How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Chateau in the South of France for a Wedding?

When planning an intimate or extravagant wedding in the South of France, you might well be wondering how much it may cost you to hire out one of the many chateaus dotted across this beautiful region.

Well, the truth is that the final price you pay will depend on many variables, as we shall explain below. 

How Much Does Hiring a Chateau for a Wedding in the South of France Cost?

The cost of hiring a chateau in the south of France will depend on many factors such as location and the number of guests you need to accommodate. You can expect to pay at least 3,000 to 5,000 euros for smaller venues in more remote locations. Larger chateaus in more exclusive locations can cost as little as 30,000 euros or as much as 50,000 euros.

Given that the above price ranges are so vast, it's worth explaining to you what factors are most likely to influence the price you pay.

What Factors Influence the Cost of a Chateau Wedding in the South of France?

Location

The first and perhaps most influential factor of your hire costs will be the location of the chateau. If you want to get married in an idyllic location like the French Riviera, you will have to pay a premium.

By contrast, a rural property in the Dordogne region around Bordeaux could cost as little as half what you would expect to pay for a chateau with a premier spot on the South Coast.

Wedding Party Size

Of course, the size of your wedding party will influence the hire cost. The more people you have to accommodate, the larger the wedding venue will need to be, and therefore the higher the hire cost is likely to be.

Historical Significance of the Chateau

Some chateaus available for wedding hire are hundreds of years old and are listed buildings. These heritage properties will cost happy couples more to hire due to their historical significance. Many of the chateaus in the Loire Valley are listed properties, and therefore come in at the higher end of the market.

One of the best methods to save on your hire costs is to look for chateaus that appear a lot older than they are, allowing you to benefit from all of the charms of a historical building without the associated price tag.

Type of Wedding Event

The final factor influencing the cost of hiring a chateau as a wedding venue in the South of France is the style and scale of your wedding celebration. For example, a small intimate outdoor ceremony and reception with 30 guests within the grounds of a chateau will cost much less than an all-inclusive hire package for the building for 130 guests with 40 staying at the chateau overnight.

Some chateau wedding venues will allow you to privatise the grounds and a few outbuildings for less than 5,000 euros. All-inclusive chateau wedding hire packages (that include as long as a week's accommodation for the wedding party on-site) tend to start at 25,000 euros.

Summary:

Hiring a Chateau in the South of France for Your Wedding Celebration

If you're planning a chateau wedding in Southern France, you can expect to pay a minimum of 3,000 to 5,000 euros. For premium chateaus and exclusive use venues, you can expect to pay a lot more, with the higher end of the market coming within the 30,000 euros to 50,000 euros range.

The final price will depend on the factors described above, and if you make intelligent compromises, you can usually deliver your dream French chateau wedding within your budget.