Bastide de Gordes Wedding

The South of France is easily accessible by air, with several international airports providing convenient travel options for you and your guests:

• Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): Located about 1.5 hours from Bastide de Gordes, this is the most convenient airport for Provence weddings. It serves flights from many international destinations, including major hubs in Europe, the US, and beyond.
• Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE): Ideal for couples hosting a wedding closer to the French Riviera, this airport is roughly a 2-hour drive from Gordes and offers a wide selection of international flights.
• Avignon-Provence Airport (AVN): Although smaller, this regional airport is only 45 minutes from Bastide de Gordes and serves seasonal flights from European cities. It’s perfect for guests traveling within Europe who want a more direct route.

Transportation options from the airport include private chauffeurs, luxury car services, and group shuttles. Your wedding planner can coordinate transportation to ensure your guests’ arrival is seamless.

Yes, a wide range of entertainment options is available for your wedding in Provence. Whether you want live music, a DJ, or unique performance artists, you’ll find everything you need to make your celebration unforgettable:

• Live Bands: From jazz quartets to classical string ensembles and modern pop bands, live music adds an elegant touch to the reception. You can also opt for a traditional French ensemble or gypsy jazz band to incorporate local culture into your day.
• DJ Services: For a more modern or high-energy vibe, there are plenty of talented DJs in the South of France who specialize in weddings. Many can curate a playlist based on your tastes, ensuring that the music perfectly complements your event's mood.
• Other Performers: Fire dancers, aerialists, or live painters can add an extra layer of entertainment and surprise for your guests.

Your South of France wedding planner can help source the perfect entertainment and handle all logistics, including AV equipment and scheduling.

Absolutely! The South of France is renowned for its culinary excellence, and most venues offer customizable menus tailored to your preferences. Here's what you can expect:

• Traditional Provencal Cuisine: Incorporate regional specialties such as bouillabaisse, ratatouille, or pissaladière. Many caterers can offer farm-to-table menus using local produce and wines, particularly rosé from nearby vineyards.
• Customizable Menus: From vegetarian options to specific cultural dishes, you can work closely with the venue’s chefs to design a menu that reflects your tastes and cultural background.
• Multiple Courses: Many couples opt for multi-course meals, starting with an apéritif hour featuring champagne and hors d'oeuvres, followed by several courses paired with local wines.
• Dessert: The region’s specialties include Tarte Tropézienne and lavender-infused desserts. You can also have a bespoke wedding cake made to match your wedding theme.

Discuss your dietary preferences, any cultural influences, and your overall vision with your caterer to ensure a meal that delights your guests.

Many couples choose to weave their personal cultural or religious traditions into their South of France wedding. The region’s versatility and diverse vendors allow for unique, personalized touches to every event:

• Ceremony: Whether you're incorporating elements from a Jewish, Hindu, Christian, or any other religious tradition, most venues are flexible and can accommodate the setup for symbolic or religious ceremonies.
• Décor & Attire: Incorporate cultural symbols, colors, or specific design elements into your wedding décor. Whether it's an Indian mandap, Chinese tea ceremony, or Jewish chuppah, your wedding planner can help source local vendors for décor and ceremonial items.
• Cuisine: You can request your wedding menu to reflect your cultural background, including specialty foods from your home country, kosher or halal options, or other religious dietary requirements.

Working closely with a wedding planner who understands your vision will ensure your cultural identity shines through in every detail.

There are several transportation options available for guests attending your wedding in Provence:

• Private Chauffeurs: For VIP guests or the bridal party, private luxury cars can be arranged to ensure smooth and comfortable transportation throughout the event.
• Shuttle Services: If you're hosting a larger wedding, group shuttle services can transport guests from their hotels to the wedding venue and back, ensuring everyone arrives on time.
• Helicopter Services: Some venues, like Château de Tourreau, offer helicopter pads, giving you and your guests the option to arrive in style.
• Car Rentals: Provence is a car-friendly region, and many guests may prefer to rent their own cars. Ample parking is available at most venues.

Your wedding planner will handle all logistics to make sure transportation runs smoothly on your big day.

Outdoor weddings in Provence are spectacular, thanks to the region's natural beauty, but they also require careful planning:

• Ceremony Locations: Many venues offer beautiful terraces, gardens, and courtyards overlooking the Luberon Valley or Provence’s lavender fields. You can exchange vows outdoors, framed by stunning backdrops of the surrounding hills or vineyards.
• Weather Considerations: Provence enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year. However, it’s always smart to have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme heat. Many venues provide tents, marquees, or indoor spaces as alternatives.
• Sunset Ceremonies: Provence is famous for its golden light during sunset, which adds a romantic touch to any wedding. Work with your planner to time your ceremony to take advantage of the stunning natural light.

