Chateau Accommodation
Rigaud accommodation
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Vineyard barn
Housekeeping
Babysitting
Flowers & Design
First Thoughts
At Château Rigaud, we’re always evolving and so is this handbook. It’s a living, breathing document, constantly updated as we discover brilliant new options or better ways to do things. So if you notice changes along the way, don’t worry — they’re always for the better.
All prices listed below refer to the 2025 season.
Now that your wedding is booked, here are the first key steps to consider:
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As outlined in your contract, you’ll become legally responsible for the full payment of your house rental, venue fee, planning fee, and 70% of your wedding meal costs six months before your wedding date.
This is an essential security for us — but it also means you’re exposed to a large financial commitment. We strongly recommend taking out a comprehensive wedding insurance policy as soon as possible after booking.
One of our recent brides had a great experience with covermywedding.co.uk, which uses Blue Wed Insurance.
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These two suppliers are always the first to get booked — and the best ones are in high demand. We encourage you to start researching and securing your band and photographer early on, even before other decisions fall into place.
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We can’t recommend these highly enough. Not only are they packed with food and wine tasting, they also give you a chance to immerse yourself in the Rigaud experience.
Couples who attend planning weekends tend to make more confident decisions - and have a lot of fun doing it.
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We have a fantastic in-house planning team. You’ll be introduced to your dedicated wedding planner just before our autumn planning weekends begin. They’ll be your go-to guide for every detail, from the first call to the final glass of fizz.
Your Wedding Planner at Château Rigaud
Planning your wedding from afar can feel daunting — but your dedicated Château Rigaud wedding planner is here to guide you every step of the way.
Your planning fee of €3,550 includes up to 80 hours of support: 45 hours for pre-wedding planning, and 35 hours of on-site coordination during the wedding weekend.
What’s Included in the Planning Fee?
Dedicated planner throughout your wedding journey
Access to our trusted suppliers
Guest information pack & booking form setup
Rehearsal dinner and activity coordination
Weekend itinerary management
On-site presence throughout your stay
Budget tracking and internal reporting
Styling & supplier liaison
Planning in Four Stages
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Introductory calls to discuss your vision, legalities, and suppliers
Confirmation of your chosen suppliers
First stage planning reports & budget tracking
(Most details are covered during a Planning Weekend — otherwise, we’ll schedule calls as needed.)
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Creation of your online Guest Information Pack and/or booking form
Details include rehearsal dinner, transport, dietaries, and payments
Your planner will monitor responses and help chase guest info
We recommend waiting until 2 months before the wedding to gather final details
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The answers to all of your planners’ questions are stored within our database, which generates reports for everyone involved in your booking. These reports cover things like
Room allocations and arrival planning
Menus and wine pairings
Styling, props & ceremony logistics
Transport arrangements
Supplier details, bar arrangements, timing of the day, special dietaires, etc
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Arrival Day: On-site to greet guests and finalise plans
Rehearsal Day: Coordinating activities and overseeing guest experience
Wedding Day: With you from morning prep to dinner seating
Departure Day: Support through guest check-out and final farewells
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Charged at €44/hour if outside the 80-hour allowance.
Sourcing non-standard props, favours, or custom décor
Special guest arrangements for those staying off-site
Extra admin for external rehearsal venues
Regular guest list updates (beyond standard timeline)
Communicating with Your Planner
We’ll arrange regular calls and emails at key stages. Calls should be:
Pre-booked, preferably during weekdays
Scheduled before 9pm French time
If you need to rearrange then please provide 24 hours’ notice to avoid empty planning hours from being allocated to your account.
Official Planning Weekends
Twice a year — spring & autumn — we host optional weekends designed to help you fine-tune your wedding plans and get to know the château, the region, and your planning team.
Over the weekend, you’ll:
Meet your personal planner — it’s the start of a key relationship.
Taste menu options with our chefs.
Sample wines (standard and upgrade) and make your selections.
Visit local rehearsal dinner venues and nearby accommodation.
Chat with our in-house florist about your style and ideas.
Trial hair & makeup with our recommended stylist, or book in with others.
Dine and unwind with your planning team — where the best ideas often flow over a glass of wine!
It’s a packed and inspiring weekend, ideal for ticking off key decisions. Many couples invite parents or bridal party members along — it’s helpful for them to experience the château in advance.
Cost is €985 per couple, including two nights’ full-board accommodation, wine, cocktails, and all activities.
We begin Friday lunchtime and wrap up after Sunday breakfast — though if your flight’s later, a trip to Saint-Émilion is always a lovely way to end.
Spaces are limited, so let us know if you’d like to join us.
Unofficial Planning Visits
Planning alongside other couples isn’t for everyone — some prefer to visit solo. While we can’t usually offer tastings or one-night stays at the château (we’re either fully booked or closed for refurbishment), there are still great options:
Join one of our French Weekend Escapes and we’ll arrange for your planner, our florist and our hair an make up artist are available to meet you. You can choose to stay between one and three nights on a pro rata basis
Or, we can arrange nearby accommodation and set up a one-on-one planning session during your visit.
Just let us know what works best for you, and we’ll do our best to help.
Guest Information Website
Planning a destination wedding comes with extra admin — especially the coordination of guests. That’s why we’ve developed a Guest Information Website and Online Booking Form to help things run smoothly.
Through this site, your guests can:
Access all the information they need about your wedding (location/timing/activities/accommodation/travel arrangements etc)
Book and pay for optional pre-wedding activities (like canoeing or wine tours)
Let us know about dietary requirements
Tell us where they are staying (your planners will check it’s close enough to the chateau)
Reserve and pay for a place on the bus at the end of the wedding night.
Click HERE to view an example site
How It Works
We recommend guests RSVP directly to you first to confirm attendance. Once you know who’s coming, you can send them the link to your guest website, where they’ll find the itinerary and sign-up form. Using the website as your RSVP causes confusion since guests don’t have answers to where they are staying at the RSVP stage and/or think they have completed the whole thing when in fact they have only RSVP’d.
The first version of the site is created from our template, tailored to your chosen activities.
The guest website is included as part of your planning service — we don't charge for it.
We allow one round of edits at no extra cost. Any further changes are considered bespoke and are charged at €50/hour.
Already Have Your Own Wedding Website?
You're welcome to use your own site. We can provide images and a direct link to the booking form. However, we strongly advise using either our site or your own — not both — as running them in parallel will lead to confusion.
Activities
1. Canoe Descent & Riverside Picnic
(Available June–September)
A relaxed, scenic paddle down the Dordogne, followed by a riverside picnic — always a hit with guests.
Guests drive to the canoe base in Pessac-sur-Dordogne, take a minibus upstream, and paddle back downriver.
At the finish point, Rigaud staff greet them on the riverbank with beautifully staged and freshly prepared Tiffin Tin picnics from our chef team.
Guests can also join the picnic without canoeing, ideal for older guests or families with small children.
Costs:
Canoeing: €20 (paid in cash at the quayside)
Picnic: €30 per adult / €17 per child (paid in advance via the online form) Including cold beers and wine
Children must be 6+ to participate in canoeing.
Wet weather alternative: If the river is too high, we switch to a vineyard visit and deliver the picnics there — more wine, less paddling.
2. Local Château Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch
For wine lovers, we can arrange a private château visit with a guided tasting, followed by lunch at a local restaurant (depending on numbers).
Self-drive required
Approx. €20 per person for the tour and tasting
Lunch cost is additional and varies depending on the venue
3. Chateau Le Dome, St Emilon - Grand Tasting
One of the most prestigious wine estates in Bordeaux, Le Dôme offers Rigaud guests exclusive access to its striking Norman Foster-designed chai for a tasting of this iconic wine which has won 100 points from Robert Parker for three separate vintages. A rare and exceptional experience. Cost from €80 per person
4. Golf
We can arrange either for a small group of experienced golfers to tee off at either Chateau Vigiers or St Emilion golf course. Both are excellent championship courses. Alternatively, if you’d like something less formal and more accessible to less experienced players, we can arrange a for a small group or even a relaxed tournament at a local 9 hole course.
Rehearsal Dinner Options
Rehearsal Dinner Options
We strongly recommend organising a welcome dinner the night before your wedding, to bring your guests together — but ideally not at the château, so you preserve its magic for the big day.
Whether you're after rustic riverside charm, vineyard elegance, or relaxed summer vibes, we have some fantastic options:
Bistro Rigaud – Rustic, Relaxed, & Right by the River
Owned and run by the Château Rigaud team, Bistro Rigaud opens exclusively for wedding guests. Think of this as an extension of the chateau, another dining space, just 3kms across the valley, and perched above the Dordogne, this riverside spot is full of French bistro charm and a perfect contrast to the elegance of the main venue.
View on Instagram
Chef Oliver Pagani (previously at Bocca di Lupo and Ottolenghi’s NOPI) leads the kitchen with two menu formats:
Option One – From €57 pp (30–120 guests, includes house wine)
• Mixed sharing platters
• Rotisserie chicken, potatoes & salad
• Lemon mousse
Option Two – From €75 pp (20–30 guests, without wine)
A five-course seasonal tasting menu, tailored in collaboration with Oliver and the couple.
Note:
We strongly advise guests book and pay in advance via the online Guest Information Website. Final numbers are required two weeks before the event.
Atelier de Candale – Vineyard Views & Upscale Vibes
Set on the Château Candale estate near Saint-Émilion, this elegant restaurant features a gorgeous terrace with vineyard views.
From €85 per person for a three-course menu with house wines
Suitable for large group
Self-drive required
La Plage, Castillon-la-Bataille – Laid-back & Summery
A seasonal riverside pop-up with plenty of space, a relaxed atmosphere, and a covered area in case of rain.
Three-course sharing-style meal:
Charcuterie & cheese, roast chicken with frites & salad, chocolate macaron
Includes ¼ bottle of rosé wine
From €52 per person
A Note on Local Restaurants
We love our region — but please remember you’re in rural France, where standards and service rhythms differ from a London brasserie. Local restaurants are not under our control and often aren’t set up for large group bookings. Service can be a little chaotique at times!
If you're booking a meal independently, we suggest keeping expectations relaxed and confirming all logistics in advance.
How Payments Work
We use a simple pre-payment system for the Friday dinner and any booked activities:
Guests pay in advance via your online booking form, linked either from your own wedding website or your Rigaud Guest Information Site.
Once submitted, you’ll receive email notifications and a live planning report from your wedding planner.
We’ll send you updated guest numbers:
Around one month before your wedding
Again in the final week before the event
It’s your responsibility to make sure guests have paid. A friendly chase email from you usually does the trick — but if needed, your planner can follow up directly and explain that any unpaid amounts will be added to your final bill. This method is very effective — and we bring it up now so you’re prepared in advance.
