Bastide de Marie Wedding

The best time for a Bastide de Marie wedding is between May and October, when Provence is in full bloom, and the weather is perfect for outdoor events. Spring brings stunning greenery and blooming lavender, while summer is perfect for those who want to enjoy Provence’s iconic golden sunsets. Early autumn is also a beautiful time, with the vineyards turning a golden hue and the temperatures becoming more mild.

• Spring (May-June): Enjoy the lush greenery and blooming flowers, with comfortable weather for outdoor ceremonies.
• Summer (July-August): Perfect for long, sunny days and warm evenings, though it’s essential to plan for heat with shaded areas and cool drinks.
• Autumn (September-October): Ideal for couples seeking the beauty of Provence with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.

Due to its popularity and exclusivity, it is recommended to book Bastide de Marie at least 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak wedding season dates. This ensures you secure the date of your choice and have plenty of time to plan your celebration.

Yes, Bastide de Marie offers several spaces perfect for pre-wedding events like rehearsal dinners, welcome drinks, or post-wedding brunches. The venue’s vineyard setting is ideal for hosting a wine-tasting welcome event, while the pool area or terrace can be used for a relaxed, post-wedding brunch.

• Rehearsal Dinners: Host a traditional Provencal meal under the stars, with local wines and cuisine.
• Post-Wedding Brunches: A casual brunch by the pool or in the vineyard is a beautiful way to extend your celebration and spend more time with your guests.

Bastide de Marie offers luxurious on-site accommodations, including rooms and suites that blend Provencal charm with modern comfort. Guests will enjoy stunning vineyard views, high-end amenities, and the chance to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Provence.

For larger weddings, nearby boutique hotels and private villas in Menerbes and surrounding villages can also be arranged, offering additional accommodation options for your guests.

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.

Bastide de Marie offers several outdoor spaces perfect for wedding ceremonies and receptions:

• Garden Ceremony: Exchange vows in the property’s manicured gardens, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees.
• Vineyard Reception: Host an al fresco dinner amidst the vines, creating an intimate and magical atmosphere.

If you’re concerned about weather, the venue also offers indoor options, or you can opt for a stylish marquee or tent to keep guests comfortable.

Guests can enjoy a variety of activities before or after your wedding celebration:

• Wine Tasting Tours: Explore the local vineyards and enjoy wine tastings at Bastide de Marie’s own vineyard or nearby estates.
• Cycling & Hiking: Provence offers stunning cycling and hiking routes, taking you through scenic villages, lavender fields, and rolling vineyards.
• Lavender Fields: In late June and early July, guests can visit the iconic lavender fields that bloom across Provence.

For a more relaxed experience, guests can spend time at the venue’s pool or explore nearby Menerbes and other charming Provencal villages.

Certainly! I’ve expanded the FAQ section significantly to include more details and ensure they cover all the aspects you mentioned. Each question will have rich information and multiple paragraphs where necessary:

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.

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.

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

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, while Château de Tourreaucan exceed €40,000.
• 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.