Your Wedding Week Timeline
at Château du Raysse
Photo by Pattie Fellows Photography
There are countless options when it comes to making your wedding day (and week!) your own unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for relaxed vibes where everyone can choose how they spend their château break, or a more structured holiday with organised activities, there’s something for all ages and interests.
Here are a few of our top suggestions for making sure you make the most of this precious time with friends and family at Château du Raysse, our beautiful castle in the Dordogne countryside.
Day 1
Arrival at the Château du Raysse! Check out our Location page for our full address and advice for getting here. Check-in is between 4pm and 6pm.
Show your guests to their rooms and give them a little tour of the Estate. Settle into your rooms, take in the views, grab a glass of well-deserved wine and spend an enjoyable evening catching up with your guests. No rush, just a relaxed and simple evening with loved ones.
Allow both of your families and all your friends get to know each other a little better – perhaps over a picnic and a few lawn games?
Day 2
The eve of your wedding day is the time to make all of those finishing touches, have a relaxed rehearsal to make sure things go smoothly and check-in one more time with your suppliers ahead of the big day.
Taking on a more DIY approach to your wedding can have huge cost-saving advantages and at the Château we will be there to advise and support you throughout the planning process. We have some excellent recommended suppliers, from caterers to florists, tableware and entertainment, so if you would prefer to organise your event yourself then you are free to do as you wish – the Château is, after all, your home from home for the next week!
Or, perhaps you’ve hired a wedding planner to take care of everything for you. If so, make sure you check in with them and ensure that all timings, supplier details etc. are finalised and then take some time out for a pre-wedding pamper. You could even head to a local spa or enjoy a round of golf to properly chill out ahead of the day.
Whatever you decide, make sure you take some time out for the two of you.
For those not part of the immediate wedding party or helping with the decorating, why not suggest some ideas to keep everyone busy and having a good time. With castles and museums, gorgeous historic villages and towns like Rocamadour and Sarlat, theme parks and wildlife attractions just a stone’s throw away, there’s something for everyone.
Finish the day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. We recommend Les Tilleuls, a great restaurant which can accommodate large groups. It’s only two minutes from the Château as well, so it’s super easy to get to! Find out more on TripAdvisor.
Day 3
Today’s the day and it’s going to be magical! Your wedding day will have its own timeline, so find out more about our recommendations for a seamless wedding day here.
Photo by Firehorse Photography
Photo by Pattie Fellows Photography
Day 4
Make sure not to plan too much for the day after the wedding because, let’s just say, some of the guests may be feeling rather fragile! Save organised day trips for later in the week, instead letting your loved ones relax by the pool. Maybe arrange a brunch or BBQ with an excellent local supplier so that people can chill and reminisce about the day before.
As a couple, why not do something special to celebrate your marriage? Take a breath-taking flight in a light aircraft over the outstanding Dordogne Valley. We recommend Air Châteaux from Domme Airport for some truly impressive views!
Day 5
Make a splash! Just down the road from Château du Raysse is the glittering Dordogne river with its green hillsides, castles around (almost!) every corner, impressive rock formations and plenty of wildlife. Hire canoes or kayaks as a group and enjoy a few hours paddling down the river.
Then, return back to base for a traditional lunch and then spend some time at the local waterpark with plenty of slides and pool – perfect for the little (and big) kids in the group. You can get a combined ticket which includes both entry to the waterpark and canoe/kayak hire. Find out more here.
In the evening, why not hire a food truck? Wood-fired pizzas, traditional cuisine, crêpes, and more are just some of the options available.
Day 6
Make sure you take a trip to Rocamadour, Sarlat or one of the other idyllic historic towns in the area. Have lunch as a group and then enjoy a spot of sightseeing. For the more adventurous, there are also some exceptional hiking routes nearby.
In the afternoon take the opportunity to visit La Gouffres de Padirac. These caves can be accessed via a vast chasm where you will take a boat on the underground river to witness some of the most impressive formations in the region – the sheer size of what lies beneath the ground is hard to comprehend as you wander through this magical underground realm.
Later in the day, why not organise a quiz night or cocktail party depending on your style. With the drinks and laughter flowing, it’s the end of another beautiful day at the Château.
Day 7
The last full day at the Château, although we’re sure you could happily stay for another week!
Before everyone parts ways, why not have a pool party with views of the Dordogne hills on one side and the backdrop of the Château on the other. Enjoy a BBQ together and attempt to use up the last of the wedding booze, set up a fun game of water polo or soak up the rays on one of the loungers.
Day 8
It’s time to check out and say au revoirs to the Château! Check out is by 10am.
Make sure you set up a WhatsApp or Facebook group to share all your photos and memories of the week and to help everyone stay in touch.
Warning: there may be a touch of the “post-Château blues” as you head home. We would love to welcome you back for a future holiday, wedding anniversary or reunion – you won’t need much of an excuse to want to come back to the Château lifestyle!
Read more
If you liked this guide, we think you would enjoy reading these pages too: