Are you planning to get married this year but don’t have a venue yet? Don’t panic! A last-minute wedding in France can and will happen in 2026, and we’re here to help you on your journey. At Chateau Bee, we specialise in vetted wedding venues in France that allow you to have an stress-free wedding planning experience.
In this blog, we’re going to go through some of the advantages about planning a last-minute destination wedding, the venues we have that have availability (and special offers!), and how we can support you every step of the way.
Let’s jump right in.
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Yes, You Can Still Plan a 2026 Last-Minute Wedding in France
Are you wondering whether it’s still possible to get married in France in 2026? The answer is yes, you can still plan a 2026 wedding in France. Rest assured, you’re not too late, there is still availability at many of our vetted venues, and some venues even release last-minute dates, and sometimes even throw in special offers!
There seems to be a rising trend in late-planned weddings, as they are often surprisingly stress-free, with all the details coming together quickly and efficiently. These celebrations are also just as magical as weddings that have been planned years in advance. That’s not to say that if you have a dream venue it’s probably best to book in advance, so your hopes aren’t squashed right at the finish line.
The Advantages of Planning a Last-Minute Wedding in France (Especially in 2026)
If you’re a Type A kind of person, you’ve probably got all the tiny details of your wedding down to a tee, from the venue to the menu. But if you’re more Type B, and go with the flow, our guess is that you’re probably reading this right now! Neither option is bad or wrong, and here we’re just going to outline a few of the advantages of being a Type B person in planning a last-minute wedding in France.
Potential Special Pricing
With booking so last-minute, there are often only a few remaining dates available at a wedding venue, and these dates may be in the shoulder seasons (which are often April, May, September and October). In these seasons, the price is often better value as the demand for these dates is less. We will also mention that these shoulder seasons can be just as beautiful, with colourful blooms in the spring and classic fall colour palettes in the autumn.
Faster Decision-Making
When it comes to a last-minute decision, couples will often trust their instincts and choose a wedding venue with decisiveness instead of umming and ahhing over multiple venues. There is also less choice, which is often less overwhelming and can provide you with more clarity on what exactly it is that you want in your wedding venue.
A More Intimate Guest List
The save-the-dates haven’t been sent yet, which may be a blessing in disguise. Some guests may already be busy on the date, which means you will have a smaller guest list. For chateau weddings this is perfect; whilst some weddings do cater to large guest lists, many venues are wonderful with fewer guests, creating warmth and connection in an intimate setting (which is a hot trend for wedding venues in 2026). Take a look at the 2026 wedding venue hotlist.
Reduced Planning Stress
This one can be put simply: Less time = fewer decisions = more ease.
Strong Venue Support Makes All the Difference
Having Chateau Bee on hand can make the process a whole lot easier. From knowing that the venues have been hand-picked and vetted, to being able to make easy contact with the owners, we are here to help. An experienced team can help keep things smooth during this last-minute race to make decisions.
What to Look For in a Last-Minute Destination Wedding Venue
Before we show you wedding venues that have last-minute availability, let’s quickly go through what you are looking for when it comes to making a decision about a venue.
Here are the key qualities to look out for:
• Responsive, clear communication
• Experience with destination weddings
• Trusted suppliers (preferably English-speaking)
• Flexible indoor/outdoor spaces
• On-site accommodation
• A welcoming, hands-on owner or coordinator
We’ve already done most of the hard work for you, we’ve vetted the venues and we know that each venue would host a magical day, exactly how you would imagine it.
Chateau Bee Recommended Venues With 2026 Availability / Offers
In this section we will showcase the venues we know of that have last-minute availability, and if applicable whether they have any special offers. Each venue will have a short description, a couple of images, and the key figures you need to know – max number of guests, max sleeping capacity, location, and price.
Chateau Barayre
Warm, charming, and ideal for intimate countryside weddings.
