Introduction
Weddings in Auvergne: A fairytale Yes at more affordable prices than elsewhere
The Auvergne, land of volcanoes and verdant landscapes, offers a unique and romantic setting for celebrating your union. Far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, this authentic region invites you to experience a wedding that's just like you, in a natural setting and at prices that are often more affordable than elsewhere in France.
Whether you're dreaming of a majestic château, a charming estate or an authentic farmhouse, Auvergne is brimming with exceptional reception venues to enhance your special day. Let yourself be charmed by the enchanting atmosphere of the castles of La Canière, Miremont, Maulmont or Les Martinanches, and take advantage of rates that are often lower than in other French regions.
In Auvergne, wedding suppliers are also renowned for their expertise and professionalism. You'll find talented photographers, caterers, decorators and entertainers at prices often below the national average.
Auvergne, a region much in demand by American couples.
In fact, it's one of the most popular wedding regions for American, British and Swiss couples. Prices in Paris, Bordeaux and the Côte d'Azur are very high. That's why so many American weddings are held here.
Don't hesitate to discover the 10 dream locations selected for this article, and let yourself be inspired by the beauty and authenticity of the Auvergne. Your wedding will undoubtedly be an unforgettable moment, filled with emotions and precious memories.
What does this article cover?
In this article, we'll introduce you to 10 wedding reception venues in Auvergne.
This list is not a ranking.
These castles are perfect for a wedding, as my groomsmen and I loved them.
1. La Canière castle
Charming green park
Nestled in the heart of the Auvergne region, Château de la Canière stands proudly amidst the greenery, offering an idyllic setting to celebrate your union. This beautifully restored 19th-century château combines old-world charm with modern comforts, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.
As an experienced wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing many weddings that have taken place in this magical location. The bride and groom and their guests are always amazed by the beauty of the château, its verdant grounds and the breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.
Hélène and Bruno, the owners of Château de la Canière, are exceptional hosts who will do their utmost to make your wedding a perfect event. Their attention to detail, kindness and professionalism will help you relax and enjoy this momentous occasion to the full.
Related article:
Large domain and sleeping area for guests
Whether you dream of a grand reception in the ballroom or an open-air vin d'honneur on the panoramic terrace, Château de la Canière offers you a multitude of possibilities to create a wedding in the Auvergne that reflects your image.
What's more, the chateau boasts numerous bedrooms, making it ideal for accommodating your guests.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to find out more about this exceptional location and discover my wedding photography at Château de la Canière. I'd be delighted to help you organize the wedding photography of your dreams in this idyllic setting.
Route 35 minutes north-east of Clermont-Ferrand
2023 rates
Weekend package from Friday 3 p.m. to Sunday 5 p.m. :
October to April: between 7,500 and 9,000 euros.
May to September: 11,000 euros.
Website : château de la Canière.
2. Château de Miremont
A dream castle
Nestled in the heart of the Auvergne region, Château de Miremont stands like a jewel of medieval architecture. This haven of peace, steeped in history and imbued with a romantic atmosphere, offers an idyllic setting to celebrate your union.
I really love this château, which is why I've been coming here regularly every year for almost 10 years.
Château de Miremont is more than just a reception venue. It's a truly romantic setting. Brides, grooms and guests are invariably won over by its authentic charm and peaceful atmosphere.
The lovely, attentive owners of the château will do everything in their power to make your wedding an unforgettable event. They will help you organize your big day, taking care of every detail to ensure that everything is perfect.
Guest houses
A special feature of this château is the possibility of accommodating your guests in gîtes on the estate, just a few dozen meters from the reception hall.
Secular ceremony in the park
Château de Miremont offers a multitude of possibilities for creating a wedding to your image. You can celebrate your ceremony in the park below the château, beside a charming stream with a small water mill. A bucolic setting that's sure to move your guests.
Here's an example of a reportage with the secular ceremony: Caroline and Virgil.
The dungeon for couple photos
For couple's photos, the château's keep is an ideal location. Its majestic silhouette and panoramic view of the surrounding area provide a sumptuous backdrop for unforgettable shots.
Photo wedding in the dungeon: Selma and Etienne.
Whether you're dreaming of a grandiose reception in the château's grand hall or an open-air vin d'honneur on the terrace, Château de Miremont will enable you to create a fairytale wedding that's both elegant and authentic.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to find out more about this exceptional venue and discover my wedding photography at Château de Miremont.
