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Bennett and Tyler planned an intimate wedding that took place in Normandy. They travelled from The States and rented a beautiful chateau for the week for all of their closest friends and family to stay in. Bennett and Tyler wanted their wedding to feel intimate, romantic, and completely their own. They were drawn to a classic, understated look rather than anything overly styled or modern. They also created a few elements themselves with what was on site, such as using chateau furniture and florals from the garden for their decor.
They are an untraditional couple so wanted to do things a little different for the ceremony. After their first look, they waited at their ceremony location for their guests to join. It was beautiful to see everyones reactions as they entered the ceremony space. After they were pronounced husband and wife, they had champagne ready and waiting to go for themselves and everyone to toast to before exiting the ceremony. It was a beautifully relaxed elopement that had that classic French charm!
Why Did the Couple Choose Chateau De Janville for Their European Wedding?
Bennett & Tyler: We fell in love with Château de Janville because it felt authentic and intimate. The gardens were stunning, the scale was perfect for our small group, and the whole property had this effortless elegance that didn’t require us to overdress it with decorations. The owner was genuinely welcoming and made the whole process easy—from recommending our chef to letting us use flowers from the grounds. It just felt right from the moment we saw it.
We chose Normandy for our destination wedding because it offered the perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The rolling countryside, dramatic coastline, and centuries-old architecture in Paluel created an incredibly romantic backdrop that felt both timeless and intimate. Beyond the stunning scenery, there’s something profound about celebrating in a place with such rich history—it gave our celebration a deeper sense of meaning and permanence. The region’s authentic French charm provided exactly the elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere we envisioned for our wedding day.
What Makes This Wedding Venue in Normandy Special for an Intimate Destination Wedding?
Bennett & Tyler: The château was the ideal size for our intimate celebration—large enough to comfortably accommodate our small group while still feeling cozy and personal, with the old-world elegance we wanted for our wedding. The grounds offered plenty to explore, with a walking trail, beautiful gardens, and even a pool that we enjoyed on the warm late-summer days. Having all of that space meant our guests could spread out, relax, and enjoy the property at their own pace rather than feeling confined to one area. The proximity to the English Channel coast was another huge advantage—it gave everyone something to do beyond the wedding itself and let us experience more of the Normandy landscape. Everything we needed was either on the property or just a short drive away, which made the whole experience feel effortless and self-contained.
Frances, the photographer: This location is classic France – a beautiful old chateau sat in stunning grounds in the stunning region of Normandy. As Normandy is very coastal, it’s not too far from the beach but yet there is stunning countryside all around and it is a true luxurious escape. The chateau is grand and so elegant, and the grounds are beautifully kept, with lots of lovely little areas.
Can You Get Legally Married in France?
Bennett & Tyler opted for a symbolic ceremony.
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Wedding in France?
Bennett & Tyler: While sustainability wasn’t our primary focus during planning, several of our choices naturally supported it—we used flowers from the château grounds rather than importing arrangements, worked with a local chef who prepared food with regional ingredients, and kept our guest list intimate. The simplicity we prioritized ended up being inherently more sustainable than a larger, more elaborate celebration would have been.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Normandy into Their Wedding?
Bennett & Tyler: We embraced several French traditions to make our celebration feel authentic to the region. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, we had a croquembouche (the classic French tower of cream puffs), which was both delicious and a beautiful nod to local wedding customs. We also held our celebration at Château de Janville, a historic French château that allowed us to experience the elegance and charm of Normandy’s architectural heritage firsthand.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in France During August?
Bennett & Tyler: We got married in late August/early September and would absolutely recommend this time of year. We were incredibly fortunate with the weather—we had beautiful, warm end-of-summer days leading up to and including our wedding day, with enough sunshine to enjoy the château’s pool and take full advantage of the stunning outdoor settings. The day after our wedding, the weather shifted to the more classic coastal drizzle and cooler temperatures, but even that had its own moody charm. The gardens were still in full bloom at this time of year, which made for gorgeous photos and a vibrant, romantic atmosphere. If you’re hoping for that sweet spot between summer warmth and fewer crowds, late August is ideal.
Frances, the photographer: You’ll definitely want a wedding in the summer in this place, the best months being June, July, August and September. The days are very long with sunset sometimes not until gone 10pm in June in particular, so keep this in mind when you are planning out the schedule of your day – I would personally recommend a late afternoon ceremony. And whilst the summer days can be very warm and it is possible to have your whole day outside, the weather can still be unpredictable in this part of France so it’s always best to have a backup indoors plan in case of bad weather.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Normandy?
Bennett & Tyler: Work with local vendors who understand the region—our photographer captured our day beautifully, and our château owner was incredibly helpful in recommending a fantastic chef for the celebration. Give yourself extra time on either side of the wedding to explore and settle in; arriving early helped us truly relax and enjoy the experience. Communicate clearly with your venue well in advance, as historic properties often have their own rhythms and requirements. Finally, embrace the slower pace and local customs rather than trying to replicate what a wedding “should” look like at home. The more you lean into the experience of being in France, the more magical it will feel.
