Planning a destination wedding in France shouldn’t be stressful, especially when you are planning from abroad. That’s why we advise couples to find the top wedding planners in France – specifically bilingual experts who can help you seamlessly plan your wedding from afar.

In this conversation with Significant Others, we delve into showcasing a wedding planner’s perspective on destination weddings, expert tips and tricks for couples getting married in France, and why many consider this team to be among the top wedding planners in France. Plus, Pamela, Justine, and Nicole of Significant Others share which venue from our selection they connect with the most.

What is and Who are Significant Others?

When you meet Nicole, Pamela, and Justine, the first thing you notice is the infectious energy of a team that truly loves what they do. Hailing from Scotland, Australia, and France, this powerhouse trio have international perspectives rooted deeply in the soil of South West France, bringing a “best of both worlds” approach that is rare to find.

They combine the meticulous organisation of corporate project management and finance with the creative soul of interior design and expertise of intimate, high-end events.  Based in the heart of the Dordogne, they’ve navigated over 150 weddings earning a reputation for being fiercely ethical and refreshingly transparent. We asked Significant Others to tell us a bit more about their agency, what they do, who they are, and what they believe in.

How did it all start / when did you start planning weddings?

SO: The three of us each started planning weddings around six years ago. We met while working on events and quickly formed a connection. Eventually, in 2025, we decided to join forces and create a brand that truly reflects who we are — with values that resonate with us and a shared desire to create unforgettable moments.

Where are you based and which regions do you mostly work in?

SO: We are based in the Dordogne but work throughout the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in the South West of France. It’s an exceptional area that truly deserves more recognition, filled with spectacular venues that provide the perfect setting for unforgettable celebrations.

What’s your signature style or approach?

SO: Each of us has our own working style, but we share one common goal: to create the most beautiful day of your life. We listen carefully to our couples’ wishes, keep a close eye on the budget, and thanks to our experience, we are able to offer thoughtful guidance and connect our couples with exceptional vendors.

I know that ethical practices are key to your approach. Do you want to tell us more about it?


SO: Ethics is a key word for us. We are committed to working in full respect of the law, our vendors, and our couples. Through this ethical mindset and mutual respect, we build strong relationships with both our vendors and our clients. This allows us not only to grow our business, but also to help develop the region, support the local economy, and, in a way, create a standard that guarantees the quality of the services delivered.

“For example, one of our fundamental principles is transparency: we are completely open about the fact that we do not take any commission from the vendors we recommend. If we suggest a vendor, it is because we have worked with them before, our visions align, and we fully trust the quality of their work.”

We are also concerned to see more and more booking agents based abroad offering weddings in France without truly knowing the local landscape – or outsourcing the work to local planners while taking full credit for it. For us, local expertise and integrity matter deeply.

What do your couples typically look for in a wedding venue in France?

SO: Our clients are often looking for venues that combine French charm with a true wow “wow” factor.

What trends or requests are you seeing more and more of?

SO: More and more, couples are asking for venues where at least part of their guests can stay on-site. Three-day celebrations are becoming increasingly popular. We are also seeing a rise in more intimate weddings, with smaller guest lists and a focus on meaningful shared experiences.

What’s your take on the value of a well-curated venue list like Chateau Bee’s?

SO: We know that we share the same values and vision as Chateau Bee, so we trust that the properties listed on their website are carefully and thoughtfully selected.

For us, it goes even further than that: it lays the foundation for strong collaboration and allows for smoother planning built on trust from the very beginning.

Can you share a tip or insight for couples starting to plan their wedding in France?


Pamela, SO: Here are our top 3 tips: 

• Trust your gut – your intuition is ALWAYS right.
• Hire a planner who you feel you can trust from the start and who you can form a working relationship with. 
• Don’t make decisions based on glamorous instagram profiles and instead read reviews like their google review page. 

“A wedding planner may seem like an added expense, but in reality, it saves both time and money. We know the vendors, we speak the language, we read and negotiate contracts. We handle everything to simplify the process and remove the stress of planning.”

Countless hours go into organising every detail so that on your wedding day, your only job is to say “Yes” and fully enjoy the moment.

If you had to pick one venue from our collection that really resonates with you — which would it be, and why?

SO: That’s a very good question! We have to answer individually:

Pamela, SO: Chateau Lajoie, Chateau Lajoie, Chateau Lajoie…

I am not sure if it’s inappropriate the amount of love I would have for myself If I
were Chateau Lajoie.. I have to genuinely mentally edit what I want to say as
there are so many amazing features at this venue that I could write a thesis. Here
goes…
The Chateau has a strong presence with its blonde stone, surrounded by impeccably
manicured gardens.

The communal spaces and bedrooms have been decorated in such a way that they envelop you with their class, but not in a pretentious way – rather, in a way that allows comfort and luxury to coexist.

Standing at the infinity pool you really could be in Borneo looking out over the
treetops with nothing obscuring your view as far as the eye can see. If that is not
enough the sun loungers are the quality you would find in one of the best hotels in
the world. If you need anything else at all there is a beautifully considered spa
which I would be more than happy to spend a day at.
Lastly, I love that she is owned by a woman! Be prepared to hold your breath…Maybe take a paper bag just in case the excitement gets too much!

Justine, SO: For me, it would be Château de Valouze. There’s just something about it—it feels like its own little world and that’s probably because it is.

The château sleeps 96 guests, which is a higher population than some of the nearby villages. Not only have all the spaces been renovated to a high spec, but there’s pretty much AC throughout the rooms and event spaces.

Château de Valouze is one of the grandest châteaux in the area. You cannot help
but fall in love as you drive down the tree-lined driveway and see what unfolds,
there standing majestic among the 400-year-old trees sits nothing more than a
beauty.

And Valouze even has its very own bar in the basement! I know – sassy and cool…
with a touch of spice. Remind you of anyone?

Nicole, SO: I would be Château No. 3.

Chateau No 3 is a small gem that speaks to me, she whispers with a vibration so luxurious, you cannot help wanting to move in. Every decorative detail has been thoughtfully considered, from the roll-top bathtubs to the white carpets… Yes, I know..imagine being so brave to choose white.

This is the perfect venue for those who want to savor peaceful moments with 12 of
their favorite people onsite, before having all their friends come to visit for the
parties. The chateau holds a level of luxury that we all aspire towards. The classic beauty,
unapologetic, and not afraid to stand out.

Ready to Use the Top Wedding Planners in France For Your Destination Wedding?

Finding a team that balances international standards with local French soul is the secret to an stress-free celebration. As we’ve seen from our chat with Nicole, Justine, and Pamela, the top wedding planners in France offer not just logistics but peace of mind, ethical transparency, and a deep, personal connection to the regions they serve.

From managing your budget to being your bilingual voice on the ground in the Dordogne or Nouvelle-Aquitaine, having the right experts in your corner ensures your only job is to soak up every magical moment.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Dream Wedding:

• Connect with the Team: Visit Significant Others to learn more about their full-service planning and “Cherry on Top” packages.
• Find Your Venue: Not sure where to start? Browse the Chateau Bee Selection – our handpicked, vetted collection of the finest venues in France.
• Get Free Advice: Contact the Chateau Bee team today for a free venue search and expert guidance on starting your French wedding journey.