Journey time: 1 hour's drive northwest of Clermont-Ferrand
Prices: from €4100
Website : https://www.chateau-miremont.com/
3. Maulmont castle
A wedding in Sleeping Beauty's Auvergne castle
If you're dreaming of a a fairytale wedding, the Château de Maulmontlocated in Saint-Priest-Bramefant in the Auvergne, is the ideal venue for you. This majestic 15th-century château, surrounded by a 22-hectare estate, offers a sumptuous and idyllic setting to celebrate your union.
I've had the pleasure of photographing many weddings in this exceptional location. I'm always dazzled by the elegance of the château and its verdant grounds. It's always a pleasure to see the astonishment of guests when they see the château.
Château de Maulmont, with its towers, is reminiscent of a fairytale castle. Bride and groom and their guests are invariably won over by its princely charm and fairytale atmosphere.
The owners of the chateau, with your comfort in mind, will help you organize your wedding in this exceptional setting.
Article photo report : an American wedding in the heart of Auvergne.
Receptions and ceremonies
Château de Maulmont offers a multitude of possibilities for your reception. You'll be able to celebrate your secular ceremony in the park below the château, surrounded by greenery under a pretty pergola. A romantic setting sure to move your guests.
For the vin d'honneur, the château's inner courtyard, with its ancient stones and warm atmosphere, is an ideal venue. A large marquee is then added for the evening meal, seating up to 100 guests.
For those wishing to extend the party, the château has 21 comfortable rooms and apartments, accommodating up to 64 guests. Gîtes are also available nearby for guests who wish to stay longer.
Château de Maulmont is particularly popular with American couples, attracted by its European charm and romantic atmosphere.
If you're looking for a unique and exceptional reception venue for your wedding, Château de Maulmont is an option not to be missed.
Further information
Helicopter landing pad for VIP arrivals
Swimming pool for relaxation and refreshment
Inner courtyard for cocktails
Big top for evening meal (up to 100 people)
Lay ceremony below the château under a pergola
21 rooms/suites/apartments for 64 beds
Guest houses nearby
Particularly popular with American couples
Directions: 1 hour northeast of Clermont-Ferrand (35 km).
Website : Chateau de Maulmont
4. Château de Bois Rigaud
Usson, a listed village for a wedding in Auvergne
Nestled in Usson, a listed village in the heart of the Puy-de-Dôme region, Château de Bois Rigaud is located near Issoire, 35 minutes south of Clermont-Ferrand. This beautifully restored 11th-century château combines the charm of the past with modern comforts, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. It is owned by the Montel Hospitality group, specialists in luxury hotels and restaurants.
This year, I have the great pleasure of photographing a wedding there, and I can't wait to capture the magic of this very special day for the bride and groom.
Château de Bois Rigaud is a romantic and elegant venue. Ideally located in the Auvergne countryside, it's the perfect place for fabulous wedding photos.
Outdoor marquees and tents
Château de Bois Rigaud stands out for its unique range of marquees and nomad tents, allowing brides and grooms to celebrate their union in a rural setting.
When the weather's nice, couples can hold their cocktail reception or wedding dinner outdoors, under the 250m² marquee. Imagine saying "I do" under the stars, surrounded by your nearest and dearest.
Gîtes
In addition to the bedrooms, you can also accommodate your guests in two independent gîtes. Sleeping a total of 24 people.
It really is the ideal place to gather your loved ones and celebrate your wedding in Auvergne.
Prices: from €7,000.
Website : https://www.chateau-boisrigaud.fr/
See the wedding of Pauline and Alexis at Château de Bois Rigaud.
5. Gondole Castle
Le Cendre
This château, recently renovated by its new owners, is located close to the Auvergne capital.
Ideal for entertaining numerous guests with its two independent rooms of 300 and 500m2, this reception venue is set in 8 hectares of parkland.
Article reportage wedding at Chateau de Gondole : Elodie and Maxime, wedding in Issoire.
For more information, please visit the château's facebook page.
6. Bourrassol castle
Towards Riom
Between Riom and Clermont-Ferrand, discover the Château de Bourrassol where I had the opportunity to photograph a Franco-German wedding.
The couple celebrated their union with a ceremony in the château grounds.
The château is located between Riom to the north and Clermont-Ferrand to the south (less than 30 minutes away).
This former 12th-century barn, completely renovated in 2023, offers a unique and authentic setting, blending the charm of yesteryear with modernity.
The reception room
The reception room can accommodate up to 130 people, and the outdoor spaces are perfect for your cocktail party, your secular ceremony or your photos.
The Château de Bourrassol team will be at your side to make your wedding a perfect event, with tailor-made services to suit your wishes and budget.
Extend the magic of your wedding by staying in one of the château's 5 guest rooms.
