Civil Marriage

Rehearsal Dinner

Chateau de Pennautier

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Chateau De Pennautier

Reception

Fall

José and Stephanie Are Getting Married!

Pack your bags — we’re getting married in France! We’re thrilled to have you join us on this adventure, and this site is your go-to guide for all the details. From travel info to our favorite local spots, everything you’ll need is right here. Let’s make memories together!

Español

¡Haz tus maletas — nos casamos en Francia! Estamos encantados de que nos acompañes en esta aventura, y este sitio será tu guía para todos los detalles. Desde información de viaje hasta nuestros lugares locales favoritos, aquí encontrarás todo lo que necesitas. ¡Vamos a crear recuerdos juntos!

Français

Préparez vos valises — nous nous marions en France! Nous sommes ravis de vous avoir avec nous pour cette aventure. Ce site est votre guide incontournable pour tous les détails : infos voyage, nos endroits préférés, tout ce dont vous aurez besoin est ici. Créons ensemble des souvenirs inoubliables !

Our Wedding

Welcome Family & Friends!

We’re so excited you’re here! Our wedding day is coming up, and we can’t wait to celebrate with all of you in beautiful Carcassonne, France. This page is your spot for the most important details, starting with… Save the Date! If you could please provide your mailing address <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdw1wx1smlVtYBGLYoOBEHw8k_REd5Lu5VwP9o1Q-CnLIvA1Q/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=101074753606260043153" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">by filling out this form</a> we would really appreciate it! Mark your calendars, pack your excitement, and get ready for a day full of laughter, love, and maybe a little dancing. We can’t wait to share this special moment with the people we love most. Thank you for being part of our journey—we’re counting down the days until we make memories together that will last a lifetime!

¡Estamos tan emocionados de que estés aquí! Nuestro día de boda se acerca, y no podemos esperar para celebrarlo con todos ustedes en la hermosa Carcasona, Francia. Esta página es tu lugar para los detalles más importantes, comenzando con… ¡Reserva la fecha! Si pudiera proveer su dirección postal <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdw1wx1smlVtYBGLYoOBEHw8k_REd5Lu5VwP9o1Q-CnLIvA1Q/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=101074753606260043153" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">llenando este formulario</a>, ¡se lo agradeceríamos muchísimo! Marquen sus calendarios, empaquen su emoción y prepárense para un día lleno de risas, amor y quizás un poco de baile. No podemos esperar para compartir este momento tan especial con las personas que más queremos. Gracias por ser parte de nuestro camino—estamos contando los días para crear juntos recuerdos que durarán toda la vida.

Nous sommes tellement heureux que vous soyez là! Notre jour de mariage approche et nous avons hâte de célébrer avec vous tous dans la magnifique ville de Carcassonne. Cette page est votre point de référence pour tous les détails importants, en commençant par… Réservez la date! Si vous pouviez donner votre adresse postale en <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdw1wx1smlVtYBGLYoOBEHw8k_REd5Lu5VwP9o1Q-CnLIvA1Q/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=101074753606260043153" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">remplissant ce formulaire</a>, nous vous en serions vraiment reconnaissants ! Notez la date, préparez votre enthousiasme et préparez-vous pour une journée remplie de rires, d’amour et peut-être un peu de danse. Nous avons hâte de partager ce moment spécial avec les personnes que nous aimons le plus. Merci de faire partie de notre aventure — nous comptons les jours avant de créer ensemble des souvenirs qui dureront toute une vie !

Save the Date

Timeline of the Church's History

Tucked within the medieval hilltop village of Montréal in the Aude countryside, the Collégiale Saint-Vincent has stood as a quiet landmark of southern France since the late 13th century. Built in the elegant southern Gothic style under Pope John XXII, its centuries-old stone walls have borne witness to generations of life's most treasured moments. From its intricately carved choir stalls to its storied grand organ, Saint-Vincent carries within it a beauty that is both deeply rooted and timelessly romantic — a fitting place to begin a lifetime together.

