A castle, an XXL reception room, a green setting… All for less than 2,000 euros per weekend? Here’s how to enjoy a wedding worthy of Cinderella, without leaving all your savings behind.
Getting married in a castle or a large estate, without blowing your budget, is the dream of many. But when the quotes flirt with 5,000 euros, or we impose an overpriced caterer, we sometimes have to give up or make compromises. However, some solutions exist and they are still little known to the general public.
Everything takes place outside of traditional circuits. Indeed, certain structures, opened in old buildings, come alive in the summer, when school activities slow down. They then rent their rooms, dormitories, collective kitchens. The result? A castle to rent, with green space and accommodation, for 1,200 to 1,800 euros per weekend. You call the town hall directly, you visit and you sign a simple contract. No additional cost for tables, no service provider obligation. In short, you are in charge. The places offered are generally authentic: castle, renovated farm, old convent. And the flexibility is remarkable. You arrive on Friday noon, leave on Sunday evening, organize the decoration, the meal, the music. And while it may happen that the place imposes rules, most of the time they remain reasonable.
The future bride and groom then have the advantage of organizing the space as they wish, but also of inviting more relatives and hosting them on site. You have to like rolling up your sleeves, of course, but the game is clearly worth it. Especially when you see the difference in budget at the end. We often talk about several thousand euros saved. The good plan in question? Ask the town hall to contact the MFR (Rural Family Homes) and municipal gîtes near you. These public or semi-public places effectively open doors to exceptional settings for a minimal budget. They’re not promotional, they don’t have flashy advertising, they’re just unoccupied on weekends.
Find out about the MFRs closest to you. Depending on the type of event, be aware that reception is often limited to a number of people, but this may be perfectly suitable for small weddings. As you will have understood, luck favors those who look off the beaten track and knock on the right doors. Less stress, less spending, more partying. It’s worth a try for your next events!
