Why the Château de Bagnols
The Château That Found Us
We thought we knew where we would marry. Aaron’s family home in St. Thomas. A hilltop villa overlooking the sea, built by his grandfather’s hands, where jazz once floated across champagne‑filled parties. It seemed like the perfect choice. But hurricanes left it in need of more restoration than time would allow.
If not St. Thomas, then we thought “a château in France!”
We began with our vision, as we always do. No curfews. No noise limitations. No shuffling into cars to get to the ceremony. A place with history and soul, but not a venue that turns over weddings week after week. Space for our entire Circle. Enough suites for our Circle of Honor. We wanted a venue that said “yes” to possibility — and “yes” to us.
A Sign in the Form of a Book
One spring evening, in the most unexpected of places — a used furniture shop — Aaron spotted a large green book and began reading the French title aloud to Melissa, as he always does when he spots French. The title? “Relais & Château Guide 2019.” How ironic! We bought it instantly.
The next night, flipping through its pages, we found it: Château de Bagnols. Golden stone rising from vineyards. Towers and turrets catching the light. Gardens that looked like they’d been waiting centuries for a love story. We both saw it at once — the vision of our wedding here — and knew.
Eight Centuries of Beauty
Château de Bagnols has stood for more than 800 years. Built between 1217 and 1221 by Guichard d’Oingt, it began as a medieval fortress — a sentinel among the vineyards of Beaujolais — complete with moat and watchtowers. Over centuries, it passed through the hands of noble families who transformed it into a residence of elegance and celebration.
In 1490, King Charles VIII visited the Château, a moment still marked by a carved royal crown above the massive Gothic fireplace in the Salle des Gardes. Later, the Dugué family refined it further, blending fortress strength with aristocratic grace.
By the 20th century, time had taken its toll — until the Château’s rescue in 1987 by Paul and Helen Hamlyn, who spent four years restoring its frescoed ceilings, stone staircases, and formal gardens.
In 2012, Jean‑Claude Lavorel became its steward, guiding it into a new chapter as one of France’s most enchanting five‑star Relais & Châteaux hotels.
Every ‘Yes’ We Asked For
When we reached out, Château de Bagnols told us they host weddings only occasionally. They sent us a virtual tour, and we booked a call with their team. One by one, we asked our long list of questions. One by one, the answer was yes.
✔️ Yes, to Kiara.
✔️ Yes, to a celebration with no curfew.
✔️ Yes, to music until sunrise.
✔️ Yes, to keeping our guests all together.
✔️ Yes, to completely privatizing the Château.
✔️ Yes, to not needing to get into a vehicle to drive to the ceremony.
✔️ Yes, to five-star French cuisine.
Twenty‑seven suites for our closest family and friends. Sweeping gardens for our ceremony. Ancient halls for feasting. Every dream we’d named — and even the ones we hadn’t — was already part of this incredible Château!
The First Morning
When we visited in person, the Château surpassed every vision we’d imagined. Butterflies drifted through the gardens. Bumblebees moved busily among the lavender. Birds sang over the vineyards. That first morning, standing in the quiet light, we felt it: this was a gift. A blessing over our union.
For us, Château de Bagnols isn’t just a venue. It’s the universe whispering, yes.
Your Home in France
For four days, this Château is entirely ours — all of ours. From its candle‑lit salons to the spa, the pool, the gym, and the gardens, every corner is open to you. Whether you’re staying in a suite within its walls or in a nearby inn, you will have full access to the life of the Château. It’s our home and we’re so excited to celebrate there, together!
The Château Said Yes…
But this story is bigger than stone walls and gardens.
Want to know what we’re really building?