Chamonix, French Alps

Castel Gatsby Chalet Hotel

Le Castel Chalet is a charming boutique hotel-restaurant nestled in the prestigious Les Praz neighborhood of Chamonix, offering an exquisite blend of alpine style and retro Gatsby flair. The chalet’s elegant bedrooms evoke the glamour of the 1920s with art deco accents, velvet furnishings, and vintage-inspired touches, while maintaining the warmth and coziness characteristic of a traditional alpine retreat. Guests are welcomed into a welcoming atmosphere, where rustic wooden beams and panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif combine to create an unforgettable alpine escape. The property’s restaurant and veranda are equally inviting, with a menu that celebrates both local and international cuisine, making it the perfect setting for intimate dinners or vibrant celebrations.

Le Castel Chalet is an ideal location for both winter and summer weddings, thanks to its prime location close to the Flégère lift station and its stunning garden that offers breathtaking views of the Drus mountains. Whether you’re hosting a winter wonderland celebration with snow-capped peaks in the backdrop or a summer garden party, the hotel’s romantic setting and impeccable service make every event feel like a fairytale. The food is another highlight, with exceptional dishes that showcase the finest regional ingredients and culinary creativity. From the first bite to the last toast, every detail at Le Castel Chalet is designed to offer a truly memorable experience.

FAQ

How many people can be seated at Le Castel restaurant?

Le Castel can comfortably seat up to 70 guests indoors in its warm, alpine-style chalet setting, or up to 120 guests with the veranda extension. The cozy atmosphere also works beautifully for smaller groups.

 

Outdoor terrace and garden spaces are ideal for ceremonies and cocktail hours with stunning Mont-Blanc views.

A tent is not required. Le Castel’s spacious garden and covered terrace are perfect for an open-air celebration, offering plenty of room for a ceremony and cocktail hour with stunning Mont-Blanc views.

Ceremonies at Le Castel can be held both indoors and outdoors, offering flexibility depending on the season and your preferences.

 

The indoor space provides a warm, intimate atmosphere, ideal for winter weddings. In warmer months, the terraces and garden offer stunning outdoor settings with panoramic Mont-Blanc views; perfect for a memorable ceremony.

Catering is provided in-house at Le Castel. Their culinary team offers high gastronomy with seasonal, local ingredients, and will create a custom menu tailored to your tastes and dietary needs, no external caterer is needed.

Food and drinks at Le Castel generally range from 150 € to 200 € per person. The base cost to privatize the venue starts at 15,000 €, which includes use of the spaces, catering, drinks, service staff, and bedrooms. Additional services can be arranged with Haute Wedding to create a fully tailored experience.

You can enjoy a dance party at Le Castel until 2 AM, as long as the hotel rooms are fully privatized. The party is held indoors, in the bar area, which can be transformed into a lively dance floor. This cozy indoor setting allows you to celebrate late into the night without worrying about weather conditions or noise restrictions.

Le Castel offers 11 elegant rooms on-site, ranging from 250 € to 350 € per night depending on the season(breakfast 18–22 €/person). Additional accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cozy chalets, are available nearby in Chamonix, ensuring all guests find a comfortable stay.

The best time to get married in Chamonix largely depends on whether you envision a winter wonderland or a summer alpine wedding. The spring/ summer months (May- end September) are ideal for outdoor ceremonies, with long days and pleasant temperatures, while the winter season (mid December- early April) offers a magical snowy backdrop.

  • Summer Weddings: From May to September, the weather is perfect for outdoor weddings, with lush greenery and stunning mountain views. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
  • Winter Weddings: For those seeking a snowy, winter wedding, the months from December to April provide a picturesque snowy setting, though temperatures can be cold, ranging from -10°C to 10°C.

It is highly recommended to book Le Castel Restaurant at least 9 to 12 months in advance, especially if you are planning a wedding during the popular summer or winter seasons in Chamonix. The venue’s scenic location and stunning views of Mont-Blanc make it a sought-after spot for weddings, particularly during the peak months of June to September and December to April.