Contact the château team to organize the reception of your dreams.
7. Beaulon castle
Wedding in Allier
Château de Beaulon is located in the Allier department. After passing through the castle gates, you enter the park which leads directly to the main castle and the two buildings on either side of it.
The château is reserved for the owners, but you can take advantage of this dream setting for your wedding reception in the Auvergne.
Article : Wedding coverage at Château de Beaulon in the Allier department
The reception room has been completely renovated, and the lighting fixtures inside will enhance your decor.
Its location in the north of the Auvergne makes it more competitive on rates. Starting at 3900€.
8. Domaine du Clos du Fort
Collanges, the Valley of the Saints
A little paradise nestled just a few kilometers from the Valley of the Saints. A valley famous for its 10 to 30-metre-high fairy chimneys made of red clay.
It's an exceptional 19th-century wedding venue that's sure to please.
The château's former stables have been restored to host wedding receptions.
The estate extends over 2.5 hectares, and is equipped with sleeping facilities, which are very useful for accommodating your guests when the party runs late.
Your loved ones can enjoy their weekend in the estate's swimming pool. And for those looking for an original experience, they can rent a bubble room and admire the starry Auvergne ceiling.
The Clos du Fort wedding reception hall
I've had the pleasure of photographing weddings at this magnificent venue. And it was at a friend's wedding that I discovered this venue.
The 212 m2 reception room is really beautiful. I invite you to add drapes to the ceiling and spotlights along the walls.
The interior has been restored, which is not the case in all areas.
Website : https://www.leclosdufort.com/
Article : Sandra and Julien | Wedding in Auvergne at the Clos du Fort estate
9. Le château des Martinanches
In the heart of the Livradois-Forez Natural Park
The setting of this château is magnificent. It's surrounded by a moat, which lends a certain cachet to this 11th-century monument. It has since been restored several times, notably in the 15th and 18th centuries.
Located in the heart of nature, near Saint-Dier-d'Auvergne, just 1 hour south-east of Clermont-Ferrand.
Surrounded by woods and fields, you'll be able to party in peace and quiet, and enjoy a romantic stroll for a couple's photo session.
Marie and Arnaud welcome you to their family estate in the heart of the Livradois-Forez Natural Park.
The French gardens and medieval vaulted rooms make it easy to organize your guests' receptions.
On the one hand, the spacious exteriors will easily accommodate all your loved ones.
What's more, you'll be able to place them in the different rooms on offer, offering great flexibility for your event.
The proximity of the bedrooms to the reception room is an added charm for your guests, allowing them to enjoy your celebration to the full.
10. Domaine de la Tour de Rochefort
All-inclusive room and catering
Domaine de la Tour has a breathtaking view over the village of Montpeyroux, on the other side of the valley.
Halfway between Clermont-Ferrand and Issoire, this wedding domain can accommodate large weddings.
The owners offer a turnkey wedding service: from the venue to the furniture, catering and cleaning, you'll be able to concentrate on the rest of your day.
Two wedding reception halls and large outdoor areas
One 100 m2 room and a second 300 m2 room.
A 3,000 m2 lawn will allow you to celebrate your union outdoors with all your guests, and to enjoy the petit fours at the cocktail party while admiring the landscape or taking advantage of the swimming pool and garden furniture.
All-inclusive rates: from €120/person.
(Hall + Furniture ext. and int. + Vin d'honneur +) Meals + Service + Tablecloths)
Website : https://www.latourderochefort.fr/mariage
Conclusion
From majestic châteaux to charming estates and picturesque farmhouses, you'll find the perfect venue for a wedding that's just right for you.
Whether you're dreaming of an enchanting reception in a sumptuous setting or an intimate celebration in a rural setting, the Auvergne will fulfill your every wish. Let yourself be charmed by the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its heritage and the friendliness of its people.
With prices often more affordable than elsewhere in France and quality service providers, the Auvergne invites you to experience an unforgettable wedding, without breaking the bank.
Choose Auvergne for a unique, authentic and unforgettable wedding!
Wedding photographer Clermont-Ferrand & Auvergne
Whether you choose the Château de Bois Rigaudthe Maulmont Castlethe Château de La Canièrethe Miremont Castle or the Parentignat CastleThe Auvergne is full of unique venues for an unforgettable wedding.
To find out more about my approach and discover other reports made in the region, visit my dedicated page :
Wedding photographer Clermont-Ferrand & Auvergne
You'll find practical tips for planning your day, as well as examples of weddings held in the most beautiful locations in the world. reception venues in Puy-de-Dôme.
Discover also my global approach → Wedding photographer