Getting Here
Château Rigaud is well connected by air, rail, road — and even ferry — though we always recommend hiring a car to make the most of the surrounding countryside.
Nearest Airports
1. Bordeaux Mérignac Airport (approx. 1 hour drive)
Served by both scheduled and low-cost airlines:
British Airways – London Heathrow
easyJet – Belfast, Luton, Gatwick, Liverpool, Bristol
Ryanair – Edinburgh, Bristol, Stansted
2. Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (approx. 45 minutes drive)
Ryanair – Stansted, East Midlands, Bristol, Liverpool
British Airways – London City, Southampton
By Train
The nearest mainline station is Libourne, just 20 minutes from the château.
From Paris: Approx. 3.5 hours via TGV
From Lille: Approx. 6 hours
Important note for guests taking the fast TGV:
The newer Atlantic TGV reaches Bordeaux in just over 2 hours but does not stop at Libourne. Passengers must then backtrack to Castillon, which adds nearly an hour. It’s often better to take a slightly slower train that stops directly in Libourne.
There’s a Europcar rental office at Libourne station.
Car Hire & Driving
We highly recommend guests hire a car, especially if staying in the surrounding countryside.
All major car hire companies are available at both Bordeaux and Bergerac airports.
Many airlines offer discounts via their car hire partners.
Driving directions from both airports are available from your wedding planner.
By Ferry
The nearest ferry port is St Malo, served by Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth.
Approx. 6-hour drive to Château Rigaud
A good option for guests wanting to extend their trip and explore rural France
We’ve put together a curated list of over 150 guest rooms, all within 15 minutes’ drive of Château Rigaud. Whether your guests prefer a cosy chambre d’hôte, vineyard guesthouse or stylish Airbnb, they’ll find plenty of charming options nearby.
Your planner will provide this list as part of your Guest Information Website or booking form — ideal for guests to make travel plans early.
You can see the accommodation list HERE
Wedding Night Transport
Most guests will car-share or drive to the château and leave their cars overnight. The accommodations listed are able to book a taxi for transport to the wedding but it needs to be done at least a month in advance. The Guest Information Pack highlights this clearly: taxis must be pre-booked.
There are taxis in the area — but not enough for last-minute requests.
Shuttle Buses Home (Until 2am)
To ensure everyone gets home safely, we arrange minibus shuttles from the château to any guest accommodation located within 15 minutes (as per Google Maps).
Shuttles run until 2am on the night of the wedding
Every address must be confirmed with your planner in advance
(We can’t locate unnamed gîtes in the dark!)The cost is shared:
€280 paid by the couple
€16 per guest, booked and paid via the Guest Information Form
For insurance reasons, we cannot describe this as a taxi service. Instead, we include hire of the buses within your package, hence your contribution and guests contribute to the shared cost.
Your planner will coordinate all logistics, including confirming addresses and allocating guests to buses.
Local Accommodation Options
Between the main château and our Vineyard Barn, we can sleep up to 26 adults and 8 children across a variety of room styles.
The Château
9 en-suite double bedrooms + 1 children’s dorm
Sleeps up to 18 adults and 8 children
The Tower Suite (Recommended Wedding Suite)
At the far end of the long gallery, with views over the entrance arch and quad lawn where ceremonies usually take place.
Beautiful natural light for makeup & photos
Dressing room, full-length mirror
Freestanding bath & walk-in “Tower Shower”
Gallery provides additional hair and make up space for bridal party
The Maroc Suite
Our largest room
Super king four-poster bed
Ensuite with walk-in shower & roll-top bath
Adjoining twin room, The Owlery, for two young children
Prussian Room
Very spacious, with carved super king bed
Roll-top bath in the room + en-suite shower
The Ballroom
Striking, dramatic design with navy walls & white Barcelona chairs
Super king four-poster bed
Ensuite with roll-top bath (handheld shower attachment)
Dauphin
Super king four-poster bed
Elegant chaise longue
Bath in the bedroom + separate WC and basin
Bourgie
Super king four-poster bed
Ensuite shower room
Additional single bed in the room
Jardin Room
The only ground-floor bedroom
Carved super king bed + ensuite shower
Quiet, slightly set apart — great for light sleepers
Aquitaine
King-sized bed
Ensuite with bath and shower-over
Interconnects with the Boudoir (great for families)
Boudoir
Super king bed
Ensuite shower room
Can connect to Aquitaine if needed
The Dorm (Children Only)
Located on the ground floor
3 bunk beds (6 single beds)
Small adjoining nursery with toys & a tiny bath
Best for children aged 6–12
Cots & fold-up beds available for little ones
Accommodation at the Chateau
The Vineyard Barn
A beautifully styled barn conversion, with four bedrooms house at the top of the grounds about 100 metres from the chateau — formerly the owners’ family home. Ideal for extended family, close friends, or one side of the bridal party.
Sleeps 8 adults + 2 children
Fully serviced, with daily housekeeping
Stocked fridge: juices, milk, rosé
Nespresso machine
Guests join breakfast at the château
Barrel Room
Enormous master suite with lounge area
Super king bed + additional child’s bed
Luxury bathroom with double-ended bath, walk-in shower & separate WC
Potager Room
Large double room with garden access
Super king bed + additional child’s bed
Ensuite shower room
Cuve 1 & Cuve 2
Two rooms both with super king double beds
Share a large family bathroom with bath & walk-in shower
Shared Living Space
Open-plan layout (10m x 16m) with high ceilings
Sofas, dining table for 14, large kitchen island
Smart TV, satellite, DVD
South-facing garden, BBQ terrace & outdoor dining area
Free Wi-Fi
Booking the Vineyard Barn
You can choose how to manage this space:
Add it to your main booking and allocate the rooms yourself
Nominate specific guests, who then pay individually
Add to the guest list as general accommodation for others to book via the website.
Château Rigaud is not a hotel — but it’s far more than a self-catering house. We offer a high level of service in the setting of a luxurious private home, which gives your wedding stay its unique charm.
That said, your guests may need a little introduction to how things work here. Once they understand, they’ll love the atmosphere — and think you were very clever for finding the place!
What Guests Should Know
No bar tab. Help yourself to cake. Pour your own cocktails. Your guests are encouraged to help themselves to cake at tea time and coffee from the (very expensive) Nespresso machine. They also pour their own drinks from the bar, but our team will always be along just behind them to clear up the mess. It’s relaxed and home from home but with a team there to keep things looking sharp.
Lots of freedom. You should treat the chateau as your own. Kids are allowed to be noisy, friends can drop in for a drink or a swim, meals can be scheduled to suit your timetable
Optional extra help. We can provide added services like ironing or turndown at a very reasonable rate — just ask.
Check-In & Check-Out
Guest check-in: From 4pm
We recommend you (the couple) arrive a bit earlier for:
A light lunch with your planner
Final planning handover
Time to unpack and greet your guests personally
Check-out: By 11am on departure day
If guests have late flights, we recommend a lunch in St Emilion or stopping at Château George 7 in Fronsac for a vineyard tour and lunch. Ask your planner for details.
Standard Housekeeping
Included with your rental:
Daily housekeeping to service bedrooms and common areas, takes place from around 11am until about 3pm.
Additional Housekeeping (Optional)
Extra services: €25 per hour
Room changeovers during your stay:
€65 per room
(Covers laundry of linen and staff time)
Guest Comforts
Pool towels are provided for château guests only.
If you invite friends from other accommodations to swim, please ask them to bring their own towels.No glass around the pool please.
For safety reasons, we’re super strict on this — broken glass in the water is a serious risk and requires the pool to be entirely drained at a cost of around €1000.On your final evening, the pool will be closed at 8pm for deep cleaning and chemical treatment — essential after a full weekend of use.
(Dinner is served around this time, so no one misses out.)
What’s provided in rooms
Hairdryers in every room
Wi-Fi throughout the château
L’Occitane bathroom products: shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, and a few other surprises
Clothes steamers in the bridal suite
Iron and ironing board located on the first floor long corridor
Washing machines are available, please ask for a wash which is usually put on in the evening.
Chateau Housekeeping
We have extensive baby and toddler facilities with 5 cribs, 7 highchairs, and countless toys and cots. We’re happy to offer babysitting for your guests’ children — and we have a fully equipped nursery for up to a maximum of eight children — but this must be booked at least eight weeks in advance of the wedding.
Why Advance Booking Is Essential
Every year, we encounter a familiar pattern: parents who decide not to book a babysitter in advance… only to change their minds on the day. This is problematic since we will only have booked the right number of nannies. It tends to happen when the couple decide to pay for the childcare themselves.
To avoid this:
Let your guests know that babysitting is available
Ask them to contact your wedding planner directly via email to arrange it
This keeps things simple and keeps you (the couple) out of the admin
Details
Babysitting is charged at €18 per hour, per babysitter
We follow UK child-to-staff ratios to ensure safety and proper care
For Larger Groups of Children
If more than 8–10 children will need childcare, we recommend a professional crèche service.
Your planner can provide trusted contacts and help make arrangements.
For groups of more than eight or ten children requiring childcare it’s best to use a specialised creche service. Your planner can give you details and put you in contact with the service.
Babysitting & Childcare
Transport & Transfers
Transport in rural France requires planning in advance, especially for airport transfers and guest travel during your stay.
Local Taxis & Ubers
Taxis are available locally, but must be booked well in advance — they are limited and more expensive than in the UK due to higher taxes on private transport.
Uber is available from Bordeaux to Rigaud, but is not possible for the return trip.
For peace of mind, we suggest booking through a reputable transfer company, such as:
Airports Taxi Transfers
Rigaud Vehicles
During your stay, you’ll have access to our own vehicles:
2 minibuses (each seats 8 guests + luggage)
1 people carrier (seats 6 guests)
These are available for guest collection, airport runs, and local excursions — your planner can help arrange logistics.
For pricing, please refer to the Extras Pricing List HERE
Wedding meal menus 2025
For the wedding meal you select one starter, one main course and one dessert from the options below. We cater to all types of dietary requirements either by tweaking your chosen dish or by offering one of the alternative dishes listed here. You can specify the alternative starter and main course or leave this decision to the Head Chef’s discretion.