Sit back and picture a boho-chic wedding venue in the Dordogne, friends and family gathered, tucking into awesome French food on long wooden banquet tables decorated with wild flowers. If you’re looking for a laid-back, sustainable and poetic wedding experience in the South of France, then Chateau Barayre is the place for you.
- Up to 120 guests
- Sleeps 34
- Dordogne, South of France
- €19,400 for an all-inclusive package for 3 days and 2 nights (and from €21,400 for a package for 4 days and 3 nights)
Special offer + remaining 2026 dates:
For their last 2026 dates, the chateau offers a 600€ discount – or – a fantastic 3rd night of accommodation (and hence 4th day) for 26 of your dearest guests for FREE!
The available dates are currently:
- a midweek in the June–July period
- the midweek of August 26th
- the weekend around August 30
- the first weekend of October
- during the September period they are open to host one midweek wedding
Chateau Canet
Sun-drenched, vineyard-framed, perfect for relaxed French celebrations.
Chateau Canet is an incredible vineyard wedding venue down in the South of France. The setting – amidst vines and olive groves – is magical, the greeting from the owners – with over 15 years of experience in hosting – is heartfelt, and the wedding options are plenty.
- Up to 80 guests
- Sleeps 45
- Near Carcassonne, South of France
- From €17,000 for 2 nights (includes your accommodation, event planning, and wedding coordination)
Special offer for 2026
Spring & Fall Elopement Offer: get married at Chateau Canet in 2026 with 20 of your closest and dearest for €15,000. Click below to find out more.
Chateau des Barrenques
Enchanting, wooded, and wonderfully atmospheric for nature-filled weddings.
This 15th-century chateau oozes Provençal charm, with its iconic pale blue shutters, ochre façade, and lush surroundings of fountains, rivers, and sun-soaked parklands. If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” amidst lavender fields at a charming Provence chateau, look no further than Chateau des Barrenques.
- Up to 200 guests
- Sleeps 42
- Provence, South of France
- From €10,000 for 2 days, 1 night (mid-week rate in October)
Special offer for 2026:
- 20% to 40% discount on remaining dates
- 50% off the extra night booking
Get in touch to find out more.
Chateau St Pierre de Serjac
Luxurious, stylish, and effortless for couples wanting full comfort and service.
Blending perfectly the services and luxury facilities of a boutique hotel with the relaxed atmosphere of a private club, Chateau St Pierre de Serjac provides an immediate wow factor due to its beautiful elevated 200-acre site, with uninterrupted views of rolling vines, olive groves, and woodland.
- Up to 140 guests
- Sleeps 140
- Near Béziers, South of France
- From €5,000 (excluding accommodation)
Remaining Dates for 2026:
- April (90–140 guests) Friday 17 to Sunday 19 / Monday 20 (on hold)
- May (90–140 guests) Friday 1 to Sunday 3 / Monday 4; Friday 22 to Sunday 24
- October (90–140 guests) Friday 9 to Sunday 11 / Monday 12; Friday 16 to Sunday 18 / Monday 19
La Cannonerie
Romantic, intimate, and beautifully suited to smaller, heartfelt gatherings.
We love La Cannonerie for its distinctive look and feel. We went there on a sunny, glorious day at the end of the summer, driving through a rolling patchwork of vineyards and fields. It is a collection of seven renovated cottages, set around a large, impressive courtyard, making it a wonderful venue for those who want to get married in France in a relaxed and elegant setting, adjacent to vineyards.
- Up to 120 guests
- Sleeps 36
- Bordeaux
- Rental from €12,500 for 3 nights
Special offer for 2026:
For the last remaining dates of 2026, €10,000 only for 3 nights instead of €12,500
Chateau Lacourt
Elegant, grand, perfect for larger celebrations.
Pass the impressive gates and be amazed by the style and opulence of the place, furnished with antique furniture, refined art pieces, and contemporary items. The stunning Chateau Lacourt, in Southwest France, strikes that perfect balance between old and new, plus gives you that luxurious yet homely feeling. It is an idyllic French chateau wedding near Toulouse.
