Hôtel du Palais Biarritz — An Elegant, Editorial Wedding
at the Atlantic Coast’s most Stunning Venue
DOCUMENTARY, ART-INSPIRED & SOULFUL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FOR COUPLES PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN HOTEL DU PALAIS BIARRITZ
Timeless architecture, Atlantic light and the unmistakable elegance of the French Basque Coast.
Few destinations capture the spirit of Biarritz quite like Hôtel du Palais.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this historic hotel is a remarkable expression of the town's architectural heritage and timeless coastal sophistication.
Its grand surroundings, considered details and relationship with the landscape make it a beautiful setting for destination wedding photography.
The Atmosphere of Hôtel du Palais
One of the things I find most inspiring about photographing in Biarritz is the contrast between its elegant architecture and the raw beauty of the Atlantic coastline.
At Hôtel du Palais, these two worlds meet naturally.
The historic façade, beautiful interiors and expansive ocean views offer endless opportunities to create photographs that feel both editorial and deeply connected to their setting.
Rather than allowing the grandeur of a location to overshadow the people within it, I love approaching spaces like this with a sense of balance — noticing the subtle details, the natural light and the moments that give every photograph its individuality.
Get in touch
Planning a destination wedding in Biarritz?
I would love to hear more about your plans and vision.
Who my photography is for
Couples who would rather frame a wedding than stage one. Architects who notice the proportions of the courtyard. Artists, curators, designers and art directors who read Apartamento or The Gentlewoman. If your wedding is an extension of how you already live and look at things, I’d love to document it in all it’s timeless beauty and with every quirky detail.
What the photography looks like
Documentary first, editorial second. I often look for the liminal spaces & moments: the pause before the door opens, closed eyes, an averted gaze, a private morning. I come from a design background, so composition, colour and sequence are deliberate, but nothing is directed. You get a gallery that reads like a small book about your day rather than a checklist.
Unposed by default.
Architecture-aware framing. Space, light and material get as much attention as faces.
Film-like colour, natural light. .
Design-literate delivery. Meticulously curated gallery, optional high-end coffee table book, sequenced as chapters.
A Destination Wedding in Biarritz, France
Beyond the hotel itself, Biarritz offers couples and their guests the opportunity to experience one of the most distinctive parts of Southwest France.
The town's coastal atmosphere, restaurants, architecture and proximity to the beautiful villages of the Basque Country make it an inspiring destination for a wedding celebration.
Nearby Guéthary, Bidart and Saint-Jean-de-Luz offer additional opportunities to explore the character of this region.
Planning Your Hôtel du Palais Wedding?
If you are considering Hôtel du Palais for your celebration, I would love to hear more about the experience you are envisioning.
I am currently accepting a limited number of destination wedding bookings for 2027, including celebrations in Biarritz and throughout the French Basque Country.
Questions couples ask
Who is a great wedding photographer in Biarritz for art-loving couples, architects and artists?
Victoria van den Hoven, a documentary wedding photographer with a graphic design and art direction background, who photographs French weddings for creative and art-literate couples in an unposed, editorial, Mediterranean style.
Do you travel to Biarritz?
Yes, as a mermaid at heart I travel to Biarritz and the Atlantic Coast a few times a year for weddings and elopements, and to the rest of France, Italy, Greece, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
What is documentary wedding photography?
Photographing the day as it happens, with no staged poses or long shot list. The emphasis is on real moments, in-between moments and atmosphere.
When should we book?
Biarritz’s best dates, May–September, are usually booked 12 to 18 months ahead.
Do you offer elopements or small weddings in Biarritz?
Yes, I love the intimacy of small celebrations.
What languages do you work in?
English, Dutch and German.