Chateau Rigaud - France
Simply nowhere better in France to get married with a vibe all of its own
Michael & Gillian
“ Thank you so much for everything – it was an absolute pleasure having you and Richard with us for the day and we really enjoyed every moment.
The photos are just beyond belief good – even better than we expected and our expectations were high! The shots at sunset were close to my favourite part of the day for sure – it was so peaceful up there”
“ When we started planning our wedding at Chateau Rigaud, we knew we wanted a photographer who could truly capture the beauty and emotion of our day. Brett Harkness was the perfect choice for us. His reputation as one of the UK’s top wedding photographers is well-deserved, and his portfolio speaks for itself. We loved Brett's natural and relaxed approach, which allowed us to be ourselves and enjoy our wedding day without feeling posed or pressured. He has an incredible eye for detail and knew exactly how to highlight the stunning backdrop of Chateau Rigaud. From our first consultation to the final photo delivery, Brett was professional, attentive, and genuinely passionate about his work. Our wedding photos are breathtaking and bring back all the joy and love we felt on that day. We couldn't be happier with our decision to hire Brett Harkness to capture our wedding memories."
— Sophie & Daniel M.
Chateau Rigaud Wedding Photographer Brett Harkness
Brett Harkness is a renowned wedding photographer who has spent over 15 years capturing the magic and romance of weddings at Chateau Rigaud in the stunning countryside of Southern France. Known for his natural and fun approach, Brett has become a favorite among couples looking to celebrate their love in one of the most picturesque venues in the world.
Chateau Rigaud: A Dream Venue in the Heart of Bordeaux
Nestled amidst the lush vineyards outside of Bordeaux, Chateau Rigaud offers a truly enchanting setting for weddings. This historic chateau combines rustic charm with modern luxury, providing a breathtaking backdrop for couples seeking a destination wedding in the South of France. From its beautifully manicured gardens to its elegant interiors, every corner of Chateau Rigaud exudes romance and sophistication.
The venue’s location amidst the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux adds to its allure, making it an ideal choice for couples who appreciate fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and the beauty of the French countryside. Chateau Rigaud’s versatile spaces allow for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations, accommodating a variety of wedding styles and sizes.
Brett Harkness: A Passion for Photography
With a career spanning over two decades, Brett Harkness has established himself as one of the leading wedding photographers, both in the UK and internationally. His passion for capturing authentic moments and telling love stories through his lens has earned him a stellar reputation among couples and industry professionals alike.
A Natural and Fun Approach
Brett's approach to wedding photography is characterized by his ability to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for couples and their guests. He believes that the best photographs come from genuine moments and emotions, and he strives to capture these in a way that is both artistic and unobtrusive.
Capturing Authentic Moments: Brett’s style is all about capturing the essence of the day as it naturally unfolds. He focuses on the candid smiles, heartfelt glances, and spontaneous laughter that make each wedding unique.
Relaxed and Unobtrusive: Known for his laid-back demeanor, Brett has a talent for putting couples and their guests at ease. This allows him to blend seamlessly into the background, capturing the day’s events without interrupting the flow or forcing staged shots.
Personalized Experience: Brett takes the time to get to know each couple, understanding their vision and preferences to ensure that their personalities shine through in every photograph. His personalized approach results in a collection of images that are as unique as the couple themselves.
Complementing the Beauty of Chateau Rigaud
Chateau Rigaud’s stunning landscapes and elegant architecture provide the perfect canvas for Brett Harkness’s photography. He has an exceptional eye for detail and composition, allowing him to highlight the venue’s natural beauty while focusing on the couple’s love story.
Creating Timeless Memories
Over the years, Brett has developed an intimate knowledge of Chateau Rigaud, allowing him to utilize its various settings to create diverse and captivating images. Whether it’s a romantic portrait in the vineyard at sunset or a joyful candid moment in the garden, Brett’s photographs beautifully encapsulate the essence of the venue and the couple’s celebration.
The Perfect Partnership
The combination of Chateau Rigaud’s enchanting ambiance and Brett Harkness’s artistic vision creates a magical experience for couples and their guests. Together, they offer a wedding experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, leaving couples with a timeless collection of memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Conclusion
Brett Harkness's love for photographing weddings at Chateau Rigaud is evident in the breathtaking images he creates. His natural and fun approach perfectly complements the unique charm of this beautiful venue in the vineyards outside of Bordeaux.
