Your Chateau Wedding Ceremony and Reception

We'll help make your fairytale chateau wedding ceremony become a reality.

All our chateau wedding services are designed to give you maximum choice and minimum effort. You can choose between a traditional wedding in the spacious 18th century church opposite the chateau, or under the gazebo by our lake, or outside our beautiful Memorial Tower or even in our small on-site chapel.

Our team of wedding experts - from Michelin star chefs to award-winning florists, and make-up artists to international DJs and musicians will ensure your wedding reception is one to remember. Your wedding ceremony, reception and chateau accommodation will be co-ordinated by Cynthia and Brett - who between them have over 30 years experience planning weddings. Read on to find our more about our chateau wedding ceremonies, receptions and services.

Booking enquiries

Chateau Wedding Ceremony

Your ceremony can be held anywhere in the chateau or it's grounds. A popular location with brides is the gazebo overlooking the lake - which we can decorate in any style you choose. Our chapel is perfect for small ceremonies of up to twenty guests. The Memorial Tower and woods are also popular locations for ceremonies. The choice is yours.

Church Wedding Ceremony

The church in Challain-la-Potherie is directly opposite Chateau Challain - only a few minutes walk. The 18th century church can be decorated to your taste and your vows can be taken with the local clergy or your own. Design a bespoke ceremony or have a traditional service - we'll help you with all arrangements.

Wedding reception

Our four or five course wedding reception prepared by top-chefs will delight you with a selection of delicious canapés, a choice of cocktails, Mis en Bouche, delicate starters, mouth-watering mains and French desserts. Our hog-roasts and BBQs are very popular - we can cater to any request.

Bar and drinks

Beer and wine is included in your wedding reception and rehearsal dinner package. We also offer a wide selection of champagne, cocktails, spirits and soft drinks from our bar. The bar stays open til 11pm, or if you choose, an extended bar can run til 1am. Children drink free all weekend and suites have tea and coffee making facilities. Fridges are also available.

Wedding Planning

With 20 years experience, Cynthia knows that your wedding is one of the most magical experiences of your life - and that you want everything to be perfect. To that end, Cynthia will ensure your wedding day meets all your expectations and more.

Wedding Decorations

The wedding decorations don't have to stop at flowers and garlands. If you have a theme in mind or specific request please let Cynthia know. We've hosted masquerade balls, made giant chess boards, held 1920's theme parties and much more. Our experts can help design and decorate the chateau and grounds in whatever theme you like.

Fireworks and Pyrotechnics

No wedding celebration should be without a BIG fireworks display to finish off the perfect wedding day. With a range of fireworks and pyrotechnics packages you can be sure your wedding day will end with a bang. In fact, we've hosted fire-breathers and dragons, fire-showers and displays to rival any major global display.

Music and DJs

From the gentle notes of our resident harpist to the more up-beat tunes of one of our DJs we'll make sure your party has whatever style of music suits your taste. Choose from our roster of entertainers: harpist, pianist, a jazz band, choir, string quartet, DJ, singers and cover bands to get your guests dancing. You can even plug-in your own Spotify playlist.

Make-up and Hair

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, which is why we have makeup artists at the chateau that can help the bride truly shine. With professional assistance, the dazzling bride is sure to be the center of attention. Bridesmaids and other weddings guests can also have their makeup done.

Wedding Photography and Video

Our resident photographers and film makers can will capture every moment of your wedding day. The chateau and surrounding areas are steeped with romanticism and will make the perfect setting for your wedding photos. Whether you want documentary style, traditional poses or a combination, our photographers are on-hand throughout the wedding.

Rehearsal Dinner

On your first night at the chateau, we'll prepare a delicious "Rehearsal Dinner" for you and your overnight guests - served with beer and wine. We find that a rehearsal dinner the night before helps you to relax and give you an opportunity to have a taste of what's in store on your wedding day.

Your Bridal Suite

The chateau has over a dozen suites. Our most popular bridal suites are The Romance Suite, The Empress and The Tower. These suites are the epitome of luxury with four poster beds with high quality US mattresses, neo-gothic design and ensuite bathrooms.

Horse and Carriage

A horse and carriage is a traditional part of a French country wedding, taking the bride and her father to the ceremony and then the bride and groom to their reception. If you choose a church wedding, or just want a tour round the village our horse and carriage is a perfect enhancement for your fairytale wedding.

We offer everything you need to make your chateau wedding a success. Contact Cynthia for more details on +1 908 489 5005 .

Booking enquiries

Recent Weddings at Chateau Challain

We host dozens of weddings and elopements at Chateau Challain every year. Browse wedding photos and videos and read reviews of their chateau weddings by brides and grooms.

Absolutely Enchanting

"If you are seeking the ultimate storybook venue and wedding, Chateau Challain and Cynthia Nicholson will not disappoint. The castle and grounds are real-life representations of fairytale settings, unmatched anywhere else in the world. The castle itself is a Neo-Gothic masterpiece with many incredible architectural features, and all suites and state rooms are well appointed with high-end antiques and modern amenities."

Grace and Scott, Dec 2016

The Most Magical Day

"This property will exceed any expectations you have! It is bigger than the photos, it is beautiful, timeless and truly a fairy tale. Words cannot express the emotions that we felt when we first saw this place. “Surreal” is what we all decided on. We could go on and on about the Chateau, but that would take up too much space. Everything was worth every penny and we wouldn’t change a thing!"

Kristina and Joseph, Jan 2016

Wedding of Your Dreams

"Want the wedding of your dreams? Have it here. This venue for a wedding is perfection. Our wedding surpassed all of our highest expectations. Cynthia, the owner, will make all your dreams come true. We had our rehearsal dinner the first night inside and the way Cynthia decorated it was amazing. The dinner was delicious. The next day we had a breakfast buffet that was delicious too."

Christie and Dave, Mar 2017