CHATEAU VAUX-LE-VICOMTE WEDDING GUIDE
Escape for a lifetime grand celebration in one of the most iconic privately owned French castle in this chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte wedding guide. Located approximately 60km south of Paris, it is the hidden treasure of Maincy, for any couple that wishes to have an exclusive lavish Paris chateau wedding. Since its creation in the XVIIth century, the château has kept an inhabited spirit. The magnificent French gardens, iconic facade, high ceilings, Frescos painting and elaborated tapestries, will make you fall in love and wish to have a wedding in France.
It is a dream that remains very exclusive. The chateau hosts a few private events each year. Sumptuous Events, your wedding planner extraordinaire, have produced several opulent weddings, marriage proposals & luxury parties. We have put together a Vaux-le Vicomte wedding & event guide for you. Close your eyes, and let your imagination take you to your craziest dream.
History of the Chateau Vaux le Vicomte
Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte remains a perfect example of French classicism. Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s Finance Minister, was a wealthy & ambitious man. He was hoping to succeed Mazarin, Louis XIV’s powerful Prime Minister that had just passed away. Nicolas Fouquet decided to build a castle of his dream.
To do this, he had to bring on board some of the best building professionals of that time. He commissioned Louis le Vau as the main architect, Le Nôtre, as the gardener & finally Le Brun, who was an accomplished painter and decorator at the court. It took them only five years to build this magnificent structure (from 1656 to 1661). Upon completion of the project, Fouquet finally invited king Louis XIV to a spectacular reception with fireworks, cascading fountains & concerts. A superb dinner followed, prepared by Vatel, the culinary master of the time. In the park, Molière presented his play Les Facheux. But The extravagance displayed by Fouquet stirred up the king’s jealousy. Undoubtedly displeased, the king left the party. Three weeks later, Louis XIV issued an order of life imprisonment for Fouquet.
A castle stripped of some of its precious content by the king remained in Mme Fouquet’s possession until 1705. In 1875, Vaux-le-Vicomte was saved from demolition by Alfred Sommelier – a rich industrialist who devoted his life to restoring the magnificent estate to its former beauty.
Vaux le Vicomte Wedding – How to make use of this Historic Chateau
The Chateau Interior
Based on the history of this place, it is incredible and unreal to be able to host your private luxury event, be it a Paris wedding, in such a gorgeous wedding venue. Would you challenge yourself to overpass Nicolas Fouquet’s first big launching party! You can turn one of the extraordinary salons of the French château into your private dining room for lunch or dinner after the estate’s opening hours. You can feel the peaceful energy and tranquillity, as you move along the interior of the Castle.
The chateau elevations are perfectly symmetrical to either side of the axis. We always design all our events symmetrically to make everything sync with the shape of the castle. I also recommend the use of as many rooms as possible during your event to ensure your guests enjoy the Castle to the fullest. This chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte wedding guide will help you make the right choices.
The two rooms in the center of the entrance vestibule to the north and the oval salon to the south were originally an open-air loggia, dividing the chateau into two distinct sections. The interior decoration of these two rooms was more typical of an outdoor setting. I love using the vestibule as a disco room or a back plan for the ceremony just in case it rains. My experience as a luxury wedding planner in France thought me to always have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
How to decorate the rooms for your Vaux le Vicomte wedding?
You can also decide to keep the perspective and not block the view. Like in this fabulous Paris chateau wedding that the Sumptuous team has planned. The sets of arches are aligned to allow your guests to see through the central axis of the gardens even before entering the chateau. Standing at the entrance, you can see the Golden Hercule Statues at the very end of the gardens!
There are so many decor options to dress up the spaces – it all depends on what you want. The Oval salon, also known as ‘Salle des Rotondes,’ is a true masterpiece. The zodiac’s painted cupola is undergoing a renovation to finish Lebrun’s original painting with a numeric projection.
This is where we have hosted the most sophisticated dinner for a fabulous wedding in a chateau near Paris. You can easily seat 100 guests. If you have a bigger group, you can either spread them in a different room or build a crystal tent in the gardens. If the iconic Vanisha Mittal (in 2004), or Eva Longoria (in 2013), the former desperate housewife made the Castle famous with their wedding, you can see in our portfolio that we took it to another level. Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte wedding guide is all you need!
Those are some of the shining examples of our work, and what future couples can look forward to when partnering with the luxury wedding planner Sumptuous Events for their dream wedding. There are adjacent smaller salons, such as ‘Salon de Musique’ or ‘Salon des muses’ where you can host a more intimate event, birthday, or wedding proposal. This place has a beautiful mural painting, luxurious tapestry, and large windows overlooking the gardens.
The Garden of Vaux-le-Vicomte
A fairytale Vaux le Vicomte wedding ceremony
When planning a destination wedding in France, one of the key aspects of the wedding day is the ceremony. Say your vows in the formal gardens of Vaux le Vicomte – they make for an idyllic wedding photo and setting. These gardens are the jewel of the Castle thanks to the designer Lenotre, who designed most of the famous castles under Louis XIV like Versailles Castle. Large allées framed by rows of low hedges, fabulous Cyprus topiary, and beautiful statues ran across the property with majestic and elegant symmetry.
