Top ten luxury wedding venues in the South of France

Overlooking the bay of St Tropez, Le Beauvallon is one of the original Belle Époque palaces on the French Riviera. This grand private residence has been redesigned in recent years and includes 44 rooms including the Sky Pad penthouse with floor to ceiling glass windows and unspoiled views of St Tropez. The property offers the perfect setting for a glamorous, secluded wedding, along with its own ballroom, beach club and helipad.

The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, is synonymous with luxury weddings in the South of France. Opened in 1908, this stunning hotel offers exceptional cuisine across five restaurants and bars including the Michelin starred Le Cap. The hotel has a number of different wedding locations inside and out, impeccable service, breath-taking views and the most romantic backdrop, all located close to Cannes, Nice and Monaco. It’s easy to see why this is such a renowned venue and it makes for an incredible wedding venue.

Overlooking the Mediterranean, on a picturesque peninsula, the Hôtel le Cap Estel is an exclusive retreat for the A list and the perfect venue for an unforgettable wedding. Located between Nice and Monte Carlo it features 28 luxurious rooms and suites, many with balconies and sea views and all full of character. This secluded hotel, set amongst palms and terraced gardens, has an award-winning spa, Michelin starred restaurant, cinema, infinity pool and private beach. 

Set on the hills of Gassin, the impressive Villa Belrose overlooks the bay of St Tropez. The hotel welcomes guests with a grand entrance, exceptional service and gourmet cuisine. For some pre-wedding pampering, the hotel has a beautiful private spa and pool with views over St Tropez. The outside space is truly spectacular with jaw dropping views, perfect for the most memorable outdoor ceremony.

The magical 19^th century 5 star palace of Château de la Messardière, now part of the Leading Hotels of the World, is situated on a quiet hillside overlooking the Bay of Pampelonne. In the Var region, covering both Provence and the French Riviera, the Château sits within 25 acres of stunning grounds and panoramic views of St Tropez; the perfect wedding backdrop. The hotel is one of the largest in the area, offering guests luxury accommodation with numerous suites, along with a stunning spa and gourmet cuisine.

Le Petit Versaille is an amazing 19th century chateau close to Grasse, offering the most magnificent panoramic views over the bay of Cannes. The chateau includes 7 en-suite bedrooms and is ideal for a romantic, private wedding. With spacious rooms, gold leaf décor, parquet floors, crystal chandeliers, and endless natural light, the chateau is the perfect venue for a truly magical South of France wedding.

Originally a writers’ retreat, the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc opened its doors as a hotel in 1889 and is now known as one of the most prestigious venues in the South of France. It’s the setting for numerous parties and home to stars such as Uma Thurman and Will Smith during the Cannes Film Festival. Even John F. Kennedy stayed when he was just 21. Located on the southern tip of Cap d’Antibes the hotel oozes luxury, style and sophistication. The dreamy old school Riviera palace has a Great Gatsby feel to it, set amongst 22 acres of pine groves, with an iconic infinity pool and trapeze set over the sea, and two restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean. For an epic wedding entrance, couples can make an entrance by private launch and guests can make a procession down the 'Grande Allée' lined with candles. The hotel has a number of glamorous wedding spaces including a large terrace for a magical reception overlooking the sea.

The 12^th century Château Saint-Martin & Spa I set in the hills above Vence, a perfectly secluded and charming setting for a wedding. A more rural location but with a modern feel and having its own helipad means Monaco is only 10 minutes away. Originally built as a castle, the property is now part of the Leading Hotels of the World with a Michelin starred restaurant, spa and private villas, all set amongst the most beautiful olive groves.

If you want a more central wedding venue, Hôtel Byblos Saint-Tropez is right in the mix of things in St Tropez. Close to the harbour and with its own nightclub underneath. It’s fair to say it’s a little louder in character than many other venues in the region, but an ideal party spot and in total St Tropez style. It also benefits from an Alain Ducasse restaurant and 91 rooms and suites, the perfect mix of luxury and nightlife.

Known as the Pink Palace, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a dreamy Belle Époque Italian-style palazzo located on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula between Nice and Monaco. One of the most prestigious wedding venues on the French Riviera it boasts luscious gardens, stunning architecture and musical fountains. The villa offers a number of different spaces but my favourite is without a doubt the magnificent gardens.