For couples dreaming of a wedding in the South of France, Brett Harkness and Chateau Rigaud offer an unparalleled experience that combines elegance, romance, and authenticity. With over 15 years of experience capturing the magic of Chateau Rigaud, Brett Harkness is the perfect choice for couples looking to preserve their special day in stunning detail.
“Having Brett Harkness photograph our wedding at Chateau Rigaud in Southern France was one of the best decisions we made. Brett is not only an incredibly talented photographer but also a genuinely warm and approachable person. His relaxed demeanor made us feel at ease throughout the day, allowing us to truly enjoy each moment without feeling posed or pressured.
Brett's attention to detail and ability to capture the emotion of the day was incredible. Every photo beautifully reflects the stunning venue and the joy of our celebration. His professionalism and creativity were evident in every shot, and he went above and beyond to ensure that our personalities shone through in our photos. We couldn't be happier with our wedding pictures—they are a perfect reflection of our love story and the magical setting of Chateau Rigaud.
— Emma & James L.
did you know?Chateau Rigaud is a stunning wedding venue and luxury retreat located in the picturesque countryside near Bordeaux, France. While many people are familiar with its reputation for hosting beautiful weddings and events, there are several fascinating aspects of Chateau Rigaud that are less widely known. Here are ten things you might not know about this charming chateau:
1. Historical Origins
Chateau Rigaud dates back to the 18th century, with its original structure reflecting the classic architectural style of that era. The chateau has been meticulously restored over the years to maintain its historical charm while offering modern comforts.
2. Family-Owned and Operated
Unlike many commercial venues, Chateau Rigaud is a family-owned business. The Watson family purchased the chateau in 2004 and have lovingly transformed it into the stunning venue it is today. Their personal touch and dedication to hospitality are evident in every aspect of the property.
3. Organic Kitchen Garden
Chateau Rigaud boasts its own organic kitchen garden, which supplies fresh produce for the meals prepared by its talented chefs. Guests can enjoy seasonal, farm-to-table dining experiences, with ingredients harvested just steps from the kitchen.
4. Wine Lovers' Paradise
Located in the heart of Bordeaux wine country, Chateau Rigaud offers a unique opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the region’s world-renowned vineyards and wineries. The chateau often organizes wine tastings and tours for its guests, allowing them to experience the best of Bordeaux’s wine culture.
7. Exclusive Use for Events
When hosting a wedding or event at Chateau Rigaud, guests have exclusive use of the entire estate. This privacy ensures an intimate and personalized experience, allowing couples and their loved ones to fully immerse themselves in the celebration without any outside distractions.
10. Activities and Entertainment
In addition to its stunning event spaces, Chateau Rigaud offers a range of activities and entertainment options for guests. Whether it’s lounging by the heated outdoor pool, playing pétanque in the gardens, or enjoying a leisurely bike ride through the countryside, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
5. Eco-Friendly Practices
Sustainability is a key focus at Chateau Rigaud. The venue incorporates eco-friendly practices, such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, and recycling initiatives, to minimize its environmental impact and promote a greener future.
8. Luxurious Accommodation
The chateau offers luxurious accommodation for up to 22 guests, with beautifully appointed bedrooms that blend historic charm with modern amenities. Each room is uniquely decorated, providing a comfortable and elegant retreat for guests to relax and unwind.
6. Award-Winning Venue
Chateau Rigaud has earned numerous accolades for its exceptional service and stunning location. It has been featured in various wedding publications and is consistently ranked among the top wedding venues in France.
9. Tailored Wedding Packages
Chateau Rigaud specializes in creating bespoke wedding experiences, tailoring every detail to suit the couple’s vision and preferences. From customized menus to personalized decor, the team at Chateau Rigaud works closely with couples to ensure their wedding day is truly unique.
"We chose Brett Harkness for our wedding at Chateau Rigaud because of his exceptional documentary style and his unique understanding of light, which brought every moment to life beautifully. Brett captured genuine emotions without forced poses, and his work perfectly highlighted the stunning setting. Being on Chateau Rigaud's preferred suppliers list reassured us of his talent and reliability. Our photos tell the story of our day in the most authentic and breathtaking way. We highly recommend Brett for anyone seeking a talented photographer with an eye for detail and an artistic approach."
— Sarah & Oliver W.