The Church

Château de Pennautier is basically the “Versailles of the Languedoc” — a grand, historic château and working winery in the Occitanie region of southern France, just outside Carcassonne. It was built starting in 1620 by Bernard Reich de Pennautier, who at the time was treasurer of the States of Languedoc. Over the centuries it’s been expanded and renovated, and it’s still owned by the same family (now the Lorgeril family). Today, it’s known for three things wine, history &amp; architecture, and hospitality.

Timeline of the Chateau's History

The Reception Venue

🌍 A Note on Accessibility

While Carcassonne is a smaller city, it is well connected to major European transportation hubs and is easily accessible by plane, train, or car.

✈️ Getting to Europe

Most international guests will find the easiest and most affordable flights into major European hubs. Common options include: Paris (CDG)London (LHR or LGW)Barcelona (BCN)Madrid (MAD)Lisbon or Porto (LIS / OPO) We recommend booking flights based on your personal preferences and schedule, as routes and prices vary widely by departure city.

🚆 Getting to Carcassonne

Once in Europe, traveling to Carcassonne is straightforward by plane, train, or car. Option 1: Fly to Toulouse (TLSE) Toulouse is the closest major airport to Carcassonne, with frequent flights from Paris, London, Barcelona, and other European cities. From Toulouse: ~1 hour by train~1 hour by car Option 2: Train from Paris High-speed trains (TGV) run from Paris to southern France, with connections to Carcassonne or Toulouse. Train travel is comfortable, scenic, and very easy to navigate. Option 3: Barcelona to Carcassonne If you’re planning time in Spain, Barcelona is an excellent gateway. Carcassonne is approximately: 3–4 hours by train3 hours by car

Travel Arrangements

Hotels

We know that planning travel for a destination wedding can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together the information below to help make booking accommodations as simple as possible. Our recommendations focus on convenience, comfort, and easy access to wedding-day transportation, with options to fit a variety of travel styles and budgets. Please be aware that hotel rating systems in Carcassonne, France differ from those in the United States. The “star” ratings reflect amenities and services, rather than guest review opinions. The chart below explains what the different star levels typically represent in Carcassonne.

When searching for accommodations, we recommend staying in or near the Cité de Carcassonne (the Carcassonne Castle). This area offers the greatest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and services, making it an easy and enjoyable base for your stay.

We will be providing round-trip transportation on the day of the wedding from the Cité to the ceremony and reception locations, and back again at the end of the evening, so guests staying in this area will not need to arrange their own transportation for the day of the wedding.

We are currently working with <a href="https://www.mercure-carcassonnelacite.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hôtel Mercure Carcassonne la Cité</a> and <a href="https://www.hotelscharmedesign.com/en/hotel-montmorency/boutique-hotel-carcassonne/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hôtel Montmorency</a> to secure room blocks for our guests. Both hotels are located in a prime area less than a five-minute walk from the Cité de Carcassonne (approximately 50 yards).

The room blocks include a variety of accommodations ranging from classic rooms for two guests to larger suites and villas that can accommodate families or groups. Rates for the full stay from Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13 . You should feel free to reach out to the hotel and inquire about availability and/or book your stay. We should be able to connect the room to the room block once the details are finalized. Prices are currently very reasonable.

See below for more information regarding the block-rate hotels and other generally recommended hotels to stay at.

Expected Room-Block Hotels

⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Hôtel Mercure Carcassonne la Cité is a 4-star hotel located just outside the medieval walls of the Cité. It offers modern accommodations in a quieter setting while remaining within walking distance of the historic site. The hotel features air-conditioned rooms, on-site parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and dining options. It will serve as a primary pickup location for wedding transportation. Best for: Guests looking for comfort, space, and the most seamless wedding-day logistics. We are still awaiting finalization of room-blocks, but feel free to reserve your room.

Hôtel Mercure Carcassonne la Cite

⭐⭐⭐ Hôtel Montmorency is a 3-star hotel located right at the entrance of the medieval Cité, making it one of the most convenient options for guests who want to be steps from the fortress and its restaurants and shops. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, private parking, and an outdoor pool, with easy access to wedding transportation from the Cité area. Best for: Guests who want an excellent location near the Cité at a more moderate price point. We are still awaiting finalization of room-blocks, but feel free to reserve your room.