  • Popular Dates: If you’re planning a wedding during peak season or around holidays, it’s best to secure your date early to ensure availability.
  • Off-Season Flexibility: For couples open to off-season dates (spring or autumn), there may be more flexibility with booking times and potentially lower rates.

The closest major airport to Chamonix in the French Alps is Geneva International Airport (GVA), located approximately 1 hour by car from Chamonix. Geneva Airport is well-connected to major international cities, making it the most convenient option for guests traveling from abroad. From the airport, there are various transportation options available, including private shuttles, taxis, and car rentals, to take guests directly to their accommodations in Chamonix.

  • Shuttle Services: Many couples arrange private shuttles for their guests, providing an easy and comfortable transfer from the airport to Chamonix.
  • Car Rentals: Car rentals are available at Geneva Airport, and the scenic drive to Chamonix offers stunning views of the French Alps.

Chamonix is easily accessible by car, train, and even by air via nearby airports. Guests traveling from international destinations can fly into Geneva International Airport, located approximately 1 hour by car from Chamonix. From there, private shuttles, taxis, or car rentals can bring guests directly to Le Castel.

  • Shuttle Services: Shuttle services can be arranged for guests arriving from Geneva, offering a convenient and stress-free journey.
  • Train and Bus : Chamonix is also accessible by train and bus from various locations in France and Switzerland, providing an alternative option for guests. 
  • On wedding days the planning team helps you put transport options for guests staying off-site.

Yes, there are additional costs for hosting a wedding ceremony onsite at Le Castel. While the venue offers stunning indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony, a separate fee is typically required for the setup, coordination, and use of areas dedicated to the ceremony.

  • Ceremony Setup: Costs may include setup of chairs, sound systems, and any other necessary equipment to ensure your ceremony is flawless.
  • For the privatization, setup, and coordination, expect costs to range between 3,000 € and 5,000 €, depending on the season.

To have a legal marriage in France, at least one member of the couple must reside in the commune where they would like to get married, have a lasting bond before the wedding and be registered at the local Mairie. However, many international couples opt to complete the legal formalities in their home country and host a symbolic ceremony in Chamonix.

  • Symbolic Ceremonies: Most couples choose a symbolic ceremony in Chamonix, allowing them to focus on the beauty of the wedding without navigating French legal requirements.

Real Weddings South of France

Flora and Max
Eze
View
Laura & Travis
Antibes
View
Michael & Neil
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
View
Nadine & Will
Beaulieu sur Mer
View
Randi & Duncan
Villa Ephrussi
View

Testimonials

Hannah & Chris

Well, where to start. I could write pages on how amazing our experience was with Cecile (and all of the Haute Wedding team) but I’ll keep it short.  Amazing, talented, patient, intelligent, helpful, professional, friendly, responsive, trustworthy.  Everything and more that you would want when looking for someone to help you plan one of the most important days of your life.

Cecile was an absolute pleasure to work with, no request was too much, our worries and stresses were turned into excitement and happiness at every turn and we felt like we had a friend planning our wedding.

Her spreadsheets are second to none and everybody loved the detailed, in-depth timeline to keep them on track on the day.  We honestly couldn’t have wished for more.

They are a team of beautiful people.

Thank you both so much from
Chamonix, French Alps
Chris and I xx

Real Weddings

Our Team

Anna

Planner / Managing Director

Magali

Planner

Stéphanie

Planner / Community Manager

Cécile

Planner

Caroline

Planner

Charlie

Co-founder / CFO

Monica

Co-founder

Fifteen Years Of Expertise On The French Riviera

With over 15 years of experience planning weddings on the French Riviera and across the South of France, Haute Wedding France brings an in-depth understanding of the region, its venues, and its rhythm.

From navigating prestigious, high-demand locations to working closely with trusted local artisans and international vendors, our expertise allows us to anticipate every detail and guide our couples with confidence. This experience ensures not only a beautiful celebration, but a smooth and thoughtful planning journey; especially for destination weddings planned from abroad.

Our Approach To Planning A French Riviera Wedding

Every wedding we design on the French Riviera begins with listening. We believe true luxury lies in thoughtful details, seamless organization, and an experience that feels natural rather than orchestrated.

