Weddings, proposals and planning guides from Southwest France
This is where I share the things I’ve learned photographing weddings across Bordeaux, the Dordogne and the rest of Southwest France. Real experiences, practical advice, and a few stories from the days that stay with me.
If you’re planning a wedding in France or want to see what it’s like through the eyes of a British wedding photographer living in Bordeaux you’ll find everything below.
How to Plan a Surprise Proposal in Bordeaux
Everything I've learned from photographing proposals in Bordeaux: where to do it, how to get them there without them guessing, and what happens if it rains.
Harry and Ellie’s Wedding at Château du Raysse, Dordogne
The weekend of Harry and Ellie's wedding coincided with the Bordeaux wildfires. It gave the day a strange, ethereal quality. One of my favourite weddings to photograph.
Aanya and Elliot’s wedding at Château Lagorce, Bordeaux
Aanya and Elliot are English, live in Australia, and picked Bordeaux so neither side had to fly round the world. 153 guests at Château Lagorce, high 30s heat, a remote control car down the aisle and a band that played until 1am.
Lesley and Gulsum’s Surprise Proposal in the Jardin Public, Bordeaux
Lesley and Gulsum came to Bordeaux for a friend's wedding and stayed on to get engaged. A helpful tourist setup in the Jardin Public, and a yes on the second attempt.
A last-minute wedding in the Dordogne
I got the call on a Saturday lunchtime. A photographer was ill, the wedding was the next day, and I was two and a half hours from home with none of my kit. I said yes.
Best Places to Propose in Bordeaux (And What to Know Before You Go)
I live in Bordeaux and I've photographed many proposals here. I also proposed to my own wife along the river. What follows is what I actually tell people when they message me asking where to do it.
Noah and Carol’s Surprise Proposal at the Monument aux Girondins, Bordeaux
My first ever proposal shoot. Noah found me through Reddit, picked the Monument aux Girondins, and Carol had no idea until he was down on one knee.
My first wedding in France
I was second shooting this wedding, which was such great experience for me. It let me find my feet in a new country without as much of the pressure. First wedding in France, first step in building this work here in the Southwest.
Contact me.
Gavin Chapman · Wedding Photographer in France
I’m based in Bordeaux and photograph weddings across the Dordogne, Charente, Lot-et-Garonne and throughout France.
I work mainly with English-speaking couples from the UK, US, Australia, Ireland and beyond — people who want beautiful photographs of themselves and the people who matter most, on the day that matters most.
Available across France and Europe.
I’d love to hear what you’re planning.