Hotel Montmorency "Cité Médiévale de Carcassonne"

Other Recommended Hotels (No Room-Blocks Offered)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Luxury Pick) Located within the medieval walls, Hôtel de la Cité is a 5-star historic hotel offering an elegant stay inside the fortress. Wedding transportation will be available from the Cité area. Best for: Guests seeking a luxury experience in a truly historic setting.

Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery Collection

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hôtel Donjon is a 4-star hotel located inside the walls of the Cité, offering a historic setting with comfortable accommodations. Wedding transportation will be available from the Cité area. Please note some rooms may feel more traditional. Best for: Guests who want to stay inside the Cité and prioritize charm and walkability.

Hôtel Le Donjon - Coeur de la Cité Médiévale

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tribe Carcassonne is a modern 4-star hotel located across the river from the Cité de Carcassonne, closer to the newer part of the city. Guests staying here will need to travel to the Cité area to access wedding transportation. Best for: Guests who prefer a modern hotel and don’t mind a short taxi ride to the Cité.

TRIBE Carcassonne

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hôtel Du Roi &amp; Spa is a 4-star riverside hotel located across the river from the Cité, offering views of the historic walls from a short distance away. Guests staying here will need to travel to the Cité area to access wedding transportation. Best for: Guests who enjoy spa amenities and a quieter setting away from the busiest areas.

Hôtel du Roi & Spa by SOWELL COLLECTION

Airbnb/VRBO/Etc. Options

Guests are welcome to stay at an <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> or <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VRBO</a> of their choosing in or around Carcassonne. For ease of logistics, we recommend selecting accommodations in or near the Cité de Carcassonne, as wedding-day transportation will depart from the Cité area. Guests staying elsewhere will need to make their own way to the Cité in order to access provided transportation to the ceremony and reception locations.

Other Accomodations

Carcassonne has an excellent <a href="https://www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr/en/prepare/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Carcassonne Office of Tourism</a>, which provides comprehensive information on a wide range of lodging options. Through their website, guests can explore alternatives such as seasonal rentals, holiday homes, guesthouses, residences, camping options, and additional hotels throughout the area. This is a helpful resource for guests seeking accommodations outside the recommended hotels or a different type of stay.

Accomodations

Our Story

Photos

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

40 Perfect Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for September, October and November

40 Inexpensive Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Dress Code and Vibe

Her: A cotton-linen midi dress in blush, lavender, or soft white — light and effortless, with delicate sandals or flats. Relaxed and romantic, perfectly suited to the château's sun-warmed gardens and cobblestone terraces.Him: A tailored navy blazer with charcoal dress trousers — classic and polished, with just enough ease for an outdoor French countryside celebration.Together, the looks are understated and elegant, complementing Pennautier's timeless vineyard setting without competing with it.

Dress Code

Wedding Party

La Cite de Carcassonne

Wine

Restaurants: - Try some cassoulet, a southern France speciality at Comte Roger, <a href="https://www.comteroger.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.comteroger.com/</a>- For my fancy peeps, try a dinner at Bernard Rigaudis Restaurant at le Domaine d'Auriac, <a href="https://domaine-d-auriac.fr/en/restaurants/bernard-rigaudis-restaurant/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://domaine-d-auriac.fr/en/restaurants/bernard-rigaudis-restaurant/</a>. We recommend their tasting menu with the wine pairings, of course!- Something more casual dining, Brasserie a 4 Temps, <a href="https://www.brasserie4temps.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.brasserie4temps.com/</a>- Looking to dine in a medieval castle? Try dining at <a href="https://restaurantsandbars.accor.com/fr/restaurant/8613_r001?utm_source=google+Maps&amp;utm_medium=seo+maps&amp;utm_campaign=seo+maps" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LA BARBACANE</a>- <a href="https://www.aubergedeslices.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Auberge des Lices</a>

