Destination Celebrant: Reagan & Matthew’s Magical Wedding Weekend at Château Saint-Martory in France

Some weddings stay with you because they feel easy to be part of. Reagan and Matthew’s wedding at Château Saint-Martory was one of those. Nothing felt forced or overdone. It was relaxed, thoughtful, and full of genuine connection.

As a Destination Celebrant, I often travel overseas for ceremonies, but every now and then I step into a group of people and immediately feel at home. That’s exactly what happened here. From the moment I arrived in France, I knew this weekend was about more than a wedding day. It was about bringing people together, slowing things down, and creating space for meaningful moments.

Reagan and Matthew did it all beautifully.

A Destination Celebrant in France at Château Saint-Martory

Château Saint-Martory is a place that invites you to pause. Set beside the river, with old stone buildings and wide open grounds, it feels calm and lived in rather than formal. It’s the kind of setting that works perfectly for a destination wedding because everyone stays together and settles into the rhythm of the place.

This wasn’t my first visit to this gorgeous venue – and I hope it won’t be the last!

Most of the guests had travelled from Texas and Ohio, and instead of arriving just for a day, they had time. Time to catch up, explore, sit around talking, and enjoy being somewhere completely different from home. After nightly parties, mornings were slow. Some people wandered the grounds, others went cycling nearby, and plenty simply sat with coffee and conversation.

We had a bit of French drizzle across the weekend, but it never caused any stress. We planned with flexibility, and the weather suited the relaxed feel of the weekend. A destination wedding doesn’t need perfection. It just needs room to breathe.

Planning a wedding in another country takes trust, and Reagan and Matthew handled it all with calm confidence. Every conversation we had was thoughtful and clear. They knew what mattered to them and focused on that.

From the beginning, they wanted their guests to feel included and cared for. This wasn’t about hosting a big event. It was about creating a shared experience. A long weekend where everyone could connect and enjoy being together.

They chose Château Saint-Martory because it felt warm and welcoming, and surrounded themselves with suppliers who understood that vision. The pastel florals by Kim from Pigpen Flowers fitted the space perfectly without overwhelming it. Everything felt intentional but never fussy.

A big focus for them was the ceremony itself. They wanted something personal that reflected both their Christian and Jewish backgrounds, and they wanted their families to feel respected and represented. All of our planning happened online, but by the time we reached rehearsal day, it felt like we already knew each other well.

Rehearsal Evening and First Meetings

I met Reagan and Matthew in person for the first time the evening before the wedding. They greeted me with big hugs and warm smiles, and any distance disappeared immediately. Their families were just as welcoming. I was pulled into conversations, offered a seat at the table, and made to feel part of the group straight away.

I had brought two small gifts. A hand painted watercolour of the château, and a butterfly embroidered handkerchief for Reagan. The handkerchief was chosen simply because it felt right. I later learned that Reagan’s late grandmother loved butterflies, and her presence was very much felt throughout the weekend. That small connection meant a lot to all of us.

From that first evening on, I felt completely included. It’s not something I ever expect, but it’s always deeply appreciated when it happens.

The Ceremony at Château Saint-Martory

The ceremony took place in the château barn, styled simply with soft pastel flowers. The space felt intimate and calm, filled with people who had travelled a long way to be there.

Given the drizzle, guests were transported from the main chateau to the barn in mini buses before Reagan arrived in a gorgeous vintage 2CV driven by her father. How very French!

When Reagan walked in on the arm of her proud Daddy, the atmosphere shifted immediately. She looked relaxed and happy, and Matthew’s reaction said everything! Supported by Reagan’s best friend and also her brother, the couple stood, ready to declare their love for each other.

We began by acknowledging those who couldn’t be there in person. Matthew’s father was remembered with care and respect, and Reagan and Matthew lit a candle to honour his presence in their lives.

One of the most meaningful parts of the ceremony was the ring warming. The rings were passed through the hands of their guests, giving each person a chance to quietly offer a wish or blessing. By the time the rings made their way to the front row, they carried the touch of everyone who mattered most to them.

Reagan and Matthew’s Story

Telling their story felt easy because it genuinely reflected who they are.

Reagan and Matthew met on Hinge in 2020, during a time when the world felt uncertain and oddly quiet. What started as messages turned into long conversations that stretched late into the night. They talked, laughed, and got to know each other properly.

Their first date lasted twelve hours. The second was just as long. There were FaceTime calls to confirm Matthew wasn’t, in Reagan’s words, a murderer, and there was the infamous blue couch that absolutely would not fit through their doorway.

Matthew proposed at a vineyard, beautifully planned, and in true Reagan fashion, she threw her Louis Vuitton handbag into the air so it wouldn’t ruin the photos. It was heartfelt and funny, just like them.

Blending Christian and Jewish Traditions

Their ceremony blended Christian and Jewish traditions in a way that felt natural and respectful.

Reagan’s Uncle Jamie shared meaningful words on love and marriage from a Christian perspective. Later, we honoured Matthew’s Jewish heritage with the breaking of the glass.

When the glass broke and the room erupted with a loud Mazel Tov, the joy was palpable!

Personal Vows

Their vows were honest and emotional without being overworked.

Matthew spoke about Reagan as his soulmate, his best friend, and the person who keeps him grounded. He promised to support her and choose her every day.

Reagan spoke about how Matthew had helped her find direction, how safe she feels with him, and how deeply loved she is. And of course there were plenty of tears! 

A Weekend Full of Connection

What stood out most across the weekend was the kindness of their families and friends. Every moment was open and sincere. From shared meals to quiet conversations, everything was rooted in love and support.

As a Destination Celebrant, I often arrive on my own and step into a group for just a short time. Reagan and Matthew’s family and friends made that experience incredibly easy. I felt welcomed from start to finish, and that’s something I’ll always remember.

The team at Château Saint-Martory led by the lovely MP are absolutely fantastic and I look forward to returning there again sometime! It feels like a home from home now!

Reagan and Matthew’s wedding at Château Saint-Martory is a great example of what a destination wedding can be. A relaxed weekend. A meaningful ceremony. Time with the people who matter most.

Congratulations lovebirds! 

Feedback

“From our very first call with Miranda, we knew she was the perfect fit! She’s warm, professional, and incredibly thoughtful. We were planning a destination wedding in France, so choosing vendors can be stressful, especially when you’re looking for someone who is going to set the tone for such a special day. Best decision we made for the weekend was Miranda, hands down! She’s so charismatic and caring we just adore her.

She took the time to get to know both of us individually and worked closely with us to tailor a heartfelt ceremony that was personal and completely true to who we are and our story.

She also connected with our families the night before at the rehearsal, and our guests haven’t stopped raving about how beautiful and meaningful the ceremony was! Miranda is the reason our wedding day felt so special and we are endlessly grateful to her.“

 – Reagan + Matthew

Suppliers

Venue: Château Saint-Martory

Photographer: Samantha Barron

Celebrant: Miranda the Celebrant

Flowers: PigPen Flowers