is ideal for a South of France wedding! Furthermore, this French chateau features eight elegant settings, all of which can be personalized so you can have the French Riviera wedding that you’ve always been dreaming about.

2. Chateau de la Napoule

1-hour drive to Nice Airport

Saying promises of eternal love in a castle that perfectly embodies the Belle Epoque sounds like a dream. Well, you can turn it into reality if you host your South of France wedding at the beautiful Chateau de la Napoule, boasting impeccable settings with dazzling allure. Additionally, you’ll be impressed by the chateau’s gardens which are listed among the Notable Gardens of France.

3. Hotel Crillon le Brave

1.5-hour drive to Marseille Airport

Beautifully blending the 17th and 18th centuries, with two exceptional dining establishments and gorgeous settings. Hotel Crillon le Brave is recognized as one of the finest Provence wedding venues. Your celebration of love will be adorned with majestic views of the surrounding nature of Mont Ventoux along with a bewitching atmosphere.

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4. Chateau Hermitage de Combas

1-hour drive to Montpellier Airport

Despite many restorations, Chateau Hermitage de Combas, a beautiful chateau in the South of France never lost its appeal. However, in 2020, Jean-Marc Bardou completely revamped the French wedding venue by enriching it with a lush garden, stretching over 75ha. Now, the Chateau Hermitage is practically dream-like, featuring a dazzling atmosphere with a range of settings, so you can curate your union in the way you’ve always envisioned.

5. Chateau St Pierre de Serjac

1-hour drive to Montpellier Airport

Intertwined with unmissable French elegance and glamor, Chateau St. Pierre de Serjac is a gorgeous Southern wedding venue, accommodating up to 140 guests. Given that it’s one of the most sought-after establishments in the area, you must be quick with your bookings – due to its exclusive nature, this French chateau hosts a limited number of celebrations per year.

6. Villa Beaulieu

30-minute drive to Marseille Airport

When you step outside at one of the terraces of Villa Beaulieu, you’ll see nothing but endless emerald hills in your periphery. This Aix en Provence wedding venue is enriched with Tuscan glamor and their service is second to none. On top of that, their vast selection of wines and tantalizing dining experience will help curate a celebration of love that will be remembered for a lifetime.

7. Chateau de Massillan

1-hour drive to Marseille Airport

Once a hunting lodge for King Henri II, the 16th-century Chateau de Massillan has been transformed into a haven of luxury, ideal for a sophisticated South of France wedding. Due to its location, the establishment is an ode to nature, with impeccable feng shui-styled settings and gastronomy experience that will enliven all of your senses. Once the festivities are over, you can head to the chateau’s spa for a truly relaxing time.

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8. Chateau des Alpilles

1-hour drive to Marseille Airport

Searching for a historic Southern wedding venue? Look no further than the splendid Chateau des Alpilles, graced with majestic surroundings and antiquities that will take you back in time. A sense of serenity and unequivocal romance surround the estate, setting the stage for a dazzling French country wedding.

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9. Domaine le Petit Roulet

50-minute drive to Marseilles Airport

Set in the Provence countryside near Avignon, Domaine le Petit Roulet promises a gorgeous scene for your South of France wedding. With 3 event spaces, you can curate a personalized celebration of love. Additionally, for the most spectacular photography, lose yourself in the romantic olive grove, where natural simplicity and elegance reign supreme.

10. Le Galinier de Lourmarin

50-minute drive to Marseille Airport

Le Galinier in Lourmarin is the perfect example of a bastide – a typical chateau in the South adorned with mesmerizing nature. This 18th-century Provence wedding venue provides a rare setting, one that can only be found in this region, and what’s best – you can personalize it in a way that you see fit.

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11. Chateau des Trois Fontaines

1-hour drive to Marseille Airport

When dreaming of a fabulous South of France wedding, the goal is to have a gorgeous chateau that will reflect your love story to perfection. Well, all of this can be real if you opt for the Chateau des Trois Fontaines, an architectural masterpiece accommodating up to 500 guests. With that in mind, you can plan an extravagant affair that will be nothing short of spectacular!

