Wedding at Château de Champlâtreux: a photographer’s guide
An 18th-century listed château in a 50-hectare English park, thirty minutes north of Paris
By Marion Pinel, destination wedding photographer · Updated
Château de Champlâtreux is an 18th-century château built between 1751 and 1757 for the Molé family, a listed historic monument in a 50-hectare English park in Épinay-Champlâtreux, 30 minutes north of Paris and 15 minutes from Charles de Gaulle airport. It hosts weddings of up to about 250 seated in its state rooms and on its grounds, with the 18th-century Saint-Eutrope church on the estate for ceremonies.
- Location
- Épinay-Champlâtreux, Val-d’Oise
- Access
- Paris ~30 min · CDG ~15 min
- Park
- 50 ha, English style
- Guests
- Up to ~250 seated
The venue: a listed château in an English park
Château de Champlâtreux was built between 1751 and 1757 by the architect Jean-Michel Chevotet for Mathieu-François Molé. In 1823 its French gardens were replaced by an English park. It is a listed historic monument, owned by the de Noailles family, and has been a film location since 1938 (the château).
Its white stone façade, its state rooms and its park make it one of the most classical châteaux close to Paris and the airport.
Where the ceremony and reception take place
According to the château and French Wedding Style, the main spaces are:
- The Saint-Eutrope church: an 18th-century church on the grounds, for the ceremony.
- The state rooms: the Grand Salon, Salon du Billard, Salon Bleu, Antichambre and dining room, on the ground floor.
- The Closerie: a 170 m² space, and a cottage sleeping 12.
- The park and the stables: for the cocktail and outdoor moments.
According to Mariages.net, the venue takes up to 250 seated and 500 standing, and catering is not imposed. French Wedding Style lists exclusive hire from €9,490 in peak season.
Photo spots to plan for
When I prepare a wedding at a venue, I study its layout, its orientation and its light beforehand, so that the day flows without anyone waiting for photos. At Château de Champlâtreux, these are the places I would build the day around:
The main façade
White stone and a classical pediment: the most elegant backdrop for the couple and the group photo.
The English park
Old trees, lawns and winding paths for relaxed portraits in the last hour of light.
The state rooms
Panelling, chandeliers and tall windows for getting ready and editorial indoor portraits.
Light and timing
The château stands in open countryside north of Paris, so the park gets long, warm evening light. The state rooms are lit by tall windows and are bright through the day.
In late June the sun sets around 21:55 north of Paris, and around 19:35 by the end of September.
A wedding day here, hour by hour
An example timeline I would suggest for a late-June wedding:
- 14:00
- Getting ready at the Closerie
- 16:00
- First look in the park
- 16:30
- Ceremony in the Saint-Eutrope church or the park
- 17:30
- Cocktail on the lawns, family photos
- 20:30
- Golden-hour portraits in the English park
- 21:00
- Dinner in the state rooms
- 23:00
- Cake and first dance
Getting there and where to stay
Épinay-Champlâtreux is about 30 minutes from Paris and 15 minutes from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, which makes it convenient for international guests.
The Closerie sleeps 12; other guests can stay in hotels around the airport, Chantilly or Paris. Nearby, see my guide to Château de Saint-Martin-du-Tertre.
Editorial wedding photography in Paris
See a wedding at the Ritz Paris and a wedding at Château du Prieuré, and my guides to the Ritz Paris and Château de Nainville, where I have photographed.
Paris wedding photographer →Questions about a wedding at Château de Champlâtreux
Where is Château de Champlâtreux?
In Épinay-Champlâtreux, in the Val-d’Oise, about 30 minutes north of Paris and 15 minutes from Charles de Gaulle airport.
How many guests can Château de Champlâtreux host?
According to Mariages.net, up to 250 seated and 500 standing.
Is there a church on the estate?
Yes. The 18th-century Saint-Eutrope church stands on the grounds.
How much does a wedding at Château de Champlâtreux cost?
French Wedding Style lists exclusive hire from €9,490 in peak season, and Mariages.net about €13,400 to €14,400. Check current rates with the château.