Wedding dreams come true at Château de Valinches

« A good marriage drags a long tail of memory behind it »
William Landay

Are you looking to plan a fairytale wedding in an exceptional venue not far from Saint-Étienne or Lyon?
Domaine et Château de Valinches is delighted to welcome you and all of your guests on our 15 hectares of magnificent parkland, just 30 minutes away from Saint-Étienne and 1h15 from Lyon. Our authentically bucolic location makes for an unforgettable wedding celebration and will go down a treat for your family and friends who’ll be sure to enjoy a sophisticated and convivial atmosphere.

More than a wedding venue, Château de Valinches is a site of outstanding prestige

Centenarian stonework, peaceful wooded outdoors, elegant French-style gardens, an intimate chapel, a romantic castle pond, and a breathtaking vista – the perfect ingredients for a wedding celebration.

Hold your cocktail reception under a130 m2 marquee on the Château esplanade or outside, with up to 300 guests. We’re also able to rent extra marquees to expand tent space if necessary.

For your civil ceremony, the pondside will add that romantic yet solemn touch to such a magical moment, watched over by a congregation of majestic bicentennial trees. The vast wooded parkland brings both conviviality and intimacy to the celebration, nestled in unspoilt, relaxing nature surroundings. The island in the middle of the pond is your dream setting for immortalising your extra special moments with a photoshoot, featuring superb water reflections of the lavish landscape.

The beautifully renovated 290 m2 wedding reception room is located in the former stables of the Château and can host up to 180 seated guests (250 standing), with 18 round tables, 15 rectangular tables, and 200 chairs. The old beams and century-old exposed stone walls abound with soul and character, which isn’t always the case with conventional high-end wedding reception rooms.

What could be more symbolic than celebrating marriage – the foundational rock of eternal love – between château walls that have survived the test of time?

chapelle

If it’s a more traditional ceremony you’re looking for, our quaint pondside chapel located 400 m away from one of the pilgrimage paths to Santiago de Compostela, might be the perfect match. This unique romantic venue can host the bride and groom as well as a few privileged guests for a spiritual moment against the peaceful lull of nature’s sounds.

Should some guests wish to stay the night, Domaine et Château de Valinches offers 30 tastefully decorated hotel rooms, including 4 suites. Situated within the Château’s former stable quarters, the rooms offer a modern design in soothing, natural and pastel tones. Domaine et Château de Valinches has a total accommodation capacity of 109 beds, including hotel rooms (72 beds), a dormitory (15 beds) and trailers (22 beds) that may be privatised over one or several nights.

Last but not least, your guests will have access to a private guarded car park, with 85 spaces and electric charging terminals.

A versatile venue for a wedding celebration made-to-measure

Salle de mariage Loire 42

Located in the town of Marols in the heart of the Loire region and away from the urban hustle and bustle, Domaine de Valinches offers a splendid change of scenery for nature-rich festivities. During the day, succumb to the French art de vivre – a balance between sophistication, tradition, and communion with nature. In the evening, embrace the festive atmosphere and put on your dancing shoes to boogie to some fantastic tunes right up until the break of day if you like!

Plan the wedding celebration you want, whether only a cocktail reception or a whole celebratory weekend. Hosting a wedding at Domaine et Château de Valinches isn’t just about witnessing that magical moment when two special people come together, it’s also about sharing a major life event, with all the passion and excitement involved.

An entire team on call for your wedding at Château de Valinches

Weddings are extra special events that bring two people’s dreams to life. Bride and grooms have high hopes for their idyllic day – which is why we’re here to help.

Building on our experience in successful wedding planning in the Saint-Étienne and Lyon area, Domaine et Château de Valinches will be happy to introduce you to its events team, who’ll examine your wishes and put in the energy to deliver to your expectations. With catering and accommodation taken care of on our end, you can enjoy your memorable day to the fullest.

Your wedding menu will be carefully put together by our Chef and his kitchen brigade, using essentially local fresh produce to offer you and your guests creative gourmet dishes that take into account food preferences or requirements. Our team will be on hand to help you choose the best wine options from our reputed wine cellar and create perfect wine associations for your meal. Sit tight for an exceptional culinary, but also aesthetic, experience at both your evening meal and next-day brunch!

We also offer more than over 30 on-site activities for all ages: pétanque, molkky, a golf driving range, a fitness trail, giant pick-up sticks, darts, board games, a unique escape game, cooking activities, etc.

If you need an extra helping hand in planning your wedding, we’d be happy to recommend external contractors.

  • Wedding-planner:

    to design the wedding concept, identify service providers, manage visual elements including flower arrangements

  • Pondside civil ceremony:

    on Domaine de Valinches grounds

  • Hairstyling and make-up
  • Wedding entertainment options available:

    DJ, live band, magician, artistic performance, on-site activities, candy bar, chocolate fountain, popcorn machine, Champagne fountain, beer tap, etc.

  • Technical contractors:

    decor, sound, lighting, video recording, photography, photo booth, screens, etc.

  • Transportation:

    luxury car hire, horse and carriage rentals

  • Extra on-site equipment rentals:

    high-bar tables, table cloths, glasses, table decorations, tents, heated parasols, benches, arches, vehicles, sound and lighting equipment, outdoor chairs, etc.

An exceptional location for celebrating private events

Life is made up of a handful of incredibly memorable moments which we sometimes feel deserve a special celebration. Domaine et Château de Valinches in Marols offers the perfect majestic and sophisticated setting for your grand occasions.
For birthdays, christenings, family gatherings, graduation ceremonies – bring your close friends and family together in our prestigious venue close to Saint-Étienne and Lyon. Domaine et Château de Valinches is at your entire disposal to help bring your wishes to life.

Témoignages

C’est toujours un réel plaisir de déjeuner au Domaine.

Tout est parfait !

Au plaisir d’un nouvel évènement à organiser au sein de votre établissement.

(Journée d’étude, décembre 2023).

Lieu très agréable et calme, parfait pour un séminaire résidentiel (salles de réunion, chambres, repas et pauses, tout est de qualité).

(Séminaire résidentiel, novembre 2023).

Accueil parfait, dans un cadre d’exception et avec un professionnalisme de très haut standing ! Encore merci.

(Séminaire résidentiel, janvier 2023).

Nous venons vous remercier pour l’accueil sympathique et chaleureux le 12 juillet dans un salon mis à notre disposition pour partager un repas avec nos enfants , petits enfants et conjoints , dans un cadre agréable , un repas délicieux et très abordable ; le parc est reposant et a permis de mettre en mémoire de très bons souvenirs à notre famille.

L’accueil est chaleureux, les chambres sont très bien. Nous avons diné plusieurs soir au restaurant de l’hôtel, nous nous sommes régalé. Bref, un beau séjour dans un cadre unique et reposant. Que du bonheur.

Exceptionnel, nous sommes venus déjeuner au restaurant ce midi, une équipe dynamique, souriante, aimable et un service irréprochable. La cuisine était raffinée. Je reviendrai sans hésitation.

Un cadre magique, un repas exceptionnel, le personnel est magnifique, agréable, souriant. Un très bon moment dans ce très beau château.

Très bel endroit, havre de paix pour réceptions, séminaires, etc. Dans un beau parc avec un joli parcours de golf.

Nous souhaitions vous dire un grand merci pour notre repas d’hier. Le repas était délicieux, le cadre magnifique, le maître d’hôtel très disponible et à l’écoute. Tout était parfait. Nous reviendrons sans hésitation. Encore merci pour tout.

Un lieu splendide pour l’organisation d’un événement avec une équipe attentive aux détails et disponible. Un grand merci au château pour son accueil.