Things to Do

Jose & Stephanie's Registry

We are so grateful you're celebrating this special milestone with us! While your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all, for those who would like to give a little something extra, we've put together a registry to make it easy. We're registered at <a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/registry/9hnxm8zgn5/registry-list.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Williams Sonoma</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/wedding/guest-view/3T8OQ2MWN5H1G " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for all the kitchen and home essentials we need to start our life together as Jose &amp; Stephanie. If you'd prefer to give a cash gift, we'd love contributions toward our Marriage Fund — helping us build memories through our honeymoon, our future home, and all the date nights to come. To make sure every penny comes straight to us with no fees, you can send directly via <a href="https://venmo.com/Jose-Carrasquillo-1?txn=pay&amp;note=Wedding%20Gift" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Venmo @Jose-Carrasquillo-1</a>. No matter what you choose, your love and support mean the world to us. Thank you so much for being part of our journey! 💕

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Registry Links

<a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/registry/9hnxm8zgn5/registry-list.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">William Sonoma Registry</a>

<a href="https://www.amazon.com/wedding/guest-view/3T8OQ2MWN5H1G " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon Wedding Registry</a>

<a href="https://venmo.com/Jose-Carrasquillo-1?txn=pay&amp;note=Wedding%20Gift" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Venmo Link (@Jose-Carrasquillo-1)</a>

Gift Registry

📜 A Note Before You Dive In

We've done our best to answer the most common questions below, but for the most current and comprehensive information about getting around, places to stay, local dining, and everything the region has to offer, we highly recommend visiting the <a href="https://www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Carcassonne Office of Tourism website</a>. Their team is an incredible resource and will have the most up-to-date details to help make your trip to this corner of southern France as seamless and magical as possible. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email us at ouitofrance26@gmail.com.

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Does Carcassonne Have an Airport?

Yes! <a href="https://www.carcassonneairport.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Carcassonne Airport (CCF)</a>, also known as Salvaza Airport, is located just 3km west of the city and is a convenient option for guests flying from certain European cities. Current non-stop routes serve 10 destinations from 6 different countries, with <a href="https://www.ryanair.com/us/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ryanair</a> as the primary carrier, connecting Carcassonne to cities including London-Stansted, Manchester, Dublin, Brussels Charleroi, and Porto. Please note that a lot of these flights are seasonal. <a href="https://www.aeroport-carcassonne.com/page-en/public-transports" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A shuttle bus service</a> runs from the airport to the city center and train station, timed to coincide with flight arrivals.

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What if I don't want to fly directly into carcassone?

No problem at all! Toulouse is the most popular alternative — it's about one hour from Carcassonne and offers far more frequent international connections from the <a href="https://www.toulouse.aeroport.fr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Toulouse-Blagnac Airport</a>. From Toulouse, you can take the airport shuttle to <a href="https://www.garesetconnexions.sncf/en/stations-services/toulouse-matabiau" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Toulouse Matabiau train station</a>, then catch a train to Carcassonne, with services running roughly every 90 minutes. Other nearby airports include <a href="https://beziers.aeroport.fr/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Béziers Cap d'Agde</a> (about 1 hour away), <a href="https://www.aeroport-perpignan.com/home/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Perpignan</a> (about 1 hour), and <a href="https://www.montpellier.aeroport.fr/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Montpellier</a> (about 2 hours).

What is carcassonne known for?

Carcassonne is one of the five most visited cities in France, famous for its extraordinary medieval heritage — including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/345" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the medieval fortified city</a> and the <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/770/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canal du Midi</a>. <a href="https://europescastles.com/castle/chateau-comtal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Château Comtal fortress</a> stretches over 3 kilometers and features 52 towers, while the <a href="https://www.spottinghistory.com/view/6396/basilica-of-saints-nazarius-and-celsus/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Basilica of Saint-Nazaire</a> houses stunning 13th and 14th century stained glass considered among the finest in southern France. <a href="http://orguesfrance.com/MontrealAudeStVincent.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Orguesfrance</a> Beyond the ramparts, the surrounding Aude countryside is dotted with vineyards, Cathar castles, and charming medieval villages — including Montréal, where the ceremony will take place!

Will I need a car rental?

