Dreamy Destination I-Do's at the Magical Chateau La Durantie in France

Weddings

The beauty of the French Chateau La Durantie isn't subtle, understated or any kind of low-key - it's spectacular, opulent and utterly lovely for any fairy-tale celebration - which is how we like it. Built in 1830, as a residence...

by Adam Szafranski

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The beauty of the French Chateau La Durantie isn't subtle, understated or any kind of low-key - it's spectacular, opulent and utterly lovely for any fairy-tale celebration - which is how we like it. Built in 1830, as a residence for the Duke of Isley - it's nestled in Dordogne in the southwest of France. The Duke was revered as a national hero for his work as a statesman as well as his military service under Napoleon Bonaparte and King Louis Phillipe - but he had some pretty fabulous taste too!

Recently, the Chateau has undergone some luxurious renovations and it's nothing short of stunning. In fact, Peaches & Mint Photography says - "This is not just any chateau. Refurbished with an immaculate taste and a dedication to detail that I hadn’t seen anywhere else before. Stepping into the door is like traveling in time into another era."

43 guests can now stay overnight in the Chateau (now, that's a party) and cottage, while the Marquee can accommodate up to 150 for wedding receptions. A serious trend for 2016 is destination wedding venues where everyone can stay together - ensuring the wedding day, turns into a "marry"-making wedding (week)end! Expect perfectly placed antiques, two spacious master suites and 14 bedrooms with adjoining marble bathrooms in the Chateau, while the cottage can accommodate another 10. This would be wonderful for a destination wedding, but also an enchantingly elegant family holiday away!

Outdoors, expect your own private park with football field & heated pool, surrounded by a fruit orchard. On top of the luxurious accomoodations and gorgesous grounds, you also have the options of a private chef, personal maid as well as babysitting services! Thoughful, bespoke experiences round-out this utterly lovely French Chateau, which is why we can't wait to hear what Peaches & Mint Photography's Pia Clodi had to say about this elegant wedding she shot here on film, no less. She's an artist after our own hearts, preferring medium format film, roadtrips, music and collaborating with like-minded folks (lucky us!).

Words + Photography by Pia of Peaches and Mint:

One of my biggest wedding dreams came true this year, when I got asked to shoot Anna & Vladan’s wedding in the stunning Chateau La Durantie in Dordogne, France. As soon as I drove down the gateway I immediately understood why Anna & Vladan chose La Durantie for their elegant celebration! This is not just any chateau. Refurbished with an immaculate taste and a dedication to detail that I hadn’t seen anywhere else before.

Words + Photography by Pia of Peaches and Mint:

Stepping into the door is like traveling in time into another era – such an exraordinary spot to tie the knot! From their stunning letterpress stationery by Herz&Co to her beautiful long sleeve lace dress – Anna & Vladan’s wedding weekend was drop-dead-beautiful, yet utterly stress free. The kind of way that makes you smile – smile a lot! I think it’s this magic mix of exquisite & relaxed, that is what makes an unforgetable celebration – making an effort but making it seem effortless at the same time.

Words + Photography by Pia of Peaches and Mint:

So glad they trusted me and let me shoot this one fully on film – nothing would have matched the beauty & moods as only film does! And oh how I love the way the talented florist Lisa Gatenby‘s gorgeous work takes care of beautiful, preppy splashes of color! Looking at these images I really know why I love being a wedding photographer and it makes me darn proud that I got to capture this one!

Some of the highlights of your experience at the venue?

When my clients told me they were to get married at La Durantie it was such a happy-dancing-moment for me! I had seen pictures of the chateau before and was so smitten by it’s beauty and elegance. Arriving there through the old gates was like entering another world and era! It has been restored with such a love for detail and is handled so nicely by the owners and stuff. Truly a wonderful experience.

Tell us a little bit about the event you photographed?

It is the most amazing location from a photographic point of view - every corner of the house is pretty & the parc too is an amazing natural backdrop. Hard to top as well: The super long aisle walk from the house to the outdoor ceremony locations - a dream come true for any photographer and I think also for the brides to enjoy the moment that usually goes so very fast!