Make your dream wedding a reality at Domaine des Halles in Lyon

If you are envisioning an elegant, unforgettable celebration surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and exceptional service, then the Domaine des Halles should be at the top of your list.

This stunning venue, located just outside the city of Lyon, offers a picturesque setting for both intimate and grand weddings. With its unique aesthetic, a variety of beautiful spaces and versatile settings, the Domaine des Halles promises to turn your wedding vision into a stunning reality.

Consider this blog your perfect guide to planning your dream wedding at Domaine des Halles.

Here you will find our expert advice and recommendations on:

• Wedding planning guidance
• Wedding budgeting & tools
• Wedding venue suggestions
• Wedding style & scheme
• Wedding vendor recommendations
• Dream wedding visualization & inspiration

Wedding planning guide overview

It’s no secret that planning a wedding can feel like a daunting task, especially when you have chosen to host your wedding abroad. From choosing important details like the order of the day to making design choices that feel personal and luxurious, you might be looking for advice and tips when it comes to curating and planning your destination wedding. 

With a little guidance from us, the process can be made enjoyable and stress-free! 

One of the first things to consider when planning your wedding is outlining your vision and priorities. Once these are clear, you can begin refining the details to bring them to life. Start by considering the travel and logistics from your guests point of view, then focus on the elements that will make your celebration unforgettable. For example, you might decide to incorporate stunning floral installations that complement the venue’s gardens and landscape, or you could add personal touches to enhance the guest experience like bespoke name cards or seating chart that reflect your wedding style and vibe.

This is where a wedding planner is an invaluable part of your team, by helping you make the right choices that align with the overall wedding theme and budget. From our very first meeting, we’ll take the time to get to know you in order to truly understand your vision and what your priorities are for the day. We’ll then plan your luxury wedding down to the last detail and flawlessly execute the event so that you can focus on spending quality time with your friends and family.

From connecting you with the best vendors to keeping your planning schedule on track, having someone by your side who understands the ins and outs of planning a wedding in France will ensure that your day is everything you imagined and more.

Establishing a budget and schedule

Whilst we completely understand the excitement of wanting to go all out on your wedding day, knowing where to allocate funds wisely can prevent unnecessary stress later on. 

The first step is identifying what the most important aspects of your wedding are to you, is this your venue, catering, decor or entertainment, for example, this will help you allocate a larger portion of your budget toward the areas that are priorities for you.

To help you stay on track with spending your budget, we create easy-to-use professional tools such as spreadsheets, budget calculators and give you access to dedicated online platforms to keep track of your budget, timeline, vendors and all the details about your wedding. These tools allow you to keep track of expenses, set realistic goals, manage payments and deadlines with ease. Our goal is to create useful tools that simplify every element in the lead up to your big day.

When it comes to your planning details for the big day, we help you make a realistic schedule that allows ample time for all aspects of the wedding process. This includes choosing a date, finalising the guest list, and securing your venue. The last thing we want your to feel is rushed!

Whether you’re planning a summer celebration or a winter wedding, Domaine des Halles is undeniably incredible at any time of year. If you want to get married at this stunning French venue, we recommend beginning your planning process 18-24 months in advance to secure your preferred date and give your guests enough notice to plan their travel arrangements.

How to choose the perfect venue

When selecting your venue, it’s important to consider several factors before paying your deposit to secure your venue. Will it comfortably accommodate your guests? Does it match the style and aesthetic you want for your big day? What unique features can it offer to make your wedding unforgettable? Is it accessible for your international guests? 

Domaine des Halles is a perfect choice for couples who appreciate a blend of history and modern elegance within a picturesque Chateau setting. With timeless interior design, centuries-old dining rooms and endless gardens to explore, this slice of French heaven suits a formal black-tie celebration or a relaxed and romantic aesthetic. 

Located just 45 kilometers from Lyon, Domaine des Halles offers a picturesque setting nestled in the heart of vast forests. The venue’s expansive outdoor spaces are perfect for welcoming guests or hosting a ceremony, with stunning natural surroundings that change with the seasons. Whether it’s spring blossoms or an autumnal colourscape, the changing landscape creates a variety of stunning backdrops year-round. 

The château itself is rich in history, making it an ideal backdrop for hosting grand events. One of the many stand-out features of the venue is that it has its own chapel, which offers an intimate setting for religious ceremonies and a one-of-a-kind space to say “I Do”. Surrounded by the tranquil countryside, this space creates the perfect atmosphere for a meaningful exchange of vows.

For receptions and dining, Domaine des Halles boasts five exquisite dining rooms, each with high French windows that open onto the terrace allowing you to feel so close to nature and enhancing the indoor experience. The terrace, spanning over 200 square meters, is perfect for welcoming guests with cocktails as they take in the panoramic views of the historic château or for a few hours during your drinks reception. Domaine des Halles newest addition is their stunning l’orangerie space which lends itself beautifully for a summer drinks reception or a spring wedding breakfast and is perfect for large gatherings.