It depends on how much you plan to explore. The wedding venues are located in the countryside, so having a car will give you the most flexibility. There will be transportation provided on the day of the wedding from the Cite (or castle) to the church, then the reception venue, and returning to the Cite at the end of the evening. If you would like to explore car rental options, you can do so via the <a href="https://www.aeroport-carcassonne.com/page-en/car-rental" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Carcassonne Occitanie Airport Website.</a> That said, <a href="https://www.raileurope.com/en-us/destinations/stations/carcassonne" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Carcassonne's train station</a> offers connections to major cities across the region and taxis, via <a href="https://www.g7.fr/en/services-g7-choisissez-ville/285/taxi-carcassonne/de-carcassonne" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">G7 App</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.uber.com/us/en/ride/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Uber's are available</a>. We recommend renting a car if you'd like to visit the surrounding villages, vineyards, and Cathar castles at your own pace.

Will I need to exchange currency?

France uses the Euro (€). France is largely cashless, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATM's are widely available at airports, train stations, and throughout towns. It's best to wait until you arrive to withdraw euros from an ATM rather than exchanging currency before your trip, as airport exchange bureaus and stateside banks often offer unfavorable rates. Keep in mind that any credit or debit cards may charge you an international exchange fee. It's best practice to check your credit or debit card terms and conditions so that you are aware of any additional fees that you may incur. That said, it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, market vendors, and tips (e.g. Taxi's). US dollars are not accepted in most establishments in France so make sure to have euros on hand for your stay.

What will the weather be like for the weekend of the wedding?

September is one of the best times of year to visit the Carcassonne region! In mid-September, average daytime highs hover around 25°C (77°F), with cooler evenings dropping to around 15°C (59°F). There's roughly a 20% chance of rain on any given day, and when it does rain, it tends to be light. You can expect around 8 hours of sunshine per day. We'd suggest light layers for the evening — a linen blazer or a light wrap will go a long way. Ladies, keep in mind that the château grounds include cobblestone and grassy areas, so comfortable footwear is a great idea!

Do I need a visa to travel to France?

US citizens with valid passports can enter France without a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, there is an important new requirement to be aware of for 2026. The EU is introducing ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) in the last quarter of 2026 — the exact launch date will be announced at least six months in advance. Since our wedding is in September 2026, ETIAS may or may not be in effect by then — we'll update this page as soon as we know more. If ETIAS is required, don't worry — the application is fully online, takes only a few minutes, and costs €20. Once approved, it's valid for three years and linked electronically to your passport. In the meantime, make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area — and we recommend at least six months to be safe. Check back on this page for updates as we get closer to the date!

Q + A

Registry

Music from Our Wedding Weekend

From the first notes at the ceremony to the last song on the dance floor, music was a huge part of our celebration.

We put together the playlists from our wedding weekend so you can relive it with us — from a little Borinquen in Pennautier and dinner at the château, to the dance floor and the quiet morning after. Join us and follow the music through our wedding weekend!

Borinquen en Pennautier

listen on<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/02RlZdAKhtHYEqyvQ8xpty?si=yX1ZJcbwTFWyuCmsqJP35Q" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[Spotify]</a> <a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG2VkU7yQ3iQ&amp;si=Ud7sKiLxWaXE-Ow9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[Youtube Music]</a>

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An Evening at Pennautier

listen on<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2MAM83S5zE29KxKOSncA9r?si=V3Ffi2RLSW6dbs6Eg8_NQA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[Spotify]</a> <a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW_svkeoPfJA&amp;si=AGwv1PDFaXXQRXBO" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[Youtube Music]</a>

Oui to the Dance Floor

listen on<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2yPOlLrNg8zeN99MRy7Xln?si=BazzFlWOSfWYgLS3nUWs4A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[Spotify]</a> <a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPoPG0ERY57I&amp;si=BDH9OYPOQ5KYeFx0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[Youtube Music]</a>

The Morning After

listen on<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7iHaHVxRBW9ELKy5xLV5He?si=tIxJti7dRUCyKmRwwTPxvA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[Spotify]</a> <a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMU5Sg1R7NsI&amp;si=MK_kNxwbodDXjCxr" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[Youtube Music]</a>

Wedding Music

Music from Our Wedding Weekend

Borinquen en Pennautier

An Evening at Pennautier

Oui to the Dance Floor

The Morning After