Frances, the photographer: You definitely have to lean into the French way of doing things in this part of France. Everything is much slower here much more intentional. Make sure you to take advantage of the local offerings and you will have a truly incredible and authentic French experience for your wedding or elopement.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Wedding at Chateau De Janville?
Bennett & Tyler: We wanted our day to feel relaxed and authentic rather than overly forma. Instead of a traditional processional, we had our guests walk down the aisle (a beautiful garden arch walkway) to the ceremony site, which created a lovely, intimate atmosphere and allowed our photographer to capture special moments of each person arriving. We skipped the formal sit-down dinner in favor of a more laid-back celebration with small dishes and desserts prepared by our chef, and we created our own playlist to set the mood throughout the day. The château owner generously allowed us to use flowers from the grounds for our arrangements, which made everything feel even more connected to the place itself. Overall, we prioritized simplicity and spontaneity over tradition.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Wedding in Normandy, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Bennett & Tyler: We were fortunate not to face any major challenges during the planning process, which I think speaks to the simplicity we intentionally built into our celebration. By keeping things relaxed and not overcomplicating the details, we avoided a lot of the stress that can come with destination weddings. We focused on what truly mattered to us—the location, our closest people, and an authentic experience—rather than trying to orchestrate every little detail from across the ocean. That laid-back approach made the planning process surprisingly smooth and allowed us to actually enjoy the lead-up to our wedding day.
What Advice Would You Give to Others Planning a Wedding in Normandy?
Bennett & Tyler: Be prepared for the seclusion—Paluel is pretty remote from major cities, so it’s a bit of a drive to get there. But honestly, that remoteness is part of what makes it special. It forces you to slow down and actually be present, which is hard to find in more accessible locations. Lean on your venue owner and local vendors for recommendations since they know the area well and can connect you with what you need. Keep things simple and don’t stress about controlling every detail from afar. The location does a lot of the heavy lifting—let it speak for itself rather than overcomplicating things.
Frances, the photographer: If you’re willing to do your own research, it’s definitely possible to plan a small wedding or elopement completely by yourself in Normandy, especially if you plan on DIYing a fair amount of it! But if you’re looking for something a little more grand then I’d definitely recommend for you to enlist the help of a wedding planner or coordinator that speaks French for this location to help you to locate and communicate with local suppliers, as a lot only speak French!
What Made Chateau De Janville Perfect for a Small, Intimate Wedding?
Bennett & Tyler: The château was the ideal size for our intimate celebration—large enough to comfortably accommodate our small group while still feeling cozy and personal, with the old-world elegance we wanted for our wedding. The grounds offered plenty to explore, with a walking trail, beautiful gardens, and even a pool that we enjoyed on the warm late-summer days. Having all of that space meant our guests could spread out, relax, and enjoy the property at their own pace rather than feeling confined to one area. The proximity to the English Channel coast was another huge advantage—it gave everyone something to do beyond the wedding itself and let us experience more of the Normandy landscape. Everything we needed was either on the property or just a short drive away, which made the whole experience feel effortless and self-contained.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Wedding?
Bennett & Tyler: One of the most memorable moments was having one of our closest friends officiate our ceremony—it made the whole experience feel deeply personal and meaningful. The first look was incredibly emotional and intimate, a quiet moment just for the two of us before the celebration began. Beyond specific moments, what stood out most was having both of our families together in one beautiful place. It was the first time our families had really spent extended time together like that, and watching everyone connect and celebrate in such a stunning setting felt truly special. Honestly, the entire day felt memorable—from watching our guests walk down the garden arch to the relaxed celebration that followed. It all came together exactly as we’d hoped.
Why Is Normandy One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Bennett & Tyler: Normandy, and Paluel specifically, offers something you don’t find in more popular European wedding destinations—true seclusion and unspoiled natural beauty without the crowds or tourist infrastructure. The dramatic coastline, rolling countryside, and historic architecture create an incredibly romantic setting that feels authentic rather than commercialized. It’s far enough off the beaten path that your celebration feels genuinely intimate and personal, but still accessible enough to reach from Paris or other major cities. The region’s rich history adds depth to the experience, and the slower pace of life in this part of France allows you and your guests to actually relax and be present. If you’re looking for a destination that prioritizes natural beauty, tranquility, and authenticity over convenience and polish, Normandy is unmatched.
Do you need any permits or permission from landowners for this location?
Frances, the photographer: Yes, this is a private chateau that the couple exclusively rented out for their stay. It’s not typically a wedding venue however the owners were more than happy to allow a small intimate wedding to take place in the in the grounds which is very common with properties like this. Even if you find beautiful accommodation that doesn’t allow events or weddings, it’s always worth asking if the owners are happy for you to have an elopement or very small wedding (less than 20 guests) as a lot of the time they are happy for this!
