Muriel Saldalamacchia
For more than 10 years in the destination wedding business, travelling the world for weddings, Muriel is France based, but has also rocked in Italy few years ago.
Asides her travels with her clients, Muriel is also an International Speaker, dealing with her peers onto the Luxury and destination Wedding Market.
Muriel is also a French author, dealing with business methods to international peers accros the globe, while having the clients in the focus of attention. Her first book "The Anti-Ghosting-Method" is available on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles.
Located in the southeastern region of France, Provence is the epitome of romance. Its vineyards, the small range of mountains (or Chaîne des Alpilles), and the lavender fields make this place unique and an awesome scenario to celebrate outdoor weddings in Provence. Looking for the perfect spot for your big day? Check out our selection of top-notch venues!
Outdoor weddings in Provence
During spring and summer, Provence offers lovely weather to those who dream of an outdoor ceremony – sunny, bright, and warm. You can also “dance by the moonlight”, by throwing a reception in a charming garden. Moreover, during these seasons, you and your guests will be able to enjoy the best experiences in the region, such as visiting lavender fields or chilling with family and friends by the pool while you take a sip of local wine.
Last but not least, you will be delighted with the region’s gastronomic experiences- including Michelin-starred restaurants. Doesn’t it sound amazing?
Boutique Hotels for outdoor weddings in Provence
I’ve prepared a selection of some of the best venues for outdoor weddings in Provence. It includes:
- Château de Roussan
- Château de la Gaude
- Château des Alpilles
- Domaine de Fontenille
- Domaine de la Pierre Blanche
- Château Talaud
- Château d’Estoublon
- Les Confines
- Bastide de Gordes
- Château de Tourreau
- Domaine Les Roullets
- Hôtel de Caumont
- Bastide de Servane
1. Château de Roussan
If you are looking for a magical and romantic setting for your outdoor wedding in Provence, you found it. Located in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Château de Roussan offers the possibility to privatize it for your and your guests – which is great for destination weddings in Provence.
You can have the ceremony outside, on the grounds of the Château de Roussan, followed by an aperitif, meal, or brunch. In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the venue is ready to set up one or more tents to host the ceremony and dinner.
Photos: Château de Roussan
2. Château de la Gaude
Nestled in lush greenery on the lands of Aix-en-Provence, the Château de la Gaude is an 18th-century country house located in the heart of a thirty hectares property. Known for its luxury wine tourism, this 5-star boutique hotel offers charming gardens, farmhouses, a chapel, a cellar, a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and an art gallery.
In additio to that, its visitors are also amazed by the gastronomic experiences offered by its four restaurants, led by the starred Chef Matthieu Dupuis Baumal.
Photo: Château de la Gaude
3. Château des Alpilles
This five-star hotel is located in the middle of the Alpilles. Its magic begins from the driveway lined by century-old trees. Then, you and your guests will be mesmerized by this 19th-century mansion and its warm and friendly atmosphere. If you are throwing a destination wedding, le Château des Alpilles has 21 rooms, suites, and apartments for a total occupancy of 50 persons.
For your outdoor wedding in Provence, the executive Chef Mathias Bettinger and the head Chef Agustin Ontivero are ready to provide a refined and colorful menu, highlighting the local products and the sundrenched flavors.
Photos: Château des Alpilles
4. Domaine de Fontenille
Above all, the Domaine de Fontenille will make you feel at home. There, you will be able to enjoy the region at its fullest: it is located at the heart of an exceptional wine estate, in the Park natural regional Luberon and near the village of Lourmarin. Built between the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century, it has been renovated and offers a charming atmosphere.
Domaine de Fontenille also provides a three-day experience for destination weddings. On the first day, you can have a barbecue dinner or a 3-course menu in the heart of the rose garden or on the terrace of their restaurant La Cuisine d’Amélie. For the big day, they offer a picnic lunch in the Domaine, a ceremony in the park surrounded by century-old cedars and plane trees, a cocktail and dinner on the terrace of the restaurant Le Champ des Lunes with a view of the Durance Valley, and the mountains Sainte-Victoire. On the following day, after your outdoor wedding in Provence, you can offer your guests a brunch in the shade of the plane trees on the terrace of La Cuisine d’Amélie.
Photos: Domaine de Fontenille
5. Domaine de la Pierre Blanche
Located in the Regional Park of the Alpilles, Domaine de la Pierre Blanche is surrounded by beautiful mountains, providing breathtaking views for your wedding. For private events, it is important to have in mind that a minimum 2-night stay is obligatory for all rooms, with 2 people per room/suite.
If you are having an outdoor wedding in Provence for up to 45 guests, Restaurant L’Opale is prepared to provide the catering. Here you’ll find gorgeous outdoor areas to celebrate your wedding, like the Olive Garden and the Pool Bar.
Photos: @regiscintasflores – Domaine de la Pierre Blanche
6. Château Talaud
This romantic 18th-century castle is located in the center of Provence, near Avignon. The former residence of the Marquis Grille d’Estoublon is nicely surrounded by the countryside and its vineyards.
For destination weddings, Château Talaud offers five large rooms, whose precious decor tastefully combines antiques and great modern comfort. Its lovely gardens are perfect for an intimate outdoor ceremony as well as a cozy reception.
