A romantic autumnal France wedding in the Dordogne with Laura and Ben

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black suit stand on a leaf-covered path, embracing and smiling, with a castle and greenery in the background. Autumn France wedding.
A long outdoor dining table with white chairs is set with floral centerpieces and tableware, situated beside a historic stone building under string lights and a tree. Autumn France wedding.

Laura and Ben’s autumn France wedding took place in late September at the beautiful Chateau Cazenac, and it was everything you’d hope for from a celebration at that time of year. Romantic, relaxed, and full of joy, with the Dordogne countryside starting to shift into autumn tones around them.

From the moment the day began, there was such a calm, happy energy. Nothing felt rushed or overly formal. It was all about being together, enjoying the setting, and making the most of every moment. It was an absolute joy to capture this day. Laura and Ben were the happiest, loveliest couple to celebrate with, and the atmosphere from start to finish was something really special.

Aerial view of a historic estate with multiple stone buildings, red-tiled roofs, gardens, and surrounding green countryside. Autumn France wedding.
A large stone house with a steep red roof, white shutters, and ivy growing on the walls, set beside a green lawn and trees under a cloudy sky. Autumn France wedding.
Outdoor seating area with cushioned chairs and umbrellas set on gravel beside a historic ivy-covered stone building with a round tower and red roof, surrounded by trees.
Rows of white chairs arranged for an outdoor ceremony in a wooded area, with floral arrangements at the front, surrounded by tall trees. Autumn France wedding.
Two large stone urns filled with orange, pink, and yellow flowers stand on either side of a tree-lined outdoor path, with white chairs arranged along the sides. Autumn France wedding.
A white chair decorated with flowers and an orange ribbon stands outdoors near a large floral arrangement on a pedestal. Autumn France wedding.

the couple’s vision for their Autumn France wedding

Laura and Ben dreamed of a small, intimate wedding that brought their closest people to France, a place filled with memories from years of travelling together. They wanted the day to feel relaxed and romantic, with styling that reflected the season and allowed the surroundings to speak for themselves.

The colour palette leaned beautifully into autumn, with soft, warm tones running through the bridesmaids’ mismatched dresses and the florals. Paired with the natural stone of the chateau and the late September light, it all felt effortless and perfectly balanced.

Laura wore a bespoke gown by Indie Bride London that suited her so beautifully. Light, elegant, and timeless, it felt made for her. Her vintage veil, worn previously by her sister, added a meaningful personal touch. The overall vision was never about doing too much, but about creating a day that felt warm, thoughtful, and true to them.

Two men in formal attire stand in a well-decorated room; one is adjusting the other’s shirt collar while they both smile.
A man in a white dress shirt and black vest fastens his vest buttons while standing indoors near a window.
Two men in formal attire stand indoors, adjusting their cuffs while facing each other. One appears older with white hair, the other younger with dark hair. The setting is elegant and well-lit.
A man in a black tuxedo stands in an elegant room with cream-colored walls, adjusting his cufflink. The room features classic decor, paintings, and ornate furniture. Autumn France wedding.
A man in a suit stands indoors, adjusting his jacket and smiling, in an elegantly decorated room with mirrors and a table.
Seven men in black tuxedos and bow ties walk outside together, smiling, with a tree and landscape in the background.
A person stands by an open window, gazing out at a landscape of trees and hills under a cloudy sky.
A woman in a white dress with ruffled sleeves stands in front of a large ornate mirror, smiling at her reflection. Autumn France wedding.
A bride in a white dress and long veil stands facing away, looking toward a large mirror in a softly lit room.
A bride in a white gown stands holding a bouquet while another woman in a brown dress adjusts her train in front of a large ornate mirror. Autumn France wedding.
A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet of flowers stands in front of an ornate mirrored wall, with another woman reflected in the background. Autumn France wedding.
A woman in a white dress with ruffled sleeves holds a colorful bouquet of flowers. She wears a pearl necklace and veil. Autumn France wedding.
A woman in a white bridal dress and veil holds a bouquet of colorful flowers, standing in front of an ornate white mirror and smiling. Autumn France wedding.
A group of women in dresses. Autumn France wedding.
A bride in a white dress and veil holds a bouquet of flowers while walking down a stone staircase in a well-lit interior. Autumn France wedding.

