Destination wedding in France: venue and trusted suppliers

For couples marrying in France from abroad, Domaine de Vavril brings together the venue and a team of trusted local suppliers: catering, music and DJ, photography, video, hair and make-up, flowers and decoration, all selected and negotiated in advance.

Planning a wedding in another country usually means comparing suppliers you have never met, from a distance, in a language that isn’t your own. Here, you plan it with one person and one quote, and from April to October the whole estate is yours alone for three nights and four days.

Who is it for?

Couples from the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, Switzerland and beyond who have chosen France, but would rather not assemble a team of local suppliers on their own. It also suits couples who can visit only once or twice before the day, and families spread across several countries.

How does it work?

One venue. An 18th-century manor house on the heights of Beaujeu, in the Beaujolais, facing the vineyards, about an hour north of Lyon. From April to October it hosts one wedding at a time, from Thursday to Sunday or Friday to Monday, with stone reception rooms seating up to 150 guests for dinner (120 with a dance floor), gardens, a heated pool and 41 beds on site.

Suppliers already chosen. The Domaine has selected its partners and negotiated their terms in advance. You simply choose the services you want, instead of searching, briefing and comparing suppliers yourselves from abroad.

One quote, one contact. The venue and every service you choose come together in a single quote. Adeline, who looks after events at the Domaine, is your one contact for the venue and all its suppliers.

How do we get there from abroad?

By air: Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport, with direct flights from London and many other European cities, is about 80 km from the Domaine, a little over an hour by car. Geneva airport is a longer alternative, about two and a half hours by road.

By train: the TGV stops at Mâcon-Loché TGV, about 45 minutes from the Domaine by car, and at Lyon Part-Dieu, about an hour away. From Paris, Mâcon-Loché is about 1 hour 40 by TGV; from London, take the Eurostar to Paris, then the TGV from Gare de Lyon.

For the last stretch, plan hire cars, taxis or a shuttle for your guests. Our guest guide to trains, cars and places to stay in the Beaujolais covers the details.

Can we marry legally in France?

Many couples from abroad hold a symbolic ceremony at the Domaine, in the garden by the fountain, led by a celebrant, a friend or a relative. It has no legal value, which leaves you free to write it as you wish, in your own language.

A legal wedding in France is a civil ceremony at the town hall (mairie). One of you, or one of your parents, must have a home in the commune or have lived there continuously for at least a month when the banns are published, and documents usually need certified translations. This is why many couples marry legally at home, then celebrate in France. Our guides set out the steps for UK citizens and for US citizens.

How much does it cost, and where do we start?

Turnkey weddings start at €17,300 including VAT, accommodation excluded: exclusive use of the venue for four days, cocktail and dinner for 70 guests, a DJ and a photographer. From November to March, the venue alone starts at €8,800 including VAT, accommodation included.

The online estimate takes a few minutes: choose your month, your number of guests and the services you would like, and you will see a detailed price range, with your month’s availability checked in real time. There is no commitment, and Adeline then replies to you personally.

Which services can we include?

Catering by the Domaine’s partner caterers, from the cocktail hour to dinner, then music and DJ, photography, video, hair and make-up, flowers and decoration. The Domaine also makes its own wine, which you can add to your estimate. Each service is presented below: keep the ones that matter to you, and your estimate shows them line by line.