Photo: Château Talaud
7. Château d’Estoublon
If you want a taste of the crème de la crème in Provence, Château d’Estoublon is definitely a good choice. In case you are planning several events to entertain your guests, this venue offers different scenarios for all of them – from vineyards and olive groves to courtyard or Roseraie gardens. Also, on the gastronomic side, Château d’Estoublon has three different options, where you can have a taste of fresh, local, and seasonal products as well as try a Japanese barbecue.
Ben and Katia, one of our couples, picked Château d’Estoublon for their wedding and they tell everything about their experience. If you are worried about your guests’ accommodations, bear in mind that the property has twenty-two rooms, ten bedrooms, and suites (maximum of 24 people to sleep) – which is perfect for a cozy and intimate celebration.
Photos: John Dolan – Valery Villard – Dan Petrovic – Sidney Yassen Studio | All Muriel Saldalamacchia Weddings
8. Les Confines
If you imagine a stunning garden wedding for up to 60 guests, don’t think twice: Les Confines is the perfect spot for your ceremony. This property’s gardens have been lauded in numerous publications like The International Herald Tribune and The New York Times.
Like many other visitors, you’ll be in love with the African Garden & Pool, which is great for holding events. This place is ideal for a several days staycation while having your outdoor wedding in Provence. Their Provençal house will provide you with the best experience for you and your guests.
Photo: Ludovic Grau-Mingot | A Muriel Saldalamacchia Wedding
9. Bastide de Gordes
Looking for a combination of breathtaking views with historical architecture? On the heights of Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, La Bastide dominates the landscapes of the Luberon. You’ll definitely be mesmerized by its gardens, which will provide you with a unique ceremony ambiance.
For the cocktail and reception, you can choose between the garden, the open ballroom in the garden, L’Orangerie Restaurant & Terrace, and La Citadelle Restaurant & Terrace. You have the option to privatize this property entirely or partially.
Photos: Valery Villard | A Muriel Saldalamacchia Wedding
10. Château de Tourreau
Surrounded by vines, the Château de Tourreau offers charming private spaces like the château courtyard, the patio at the water’s edge, and the swimming pool. For your outdoor wedding in Provence, the estate’s areas offer several possibilities: in the middle of the French gardens, in the heart of the grounds, or around our swimming pool.
In addition to that, in Château de Tourreau, you can have an outdoor reception for up to 150 people or use the consecrated chapel dating from 1614 that holds 70 people.
Photo credit : Valery Villard | A Muriel Saldalamacchia Wedding
11. Domaine Les Roullets
Domaine Les Roullets is a boutique bed and breakfast, self-catering cottage, and vineyard located in the golden triangle of Provence. In effect, by choosing this place for your wedding, you’ll be able to enjoy its breathtaking views of the nearby Luberon mountains as well as the extensive landscaped gardens that feature lavender, olive trees, and cypresses.
The property also has a small vineyard that produces excellent quality organic wine. Want to get married there? Mostly, it is essential to know that they offer only the venue rental and both the ceremony and reception should be celebrated in their gardens, with a maximum of 100 guests.
Photos: Ludovic Grau-Mingot | A Muriel Saldalamacchia Wedding + Valery Villard | A Muriel Saldalamacchia Wedding
12. Hôtel de Caumont
Dated from the 18th century, this is one of the most beautiful private mansions in Aix-en-Provence. There, couples find a paved three-sided courtyard and more than 1000 m² of private gardens – which is perfect for an outdoor wedding in Provence with 40 to 140 guests. As a result, this place features so many lovely details on site, surrounded by a very devoted team.
Photos: courtesy of Hotel de Caumont
13. Bastide de Servane
This 700 sqm private property offers a cozy ambiance to celebrate your wedding. Located in the Baux de Provence Valley, near the Alpilles and Arles, it will give a true taste of Provencal life. For your outdoor wedding, the property offers a 20-hectare park and a 17 x 8 m swimming pool. It can be privatized for up to 120 guests, with the possibility of setting up a tent in case of bad weather. Bear in mind that Bastide de Servane is not open for events in July and August. Wondering how to accommodate your guests? This family farmhouse offers 11 bedrooms with charming Provencal decor. And lots of hotels + b&b nearby.
Photos: Bastide de Servane
What’s it like getting married in Provence?
One thing that I must say is that an outdoor wedding in Provence is the epitome of romance. First, the venues’ historical architecture is remarkable and helps to set the ambiance. With a little help from nature, we can create gorgeous and unique decorations for weddings. Additionaly, we’ll be able to provide a fantastic gastronomic experience with local fresh food and delicious wines.
What’s the best time to have an outdoor wedding in Provence?
As you are planning an outdoor wedding, you’re probably looking for sunny days. Then, you should consider getting married from May to October.
How to find the best wedding planner in Provence?
First, it is important to look for a wedding planner that has a good relationship with local vendors and knows the cultural aspects of doing business in the region. At the same time, this professional should be able to communicate with international clients properly. Above all, the wedding planner should offer clear communication with the clients.
Moreover, clients should check the wedding planners’ backgrounds, clients’ testimonials, the weddings that the professional has already planned, and if she/he can provide you with a unique experience. After all, it is not about copying other weddings, but being able to set your own style for your celebration. A plus would be if this professional has already been featured in media outlets.
Activities to do with your guests in Provence
First and foremost, taking your family and friends to Provence is also an opportunity to offer them some delicious meals (including some amazing Michelin-starred restaurants) with fabulous champagnes and wines.
If you come to Provence during the summer, you’ll be delighted to see the lavender fields. Spending some extra time in the region? Please make sure that you visit the rocky limestone coastline at Parc National des Calanques.
