Wedding Venue: Chateau Julian French-Inspired Countryside
Photography by: Tia and Claire Studio
About the Venue
Although Chateau Julien Wine Estate is just 10 minutes from the Monterey Peninsula, you and your guests will think you’ve been magically transported to the French countryside. Nestled in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley, amidst vineyards and gardens, this 16-acre French country winery is a stunning setting for any wedding. Both the exquisitely appointed French country Chateau and grand, rustic Chai provide a beautiful setting for an extraordinary, memorable affair.
You will find beautiful stained glass that embodies rich antiques, and travertine tiles amidst dramatic 30-foot cathedral ceilings in the Chateau’s Great Hall. French doors open onto the Estate Garden Cobblestone Courtyard and glass-covered Conservatory, extending the old world ambiance under the Valley’s starlit skies. The newly built Chai rests adjacent to the winery on the 16 acre estate. Built in traditional French style, the Chai is home to French and American oak barrels. With open-beam cathedral ceilings supported by towering columns, the Chai provides the ideal atmosphere for a warm yet dramatic reception.
Perhaps one of the best features of Chateau Julien is the endless possibilities the venue offers to brides. The manicured gardens full of blooming flowers and plush greenery are the perfect backdrop for your bridal portraits, adding dimension, texture, and color to any photo.
Chateau Julien is a French inspired country side vineyard winery with large rose gardens, a white walled stone patio, a large barrel room and boasting vineyards that run through the property making the essence of wine country visible no matter where you are in the venue. The venue’s natural beauty and neutral tones really allows for pretty much any color palette to be applied with ease. Also, it’s impressive barrel room has high ceilings with large French doors that creates a dramatic entrance. ~ Simone Lennon
Ask the Experts
This bride’s attention to detail brings a cohesiveness and beauty to her nuptials. The fuchsia peep-toe heels are a cheerful, fun accent to her overall romantic and soft look. The blush peonies, ivory hydrangeas, and bubblegum pink roses create romantic drama and interesting dimension in her bouquet wrapped with a simple white ribbon. I love the personalized handkerchiefs for guests during the ceremony - the couple’s silhouettes and the sweet message is a charming and delightful touch.
In the Chai, amber up-lighting on the barrels and two opulent crystal chandeliers add drama and elegance to the space while creating a warm ambiance. A deep silver and soft pink color scheme updates the feel of the vast room to modern and romantic while a mixture of square and round tables is exciting and dynamic. Trees soften the wood throughout the room and add height, accentuating the dramatic beamed ceilings. A rosy pink linen sets the sweetheart table apart from the rest and a vignette of candles provides a soft, romantic glow around the newlywed couple.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride's dream a reality: Photographer - Tia and Claire Studio; Planner and Coordinator - Simone Lennon of Soiree by Simone; Floral and Event Design - Christine Cater Wedding and Event Floral Design; Catering - Michael’s Catering; Rentals - Chic Event Rentals; Linens - La Tavola Linen; Entertainment - DNA Entertainment; Cake - Kathy Lickess, family friend.