The ceremony at chateau Cazenac

The ceremony took place under a tree-lined area in the gardens, creating a peaceful, intimate setting surrounded by nature. It was a symbolic ceremony, led by a family member, which gave it a deeply personal feel. Live acoustic music played throughout, adding to the emotion without overpowering the moment. The ceremony was meaningful and heartfelt, with guests fully present as Laura and Ben exchanged their vows. It felt calm, emotional, and quietly joyful.

After the ceremony, guests gathered nearby, overlooking the Dordogne valley, for a relaxed drinks reception. The atmosphere was calm and intimate, with guests mingling, chatting, and taking in the views with a drink in hand. Family photographs took place during this time, tucked into a perfect autumnal spot that worked so beautifully with the light and colours of the season. The live acoustic music continued, keeping everything flowing naturally without ever feeling staged.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated on white chairs facing an officiant, groom, and best man under tall trees on a dirt path. Autumn France wedding.
A man in a suit wipes away a tear while standing outdoors next to a flower arrangement, with other men in suits nearby.
A bride in a white dress walks down an outdoor aisle with a woman in a light blue and gold dress, surrounded by seated and standing guests. Autumn France wedding.
A bride and groom stand smiling together outdoors, dressed in wedding attire, with floral arrangements and guests seated around them. Autumn France wedding.
Four women in formal dresses, seated outdoors at an event, holding bouquets and smiling; trees and hills are visible in the background. Autumn France wedding.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black suit stand holding hands and smiling outdoors between two large floral arrangements. Autumn France wedding.
A bride and groom kiss outdoors between two large flower arrangements during their wedding ceremony, surrounded by tall trees. Autumn France wedding.
A bride and groom embrace and smile outdoors between two large floral arrangements during their wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down an outdoor aisle, surrounded by standing guests and trees, during a wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand outside an ivy-covered building while guests throw flower petals and celebrate around them.
A bride and groom kiss as the groom dips the bride, surrounded by cheering guests outdoors with flower petals in the air. Autumn France wedding.
Two women embrace outdoors; one wears a white wedding dress and veil, holding a bouquet of flowers, while the other wears a brown dress. Trees and grass appear in the background. Autumn France wedding.
A group of people gathers under a white canopy near a stone tower covered in green ivy, with trees and outdoor seating in the background. Autumn France wedding.
A bride and groom pour champagne into a tower of glasses outdoors, smiling and celebrating in formal wedding attire. Autumn France wedding.
Five women, one in a white wedding dress and four in earth-toned dresses, walk outdoors holding flower bouquets under leafy trees. Autumn France wedding. Autumn France wedding.
Five women dressed in formal gowns, including a bride in white, stand together holding floral bouquets and smiling. Autumn France wedding.

Dinner and Dancing at Chateau le Mas de Montet

Dinner was served in the courtyard, and it quickly became one of the highlights of the day. Originally planned at the back of the chateau, the setup was moved due to storm forecasts, allowing guests easy access to shelter if needed. Thanks to thoughtful planning, the courtyard felt warm, inviting, and perfectly suited to the evening.

Speeches were shared before dinner, followed by a relaxed, joyful meal as the light softened. As guests finished eating, storm clouds began to roll in, lighting up the sky. We took advantage of the last of the good weather for a few couple portraits, just before the rain arrived.

Laura and Ben shared their first dance outside, just the two of them to begin with, before guests joined in. As the rain started, everyone ran inside together, led by the saxophonist, straight into the orangery. From there, the party stayed firmly inside, with Laura and Ben leading the way and the dance floor full for the rest of the night.