- Up to 150 guests
- Sleeps 28
- Pyrenees
- From £9,400 for 3 days, 2 nights
Remaining 2026 dates
Still a few Summer 2026 dates left at this chateau! Weekends of:
- 24th July
- 29th August
- 12th September
Get in touch before they’re gone!
Chateau des Rivières
Serene, secluded, and ideal for couples seeking calm and romantic charm.
As you approach the château, framed by two towers topped with glazed emerald tiles, it starts to reveal its Mediterranean charm. We love this wedding venue for its authenticity: this is not an impersonal hotel but very much a venue with that home-away-from-home vibe. Chateau des Rivières is for the “bons vivants”… those who wish to find a lavish French wedding venue which is also laid back and utterly welcoming.
- Up to 299 guests
- Sleeps 60
- Aude / Hérault / Gard, South of France
- From €9,375 (May pricing) for 1 night, 2 days
Availability in 2026
This venue still has availability across Summer 2026 — with dates open every month except June. Contact us today to learn more about the remaining dates and the special pricing the owner may be able to offer.
Chateau du Puits es Pratx
Colourful, characterful, and perfect for lively, sociable celebrations.
Chateau du Puits es Pratx is a peach of a venue, surrounded by vineyards and perfect for a beautiful outdoor wedding in the South of France. What we love about the chateau, besides its very French charm, is that the owners have thought of every detail to make your wedding planning an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Indeed, the chateau has its in-house chef, as well as a bespoke wedding planning service offered for free to couples getting married there.
- Up to 160 guests
- Sleeps 50
- Aude / Hérault / Gard, South of France
- From €14,895 all-inclusive package for 50 people (includes in-house wedding planner and on-site coordinator)
Last date for 2026:
- May 15th–18th
How Chateau Bee Supports Couples Planning Quickly
So, how can we help?
At Chateau Bee, we’ve travelled the length and breadth of France searching for wedding venues that truly have it all — from romantic charm to the practicalities and legalities.
We’re your venue matchmakers and trusted guides as you navigate the world of French wedding venues. With smooth, clear communication from start to finish, we offer honest, real advice and help you understand each location so we can pair you with exactly what you’re looking for.
If you’re feeling rushed or overwhelmed, don’t panic — we’re here to help. Reach out today, and we’ll match you with your dream French wedding venue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Last-Minute Wedding in France
How much time do I realistically need to organise a last-minute wedding in France?
Many couples plan a last-minute wedding in France in as little as 2–6 months. As you are not pursuing a legal ceremony in France (and instead doing the legal part at home), the planning timeline becomes even easier. A strong venue team and vetted suppliers make the process surprisingly efficient.
Are last-minute weddings in France more expensive?
Not necessarily. In fact, a last-minute wedding in France can be more affordable. Many venues offer reduced rates for remaining dates or shoulder-season weekends. You may also save money simply because the shorter planning window encourages clearer decisions and avoids unnecessary extras.
Do I need to complete any legal paperwork to marry in France at the last minute?
Because of French legal requirements, international couples planning a wedding in France will usually complete the legal ceremony at home and enjoy a symbolic ceremony in France — much simpler, much quicker, and just as meaningful.
Can I still book photographers, caterers, and planners for a last-minute wedding in France?
Yes — especially when your venue has a trusted supplier network. Many seasoned French suppliers are used to last-minute planning and often have availability outside peak weekends. This makes securing vendors for a last-minute wedding in France much more achievable.
Ready To Say “Oui”?
Whether you’re planning a last-minute elopement or a chateau wedding with only a few months to spare, France offers incredible possibilities for 2026.
If you’d like help securing a venue with remaining availability, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Plan a Last-Minute Wedding in France for 2026: Venues With Availability & Special Offers by Olivia
Cover image: Chateau Lacourt by Awardweddings