Starter/Entrée
Lemon poached salmon, hung yogurt, garden oil emulsion, beetroot & wild rice cracker
Saumon au citron, yaourt égoutté en faisselle, émulsion du jardin, betterave & cracker au ris
Spider crab, lemon, macadamia nut purée & Rigaud garden herbs (€3 supplement)
Chair de crabe, citron purée de macadamia, fines herbes du potager
Seasonal terrine, crispy Bayonne ham, mustard emulsion, fresh herb salad, pickled apple & mustard seed salsa
Terrine de saison, jambon de Bayonne croustillant, émulsion à la moutarde, fines herbes, salsa de pomme & graines de moutarde
Local asparagus, garden emulsion, chorizo crumb, broad beans & a buttermilk split dressing (seasonal April - May & €2 supplement)
Asperges de la région, émulsion du jardin, croustillant de chorizo, fèves, sauce babeurre
Whipped chicken liver parfait, strawberry preserve, pickled shallot, pink peppercorn & thyme tuile
Parfait de foie de volaille fouetté, conserve aux fraises, échalote au vinaigre, tuile au thym & baies roses
Alternative Starter Options
(Can be made to suit vegans / gluten-free / lactose-free)
Crispy cauliflower, yeasted cauliflower purée, capers, raisins, garden garnish & pickled romanesco (vegan)
Chou-fleur croustillant, purée de chou-fleur à la levure, câpres, raisins secs, herbes & romanesco au vinaigre
Local asparagus, garden emulsion, sourdough crumb, broad beans & a buttermilk split dressing (seasonal April - May)
Asperges de la région, émulsion du jardin, croustillant de pain au levain, fèves, sauce babeurre
Charred Ste Maure goats cheese, pickled beetroot, beetroot ketchup, seeded cracker, mesclun leaf
Ste Maure grillée, betteraves confites, ketchup aux betteraves, cracker aux graines, mesclun
Rigaud courgette dressed in celery leaf oil, macadamia nut purée, seaweed lavosh cracker, Rigaud garden herbs
Courgette du potager, huile au céleri, purée de macadamia, cracker lavosh aux algues, fines herbes
Mushroom, mirin & soy parfait, charred Enoki mushrooms, pickled shallot, seeded cracker
Parfait aux champignons, mirin et soja, champignons Enoki grillés, échalote au vinaigre, cracker aux graines
Mains/Plat
BBQ fillet of beef, beef beignet, potato fondant, seared foie gras (optional), garden greens, spiced seasonal purée, confit shallot & red wine jus (€4 supplement, plus €2 for foie gras option)
Filet de boeuf grillé, beignet de boeuf, pomme fondante, légumes du jardin, purée de la saison épicée, échalote confite & jus au vin rouge
Confit pork belly, puffed skin, caramelised apple, seasonal purée, chard, Grenaille potatoes, red wine jus
Poitrine de porc confite, couenne frite, pomme caramélisée, purée de la saison, blette, pommes Grenaille, jus au vin rouge
Roasted duck breast, duck leg beignet, braised endive, heritage carrot, seasonal purée, garden greens & sherry jus
Magret de canard rôti, cuisse en beignet, endive braisée, carottes, purée de saison, légumes de saison & jus de xérès
Roast lamb loin, crispy belly, smoked aubergine purée, hung yoghurt, confit potato, roast tomato & jus gras (€4 supplement)
Canon d’agneau, purée d’aubergine fumée, yaourt égoutté en faisselle, pomme confite, tomate rôtie, jus gras
Roasted fermier chicken breast, chicken leg & jamon beignet, seasonal purée, confit Ratte potato, garden greens, white wine split sauce
Filet de poulet fermier rôti, beignet de cuisse de poulet et jamon, purée de saison, pomme Ratte confite, légumes de saison, sauce au vin blanc
Alternative main options
(Can be made to suit vegans / gluten-free / lactose-free)
Confit BBQ cabbage heart, smoked yoghurt, beetroot purée, golden raisin, crispy capers, toasted seeds
Coeur de choux confit grillé, yaourt fumé, purée de betteraves, raisin golden, câpres croustillants, graines grillées
Whole roasted cauliflower, seasonal greens, crispy shallot, tandoori peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, preserved lemon
Chou-fleur au four, légumes vertes, échalote croustillante, beurre aux cacahuètes tandoori, graines de courge, citron confit
Seasonal Vegetable Pithivier, Roasted Pepper Sauce, Garden Herb Oil, Mesclun leaf (vegan)
Pithivier aux légumes de la saison, sauce poivron rouge rôti, huile aux fines herbes, mâche
Onion tarte tatin, bleu d’Auvergne, endive salad
Tarte tatin aux oignons, bleu d’Auvergne, salade d’endives
Risotto from the Rigaud potager (with seasonal vegetables)
Risotto du potager
Dessert/Dessert
Baked Basque cheesecake, white chocolate & shortbread crumb
Cheesecake Basque, émietté de biscuit & chocolat blanc
Tarte au Season, mixed berries & crème Normande
Tarte de saison, fruits rouges & crème normande
Raspberry & passionfruit crémeux, caramelised white chocolate & pink peppercorn crumb, yoghurt, meringue
Crémeux aux framboises et fruits de passion, émietté de chocolat blanc & poivre rose, yaourt, meringue
Caramelia chocolate délice, apple, blackberry, puffed rice, tuile
Délice au chocolat noir, pomme, mûres, riz soufflé, tuile
Rigaud fig leaf & mascarpone savarin, preserved summer strawberries, honey & thyme tuile
Savarin Rigaud au mascarpone & feuille de vigne, conserve de fraises, tuile au miel & thym
Caramelised salted milk parfait with strawberries, toasted almond & fennel seed
Parfait au lait salé caramélisé avec fraises, amandes grillées et graines de fenouil
Cheese
Plated cheese course (served as part of dinner) 9€ per head
Arrival night formal dinner
If you’ve booked a four night stay then this dinner is where it all begins and it sets the tone for the next few days. With your closest friends and family around the table, it’s the chance to do something a bit more upscale with a smaller crowd.
A beautifully presented, plated three-course dinner with canapés to begin.
€75 per adult
Can seats up to 24 guests at the main château dining table, or 30 with separate tables
Elegant canapés, starter, main and dessert at €75, additional cheese course €9.
One option for the table, with one alternative for those with specific dietary requirements.
Starter options (Some options are seasonal)
Chargrilled asparagus, crispy pancetta, soft poached egg, hollandaise (seasonal Spring)
Seared foie gras, preserved autumn apricots, balsamic cream, sourdough
Charred mackerel, confit Jerusalem artichoke, green apple, hung yoghurt & chive emulsion
Scallop crudo, pickled cucumber, peanuts, crispy shallot, lime & sesame emulsion
Pressed chicken terrine, truffle emulsion, pickled girolle mushroom & toasted brioche (seasonal Autumn)
Duck liver parfait, Sauternes jelly, caramelised orange, endive & brioche
Heirloom tomatoes, basil oil, burrata, black olive & focaccia croute (seasonal Late Summer)
Main course options
Anjou pigeon, confit leg, spiced carrot ketchup, puffed wild rice, pomme purée
Chargrilled fillet of beef, truffled pommes purée, seared foie gras, tea-soaked Agen prunes, Hispi cabbage & confit shallot
Confit pork belly, puffed skin, sweetcorn kernels, palourde clams, fondant potatoes & samphire
Thyme & garlic roasted duck breast, confit Ratte potato, carrot purée, braised endive, duck fat & sourdough crumb
Seared salmon fillet, roast Romanesco, malt vinegar & white wine sauce, dill oil, caper & raisin purée
Poached cod fillet, cuttlefish ink espuma potato, dill oil, peas & sea vegetables
Gnocchi, heirloom tomatoes, basil and walnut pesto, parmesan & pea shoots (seasonal Summer)
Spring risotto of, pea, feta, spring onions, broad beans & mint (seasonal Spring)
For dessert options - see below the informal menu
Want something more bespoke? Our Head Chef would be delighted to create a tasting menu just for you — simply ask to arrange a menu planning session.
Optional Extras
Styled tablescape with luxury props: from €120
(Perfect for that extra wow-factor on night one)Cocktail waiter (6pm–midnight): €180
(Ingredients not included — but we’ll help you plan the menu!)
Arrival night informal
If your group is larger or you prefer a more relaxed first night:
Rustic canapés, main and dessert at €60, additional cheese course €9
These menus are less formal, in a family sharing style. You choose a main course option from the list below and the chef will add a selection of seasonal salads according to market conditions. You also choose one option from the dessert menu below.
Main courses
Garlic & thyme slow roasted lamb shoulder, balsamic, thyme and shallots (this is a total crowd pleaser)
Roast Fermier chickens
Confit duck cassoulet, white beans, pancetta, red peppers, summer vegetables
Coq au vin, red wine, wild mushrooms, shallots, parsley
Côte de boeuf cooked over old vines (€10 supplement)
Braised beef cheeks
BBQ - (€70):
Choose three of the following:
Maple-glazed pork ribs
Spicy lamb kebabs
Grilled market fish
Spicy bbq chicken
Chipolatas basted with mustard
All served with seasonal salads and home-made flat breads and houmous
Dessert options for formal and informal menus
Raspberry, thyme, lemon & almond tart with crème Chantilly
Yuzu crémeux, lime sorbet, meringue, white chocolate & pistachio crumb
Mixed berry pavlova, white chocolate & mint crème Chantilly
Strawberry & elderflower trifle
Rigaud banoffee
Crème brulée
Tarte au citron, mixed berries, raspberry crème normande
Example salads
It’s much better to allow the chefs the choice of what salads to serve with your informal welcome meal, Sunday lunch or BBQ since they have a better idea of what produce is good the day that they buy it, but here are some example ideas and if there is something specific that you want, then mention this to your planner.
Cucumber, poppy seeds, chilli, coriander, red onion, lemon
Chargrilled aubergine, chickpeas, sweet peppers, tomato
Beetroot, goats cheese, dill, red onion, balsamic
Green bean, broad beans, peas, cherry tomato, goats cheese, hazelnuts
Green bean, fennel, radish, red onion, asparagus, parsley, lemon
Sweet potato, spring onions, chilli, tahini
Red cabbage, apple, carrots, crème fraiche
Red peppers, cucumber, cherry tomato, olives, feta
Watermelon, feta, red onion, mint,
Tomato, mozzarella, red onion, basil, chilli
Pumpkin, figs, seeds, red onions, balsamic
Spiced aubergine, coriander, chick peas, cherry tomato, tahini
Chargrilled peach, black pepper, rocket, feta, mint
Roast carrot, celery, red onion, feta
Picnic lunch
For the Canoe & Picnic Crowd
If guests are heading out on the river, we’ll deliver a beautifully prepared picnic to the riverside location — complete with cold beers and chilled rosé.
€30 per adult
Includes setup, delivery, clear-up, and a freshly cooked menu:
Homemade quiche or sausage rolls, seasonal salad, cheese, muffin, rosé and beer€17 per child or teenager
Lunch at the chateau
We offer the same picnic lunch served at Rigaud for €28 per adult.