To legally marry in France, at least one member of the couple must have resided in the country for a minimum of 30 days prior to the wedding. Many non-residents opt for a symbolic ceremony in Provence after completing the legal aspects in their home country. This allows you to enjoy the beautiful setting without the paperwork complications.

If you do wish to legally marry in France, you will need:

• Proof of Residency
• Birth Certificates

Otherwise you can opt for a symbolic ceremony after having gotten married in your home-country.

Working with an experienced wedding planner can help ensure that all documentation is in order.

It is recommended to book your wedding venue at least 12-18 months in advance, especially for high-demand venues like Bastide de Gordes, Château de Tourreau, and La Chêne Bleu. Peak wedding season in Provence runs from May to September, and venues tend to book up quickly.

For off-season weddings in late autumn or early spring, booking 9-12 months in advance may suffice, but early planning is still advised to secure your preferred date and vendors.

Yes, Provence is ideal for smaller, intimate weddings. Many venues, such as Bastide de Marie and Mas de la Rose, specialize in hosting micro-weddings or elopements, offering private, cozy settings for your closest friends and family.

Intimate weddings allow for more personalized experiences, including bespoke menus, private dining, and unique activities like wine tastings or cooking classes. With fewer guests, you can also consider luxury venues that may not accommodate large events but offer a perfect ambiance for intimate gatherings.

The cost of a wedding in Provence varies greatly depending on the venue, number of guests, and level of luxury you desire. Typically, weddings in this region range from €30,000 to €100,000. This includes:

• Venue Hire: Prices for luxury venues like Bastide de Gordes start around €20,000.
• Catering: Expect to budget €150-300 per guest for gourmet food, wine pairings, and desserts.
• Décor & Florals: Costs for décor and floral arrangements can range from €5,000 to €20,000 depending on the complexity and size of the event.
• Entertainment & Photography: Live bands, DJs, and professional photography or videography services can add another €5,000-15,000 to your budget.

For an accurate breakdown, use our Wedding Cost Calculator to help you estimate costs.

Provence offers a wide variety of activities for your guests to enjoy before and after the wedding:

• Wine Tasting: The region is famous for its rosé, and there are numerous vineyards where guests can sample local wines.
• Lavender Fields: From June to August, Provence's lavender fields are in full bloom, offering a breathtaking landscape for photos and leisurely walks.
• Hiking & Cycling: Explore the hills and valleys of the Luberon, with trails that take you through picturesque villages and scenic countryside.
• Cultural Tours: Guests can visit historic sites such as the Pont du Gard, the Palais des Papes in Avignon, and Château d’If in Marseille.

Outdoor activities make Provence an ideal destination for adventure-loving guests or those who simply want to relax and soak in the beauty of the region.

The best time to get married in Provence is from May to October, when the weather is warm and the days are long. These months provide the perfect backdrop of sun-soaked vineyards, blooming lavender fields, and golden evening light.

• Spring (May to June): Spring is ideal if you want cooler temperatures and stunning blooms. The lavender fields begin to flourish, and the weather is comfortable for outdoor ceremonies, with fewer crowds than during peak summer.
• Summer (July to August): The summer months offer the quintessential Provencal experience, with hot, dry days and beautiful sunsets. However, keep in mind that temperatures can reach over 30°C (86°F), so it’s important to provide shade and hydration for guests during outdoor celebrations. This is also the busiest season for tourism, so early booking is essential.
• Autumn (September to October): Early autumn is a favorite among couples who want the warmth of summer without the intensity of the heat. The golden hues of the vineyards and the softer light make for beautiful photography. Temperatures cool down to a comfortable level, ideal for outdoor receptions.

Choosing the best time of year depends on your personal preferences, whether it’s the rich lavender blooms of June or the golden harvest vibes of September.

Yes, many venues in Provence offer the perfect settings for pre-wedding events such as rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and post-wedding brunches. These additional events help create a multi-day celebration for you and your guests, especially for a destination wedding in the South of France.

• Rehearsal Dinners: Many couples opt for a relaxed, Provencal-style dinner the night before the wedding. Venues like Bastide de Gordes or Château de Tourreau offer private dining spaces or terraces overlooking the Luberon Valley. Traditional Provencal cuisine, local wines, and al fresco dining make for a warm and welcoming evening.
• Welcome Parties: You could host a cocktail hour by the pool, a wine-tasting session at a nearby vineyard, or even a casual BBQ in the gardens. These are perfect for introducing your guests to the laid-back charm of Provence before the main event.
• Post-Wedding Brunch: The morning after the wedding, a relaxed brunch by the pool or in the gardens is a great way to wind down and thank your guests for attending. Venues like Bastide de Marie and Mas de la Rose offer picturesque outdoor spaces ideal for this type of event.

These events can be tailored to suit your style and preferences, ensuring a complete wedding weekend experience for you and your guests.