A wedding at a Bordeaux vineyard is more than just a day—it’s an experience wrapped in rolling vineyards, historic estates, and world-class wines. Extending your celebration into a full weekend lets you and your guests savor every moment, from welcome tastings to farewell brunches. Here’s how to create an unforgettable Bordeaux wedding weekend.
1. Choose a Vineyard Venue with On-Site Accommodations
Some of the best châteaux and vineyard estates in Bordeaux offer guest accommodations, ensuring your loved ones can stay on-site and fully immerse themselves in the experience. Look for venues that provide private suites, charming cottages, or boutique-style accommodations nestled among the vines.
Top Bordeaux Vineyard Wedding Venues with Guest Lodging:
- Château Pape Clément – A grand estate with luxury rooms and a historic wine cellar
- Château Gassies – A dreamy, elegant château with on-site accommodations and stunning reception spaces
- Château Smith Haut Lafitte – A renowned vineyard with an attached spa resort for ultimate relaxation
These estates allow for seamless weekend-long celebrations, from your welcome party to your farewell brunch.
2. Welcome Your Guests with a Vineyard Wine Tasting
Start your wedding weekend with a private wine tasting at your venue’s vineyard or a nearby Grand Cru Classé estate. Bordeaux is known for its deep reds, and your guests will love the opportunity to experience Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauternes wines right where they’re made.
Top Wine-Tasting Experiences for Wedding Guests:
- Château Margaux – One of the most prestigious wineries in the Médoc region
- Château La Dominique – A modern estate in Saint-Émilion with breathtaking vineyard views
- Château de Ferrand – A stunning venue offering both tastings and vineyard tours
💡 Pro Tip: Pair the tasting with a charcuterie board and sunset views for the perfect French countryside welcome party!
3. Plan a Relaxing Pre-Wedding Day Experience
Bordeaux isn’t just about wine—it’s a region full of relaxing and luxurious experiences perfect for pre-wedding festivities.
Activities to Enjoy Before the Big Day:
- Spa day at Les Sources de Caudalie – A vineyard spa retreat known for its Vinothérapie treatments
- Hot air balloon ride over Saint-Émilion – A breathtaking way to see Bordeaux’s rolling hills and estates
- A private cruise on the Garonne River – Sip local wine as you take in the views of Bordeaux from the water
Giving your guests an optional, curated experience the day before the wedding lets them soak in the region’s beauty without feeling rushed.
4. Wedding Day: A Timeless Affair Among the Vines
A Bordeaux vineyard wedding naturally lends itself to a slow, intimate, and elegant celebration. Here are a few ways to make the most of the setting:
- Golden-hour ceremony among the vines – The warm Bordeaux light is perfect for film photography
- Long, family-style dinner under string lights – Many châteaux offer outdoor receptions surrounded by vineyards
- Live acoustic music & Bordeaux wine pairings – Enhance the French atmosphere with a local jazz trio or classical guitarist
💡 If you’re opting for an editorial and documentary-style wedding gallery, focus on capturing the natural beauty, small moments, and timeless elegance of the vineyard setting.
5. End with a Farewell Brunch in a Château Garden
Wrap up the weekend with a farewell brunch in a château garden or terrace. Freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, and café au lait make for a relaxed send-off.
Great Bordeaux Venues for a Farewell Brunch:
- Château Bouscaut – A gorgeous estate offering brunch with vineyard views
- Le Saint-James Hotel – A Michelin-starred brunch experience just outside Bordeaux
- Café Napoleon – A charming option in Saint-Émilion for a more casual, café-style send-off
Let’s Capture Your Bordeaux Wedding Weekend
A Bordeaux vineyard wedding weekend is filled with romance, elegance, and unforgettable experiences—and you deserve photography that reflects every emotion and detail. If you’re looking for editorial yet documentary-style wedding photography, let’s connect.
📩 Inquire about your wedding photography here
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