Perfect for those who prefer a quiet day in or aren't joining the river adventure.
Please note these meals must be ordered before you arrive and we cannot provide an a la carte restaurant service – it’s one choice fits all.
Price per person.
Quiches €26
Sweet pepper, red onion chard, feta
Smoked bacon, leek, parmesan
Seasonal salad,
Mixed leaves
Moules frites €26
Mussels, white wine, parsley, shallots, garlic
Home made chips, aioli
Green salad
Crusty bread
Roasted fermier chickens with lemon and thyme €26
Roast free-range chicken
Seasonal salad
Crushed potatoes, wholegrain mustard, watercress
French farmhouse lunch €26
Rillettes of Duck
Peppered mackerel paté
Selection of charcuterie
Pickles
Seasonal salad
Mixed leaves
Platters at €26
Grilled peaches, Bayonne ham, brebis, rocket, balsamic
Hot smoked salmon, crushed potatoes, watercress, horseradish cream
Seasonal salad, mixed leaves
Tuna Niçoise €28
Green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, anchovies, new potatoes, soft boiled egg, sage
Chicken Caesar €26
Chargrilled chicken, baby gem, parmesan, crusty bread,
Chèvre chaud €26
Mixed leaves, walnuts, warm goats cheese, figs, balsamic
Example picnics €28
Home-made pork pies or quiches, brebis, crusty bread,
Caesar salad
Blueberry and white chocolate muffins
Crisps
Rosé wine
Wedding day lunch
Filled baguettes €12 per person
Delicious over filled baguettes for you, your chateau guests and also your service providers such as videographers, photographers, hair stylist etc. It’s a good idea to fill up on some carbs at this stage in the day, you have a long day of standing and drinking ahead!
Following day/Pool party lunch
from €62 per head, with wines served until 6pm
A feast of slow roast organic pork and fermier chickens with salsas, our phenomenal quiches and complex salads with hot roast potatoes, followed by a cheese board and the Rigaud Soft Serve Ice Cream machine that continues to churn all afternoon. This is a fully staged lunch party, staffed from midday until 6pm.
Adults €62 including limitless rosé, red and white wines also served
Children under 12 years - €18
12-18 years - 40€.
Final night options
After a few days of celebration — and even after a generous Sunday lunch — by 7pm on the final night, appetites return. More importantly, this evening marks the last chapter of your time at the château. You don’t want it to fizzle out. It deserves a bit of thought, it’s your chance to reflect and laugh with the people who made your weekend unforgettable.
We offer two relaxed, delicious options for Sunday evening:
Chicken Basque Supper
Cooked outdoors in front of the château — hearty, rustic and ideal for a wind-down evening.
Pizza Night in the Vegetable Garden
Chefs firing up the wood oven
Handmade pizzas cooked to order
Dining under the festoon lights in the garden — laid-back and magical
Either option is €35 per person inclusive of wines
Bigger final night send offs
Some couples imagine a final night celebration for all guests, wanting to extend the magic and avoid the sight of others leaving the château after Sunday lunch. While we absolutely can arrange a larger farewell dinner, our advice — based on years of experience — is to keep it intimate.
By this stage, most couples are emotionally and physically exhausted. A smaller, more personal dinner with your closest guests tends to feel more meaningful, more relaxed, and — quite simply — more enjoyable.
Of course, if you feel strongly about hosting everyone one last time, we’ll support you. But don’t underestimate the beauty of a quiet, candlelit goodbye with the people who shared the whole journey by your side.
Children’s Meals
Children can be picky eaters so we offer simple nursery food with nutritional value to keep parents and kids happy. Smaller children often prefer to eat earlier than the adults, especially after travel. We serve a separate children’s high tea in a more relaxed setting.
Children under 12: €16 per meal
Organised by our team so parents can enjoy their evening
Older children can join the adults for dinner this night with a smaller portion of the adult menu at a cost of €24 per child
Wedding Day Child Menus
Three options, depending on age and preference:
Under 12s – Early Supper During Canapés
Served during the drinks reception
– €16 per childSupervised Evening Care
Babysitters can look after little ones in the nursery, cinema or adventure playground.
(Book in advance — see Babysitting section.)Older Children/Teens Eating With the Wedding Party
A smaller portion of the adult menu, served in the barn
– €38 per person
(Includes the hire of chair and tableware.)
Full children’s meal pricing can be found in the Extras Pricing List via the dropdown menu at the top of this handbook.
Children’s Menus
Choose one dish, served with dessert, or leave the decision to our chefs
Parmesan chicken with peas & carrots
Pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes
Breaded fish goujons with broccoli & sweet corn
Veal escalopes, new potatoes & carrots
Spaghetti bolognese
Sausage & mash with peas
Home-made chicken goujons
Roast chicken with seasonal vegetables
Pork meat balls with tomato sauce and rice
Wedding Cake & Alternatives
Croquembouche – €8 per portion
The classic French wedding centrepiece:
A towering pyramid of vanilla crème-filled profiteroles, spun with caramel.
Portions for 50+ guests are enough to make a statement.
Traditional Wedding Cake
Tiered cakes are available from a local supplier, priced individually depending on size and style. We highly recommend Cora Lee but you need to book early since she will only do a limited number of cakes each week.
Traditional iced fruit cakes aren’t available locally — but you’re welcome to bring one from the UK.
New for 2026 - Midnight Crepe Trolley
We don’t have any photos of this one yet since it’s currently just an idea but we have the trolley, and we can buy a crepe grill. We’re thinking sweet and savoury options (nutella or ham and cheese / cheese and mushroom?) and the cost would be around €6 per person, minimum of 40. We have to try this out at a team party to see how it works
Cheese Tower or After-Dinner Cheese Trolley
If sweets aren’t your thing, a tiered tower of French cheese makes a beautiful and indulgent alternative to a traditional wedding cake.
Expect to budget around €350 for a tower of whole wheels like the image here. Be aware that the bottom cheese is only around 30cms diameter, the whole thing is smaller than you might imagine and can get lost in the scale of the chateau.
Alternatively, consider an after-dinner cheese trolley, which makes a big impact as it’s rolled onto the terrace or into the barn, elegantly dressed with:
Artisan cheeses of many variety
Fresh and dried fruits
Breads, crackers, nuts, dips — and even chocolates, if you wish
This option is €9 per person, with a minimum of 60 guests, and can be tailored to your preferences.
Midnight Snacks
Because even after a five-course feast... people will get peckish.
Pains au chocolat – included in your wedding meal cost
Hot dogs – available as a savoury option at midnight
– €5 each
Your Choice of Wedding Wine
Your wedding meal, the following day lunch and the final evening dinner, all include a limitless supply of Rigaud House Wines, poured from the moment guests sit down until the last guest drifts off to bed. The selection has been curated from local producers and each of these are respected, quality wines
House Wines
Whites
Château Bauduc Sauvignon Blanc
Grown and made by Gavin and Angela Quinney in Créon (just down the road).
A crisp, elegant white — also served at Rick Stein’s restaurants in the UK.
More info: www.bauduc.com
Chateau Bauduc Les Trois Hectares - Semillon
This is a ‘field blend’ of mainly very old Semillon grapes, A favourite of the Chateau Rigaud owners.
Reds
Pezat, Bordeaux Supérieur
Made by Jonathan Maltus, OBE, at Château Teyssier in Saint-Émilion — a true pioneer of the Bordeaux “garagiste” movement. Highly rated and consistently praised.
Château LaJarre Éléonore, Bordeaux Supérieur
Made by our next-door neighbour Grégory Lovato, using the vines you see all around the château. A fruit-forward red with soft tannins — beautifully drinkable.
Château La Verrière, Bordeaux Supérieur
This family-run estate has been a leader in environmentally responsible winemaking since 2012. Their wines are elegant, award-winning, and sustainably produced.
Rosé
Château Bauduc Rosé
Fresh, dry and summery — from the same producers as our house white. Perfectly suited to relaxed lunches, canapé hour, or sipping in the sunshine.
Upgrade Option: Pezat Provençal Rosé – €30 per bottle from the fridge or €5 per person when included with a meal
A pale, elegant rosé with that quintessential Provence tint — light, dry, and endlessly fashionable. Not from our region, but a popular choice for those wanting that iconic blush tone and style.
Upgrade Options
Our house wines are exceptional in their own right — but if you’d like to serve wines that would typically cost over €100 per bottle in the UK (and considerably more in the US), we can make that happen.
Pezat Provençal Rosé – €30 per bottle or €5 per person within a meal package
A pale, elegant rosé with that quintessential Provence salmon coloured tint — light, dry, and endlessly fashionable. Not from our region, but a popular choice for those wanting that iconic blush tone and style.
Chateau Teyssier Red - €39 per bottle or €25 per person within a meal package
During your Planning Weekend, you’ll have a chance to sample our upgrade wine, Château Teyssier. We can also access wines from the full JCP Maltus portfolio — including the prestigious Le Dôme - at very reasonable prices and this is an excellent place to start if you want to serve truly prestigious wines during your wedding
Champagne or Crémant?
Will you serve champagne, Crémant, or a combination of both?
In recent years, many couples have embraced the local, authentic choice of our house cremant which is made from grapes that surround the chateau
About Our Crémant
Made just minutes from the château
Blend of Sémillon, Cabernet Franc & Muscadelle grapes
Bottle-fermented in the traditional Champagne method
It’s fresh, elegant and celebratory — and our fizz package offers fantastic value at: €26 per person
This one-time, per-guest charge allows for unlimited Crémant served throughout the wedding day and evening — no matter how much your guests enjoy.
How Much Will Guests Drink?
On average, guests drink about one bottle of fizz each during the wedding day:
1–2 glasses post-ceremony on the lawn
2–3 top-ups during the canapé hour
1 glass (or more) during speeches and dinner
And of course, some drink more, particularly if you include fizz in a signature cocktail during the day or evening! The €26 fizz package covers it all, removing any stress about running out or keeping count.
Prefer Champagne?
We’re happy to supply your preferred champagne label. Costs change frequently but we can research options at your suggestion. Here are some examples:
House Crémant limitless pour package €26 per guest
House Champagne (Odyssée 319) limitless pour package €55 per guest
Prestige Labels €65 per bottle
We can also arrange a hybrid package if you want to serve champagne for the first glass and or speeches and crémant on the canapé terrace. Let your planner know what you'd like to serve, and we’ll handle the rest.
Corkage & Special Bottles
During Meals that are inclusive of wines
We do not charge corkage for wines served during the wedding dinner or any other meals where wine is already included.