It truly is the ideal choice for couples who want a blend of historic features, French elegance and modern amenities. This Chateau venue provides ample indoor and outdoor spaces that can be adapted to suit various wedding styles, whether you envision a romantic outdoor ceremony surrounded by lush greenery or a luxurious indoor reception in the grand hall.

With our wedding planning expertise, we are ready to turn this stunning location into your dream wedding, making it a memorable experience for not only yourself but your guests as well.

Defining your wedding style and theme

Your wedding style and theme set the tone for your entire celebration. It reflects your personality and love story, and it helps guide decisions on decor, attire, and even the flow of the day itself . When choosing a wedding theme, think about what is meaningful to you and your partner and don’t’ always think you have to follow trends.

The Domaine des Halles allows couples to get creative with their style choices and plan a wedding that is completely bespoke. Whether you envision a classic, fairytale wedding with chandeliers and romantic floral arrangements, or a boho-chic celebration with rustic tables and relaxed seating, this venue provides the perfect backdrop to bring that vision to life. 

Consider using elements of Lyon’s rich culture and heritage to inspire your wedding theme. This might be adding colours or shapes from historic French architecture or adding local fruit into your tablescape design. Your wedding should be a celebration that includes meaningful elements for you and your family.

How perfect wedding vendors make a magical day

Securing the right vendors is another very important part of your wedding planning process. The right caterer, florist, photographer, and entertainment is what’s going to elevate your day and create a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Lyon’s culinary scene is world-renowned, and a wedding at Domaine des Halles has the opportunity to  include custom menus crafted by some of the region’s finest chefs. So why not indulge your guests with gourmet meals inspired by the rich flavors of Lyonnaise cuisine, or work with a recommended caterer to design a menu around your favourite dishes.

By having a wedding planner on your team, you gain access to an entire network of trusted local vendors who are familiar with the venue and know exactly how to bring your vision to life.

Our job is to recommend top-rated vendors who are skilled in creating extraordinary events and will ensure that everything runs smoothly from the start of your ceremony to the end of your reception.

How to visualise your dream wedding

When imagining your special day, it can be hard to picture all the details and how everything will come together. That’s why we always suggest gathering inspiration so you can start visualising the elements that will make your celebration special. Pinterest boards, wedding magazines, celebrity weddings and even previous weddings at Domaine des Halles can provide ideas to help you refine your vision.

We help our couples by walking you through our portfolio of past weddings that are sure to spark inspiration.

The key to a memorable wedding is creating moments that speak to you and your partner’s personalities and what makes you so special. Whether it’s a personal touch added to the ceremony or a surprising element during the reception, your guests will remember the thoughtful details that made your wedding truly unique.

Additionally, make sure you consider how the venue’s grounds and gardens can enhance or inspire your wedding style. Domaine des Halles features stunning surroundings, historic gardens and immaculate outdoor settings where you can host your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Take advantage of these spaces to create a cohesive experience that flows seamlessly from indoor to outdoor events. 

Travel logistics and cultural tips for your guests

Whether you are hosting a destination wedding or having guests travel from other regions, it’s essential to consider the logistics of travel and accommodations. Lyon is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it an easy destination for international guests. The venue offers nearby accommodations for those who wish to stay close to the celebration, and we can provide recommendations for hotels, transportation, and other essentials for your guests. As local experts, you gain our years of knowledge of the area which are invaluable when planning any event. 

Lyon is famous for its food and vibrant history, so encourage your guests to explore the city before or after the wedding. We can help you recommend sights and activities such as dining at one of Lyon’s famous “bouchons,” or exploring the Rhône River for a taste of the local culture. 

While Domaine des Halles does not organise any in-house activities, we help our couples plan excursions and experiences in the grounds and in the nearby area such as wine tasting tours of the best vineyards in the region or onsite, a relaxed afternoon in the grounds playing pétanque or scenic trips to the local historic towns to taste the best local produce.

For couples coming from abroad, it’s also helpful to remember that while the majority of the population speaks French, English is often understood in most tourist areas, and the team at Domaine des Halles is experienced in working with international couples. Not to mention if you have a wedding planner such as ourselves on your team, we will be able to effectively communicate your vision to vendors and suppliers, ensuring your celebraiton is memorable and expertly executed. 

Making your dream wedding a reality

From the initial planning stages to the final touches of your wedding day, Domaine des Halles offers everything you need to make your dream wedding a reality. Its unique blend of elegance, versatility, and breathtaking surroundings makes it an ideal venue for couples looking to create an unforgettable celebration.

Let us help guide you through every step of the planning process, ensuring your wedding day is as stress-free and exciting as possible. Whether you’re looking for detailed logistical support, local vendor recommendations, or styling advice, we are here to help with out years of expertise and knowledge. 

Are you ready to begin planning your destination wedding in France? Contact us today to learn more about unique venues to choose from and together we can start bringing your wedding to life!

Photographer: Sylvain Bouzat