12. Domaine de Fontenille

50-minute drive to Marseille Airport

Although many Provence wedding venues are bound to take your breath away, there’s none like Domaine de Fontenille. Apart from its mesmerizing restored settings, this establishment is abundant with vineyards, offering tantalizing wines that will be the perfect addition to your celebration. As for the dishes – simply indescribable.

13.  Mas d’Arvieux

1-hour drive to Marseille Airport

Whether you’re planning a South of France wedding in the summer or winter, the Mas d’Arvieux will provide comfort and service beyond compare. Dinners under the starry Provence sky is a scene you’ll instantly fall for, and up to 150 guests can appreciate it as well. For intimate affairs, you can utilize the indoor space, perfectly embodying rustic elegance.

14. Le Domaine des Andeols

1.5-hour drive to Marseille Airport

Simple, elegant, and truly fantastic – these words describe Le Domaine des Andeols, a beautiful Provence wedding venue. Here, natural splendor and art are celebrated with the finest attention to detail, united as one to provide a gorgeous setting for your sensational affair. As soon as you enter its premises, you’ll fall for the incredible interiors designed with the finest attention to detail.

15. Le Domaine de Patras

1.5-hour drive to Marseille Airport

Saving the best for last, Le Domaine de Patras is the last venue we recommend for your South of France wedding. Boasting majestic lavender fields and fragrant olive trees, opulence is all around this wondrous establishment. What’s best is the French wedding venue was exclusively designed for romantic souls, so you can curate your celebration exactly as you’ve envisioned it.

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How much do Southern France Wedding Venues Cost?

South of France wedding venues can range between €5,000 to €50,000 depending on your location, type of wedding venue and package. South of France Chateaux or luxury villas in prime locations like the French Riviera tend to be expensive. In comparison, country and rustic venues like farmhouses tend to go easier on the budget. You can also take advantage of off-season discounts to find a venue that isn’t too high.

Antibes South of France City

Antibes Old Town

Affordable wedding venues in the South of France

For those looking to experience the charm of the South of France without the Provence price tag, Occitanie offers a delightful alternative. This picturesque region, known for its rich history, infinite vineyards, and scenic landscapes, often provides more cost-effective venue options. Choosing a venue in Occitanie might not only give you a unique setting but could also offer greater value for your money. Remember, while the allure of famous locations like the French Riviera is undeniable, the true essence of a wedding in the South of France lies in the ambience, tradition, and local flavor — all of which can be beautifully captured in the heart of Occitanie.

What are some of the best places in the South of France?

There are a multitude of magical places in the South of France that will ensure that your time is unforgettable. These South of France cities include Nice which has a lovely seafront and ports, while Marseille and Nimes, the oldest city in France, is great for history buffs.

For glamorous beaches, Saint Tropez is where to go. The city of Cannes also hosts a film festival you’d have most likely seen talked about worldwide.

Occitanie region boasts a fascinating history and a vibrant local life that you and your guests can enjoy. For those seeking the wonders of nature with unique landscapes, wild horses, and pink flamingos, the Camargue region is where to go for an unforgettable time.

Gordes medieval village in Southern France

Gordes medieval village in Southern France (Provence)

Aix-en-Provence is a wonderful city and beckons with its historical significance, and beautiful architecture, making it an elegant choice for wedding festivities. The Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees and dotted with fountains, offers a delightful backdrop for wedding photos. The region around Aix-en-Provence is dotted with a myriad of charming villages, each with its own unique character, history, and beauty.

Nestled between cliffs, Cassis is a coastal gem known for its picturesque harbor, dramatic Calanques, and white wines. It provides an intimate setting for a wedding while giving guests a plethora of sightseeing options, including boat tours and vineyard visits.

Cassis South of France City

Cassis

Our top 5 tips to choose your perfect South of France wedding venue.