If you’d like to serve a special bottle (e.g. an exceptional Bordeaux red) with one course and then return to house wines, that’s absolutely fine.
Outside of Meal Times
We charge a €10 per bottle handling fee to cover the cost of:
Receiving the wine
Storing & chilling
Service and clean-up
This option is perfect if you’d like to treat your guests to a special bottle on arrival night or during a relaxed evening gathering. We will not charge corkage on the odd bottle of vintage champagne brought in to enjoy during preparations on the wedding morning!
From elegant soft drinks during the canapé reception to beer taps and late-night spirits, here’s how we help keep your guests happy and hydrated — all weekend long.
Arrival Bar Stock - a gift from us
On arrival the chateau bar is stocked with five full bottles of spirits (gin, vodka, tequila, rum and bourbon). There will also be other half or third filled bottles, on a pot luck basis. You are charged for bottles you choose to replace.
The arrival beer keg is also free of charge, your beer package starts when the first full new keg goes on.
Soft Drinks for the Canapé Reception
Alongside your fizz, we recommend offering soft drinks during the post-ceremony reception.
We serve French fruit syrups in glass dispensers, enhanced with sliced fruits (lemons, raspberries, etc.)
These are prepared and served by our housekeeping team, with no additional staffing cost
Ingredients are drawn from your bar stock at minimal cost (see below)
After-Dinner Wedding Bar (in the Barn)
Once the dinner and speeches are done, the bar becomes the focal point of the evening
2 bar staff up to 90 guests, 3 staff for larger numbers
Service from 10pm to 2am, including guest support and bus coordination
Choose up to 3 signature cocktails
Additional hours required if you want to serve beer during dinner, this is not recommended
Bar Stock & Pricing
You customise the bar with your preferred drinks as discussed with your planner:
Spirits: From €55 per bottle for standard range (Absolute Vodka, Tanqueray Gin, Havana Club Rum, etc).
Mixers: From €4 per large bottle
If you run low during the evening, we can restock from our onsite store
All spirits are served by bar staff and portion-controlled
You will only be charged for bottles that have been opened
The Beer Machine – From €400
We highly recommend booking a beer machine for the weekend — especially popular during sunny afternoons and after-dinner dancing.
Includes machine + 2 x 30L barrels = approx. 120 pints
€400 for machine + first two barrels
Additional barrels: €150 each
A pint of cold French lager is often more appealing than another glass of fizz — even among the smartest wedding guests!
Note: We don’t serve bottled beer on the wedding day — it can’t be chilled properly, and bottle tops are the gardener’s nightmare.
Specialist Bars
For added flair and a touch of theatre, consider adding a specialist bar to your weekend:
Gin or Spritz Bars – Perfect for the canapé reception
Whisky & Cigar Bars – Ideal for post-dinner relaxation
Bloody Mary Bars – A fun (and effective!) hangover cure the next day
Details & pricing for these stylish installations can be found in the Extras Price List (see dropdown menu at the top of this handbook).
Bar Options
Ceremonies at Chateau Rigaud
A wedding at Rigaud is deeply personal, often blending the legal with the symbolic. Whether you’ve already completed the formalities or wish to marry legally here in France, we’ll help you create a ceremony that feels meaningful, memorable, and entirely your own.
Legal Marriage Requirements
Most of our couples choose to complete the legal paperwork in the UK before arriving in France. This allows them to fully focus on the celebration here, treating the exchange of vows at Rigaud as the true moment of commitment — witnessed and supported by friends and family.
You’ll arrive in France already legally married, but still enjoy a heartfelt exchange of vows here on the lawns or in the barn. It keeps things simple — and romantic.
Legal Marriage in France (Optional)
We can support you in arranging a legal marriage at the Mairie (town hall) in our local commune of Mouliets et Villemartin, where our mayor is happy to exercise his discretionary powers for foreign couples.
Estimated Cost: Approx. €700
Breakdown:
€300 – Cash contribution to the Mairie, allocated to the local school
€200 – Certified translations of birth certificates
(Double this for divorcees or couples with children, due to added documents)€200 – Rigaud administration fee for handling the paperwork
Minimum lead time: 3 months. The process is straightforward but requires organisation and planning.
You can choose to treat the Mairie wedding as your “official” ceremony, or simply use it to complete the legal paperwork on the morning of your lawn or meadow celebration.
Please note:
A legal marriage must be completed before any symbolic ceremony is held at Rigaud. We require a copy of your marriage certificate on arrival and are unable to host a ceremony otherwise.
Ceremony Locations
Rigaud Lawn Wedding
Held in the quad in front of the château, this is our most popular setting — elegant, timeless, with shade from the tree
Ceremony staged and coordinated by the Rigaud team
Rigaud Meadow Wedding
Spectacular views over the valley, a memorable location, your guests walk through the vegetable garden and past vines and wild flowers to reach the site which is tucked away on the hillside behind the château — surrounded by long grass.
Mown aisle with wooden bench seating
Additional staging cost €150
No shade — not practical in mid summer, this is a great option for spring and autumn
Some photographers request an assistant due to the distance from the château
Celebrants & Ceremony Style
We offer a range of professional celebrants who can work with you to create a deeply personal service. Alternatively, many couples invite a family member or friend to lead the ceremony — creating something uniquely intimate.
Our team can help with ceremony structure and wording
You’re also welcome to keep it simple — in 2023, one couple stood on the lawn and read their vows to each other, just the two of them, in front of family and friends
Download: “Seven Steps to a Successful Ceremony” HERE
A flexible guide including: ideas for vows and readings
Sandie Smith
Sandie is a very experienced and popular celebrant. She will work closely with you to create your own, personal ceremony.
www.englishcelebrantinfrance.com
Mark Rind
Mark is based about 30 minutes from Rigaud and has officiated at many venues in the area. He loves helping couples to create the wording that suits them best.
https://www.markrindcelebrant.com/
Sarah Thomas
Sarah left the services of the Royal Household when she met her French partner and followed him to South-West France. She spent a couple of years working as a Rigaud wedding planner and now offers her services as a celebrant. She will work with you to script the ceremony and personalise your vows and her strong musical background is invaluable.
sarah@andthenwegotmarried.com
Helen Butler
Helen is bilingual and lovely to work with.
www.helenbutlercelebrant.com
Lucy Till
Lucy conducts wedding ceremonies all over Southern France and is always very well received.
www.lucytillcelebrant.com
Lisa Lister
Lisa has been working as a celebrant in France for a couple of years and enjoys helping couples to put their ceremony together with a personal touch and a sense of humour.
www.lisalistercelebrant.com
Gaynor McKernan
Gaynor is an experienced celebrant who conducts ceremonies all over this part of France.
www.celebrantfrance.com
Church Weddings in France
By choosing the church for your ceremony you add another layer to the day and we are lucky to have a very beautiful church, perched on the hill in Pujols with views for miles around and It’s important to note that church weddings in France are never legally binding. You must be legally married first — either in the UK or at the Mairie — before holding a church ceremony or blessing.
Catholic Ceremonies
France is predominantly Catholic, and most local churches reflect this. We recommend Église Notre-Dame de Pujols, a stunning 15th-century church perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views and a beautifully simple interior.
This church is available for a Catholic mass or blessing, provided the following conditions are met.
Securing the Church
If you are both practising Catholics, it is usually straightforward to arrange for a priest from your parish (or one known to your priest) to travel to France and conduct your service.
You’ll need to cover the cost of travel and accommodation for your visiting priest.
We will handle the church booking on your behalf and assist with the process.
A fee of €500 is charged for use of the church, which will be added to your final invoice.
Required Paperwork
You’ll need to provide the following in order to secure the church for your wedding:
1. Motivation Letter (from you)
Write to the local priest explaining:
Why you’d like to marry in the church at Pujols
Your personal connection to the region and/or to France
The importance of your faith in your relationship and marriage
Your intention to raise children within the Catholic faith
The letter can be in English and sent directly from you (not via Rigaud) to:
Stephanie D’Uberga – cure.castillon@gmail.com
2. Letter from Your Home Priest
Shortly after your letter, your priest (who is preparing you for marriage) should send a letter that includes:
A recommendation that you are suitable for Catholic marriage
A formal request to use Église Notre-Dame in Pujols for your chosen date
The contact details of the priest who will conduct the mass or blessing
3. Preparation File
Your priest will also need to assemble and send a marriage file containing:
Birth certificates
Baptism and confirmation certificates
Details of where and when your legal marriage will take place
This file must be sent to:
Archevêché de Bordeaux – Service des Mariages
185 Cours de la Somme, 33000 Bordeaux
We recommend copying Rigaud into email communications so we can track and support the process.
Local church contact:
Stephanie D’Uberga
Secteur Pastoral de Castillon la Bataille
Maison Paroissiale, 22 Rue des Remparts, 33350 Castillon la Bataille
cure.castillon@gmail.com
Anglican Blessings
Thanks to the relationship between the Anglican and Catholic churches in France, it’s possible to arrange an Anglican blessing at Église Notre-Dame de Pujol, conducted by a priest from the Chaplaincy in Aquitaine.
The process is straightforward, though some paperwork is required, see the link
The total cost is approximately €1,000, which includes:
€500 for use of the church
€500 for priest and Chaplaincy fees
Click HERE for more information
Musicians at Rigaud
We can help you find the perfect musical atmosphere for every part of your wedding — from serene string quartets on the lawn to upbeat bands in the barn.
We’ve worked with a wide range of trusted artists, and we’re also happy to source something bespoke based on your vision. Just ask your planner for inspiration and recommendations.
If we need to hire in equipment, we charge a one-time €50 admin fee to cover logistics, paperwork, and an additional collection/return fee if required.
Sound Restrictions & Scheduling
Please note:
Live music must stop at midnight
From midnight to 2am, a DJ or playlist may continue
This is a firm rule, as our mayor lives within earshot across the vineyards
A Note on Band Size
Our barn is intimate and acoustically lively — in our experience:
Up to a 5 piece band is ideal
Larger bands can overwhelm the space and the day itself
(They also require more staging, setup time, and gear and it can become really stressful for everyone to have them around)
Planning Your Music Timeline
Live bands often offer multiple performance formats throughout the day — from a soloist for the ceremony to DJ sets after midnight. When booking, ask what they can cover and clarify this early — adding services later can increase costs.
Here are the musical moments to consider and some of our suggestions:
Pre-ceremony (guest arrival) - Solo instrumentalist, acoustic duo
During the ceremony - Harpist, string quartet, solo vocalist
First glass (post-ceremony, pre-canapés) - Light jazz or acoustic soloist
Canapé reception - Duo or trio with ambient background music
Dinner - Usually a Rigaud playlist — or soft live sets if preferred
After-dinner dancing (until midnight) - Live band, covers or party band
After midnight (until 2am) - DJ or playlist via house sound system
Sunday lunch / pool party - Laid-back playlist, acoustic duo, chilled DJ set
How to Book
Speak with your planner for artist recommendations but you will be able to secure a deal more effectively if you contact the musicians yourself. Your planner can’t ask for a discount for every client!
