CHANTILLY, FRANCE–The most stunning château estate after Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte is without a doubt the Domain of Chantilly, whose architecture spans several centuries, from the French Renaissance to the late 19th century.

It also happens to boast the greatest Old Master painting collection after the Louvre Museum with masterpieces by Watteau, Delacroix, Poussin, Raphael and Ingres, to name a few. Nor is that all. It happens to have one of the most remarkable libraries in France if not the world, featuring illuminated manuscripts and rare printed books with lavish and well-kept bindings.

This is where I will be hosting a magnificent wedding next May much to my great surprise and joy.

Moreover, the wedding ceremony will be outside in the French formal gardens called “La Volière” and the disco night will be in the former kitchens. Remember, it was at Chantilly where French whipped cream was invented by the famous caterer and event planner François Vatel, and where Louis XIV was invited as a personal guest by the Duc de Condé, his most celebrated and effective general.

Naturally, a wedding of this caliber takes planning and serendipity–the nearby hotel Le Jeu de Paume, a five-star property owned by the Aga Khan, is the perfect nearby venue to host and lodge 120 guests. Naturally, there is a spa, critical for a frazzled bride and her wedding party. (I have tasted the food, and it is truly outstanding).

We are planning on hosting a rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding at the hotel, then arrange visits of the chateau’s art collection the following day, and then follow with the ceremony, the cocktail reception, a gourmet banquet and two hours of dancing and fun. What more could a bridal couple dream of?

So if you wish to know more about this type of chateau wedding, just reach out to [email protected]