The gardens are divided into several sculptured parterres called “carpet of Turqueries.” There are also large pools that reflect the summer sky and fountains spurted sprays of water that fall in iridescent drops and foam into marble basins. More recently, the Cyprus lateral arabesque was replaced with a piece of art made of a mirror.
Vaux le Vicomte wedding – Our favorite locations in the garden
My favorite ceremony spot is the central terrace with the view of the château in the background. You can also do things the other way round by having the castle as your ceremony background. The outdoor settings for ceremonies at this place are unmatched. The grand basins call for epics set up and allow the construction of a platform over the basins.
The Kings Crown Gardens is a perfect spot for having your cocktail hour. But note that it takes about 15 minutes all to go back to the Chateau. You can also hold the most incredible fireworks show at the castle. However, the fireworks should be shot after 11 PM since the castle is surrounded by little villages.
What is the Logistics in producing a Vaux le Vicomte wedding or luxury event?
Although this castle wasn’t exactly built to host modern weddings, I must say that it features almost everything you and your guests will need to have a great party. The domain is open to the public all day long. You can have it closed earlier for an additional fee if you wish to.
Plan the right wedding itinerary
It is good to take into consideration that the venue will be entirely yours only after 6 PM. We have to set up the decors while the visitors are still around. The castle management has also been very flexible. The wedding day itinerary should be planned accordingly. For the most complex events that involve building up a tent in the gardens, you have the option to rent the Castle for several days. As we say, wealth always whispers, so connect with us if you wish you receive more information regarding the privatization fee.
There’s a discount given for renting extra days. During the summer, the castle hosts a spectacular evening where the gardens are lightened up with 5000 candles. Therefore, it is not possible to have the venue alone on Saturday nights during the summer. There are also two rooms on the second level that we use for the bride and groom’s final preparation.
Get the best out of the Bridal Room
Restrooms are located on the left lateral of the castle, and inside, on the upper level. You have to take the stairs to reach them. There is also a specific area that your catering company can use. All the major caterers know how to execute a perfect 5-course dinner.
The bridal room is overlooking the gardens, so you can see your guests arriving while you are finishing your dressing up or photography. Because the two rooms are on the opposite side, it is perfect if you don’t want to see each other until the wedding ceremony.
Can you bring your own vendors for your Vaux le Vicomte wedding?
The castle has a specific list of preferred vendors that you must use. Especially the sound & light engineering company and the fireworks company. They are familiar with the spaces and distances between each area. It is also highly recommended to light up the facade, and the exterior entrance, as it gets pretty dark at night time.
You can surprise your guests with video mapping on the walls of the chateau during the evening and create a different focal point for the most unexpected scenography. There is also a list of preferred catering companies. Talking from experience, I encourage you to use the best one so that all vendors match the standards of the castle.
Otherwise, you can use any suppliers you want. Your wedding planner will recommend the vendors that fit your needs, vision & budget for the day. Are you enjoying this chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte wedding guide so far ?
How accessible is Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte?
Situated 50 minutes South from Paris, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is accessible by public transport, by car, or with excursions departing from Paris! We usually organize a Viano shuttle service for all the guests from Paris. It also features its helipad with different areas when you land, with a little landing tax involved.
Land your helicopter in the Castle
We have once landed a helicopter facing the gold Hercule at the very end of the garden. Then, a rolls Royce picked up the couple. You can check the story of this royal proposal or watch in this video. I have personally experienced a helicopter tour over the castle with some couple. It is mind-blowing to see the gardens from above.
This kind of experience is one of those that I highly recommend, and of course, it’s something we can arrange easily. You can arrive with a vintage carriage and make your grand wedding entrance or getaway an unforgettable one.
Exquisite Vaux le Vicomte wedding – A rare decor preserved from the XVIIth Century
Since its creation in the XVIIth century, four successive families owned the estate. Private house and home before opening to the public in 1968, the château has welcomed each visitor as a guest. Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte is one of the rare decors that has remained intact back from the XVIIth century.
Vaux le Vicomte truly distinguish itself from all the other chateaux near Paris for wedding hire, such as: Chateau de Chantilly, Chateau de Villette or Chateau de Versailles.
As you have understood, they are no other places like it in the world! The best way for you to understand the unparalleled beauty of this place is to visit it. We would love to be your guide and help you plan your Vaux le Vicomte wedding.
Whether you want to know the privatization fee or the cost involved in planning a luxurious wedding, we will make sure you know it all. If you have questions right now, please get in touch. This chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte wedding guide was made for you. Our events and wedding planners have experience in organizing events across the world. For more information about planning your Wedding or Party at Vaux le Vicomte, please contact our team of event planners.