Contact musicians early, they get booked up fast
We can also help with equipment hire, accommodation, transport etc
Based in France
Feels like July www.feelslikejuly.co.uk
You will struggle to find better musicians, harmonies and professionalism than this duo who can provide music for the ceremony, canapé terrace and even get your guests up dancing after dinner. Excellent value and a really good to combine with a DJ later in the evening.
Brightlights
www.brightlightsband.com
Very popular at Rigaud. Brightlights are based in the South of France.
We Funk Soul Band
WeFunkSoulBand
If it’s soul you’re after, this band entertained guests here in 2022 and were very popular.
Rock Empire Approx €2500 for the day
rockempireband
Rock Empire are based in and around Bordeaux. A great cover band at a reasonable price. They will also follow on with a DJ after midnight. It’s best to contact them at
bandsmusicaquitaine.wixsite.com/al-bundy/home-eng
Four Kicks
www.fourkicksband.com/
Another great British band based on the Riviera who travel all over Europe and are well-known in ski resorts.
FROM THE UK
The Dominos
www.thedominos.co.uk
Highly rated by our discerning team, but require a bigger budget (starting at around 6000€).
Courtier Music
www.idreiss.co.uk/weddings
These guys wowed guests here (and our team) in 2022. Everyone was talking about the music the following day.
Tom Braggins Trio
tombragginsmusic@hotmail.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/tombragginsmusic/?hl=en
The trio played at Rigaud in 2022 and were a great success. They can also be booked as a duo.
Dukes of Havoc
www.thedukesofhavoc.co.uk
Brilliant group who’ve been to Rigaud a few times now and always get everyone on the dance floor.
The Shuffles Band From approx. €4500
www.theshufflesband.com
This group played here for the first time in 2018 and were a great hit. Our very discerning team were really impressed with them.
London Brass Roamers
www.fixthemusic.com/london-brass-roamers
Fun experience for a flashmob at the end of the ceremony and your guests can follow the band on a walk through the wild flower meadow which makes for the most fabulous interactive experience and photographs. Works really well for the canapé reception.
Bill Ding & the Skyscrapers
www.bdsmusic.uk
Haven’t played at Rigaud before but are highly recommended by our wedding planner, Georgia.
The Chaps Band
https://www.thechapsband.com
Music Agencies
Scarlett Entertainment
scarlettentertainment.com
Fixthemusic
www.fixthemusic.com
Function Junction
www.functionjunction.co.uk
Classical Music
Pachelbel Quatuor
www.pachelbel.quatuor.sitew.fr
String quartet made up of local musicians
Vltava String Quartet
www.vsq.ie
Very talented musicians, ideal for classical pieces for the ceremony & first glass but also able to play more modern, folksy tunes.
Alison Langer, soprano
www,alisonlanger.com
Alison is a professional opera soprano and performed as a friend and guest at a church wedding here in 2023. She is keen to do more weddings alongside her stage performances.
Choirs and Organist
We have a local choir available at a cost of €50 per voice although you must add to this the cost of an organist, €450, to accompany them, who is also their choirmaster, which brings the total cost to about €800. If you would like hymns for the ceremony then we strongly recommend that you spend the money to have them sound great. With the choir your guests will sing, without them they probably won’t.
Jazz
The Jazz Lamp
We highly recommend Anthony Sycamore who is based locally and teams up with any number of musicians to produce a great jazz sound on the canapé terrace. He’s also a very talented classical musician so could perform during the ceremony too. From €450
Marie Carrié
www.mariecarrie.com
Jazz Lovers Events can play as a two, three, four or five-piece band with Marie singing. Great for the canapé reception and if you include a saxophonist, they can play solo for the first glass. From €850 for a duo.
Pianist
Damien Keys
www.damienkeys.com
Damien is an extraordinary pianist and offers a very versatile package including DJ services too.
Brian Sanders
Brilliant pianist who can also DJ.
www.loose-covers.com
Saxophonist
The Sax Walker
www.thesaxwalker.co.uk
David Walker is a professional solo saxophonist playing a number of different music genres from Soul, Funk & Pop to modern chart day chart hits. He has played at Rigaud a couple of times and everyone raved about him.
Accordion player
We have a local accordion player who will play for your pre-ceremony and first glass on the lawn, adding a very French atmosphere to the proceedings. From €300.
DJ
We have our own DJ booth, with speakers and sound system, lights and disco ball which is available at €295. Your DJ will need to bring their own mixing decks or hire them locally. The cost to hire decks is from around €950 and it’s worth checking your DJ’s preference to establish the full cost in advance.
Damien Keys
www.damienkeys.com
Two in one package since Damien is a top DJ but also an extraordinary pianist. He will also coordinate other musicians for your day finding you exactly the talent you’re looking for.
Dean Watt
www.deanwattdj.com
Dean is our '“go to” DJ unless you have the budget for the next level. Dean is based in Verbier where he plays in various popular venues throughout the winter season.
Guy Preston
www.djGuyPreston.com
Guy has played at parties and events around the world for British royalty and Hollywood A list stars. Depending on your budget Guy might be available himself or might send another artist. He is also able to book musicians, such as a saxophonist, to play alongside the DJ which is hugely popular and successful.
Anthony Coleridge
www.fixthemusic.com/wedding-dj-london-anthony
Anthony has played at Rigaud for several couples and is always extremely well received. He’s super-friendly and helpful and easy to deal with.
Denver Music Events
Victor is French but speaks English and is based in the Bordeaux region.
https://www.denvermscevents.com/
Paul Hardcastle
www.phjr.co.uk
Paul has a fantastic portfolio of performances all around the world. He’s a super-versatile performer with a one-of-a-kind DJ & Sax act - a great combination to get guests on the dance floor.
If you plan your music ahead and book flights and accommodation early it is no more expensive to bring a DJ from London to Rigaud than it would be to book a London-based artist and ask them to play in the West Country, since flights can be as cheap as rail tickets.
Other DJ options
If you want to book an external DJ other than these guys or if you have someone within your guest list who likes to spin the discs then we can arrange to hire the appropriate DJ equipment for you. The cost starts at approximately €950
Like most things, you really get what you pay for with wedding photography and we cannot stress how important it is to get it right. Capturing the day without intruding upon it is a definite skill and when it’s done well it makes an enormous difference. The starting price for a decent photographer is about €1500 and for someone really talented you can easily pay €5000 or even double that.
Local French options
Yohan Terraza
www.yohanterraza.com
Yohan works with his wife, Mathilde, and together they form What Parrots Do. They speak English and are based in Bordeaux.
Firehorse Photography (and videography)
www.firehorsephotographyfrance.com/
Simon is based in France and a regular at Rigaud. Consistently excellent and very professional, book him early if you want to secure your date.
Katy Lunsford
www.katylunsford.com
Katy is based in southern France and shoots weddings from Bordeaux to Provence. We love her photos and she’s fabulous to work with.
Greg Finck
www.gregfinck.com
Paris based, works internationally and speaks English fluently, Greg takes great shots.
Mamazelle
www.mamazelle.com
Melissa Lenoir is very discreet but produces great results. Google Michelle and Clem Rigaud wedding and you will find her coverage of this beautiful wedding on several blog sites.
Darek Smietana
www.dareksmietana.com
Darek has photographed several Rigaud weddings. He captures the moment and the setting perfectly and is a delight to work with.
Pattie Fellowes Photography
pattiefellowes.com
Pattie first came to us for a wedding shoot at the chateau and was very quickly snapped up by our first 2022 wedding couple. She has a romantic style blended with lots of fun.
Zara at Gingerveil
www.gingerveil.com
Zara is based in Toulouse and brings a fun, creative style to her wedding photos. She also has a royal family wedding shoot under her belt - HRH The Princess of Wales’s brother, James Middleton in 2022!
Cleya Asulon
www.cleyaasulonwedding.com
Cleya has a unique style - think effortlessly chic, vintage Vogue - and we love working with her.
Jeff & Debz Photography
www.jeffanddebzweddingphotography.com
This couple have not yet shot a wedding at Rigaud but they are very local and their photography package starts at around €900.
Bringing a photographer from further afield
Modern Vintage Weddings - David Wickham
www.modernvintageweddings.com
Stunning work, a firm favourite at Rigaud, he always gets the “money shots”
Kazooieloki
https://www.kazooieloki.co.uk/
Award-winning Christine & Richard somehow capture the energy of the day and the party vibe in every shot.
Especially Amy
www.especiallyamy.co.uk
Very talented photographer who has featured in leading wedding blogs. A lovely lady who really captures the spirit of a wedding. Amy also works extensively for the Soho House group.
www.rockmywedding.co.uk/tag/especially-amy/
Jonny Scott
Iconic work, Jonny travels to Europe for the summer season from New Zealand. He works closely with videographer, Keith Scott Films
D&A
www.da-photo.com
Dan at D&A Photo did a beautiful wedding shoot at Rigaud in 2021. The team at D&A are easy to work with and passionate about what they do.
James Plester
Great vintage style, quiet approach, brilliant results. See a Rigaud wedding here
www.jamesandlianne.com/kelly-phill-château-rigaud-bordeaux-france-wedding-part-2/
Brett Harkness
www.brettharknessphotography.com
First introduced to Rigaud when Brett’s sister was married here, these guys have since run wedding photography courses here at Rigaud. Top notch photographer to a celebrity crowd, they’re lovely guys but you need to book very early.
Will Patrick Weddings
www.willpatrickweddings.com
Ellie Gillard
www.elliegillard.co.uk
M&J Photography
www.mandjphotos.com
Jonny and Morgane are now based in London but Morgane is from Biarritz so this is her home turf. They have produced some lovely work for Rigaud couples in the past and are lovely to deal with.
Aspect Photography (based in Ireland)
www.aspectphotography.net
Shane O’Neill produced fabulous shots of our biggest ever wedding and is based in Waterford, Ireland.
Case Eames Photography
www.eamesphotography.co.uk
Case is a great photographer and she often teams up with videographer, Lewis Wareham, to form True Capture Media, a brilliant duo to cover all angles on the big day.
Nina Wernicke
www.nina-wernicke.com
Nina is a former Rigaud bride who has since swapped over to the other side of the lens. She knows Rigaud well and will get the utmost out of every shot. Based in London and South Africa. Recently named one of the UK’s Top Twenty wedding photographers by Wed Vibes Media.