A long outdoor dining table with white chairs is set with floral centerpieces and tableware, situated beside a historic stone building under string lights and a tree. Autumn France wedding.
A white table set for an outdoor event with floral centerpieces, glassware, cutlery, and a tall candle in front of a stone building. Autumn France wedding.
A long outdoor dining table with white chairs and tablecloth is set for a formal meal in a courtyard between rustic stone buildings. Autumn France wedding.
A bride and groom celebrate outdoors near a stone building as seated guests wave napkins in the air under a large tree. Autumn France wedding.
A wedding reception held outdoors beside a large house, with guests seated at long tables and the bride and groom standing together in the foreground.
A man in a vest stands giving a speech at an outdoor event, with guests seated around a long table decorated with flowers under string lights. Autumn France wedding.
A man in a vest reads from his phone into a microphone at an outdoor table; a woman beside him smiles and wipes her eye, guests and floral arrangements in view. Autumn France wedding.
A group of people dressed formally are seated at a long outdoor table for a meal in front of a large, old stone building on a sunny day. Autumn France wedding.
A group of people are seated at tables outdoors under a large tree, attending a formal event on a sunny day.
A bride wipes a tear while sitting next to a smiling man at an outdoor table; floral centerpieces and guests are visible in the foreground. Autumn France wedding.
A group of people sit at a long outdoor table set for a meal in front of a stone building with white shutters, while one person stands and speaks. Autumn France wedding.
A group of people dressed formally sit around a long outdoor dining table set with candles and glassware during daylight.
A long outdoor dining table is set for a group of people beneath a large tree in the courtyard of an old stone building with towers.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a tree-lined path, dressed in formal wedding attire, photographed from behind in black and white.
A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet and a groom in a black suit walk hand in hand outdoors, surrounded by trees. Autumn France wedding.
A bride and groom stand close together outdoors at sunset, facing each other, with a dramatic cloudy sky and landscape in the background. Autumn France wedding.
A bride in a white dress and veil holds a bouquet and smiles at a groom in a black suit as they stand outdoors on a gravel path with greenery in the background. Autumn France wedding.
A bride and groom stand close together outdoors, dressed in formal wedding attire, with the bride holding a bouquet and a landscape in the background.
A bride and groom stand together on grass in front of an ivy-covered stone building with a round tower, both smiling at the camera. Autumn France wedding.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black suit stand on a leaf-covered path, embracing and smiling, with a castle and greenery in the background.
A bride and groom stand on a tree-lined path, smiling and embracing, with a bouquet in the brides hand and a castle in the background.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand outside a historic stone building, with wedding guests seated at outdoor tables and string lights overhead. Autumn France wedding.
Guests in formal attire mingle outside a rustic stone building with string lights overhead, on a cloudy day. Autumn France wedding.
A couple dressed formally stands close together, smiling near a croquembouche dessert topped with sparklers on a table in a rustic stone-walled room. Autumn France wedding.
A couple dressed in formal attire kisses near a croquembouche dessert with sparklers, in a stone-walled room.
A couple dances in the center of a rustic indoor space while a group of people dressed formally watch and take photos.
A couple embraces and dances closely outdoors at night, surrounded by people watching and clapping at a formal event.
A man in a suit twirls a smiling woman in a short, off-the-shoulder dress while guests watch at an outdoor evening event. Autumn France wedding.
A woman in a short, off-shoulder dress dances with a man in a suit and bow tie at an indoor event. Both are smiling. The setting appears to be a dimly lit venue with exposed beams.
A bride in an off-shoulder wedding dress and a groom in a suit smile and dance together at a wedding reception, surrounded by guests.
Three women in dresses sing and dance together at a party, holding drinks, while two men stand in the background near a DJ setup. The scene is in black and white.
Two women dance and smile at an indoor event, one holding a drink, with visible smoke and string lights in the background.
A couple dances closely and smiles at an indoor event, while other guests stand and watch in the background.
A stone chateau with round tower and warm lighting stands at night, surrounded by trees and landscaped grounds.

An autumn wedding in the dordogne, Captured Naturally

Laura and Ben created a wedding that felt intimate, joyful, and beautifully considered, without ever feeling formal or overdone. From the ceremony to the party, everything flowed so naturally. It was such a pleasure to capture a day filled with warmth, movement, and so much happiness!

If you’re planning your own autumn wedding in France and would love it documented in a relaxed, natural way, please do get in touch!

VENDORS

Photographer: Frances Mary Sales
Venue: Chateau Cazenac
Planner: Marry Me in France
Videographer: Katy Fendall Films
MUA: Kelly Hayman Makeup
Hairstylist: Aimee Blu Boutique Hair Salon
Florist: Les Fleurs de la Terre
Dress: Indie Bride London
Celebrant: Weddings by Alison
Cake: Atelier Louise Delmas
DJ: DJ Crystal Beats

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