Wedding at Château de Prunay: a photographer’s guide
A 19th-century château in a 7-hectare park in Louveciennes, fifteen minutes from the west of Paris, by a photographer who has worked there
By Marion Pinel, destination wedding photographer · Updated
Château de Prunay is a 19th-century château in Louveciennes, in the Yvelines, set in a 7-hectare park about 15 minutes from Porte de Saint-Cloud. It suits intimate weddings of up to about 80 seated or 150 for a cocktail indoors, with up to 300 guests for a ceremony in the park. There are no bedrooms on site, and the venue is hired exclusively with recommended caterers.
- Location
- Louveciennes, Yvelines
- Access
- Porte de Saint-Cloud ~15 min
- Park
- 7 hectares
- Guests
- Up to ~80 seated
The venue: a château on the edge of Paris
Château de Prunay stands in Louveciennes, the village of the Impressionists above the Seine, on a hillside between Paris and Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The present château dates from the 19th century, on an estate already shown with a château and orangery on a plan of 1739 (Mérimée heritage record).
Its 7-hectare park, its reception hall and its small salons make it one of the closest château settings to Paris, ideal for couples who want greenery without a long journey for their guests (the château).
Where the ceremony and reception take place
According to its private events page and French Wedding Style, the château offers:
- The park: a ceremony for up to 300 guests on the lawns.
- The reception hall: about 110 m², around 80 to 96 seated or 140 to 150 for a cocktail.
- The Blue Room and the Bow-Window Room: for 24 to 32 seated, perfect for a welcome dinner or the children’s table.
- The winter garden: a small cocktail space of about 20.
There are no bedrooms on site. The château is hired exclusively, with recommended caterers, and has parking for about 100 cars.
My favourite photo spots at Château de Prunay
Having photographed at Château de Prunay, I know how to use its park and its light. My approach is editorial: fashion-inspired portraits, real emotion and the architecture as part of the story.
The park
Lawns and old trees for the ceremony and relaxed couple portraits in soft light.
The façade
The château’s façade for arrivals, the group photo and classic portraits.
The salons
The bow-window room and the winter garden for getting ready and quiet moments in natural light.
Light and timing
Louveciennes sits on the slopes above the Seine, west of Paris, so the park catches the warm evening light. Under the trees, the light stays soft through the afternoon, which makes an outdoor ceremony comfortable in summer.
In late June the sun sets around 21:55 west 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:
- 13:30
- Getting ready in Paris or nearby
- 16:00
- First look in the park
- 17:00
- Ceremony on the lawns
- 18:00
- Cocktail in the park, family photos
- 20:30
- Golden-hour portraits
- 21:00
- Dinner in the reception hall
- 23:00
- Cake and first dance
Getting there and where to stay
The château is about 15 minutes from Porte de Saint-Cloud and 20 minutes from Porte Maillot and La Défense, which makes it easy for guests staying in Paris.
With no bedrooms on site, guests can stay in Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye or Versailles. Around the wedding, take your guests to the Seine, the Marly estate or Versailles.
Editorial wedding photography around Paris
See a wedding at Château du Prieuré and a wedding at the Ritz Paris.
Paris wedding photographer →Questions about a wedding at Château de Prunay
Where is Château de Prunay?
At 19 chemin de Prunay in Louveciennes, in the Yvelines, about 15 minutes from Porte de Saint-Cloud.
How many guests can Château de Prunay host?
According to the château, about 80 seated or 150 for a cocktail in the reception hall, and up to 300 in the park for a ceremony.
Can guests stay on site?
No. There are no bedrooms at the château; guests stay in Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye or Versailles.
How much does a wedding at Château de Prunay cost?
French Wedding Style lists venue hire from €3,500 in peak season, catering not included. Check current rates with the château.
Have you photographed at Château de Prunay?
Yes. I have photographed a wedding at Château de Prunay.