Bullit Photography
www.bullitphotography.co.uk
Robin Bradshaw is super easy to work with and produces gorgeous photos. He’s based in Cheltenham but travels all over the world.
Andy Gaines
www.andygaines.com
Check out Andy’s fabulous photos of Rebecca & Tom’s wedding in 2022.
James Boardman
www.jpboardman.co.uk
Sharon Cudworth
www.sharoncudworthphotography.com
Holly Hambling
www.hollyhamblingphotography.co.uk
Jonny Scott (photography & videography)
www.jonnyscottphoto.com
Jonny and his team produced wonderful photos and video of Liv & Sam’s wedding in 2023. They are based in New Zealand but work all over the world.
HazyDaze (photography & videography)
hazydazeweddings.com
Stuart Dudleston
www.stuartdudleston.com
Videography
With the popularity of smart phones and tablets we have noticed a massive increase in the uptake of videography in the past few years and it seems many of our weddings choose to commission both photographers and videographers. We’ve enjoyed working with these guys:
MotionCraft Creative Studios
www.motioncraftcreative.com
Seb Thomas is based in south-west France and is a delight to work with - professional and unobtrusive. He knows Rigaud well and always collaborates brilliantly with the wedding photographer.
Keith Scott Films
www.keithscottfilms.com
Keith & Maëva split their time between South-West France and Perth, Australia. They have produced some beautiful videos of Rigaud weddings and, very importantly, they are a joy to work with.
Reel Weddings UK
www.reel-weddings.com
Quality film making that takes a lovely story telling approach. These guys are sympathetic to the needs of the photographers as well, which is an important consideration
Reel Love Film
www.reellovefilms.co.uk
Two lovely ladies who make beautiful films.
Bubble Rock
www.bubblerock.co.nz
Best Day Productions
www.bestdayproductions.com
Our favourite wedding video from Rigaud was Michelle and Clem’s film made by Rodolphe.
Gorgeous films
www.gorgeousfilm.co.uk/
These guys are also outstandingly good
True Capture Media
www.truecapturemedia.co.uk
Lewis Wareham, videographer, can also be booked with photographer Case Eames.
Rolling Films
www.ryanyapp.co.uk/films
Denneemotion
www.deneemotion.com
Samy Jourdan
www.samyjourdan.com
Based in Paris, Samy speaks English.
Andrew Kelly Films
www.andrewkellyfilms.com
Andrew is based in France and uses 8mm film.
James Fox
www.fox-films.co.uk
Photography
Hair & Make-Up Artists
The right stylist makes a world of difference — not only in how you look, but in how you feel on the morning of your wedding. We’ve worked with all of the artists below and can recommend any of them
Laura Cawte
www.lauracawte.com
Laura’s work is exceptional — whether you're after barely-there natural beauty or something more glamorous. British and trained with Vidal Sassoon, she regularly works in Paris on TV productions and photoshoots. Laura is talented, professional, calm under pressure and always on-trend.
Bride’s Hair & Make-up: from €650
(includes trial fee)Trial Fee: €50, paid at the trial
Cancellation Fee: €150
This ensures Laura is protected from last-minute cancellationsAvailability:
Laura holds all summer weekends open for Rigaud brides until end of November. If you’d like to work with her, we recommend booking early before her diary fills with other weddings.
Jo Adams
www.hairandmakeupatelier.com
Jo is UK-based but travels regularly to France. She’s known for elegant, modern styling and has worked extensively with destination brides. Get in touch early to check travel and availability.
Virginie
www.virginie-e.com
Based in Bordeaux, Virginie spent six years in London — including at Harrods — and brings a blend of French elegance and London polish. She’s fluent in English and is particularly good with flawless, glowing skin.
Orelden Make-Up Artist (Aurélie)
Instagram:@orelden
Aurelie is a local artist with a soft, romantic touch — and a great option for additional bridal party members or mums. She speaks English and is warm, friendly and easy to work with.
Flowers, Styling & Floristry
Wedding flower budgets can vary hugely—from €500 to over €30,000—and many couples are surprised at how costs add up. Unlike buying a bouquet from a UK florist, where you’re choosing from their ready-curated stock, wedding flowers are a completely bespoke order.
Your budget isn’t just paying for stems. It covers the florist’s design time, preparing quotes, ordering, conditioning, arranging, vases or urns, on-site installation, moving arrangements during the weekend, and finally clearing them away.
Every consultation also counts toward your overall budget—please be aware that if you change your flower plan several times, the extra time involved will increase the cost. Jilli allows for a one hour consultation fee within her pricing and further time required in discussion, conception and quote admin is charged for at €45 per hour.
A Shift in Style
In recent years, we’ve noticed a shift away from traditional, formal arrangements using oasis foam. Instead, many couples now opt for more sustainable styling:
Wildflowers in bud vases
Living potted plants and olive trees
Seasonal greenery and loose arrangements
This approach not only feels fresh and natural — it also creates serious impact on the canapé terrace, ceremony lawn and barn entrance, often at a lower cost.
Why Rigaud Florals Feel So Different
What makes floristry at Rigaud so special is that it all happens on-site, in our dedicated florist’s studio. You’ll actually see the flowers arrive by van, watch the bouquets being created, giving you some input if you want it which is a little detail that many couples and mums really love.
Working With Our In-House Florist
Most couples choose to work with our brilliant in-house florist, who knows the property, the pace of the weekend and the barn like the back of her hand. From pew ends and aisle markers to barn installations and table styling, she’ll guide you on what’s realistic, impactful, and in season — all within your chosen budget.
Prefer to Bring Your Own Florist?
That’s absolutely fine too. If you have a florist you love and want to bring them to Rigaud, we’re more than happy to welcome them — just let your planner know early on so we can coordinate access to the studio and prep space.
€6000 floral spend example. This beautiful and classic wedding is strong on white and silver flowers, featuring roses, delphiniums and eucalyptus, all of which are very specific and therefore expensive. SCROLL RIGHT TO SEE MORE
€8000 floral spend on colourful exotics
Candles
Candles are a major source of staffing at Rigaud. The two hanging shelves in the wedding barn hold around 80 candles between them, either pillars or dinner candles in brass candlesticks.
The pillar candles are more expensive whereas the brass candlesticks require a lot cleaning time the following day. The chandeliers in the barn require 144 x specialist long burning voltives that cost 1.30 each.
If you decide you don't want the chandeliers but want to replace them with festoon lights then we replace the voltive cost with the festoon light installation cost so it's quid pro quo.
We allow 5 candles per table so with 100 guests that's around 16 tables plus random pillar candles in hurricane lamps and lanterns at the barn entrance and around the terrace and grounds. So a huge volume of candles all of which have to be bought and transported from IKEA which is always an hilarious afternoon out! It looks like this:
| Candle Package | Number | Units | Total | Cost per unit | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanging candle shelf | 80 | 1 | 80 | €1.30 | €104 |
| Chandelier voltive | 144 | 1 | 144 | €1.30 | €187.20 |
| Table candles | 5 | 16 | 80 | €0.60 | €48 |
| Hurrican lamps & lanterns | 20 | 1 | 20 | €1.30 | €26 |
| TOTALS | 324 | €365 |
Design & Getting the Right Look
Creating the right atmosphere on your wedding day is about more than flowers and candles — it’s about reflecting you. That’s why we provide a dedicated styling team who will work alongside your planner to ensure every element is beautifully curated, cohesive and personal.
What the Styling Team Does
Our in-house styling team takes responsibility for everything featured on the Props & Styling pages — both complimentary and hired pieces. Their job is to ensure the château looks exactly right, without you needing to lift a finger.
They’ll take care of:
Writing the canapé blackboard menus
Styling the canapé terrace with herbs, florals & vintage crockery
Moving pew ends between ceremony & dinner settings
Hanging chandeliers in trees
Positioning ceremony chairs, signage & the rose petal aisle runner
Ensuring buttonholes reach the right people
Laying out place names & table settings
Dressing the bar & presenting any special props (like the dressing-up box)
In short, they’ll make sure everything looks intentional, personal and magical.
Want to Go Bigger?
If you have more elaborate styling ideas — such as art installations, complex favour setups or graphic blackboards — speak to your planner and florist. We love seeing new looks take shape at Rigaud and can help bring them to life.
Our Advice? Think Personally, Not Perfectly
You don’t need to hire a Pinterest stylist or break the bank to make an impact. The most unforgettable weddings are those that reflect the couple’s personalities, stories and humour. Here are three simple principles to help you get there:
1. Make it Personal
Ask yourself:
What do people think of when they hear our names?
It could be how you met, where you’ve lived, hobbies you share, favourite travel spots — all of these can shape how you decorate the day.
Racehorse-loving Hannah & Geoff named tables after their winning bets.
Sarah & Vish hosted a "Monsoon Wedding" with bangles, flower garlands & rose petals to celebrate his Sri Lankan heritage.
Caroline & Peter served a vodka course between cheese and dessert (he’s Russian).
Eve & Tom wrapped vases in newspaper from the local paper where they met.
Fiona & Leo included hilarious French-to-English translations in their welcome packs.
Katie & Nick had wine labels printed with their names and wedding motif.
Stephanie & Simon showed a home movie in the Rigaud cinema during the reception.
Aaron & Fiona were married beneath Rigaud’s first chuppah and lifted in chairs during the hora.
2. Plagiarism Is Good
Find a style you love — and copy it! Websites like these are full of inspiring, real weddings:
Pro tip: Choose one well-documented look, make it your base, then layer in your personal touches.
3. Design Touchpoints That Matter
You can make a big visual impact without spending a fortune. Here’s where small, thoughtful design details go a long way:
| Decorative Element | Ideas to Personalise |
|---|---|
| Colour scheme | Reflect a season, location, or favourite palette |
| Invitations | Hand-drawn illustrations, embossed initials, or wax seals |
| Table names | Places you’ve travelled, favourite cocktails, meaningful songs |
| Flowers | Wild bud vases, potted herbs, or impactful installations |
| Seating plan | Hanging frames, vintage mirrors, or custom artwork |
| Favours | Personalised candles, local delicacies, CDs or mini books |
| Bar signage | Chalkboards, playful quotes, or your signature cocktail list |
| Guest fun | Video or photo booth, dressing-up box, or guest book alternatives |
| Barn ceiling | Bunting, lanterns, festoon lights, chandeliers or hanging foliage |
| Tree decor | Fairy lights, feathers, hearts, photos, flowers, origami birds |
Paying for Your Wedding
We understand that a wedding at Rigaud is a significant investment, and we’re happy to help manage the admin if family or guests would like to contribute financially.