  1. Early Booking Advised – The key South of France wedding venues are booked at least 12 months in advance, so the key to having the greatest choice is to book early.
  2. Come and Visit –Before making a decision, consider taking a trip to discuss your wedding visions and preferences. This way, you can see if a venue aligns with your expectations, ensuring no time is wasted on places that don’t fit the bill.
  3. Location, Location, Location – The South of France has it all, rolling hills, the azure waters of the Mediterranean, white sandy beaches…….but it all comes at a price. Be realistic about your budget from the start, a waterfront French villa in St Jean Cap Ferrat may be your dream location but will it mean you have to compromise on the remainder of your dream destination wedding just to afford it?
  4. Leverage Local Expertise – Tapping into the wisdom and network of local wedding planners can be invaluable. They can guide you in choosing a venue that not only matches your dream but is also logistically sound. Their insights, forged from experience and familiarity with the region, can be instrumental in shaping your ideal wedding in the South of France.

What is served at a South of France wedding?

Gastronomy: Your wedding in the South of France will offer you the opportunity to enjoy world-renowned cuisines. Olive oil plays a significant role in the culinary traditions of the South of France. One lovely option to include in your menu is Ratatouille. You can also have Bouillabaisse, a fish stew, Pissaladière, which is like pizza or Brandade de Morue, a creamy blend of salt cod and olive oil, often served with bread or potatoes.

food at weddings in the south of france

Wine: Many of the best South of France wedding venues offer local wines that you can use to elevate your celebration. Provence, for example, is known for its pale and fragrant rosé wines that go perfectly with summer weddings in the South of France. ”You can drink rosé wine like water” is often used by French people playfully or colloquially to emphasize the lightness, refreshing qualities, and easy-drinking nature of rosé. Finally while not a wine, Pastis is an anise-flavoured spirit from Marseille often enjoyed as an aperitif that you can also serve.

What is the best way to get to the South of France wedding venue?

South of France is easy to access from France, Europe and the rest of the world. Below are some of the best ways to get to this destination.

  • By Air: South of France is a high tourist place so it’s pretty easy to get there by plane. There are ten international airports that you can use to get into the South of France. You’ll find these in cities like Nice, Toulon, Marseille, Avignon, Montpellier, and Bezier.
  • By Train France’s major train, the TGV, has stops in major South of France cities like Avignon, Nice, Marseille and Montpellier. You and your guests can easily go from the South of France to cities like Paris in a few hours. Regional trains also service smaller towns, and you’ll love the scenic views and routes these follow.
  • By Road For couples from Europe or other parts of France, the A7 and A9 are the major highways connecting the North to the South and the East to the West. There are lovely scenic routes that lets you explore France at your own pace. Car rentals are also available that you can use as you head to your South of France Wedding.

What is the best time of year to get married in the South of France?

Your choice for a South of France wedding and the associated costs may vary depending on the time of the year and the availability of venues. Opting for mid-season months could potentially be a more budget-friendly option.

  • April to June – Mid-season: Late spring and is one of the most popular times for weddings in the South of France. The weather is pleasantly warm, the landscape is lush, and the summer tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet. Couples who want a vineyard wedding will specifically enjoy this season as vineyards are verdant and a variety of flowers, such as the region’s renowned lavender, start to blossom.
  • July to August – High-season: Summer in the South of France and is a vibrant time for a wedding. You and your guests can use the opportunity to attend lots of festivals and events. However, you should note that this is the warmest period and can get crowded. You should book well in advance to get your favourite south of France wedding venues.
  • September to early October – Mid-season: The Southern France region can still be beautiful in early fall. This period is also great for those wanting to avoid the peak tourist season. The weather remains warm but is often milder than the summer months. Harvest season in vineyards can add a unique touch to the celebration, and the Mediterranean Sea is still warm enough for South of France beach outings.

Conclusion

While the South of France has gained a reputation for its sun-soaked vineyards and premium wines, its allure extends far beyond the vine. From the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera to the aromatic lavender fields of Provence, this region embodies a mosaic of natural beauty and cultural richness. Iconic South of France landmarks such as the historic city of Marseille, the radiant Saint Tropez, and the picturesque harbors of Cassis, offer a blend of historical, scenic, and vibrant atmospheres, ensuring your destination wedding in France and accompanying festivities will be remembered for a lifetime. In conclusion, if you’re seeking a harmonious blend of nature, history, and romance for your destination wedding, the South of France is undeniably the place to say, “I do.”

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