Chateau Challain Wedding – Luanna & Igor’s Three-Day Celebration
As a Chateau Challain wedding photographer, I’ve seen the venue in many seasons, but spring — when the sakuras bloom — is something special. This was the time Luanna and Igor, a couple from Brazil, chose for their wedding. Over three days, they held three ceremonies, each with its own style, location, and atmosphere. My photography approach for this wedding combined editorial, fine art, and documentary styles to capture both the planned details and the unplanned moments.
Day One – Church Ceremony and Candlelit Reception at chateau Challain
The first morning started with getting ready in the Chateau Challain suites. I photographed the bridal details, the classic white wedding dress, and the bridesmaids in purple glitter-covered dresses. The bride kept her look simple and elegant — hair in a bun, minimal accessories.
The ceremony was held in the nearby village church, decorated with baby’s breath and white flowers. An arch by the altar and candles throughout the space gave it a calm and focused atmosphere.
After the ceremony, we used the chateau’s gardens and the small lake for portraits. Later, we moved into the fields for sunset portraits with strong, dramatic light. The day ended with a reception in the lobby of Chateau Challain — hundreds of candles, baby’s breath on the tables, and a warm, intimate feel.
Day Two – Chateau Challain's Garden Ceremony with Sakura Blooms
The next morning started with brunch before moving to the garden for the second ceremony. Music was played by harpist Francois Pernel. Bridesmaids wore dark green gowns, while the bride changed into a lace gown with her hair down. The colour palette for the florals was pink and white.
Spring at Chateau Challain means sakura blossoms, and we used them fully in the photography. I even created real sakura petal confetti for the shoot. We also went to the secret forest — bluebells and ivy covering the ground, an old piano hidden among the trees.
One of the bride’s requests was to have portraits on the marble staircase inside the chateau. The light and textures there worked perfectly for fine art portraits, and the results were some of my favourite images of the wedding.
Day Three – Gazebo Ceremony and chateau Challain's Grand Salon Reception
The final day’s ceremony was in the gazebo in the central garden, with the chateau itself in the background. The bride wore an off-shoulder gown with pearl details, hair in a bun. Bridesmaids wore silver gowns. The florals featured white hydrangeas and pink roses.
After the ceremony, we took group portraits in front of the chateau. Dinner was served in the Grand Salon, followed by dancing, cake cutting, and fireworks. The cake was a four-tier white design decorated with white lilies — simple, clean, and elegant.
Why Chateau Challain Works for Multi-Day Weddings
Chateau Challain offers the flexibility for different ceremony locations: the church in the village, multiple gardens, the gazebo, and several interior rooms for receptions. As a Chateau Challain wedding photographer, I value the variety of backdrops it offers — marble staircases, lakeside gardens, forest paths, open fields, and seasonal details like sakura blossoms or autumn leaves.
For destination weddings, this variety means couples can create unique looks for each part of their celebration without changing venues.
Chateau Challains wedding Vendor Credits
Planner: Cici Events
Florals: Mister Brett Events
Videography: Alex Znakharchuk
Harpist: Francois Pernel
Frequently Asked Questions — Château Challain Weddings
1. How do we book our wedding at Château Challain?
To book your Château Challain wedding, you must go through Cici Events, the owner and exclusive wedding planner of the château. Contacting Cici directly ensures you secure your date and avoid unnecessary additional costs that other outside wedding planners may add.
2. Can we use our own wedding planner at Château Challain?
While it’s possible to bring in another planner, it’s highly recommended to book directly with Cici Events, who owns and manages the château. This guarantees a smooth planning process for your French château wedding and saves you from hidden fees or complications with external agencies.
3. What services does Château Challain provide for weddings?
Château Challain offers a complete destination wedding experience in France with in-house and preferred suppliers for catering, flowers, décor, entertainment, and more. This way you get trusted services at the best value without spending time searching for outside vendors.
4. Is planning a Château Challain wedding complicated?
Not at all! Getting married at Château Challain is very simple. The château provides its own trusted suppliers and packages, making planning stress-free. Once you confirm your date through Cici Events, the rest of your luxury château wedding in France is expertly taken care of.
5. Who should we hire as our wedding photographer at Château Challain?
I have been photographing weddings at Château Challain from the very beginning, when the château first started hosting weddings. Over the years, I’ve captured countless celebrations here and know every corner of the property. My deep familiarity with the venue allows me to find the best light, the most romantic angles, and to make couples feel completely at home on their wedding day. If you’re planning a Château Challain wedding, I’d be honoured to create timeless photographs of your story.
6. Why is Château Challain one of the best wedding venues in France?
Château Challain is one of the most luxurious château wedding venues in Europe. With its fairytale architecture, stunning gardens, and world-class planning by Cici Events, it’s perfect for couples dreaming of a destination wedding in France. The château combines history, beauty, and seamless service for an unforgettable experience.