Asking Château Guests to Contribute
If you wish to ask château guests to pay for their rooms, we suggest the following B&B rates per room per night:
Ballroom – €340
Prussian – €340
Aquitaine – €240
Boudoir – €240
Dauphin – €280
Bourgie – €280
Maroc – €350
Jardin – €280
Tip: Have guests pay you directly. This avoids international bank transfer fees or extra card processing charges.
Parental Contributions
Often, the wedding couple covers the entire weekend, but parents or family members are eager to play a part financially and in planning.
This can work beautifully if you allow them to “own” specific elements of the wedding — for example:
Funding the welcome dinner
Paying the wedding night bar bill
Covering the following day lunch cost
Paying for the Cremant package on the wedding day
Parents often like to feel involved and valued, and it can relieve pressure on your own budget.
Making Payments
To keep things clear and manageable, your wedding payments at Rigaud are broken down into stages:
Payment Schedule
€5,000 deposit at the time of booking
€8,000 – due 10 months before your wedding
€8,000 – due 6 months before your wedding
Final balance – due 8 weeks before the wedding
(This will be the remaining amount, less 10%, and less any agreed cash payments to suppliers)
How to Pay
Payments should be made by bank transfer.
Please ensure the exact euro amount arrives in our account.
SEPA transfers (within the Eurozone) are best, as they avoid charges.
If your bank uses a different system and Rigaud is charged fees, these will be deducted from your payment total, this is currently €17.40 per transaction regardless of the amount.
Card Payments
If you're paying by non-eurozone credit/debit card, we apply a 2% fee to cover commission costs from our bank.
Cash Payments to Suppliers
Some of your wedding suppliers (such as musicians, celebrants, photographers, hair & makeup artists) require payment in cash.
These items will be clearly marked on your budget so you can prepare in advance.
At your arrival meeting, we’ll confirm the total cash required and prepare labelled envelopes for each supplier.
We’ll take care of paying them on your behalf, discreetly and promptly.
Prefer not to pay in cash?
No problem. We can contract these services ourselves and accept payment by card or transfer — but please note that a 20% TVA charge will be added in this case.
Tipping
This is entirely discretionary, of course but when you read the reviews about Rigaud, the team is what comes across most. We pay the team well, of course, but they most definitely go the extra mile in the hope of a tip at the end of it.
Most couples ask us what is normal and the answer seems to sit somewhere between 10% and 20% of the total food and beverage cost in your budget. Tips should be in cash preferably.
All tips are shared among the entire team and divided in accordance with the number of hours worked. It goes without saying that tips are hugely appreciated as a token of how you felt you have been looked after!
Schedule for Spring Wedding
October
Introductions to your wedding planner
Book a planning weekend (often done before this, at the original booking date)
Consider and book your band, photographer and celebrant
Reserve professional hair and make-up
Decide upon church or lawn ceremony
Ensure you have made travel arrangements to arrive for lunch on the first day of your booking. You will need to meet with your planner for a final check list before your guests arrive.
November - the planning weekend
If you are not attending a planning weekend you need to arrange a detailed Skype call with your planner to cover off the following nuts and bolts questions:
Menu choice for the wedding meal, arrival night meal, Sunday lunch and other support meals?
Crémant or Champagne? House wines or upgrade?
Round tables or long rectangular tables?
What are your final music requirements? First glass, canapés and ceremony plus after dinner
What activities will you offer on the Friday?
Where will you have your Friday night meal?
Will you be offering our Guest Information Pages or building your own website that requires an online form link?
Will there be children at the wedding? (we will ensure babysitting is optioned)
Deadline for creating the Guest Information Pages and Links is the end of January
December
Before Christmas you should receive a report from your planner which details the decisions that have been made, either at the planning weekend or during the Skype call and an updated budget which reflects this.
January
Issue the Guest Information Pages or your wedding website address to your guests
Consider the format of your ceremony, the wording, the vows, any readings and the readers
Skype call and Pinterest board exchanges with our florist
Consider the other design elements such as table names, table plan, orders of service etc
February
Skype with your planner to discuss design requirements and ensure the details are noted
Confirm flower arrangements and agree budget with florist.
March
Wedding update report and budget from your planner, which should be virtually full of detail by this stage, bar final numbers which arrive as guests respond to the online form.
8 weeks countdown – payment due
Your planner will generate a guest report for you which will detail those guests who have returned their forms, what they have booked and what they have paid for. It will highlight the guests who have booked but not paid.
6 weeks countdown
You review the guest report, identify whoever has not yet completed and chase these guests to complete within the next week. You should provide full guest list with email addresses in excel format and identify guests with children in order that arrangements for babysitting can be made
4 weeks countdown
Your planner will generate a further guest report and you should add to this the names and email addresses of any guests who have been invited but have not yet completed the form.
Three weeks countdown
THREE WEEKS OUT FROM THE WEDDING IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE PLANNER TO HAVE A FULL LIST OF ALL THE INVITED GUESTS, THEIR CHOSEN ACTIVITIES AND BOOKINGS.
Two weeks countdown
The planner will continue to chase up naughty guests and will work on transport configurations for the weekend. Reports will be issued to service providers, the chefs, the rest of the Rigaud team and the stylist. We need final numbers for the wedding meal at this point so that the chef can place his orders.
One week countdown
Relax, the hard work is done, pack your bags and catch your flight
February
Introductions to your wedding planner
Book a planning weekend (often done before this, at the original booking date)
Consider and book your band, photographer and celebrant
Reserve professional hair and make-up
Decide upon church or lawn ceremony
Ensure you have made travel arrangements to arrive for lunch on the first day of your booking. You will need to meet with your planner for a final check list before your guests arrive.
March - the planning weekend
If you are not attending a planning weekend you need to arrange a detailed Skype call with your planner to cover off the following nuts and bolts questions:
Menu choice for the wedding meal, arrival night meal, Sunday lunch and other support meals?
Crémant or Champagne? House wines or upgrade?
Round tables or long rectangular tables?
What are your final music requirements? Canapés and ceremony plus after dinner
What activities will you offer on the Friday?
Where will you have your Friday night meal?
Will you be offering our Guest Information Pages or building your own website that requires an online form link?
Will there be children at the wedding? (we will ensure babysitting is optioned)
Deadline for creating the Guest Information Pages and Links is the end of January
April
At the beginning of April you should receive a report from your planner which details the decisions that have been made, either at the planning weekend or during the Skype call and an updated budget which reflects this.
May
Issue the Guest Information Pages or your wedding website address to your guests
Consider the format of your ceremony, the wording, the vows, any readings and the readers
Skype call and Pinterest board exchanges with our florist
Consider the other design elements such as table names, table plan, orders of service etc
June
Skype with your planner to discuss design requirements and ensure the details are noted
Confirm flower arrangements and agree budget with florist
July
Wedding update report and budget from your planner, which should be virtually full of detail by this stage, bar the final numbers which arrive as guests respond to the online form
8 weeks countdown – payment due
Your planner will generate a guest report for you which will detail those guests who have returned their forms, what they have booked and what they have paid for. It will highlight the guests who have booked but not paid
6 weeks countdown
You review the guest report, identify whoever has not yet completed and chase these guests to complete within the next week. You should provide full guest list with email addresses in excel format and identify guests with children in order that arrangements for babysitting can be made
4 weeks countdown
Your planner will generate a further guest report and you should add to this the names and email addresses of any guests who have been invited but have not yet completed the form.
Three weeks countdown
THREE WEEKS OUT FROM THE WEDDING IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE PLANNER TO HAVE A FULL LIST OF ALL THE INVITED GUESTS, THEIR CHOSEN ACTIVITIES AND BOOKINGS.
Two weeks countdown
The planner will continue to chase up naughty guests and will work on transport configurations for the weekend. Reports will be issued to service providers, the chefs, the rest of the Rigaud team and the stylist. We need final numbers for the wedding meal at this point so that the chef can place his orders.
One week countdown
Relax, the hard work is done, pack your bags and catch your flight.
Timings & Flexibility at Rigaud
One of the most special things about a Rigaud wedding is that the château becomes your private space for the entire duration of your booking. There’s no rush, no revolving door of couples — just you and your guests.
Because of this, we encourage couples not to obsess over a strict timeline. It’s natural to want a plan, but overly rigid schedules can sometimes detract from the beauty of just letting things unfold.
Your planner and the Rigaud team will gently keep the day moving along, but we’ll also embrace the unexpected — and we encourage you to do the same. Some of the most magical moments happen when time is allowed to breathe.
Inside vs. Outside Dining
If you’re dreaming of dining outside, there are a few key things to consider:
Dinner outside = 8pm start (8.30 in June)
This allows the terrace to move into shade, keeping guests cool and comfortable.Later dinner = later ceremony
We suggest planning your ceremony for 4pm (or even 5pm) to allow for a natural flow: ceremony → drinks → dinner → dancing.
Photographic bonus
A 4pm or later ceremony gives your photographer the best of the golden hour light — that dreamy, honeyed look you’ll have admired in so many Italian or Provençal wedding albums.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8/9am | Hair & Make up arrive (depending on your arrangements) |
| 11:00 | Photographer arrives (depending on your arrangements) |
| 12:30 | Lunch for chateau guests / bridal party and some suppliers |
| 14:30 | Guests start to arrive / Bride should aim to be in dress |
| 15:00 | Ceremony commences |
| 15:45 | Ceremony ends |
| 15:50 | First glass on the ceremony lawn & confetti shots |
| 16:15 | Guests move to Canapé terrace for canapé reception / cocktail hours |
| 18:00 | Guests start moving to wedding barn. Couple photography |
| 18:30 | MC announces couple to WB, music & napkin waiving & speeches |
| 19:00 | Dinner |
| 21:00 | Croquembouche / Wedding cake served |
| 21:30 | First dance & Band starts playing |
| 23:30 | Shuttle buses begin |
| Midnight | DJ / Playlist starts |
| Midnight | Pain au chocolates / hot dogs served or both |
| 02:00 | Music OFF & final buses home |
Wedding cars
We are able to provide a limited range of wedding cars for couples who will be married in the local church. Cars are expensive and have to be booked early. From €500.
Options include a Jaguar MK2 and a Citroen 2CV.
Other ideas for adding a WOW factor
Photo Booths
Not a cheap option, you need to add around €900 to include delivery and collection but it does add a fun element to the day https://www.vip-box.fr/
Social Media Content
This is a relatively new concept designed to capture the more candid and less staged elements of the day on video and to post them to social media as the wedding is unfolding https://www.instagram.com/mimosamomentsfr
Cartoonist / Event Artist
Ice cream trucks
Donkeys - complete with paniers for fizz