I am priveledged to be a Chateau Du Doux Wedding Photographer. As a busy destination wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to work at some simply stunning wedding venues.  And one of my favourites is Chateau Du Doux in the Dordogne Valley in France.

The Dordogne Valley is my favourite region when capturing wedding photography in France  as I love its unspoilt landscapes, gourmet food and warm sunny climate.  The Dordogne Valley region has many chateaus licensed to hold weddings but none are quite as impressive as Chateau Du Doux. 

Chateau du Doux translation ‘Sweet Castle’, sits high on a hill on the Southern tip of Correze overlooking the medieval town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne.  It was built by an ambassador to France in 1906 and designed by the world-famous architect Jean-Louis Pascal.  Its original purpose was to entertain foreign dignitaries.  Built to look like the original 16^thcentury chateaus, it has all the gothic features and renaissance style splendour you would expect.  

Set within walled garden grounds, it also has a 25-metre swimming pool which provides the perfect entertaining space before and after your wedding.  

A British family fell in love with the chateau 12 years ago and have invested all of their time, energy and love into renovating it into the luxury destination wedding venue it is today.  If you watch the TV program ‘Chateau DIY’ you will be familiar with the chateau and the family.  As each winter they take on renovation projects to improve the chateau for the next wedding season.  And they have a camera crew follow them and film their progress.  

Experienced Chateaux Du Doux wedding photographer 

Bridal parties tend to get ready in their gorgeous champagne bridal suite, with groom’s party’s getting ready in the atmospheric Chateau library.  Both making fantastic spaces for me to get those all-important preparation images.  

Most couples opt for an outdoor ceremony, and with Chateau du Doux open for weddings from May to October you’re pretty much guaranteed good weather.  Outdoor ceremonies are held on a sunny terrace that that enjoys breath-taking views.  Elegantly dressed white seats are arranged for guests, in a style that creates a natural aisle and couples say their vows under a beautiful white arch.  It’s a simply stunning setting.

Chateau Du Doux weddings in France

When it comes to food, Chateau du Doux has their own in-house catering.  And I can tell you from experience that the food is delicious.  They serve tasty canapes; you get to choose five different varieties.  And then offer a menu of a three-course meal with three options of starter, main and dessert.  Giving your guests a choice rather than giving everybody the same thing.  

Wedding breakfasts are served in the salle de reception.  Which brings me to another reason why I love capturing wedding photography at Chateau du Doux and that’s because of the light.  Chateaus, as they’re built as fortified buildings, can often be dark spaces.  But the ceiling to floor windows in Chateau du Du Doux throw tons of natural sunlight in.  Light that I play with to create even more beautiful images.  

Another great feature of Chateau du Doux, is that it not only offers guests accommodation but can accommodate up to 70 guests on site.  This amount of guest accommodation is rare in a Chateau wedding venue of this calibre.  The accommodation is spread over a luxury bridal suite, Chateau bedrooms and self-catering holidays apartments.  For additional guests there’s accommodation available in the local town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne which is just a five-minute drive away.  

A complimentary three-night stay in the deluxe Champagne Suite is offered to couples upon booking. 

Storytelling wedding photography at Chateau Du Doux

Planning a wedding abroad can feel overwhelming, which is why it’s great that Chateau du Doux has a great online planning tool to take you through every aspect of planning your wedding.  Ensuring the process is both fun and stress free.  The family take a bespoke approach to every wedding they host and can talk you through all of your options.   And so much is included when you book a Chateau du Doux wedding, that a lot of the smaller details like tables, chairs, wedding decorations, are already taken care of.  

An advantage of being located in South-west France is the ease and affordability of travel to and from the UK with low-cost airlines. Chateau du Doux is surrounded by a number of airports giving you and your guests many travel options. The nearest airport is Brive which is a 45 minute drive away.   Or for a longer drive you can choose form Limoges, Toulouse, Bergerac or Bordeaux.  All of which offer direct flights from the UK. 

Chateau Du Doux documentary wedding photography

When I capture destination wedding photography, I like to travel to the wedding with the wedding party.  It gives me a chance to get to know them, so that by the time it comes to me photographing them, they’re totally relaxed around me.  This approach always ensures that I get the most authentic images that really capture the emotions and tell the story of the day with beautiful and timeless images.  

Chateau Du Doux Wedding Photographer

So, if you’re thinking of having a destination wedding in France, I hope this has been helpful to you.  Chateau du Doux really is a stunning wedding venue but you don’t have to take my word for it.  The most fun part of planning a destination wedding is getting to travel and visit amazing wedding venues in beautiful places.  So have fun with it. 

And when you’ve found your perfect wedding venue in France, you’ll be looking for an experienced France wedding photographer.  Feel free to get in touch. 

I’d love to hear about your wedding plans…