Provence Wedding Photography | A Sun-Drenched Celebration at Hostellerie de L’Abbaye de La Celle
From a crowded dancefloor in London to the rolling vineyards of the South of France.
Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de La Celle at a glance
Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de La Celle is a five-star Alain Ducasse hotel in the village of La Celle in the Var, surrounded by the Coteaux Varois en Provence vineyards and less than an hour from Aix-en-Provence. It sits next to the 12th-century La Celle Abbey, in 2.5 hectares of grounds. For weddings you can use the vaulted chapter house (up to 50 seated), the restaurant and veranda (up to 70 dining), the shaded terrace (up to 140 dining) or the vineyard itself. Its 10 rooms and suites can house your closest guests, and the hotel offers wedding planning.
I first met Caroline and David back in 2017 at David’s brother’s wedding. I snapped a candid photo of them that night—laughing, unposed, and completely in the moment. When they reached out to book me to shoot their Provence wedding photography, I knew exactly what to expect: high energy, genuine connection, and a party that wouldn’t stop.
The Venue: Hostellerie de L’Abbaye de La Celle
If you are dreaming of a destination wedding that embodies the effortless romance of the South of France, this is it. Tucked away in the Coteaux Varois vineyards, the Hostellerie de L’Abbaye de La Celle is a 12th-century Benedictine abbey turned luxury hotel.
For Caroline and David, the choice was obvious. They wanted a venue that combined history with the relaxed, “golden hour” lifestyle of the region. With its honey-coloured stone, cypress trees, and Michelin-starred cuisine by Alain Ducasse, it provided a cinematic backdrop that made my job as a photographer incredibly easy.
Tour de France Energy
There was a unique twist to this wedding week. As avid cyclists, Caroline and David timed their celebration to coincide with the Tour de France passing through the region. The energy in the village was electric, and that vibrancy carried right through to the wedding day. It wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a week-long celebration of everything they love.
The Vibe: Unscripted & Al Fresco
The day unfolded exactly how a destination wedding should—slow, sunny, and stress-free.
- The Ceremony: Held in the venue’s private ancient church, surrounded by the silence of the countryside.
- The Style: Effortlessly chic. The decor relied on the natural beauty of Provence—abundant lavender, olive branches, and soft, warm light.
- The Party: This is where the magic happened. Dinner was served al fresco under the stars, featuring a menu celebrating the local terroir. The wine flowed freely (as it must in Provence), and the night ended with a packed dancefloor in the warm night air.
Provence Wedding Photography
Shooting weddings in France is always a highlight of my year. The light in Provence is different—it’s warmer, softer, and creates a timeless, film-like quality to the images.
My approach for Caroline and David was simple: No shot lists, no stopping the flow. I captured the day as a guest would see it—from the emotional vows to the chaotic joy of the evening party. When you book a destination wedding, you aren’t just paying for photos of a dress; you are paying for the memories of the atmosphere, the heat, the laughter, and the people you travelled thousands of miles to be with.
Planning a Wedding in Provence?
If you are looking for Provence wedding photography and a photographer who focuses on real moments over stiff poses, I would love to hear your plans.
I travel all over Europe for weddings, and for celebrations in France, travel and accommodation are often included in my collections, keeping things simple and transparent for you. You can see my INVESTMENT page HERE
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Venue: Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle
Photographing a wedding at the Abbaye de La Celle
I photographed Caroline and David’s day as a guest would see it, with no shot list. The honey-coloured stone and cypress trees around the Hostellerie made a warm, simple backdrop, and the Provence light is softer than people expect. After the ceremony, dinner moved outdoors under the stars, so the evening pictures are long tables, family and friends, and a packed dancefloor in the warm night air.
Abbaye de La Celle wedding questions
Can you legally marry at the Abbaye de La Celle?
In France the legally binding marriage is a civil ceremony at the town hall (mairie), and foreign couples need a qualifying link to the commune. Most couples marrying in Provence have their legal ceremony at home and a celebration ceremony at the venue.
How many guests can the Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de La Celle hold?
The shaded terrace seats up to 140 for dinner, the restaurant and veranda up to 70, and the chapter house up to 50. The hotel has 10 rooms and suites, so larger groups will need nearby accommodation too.
Where are the best photo spots at the Abbaye de La Celle?
The honey-coloured stone and cypress trees around the hotel, the terrace for dinner under the stars, and the surrounding vineyards in the evening light.
How much does a Provence wedding photographer cost?
My price for weddings in Europe is £3,250. That includes my flights and two nights’ stay. See everything that’s included.
Have you photographed weddings at the Abbaye de La Celle before?
Yes. I photographed Caroline and David’s summer wedding there, timed to coincide with the Tour de France passing through the region.
