Lauren & Josh's Whimsical White Escape to the Chateau Wedding

Escape to the chateau

Tucked in the Loire Valley, it is also easily accessible for guests coming from all corners. There is a host of hidden gem vineyards in the region — great inspiration for your drinks reception, and a unique activity for your wedding weekend.

Alfresco aisle style

After spending a magical morning within the chateau walls preparing for the big moment, Lauren and Josh reunited at the end of a woodland aisle to make their vows forever.

The venue has everything covered. Beautiful wide pathways let your guests spill out and wander towards the ceremony — a great way for guests to mingle and break the ice. For the couple, there is a golf cart to ensure you get from chateau to ceremony without a hitch. For bride Lauren, only a reveal curtain lay between her, her best girls and the big moment itself.

Into the woods

In a twist to many chateau weddings, Chateau de la Basmaignee offers more than historic interiors — you are invited to enjoy the fairy-tale grounds, and it was a woodland ceremony that stole Lauren and Josh's hearts.

With a green canopy all around and a white floral archway creating an abundant backdrop, the effect was truly enchanting. More refined than rustic, the statement blooms sat effortlessly within the woodland setting. It was a beautiful marriage of elegance and nature.

"No wedding here is the same, because we adapt to each couple's vision and expectations," smiles venue owner and wedding planner Gwendoline. "We work with local partners and suppliers to organise a bespoke wedding day for the couples who choose our chateau for their big day."

Let me entertain you

There is an entertainer in our midst. Photographer Aimie swapped the camera for the microphone, wowing guests with an open-air performance. The atmosphere was incredible, with the newlyweds and their family and friends rocking it on the dance floor. The couple also opted for a live-cooked, totally delicious barbecue to celebrate.

"Lauren had her own vision of what she wanted straight from the beginning and we did our best to turn this into reality," explains Gwendoline, "from the romantic ceremony in the woods to the relaxed barbecue wedding breakfast in a marquee on the grounds."

Working as their chateau wedding photographer

We always love to discover new venues, and exploring Chateau de la Basmaignee was no different. Romantic and picturesque vignettes wait at every turn, from romantic old stone walls to sun-bathed countryside, fairy-tale woodland and grand, sweeping staircases with chandeliers sparkling overhead.