Our planning approach is:

Bespoke – no templates, no copy-paste weddings

Location-driven – each venue informs the design and flow

Editorial yet personal – refined aesthetics grounded in your story

Discreet and calm – so you can truly enjoy the journey

Whether you are planning an intimate elopement by the sea or a multi-day celebration in a private estate, we guide you through every step with clarity, transparency, and care.

Anna

Planner / Managing Director

Beyond the meticulously planned aisles and magical wedding moments is Anna, our Swedish planner with a world of passions. With a rich history of running her own hotel, she embraces each season fully. Winters find her on snowy slopes, skis in tow, while summers are painted with mountain runs and bike trails. But when she’s not embracing the great outdoors, Anna turns to her canvas, where every brushstroke is a moment of meditation.

Magali

Planner

Meet Magali, a mountain-born soul whose heartbeats echo the rhythm of snowy slopes. Raised amidst French mountain guides, she’s an embodiment of alpine passion, seamlessly transitioning from ski instructor by winter to a spirited wedding planner by other seasons. From the sunny Côte d’Azur’s shores to the Alpine forests, Magali thrives on the diverse landscapes of France, bringing a touch of her vibrant spirit to every occasion. And though every wedding leaves an emotional imprint on her heart, it’s the bonds she shares with her team, both in and out of the office, that truly makes every moment special.

Stéphanie

Planner / Community Manager

Originally from Belgium, Stéphanie grew up in the South of France before spending seven years living in Hawai‘i, where her love for travel, culture, and meaningful experiences took shape. Now based in the French Alps, she brings a global perspective and an eye for detail to every event she designs and coordinates.

 

With a background in project management, wine export, and event production, Stéphanie combines creativity with organization to craft celebrations that feel effortless and deeply personal. Her calm energy, cultural awareness, and passion for connection allow her to create experiences that reflect each couple’s story with authenticity and elegance.

Cécile

Planner

Introducing Cécile, our dynamic French planner who calls the captivating Chamonix valley home. Beyond crafting unforgettable weddings, Cécile’s heart beats for travel, photography, and exhilarating sports adventures. Whether she’s catching waves or capturing poignant moments with her camera, Cécile embraces life with boundless passion.

 

With her structured and organized approach, she brings impeccable attention to detail and a meticulous touch to every event. Cécile’s empathy allows her to connect deeply with couples, ensuring their vision comes to life with care and precision, making their special day truly unforgettable.

Caroline

Planner

Caroline, originally from Chamonix Mont-Blanc, brings a deep passion for nature, sports, and art to her work. With over 7 years of experience in project management before wedding planning, particularly in photography and film production, she excels in team coordination and solving complex challenges. Her meticulous organization and ability to juggle multiple priorities ensure seamless experience and unforgettable memories for the couples. 

 

Caroline’s international experience from traveling and working abroad (Canada, Japan and Argentina) allows her to adapt to diverse cultures, making her the perfect choice for managing your destination wedding with enthusiasm and professionalism!

Charlie

Co-founder / CFO

Meet Charlie: UK-born and globally seasoned, his journey across continents has instilled in him a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. Today, he’s bringing them together in matrimony.⁣

 

From London’s bustle to the serenity of Mont Blanc’s valley, Charlie chose Chamonix as home over 13 years ago. But he’s more than our in-house celebrant; he’s the visionary who launched Haute Pursuit, the heart of our operations. Whether carving paths on snowy slopes or winding through Alpine trails, his passion for life mirrors his dedication to our craft.

Monica

Co-founder

Introducing Monica: Originally from the US she came to France as a student and basically never left! Leaving the concrete jungle of Southern California for the stunning French Alps, she has carved out a lifestyle and career fueled by passion for people and memorable experiences.

 

Celebrating 15 glorious years of transforming dreams into cherished ‘I dos,’ Monica is our foundational pillar of passion, dedication, and countless unforgettable stories. But beyond her prowess in orchestrating perfect moments, she’s an adventurer at heart. Monica thrives on the thrill of road cycling, feels the wind beneath her while skateboarding, catches waves surfing in Morocco (often alongside Anna), and takes to cross-country skiing during winter’s embrace.