Picture this: You’re standing on a sun-drenched terrace in the South of France, the scent of lavender drifting through the warm air. A glass of chilled champagne in one hand, the love of your life in the other. Your guests are laughing under twinkling lights, savoring the best wine they’ve ever tasted. Sounds like a dream? Well, mon ami, this could be your wedding day.
Planning a destination wedding in France is an adventure—romantic, exciting, and just the right amount of chaos (hello, French bureaucracy). But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to making your French wedding dreams come true.
Step 1: Choose the Perfect Wedding Location in France
France is bursting with wedding-worthy backdrops. The real challenge? Picking just one. Let’s break it down.
Paris – The City of Love
If you’re dreaming of an iconic, elegant wedding, Paris is your stage. Imagine exchanging vows in a historic château, a lush garden, or with the Eiffel Tower sparkling behind you. Some stunning venues:
✨ Shangri-La Paris – A palace hotel with Eiffel Tower views. (shangri-la.com/paris)
🏰 Château de Villette – A fairytale venue just outside the city. (chateaudevillette.com)
Provence & The French Riviera – Romance Meets Mediterranean Chic
Think rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and golden sunsets. Ideal for intimate weddings with rustic charm.
🌿 Gordes – A breathtaking hilltop village in Luberon. (provenceweb.fr)
🌊 Saint-Tropez – Where luxury meets seaside romance. (saint-tropez.fr)
Bordeaux & French Wine Country – For the Wine Lovers
A vineyard wedding? Yes, please. Imagine sipping world-class Bordeaux with your guests while celebrating under the stars.
🍷 Château Smith Haut Lafitte – An elegant vineyard estate. (smith-haut-lafitte.com)
The French Alps – A Winter Wonderland Wedding
For couples who want a magical snowy wedding, Chamonix is a dream. Picture a cozy chalet, a crackling fire, and snow-capped peaks as your backdrop. (chamonix.com)
Step 2: Get the Legal Stuff Sorted (Or… Just Skip It)
France loves its romance, but also loves its paperwork. If neither you nor your partner are French residents, you’ll need to meet strict requirements, including a 40-day residency before the wedding.
Your Best Bet?
- Get legally married at home first, then have a symbolic wedding in France.
- If you’re set on a civil ceremony in France, be prepared for a long bureaucratic process.
For official marriage requirements, visit service-public.fr (bring a croissant—it’s a long read).
Step 3: Find the Right Vendors (Because You Deserve the Best)
Planning from afar? You’ll need a dream team to bring your vision to life.
📷 Photographer – Destination weddings deserve breathtaking photos. I specialize in capturing love stories in magical places! (See my work)
💐 Florist – French florals? Absolutely stunning. Check out Madame Artisan Fleuriste (madame-artisan-fleuriste.com).
🍰 Wedding Cake – Traditional French weddings feature a croquembouche, a tower of caramel-glazed cream puffs. Modern takes? Try Synie’s Paris (synies.com).
🎻 Live Music – Want a romantic jazz band in Paris? Paris Jazz Café has some of the best musicians in the city (parisjazzcafe.com).
🎤 Wedding Planner – If you don’t want to stress, hire a local expert! Websites like frenchweddingstyle.com list top wedding planners in France.
Step 4: Budget Wisely (Champagne Isn’t Cheap, but It’s Worth It)
How much does a wedding in France cost?
💰 A destination wedding in France ranges from €20,000 to €60,000+, depending on location and guest count.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- Off-season weddings (November–March) are more affordable.
- Weekday weddings = lower venue fees.
- Smaller guest lists = more luxury per person.
Step 5: Plan for Guests & Logistics
Your guests will need a little guidance to navigate their trip to France.
✈️ Flights & Accommodation – Paris and Nice are major hubs with many flight options. Block hotel rooms for guests.
🚗 Transport – If you’re in the countryside, arrange shuttles (or risk your guests getting lost in a vineyard).
🍷 Make It an Experience – Plan fun activities:
- Wine tasting in Bordeaux
- A private Seine River cruise in Paris
- Lavender field picnics in Provence
Step 6: Embrace the French Mentality (AKA, Slow Down & Enjoy)
Here’s the best advice I can give you: relax, sip some wine, and enjoy every moment.
French weddings are about long dinners, plenty of wine, and endless joy. Don’t stress the little details—just let the magic of France take over.
Capture Your Happy Moments in France
Your wedding isn’t just a day—it’s a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life. And every love story deserves to be beautifully captured.
📸 See my portfolio → Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Wedding Photography Packages → Investment
📩 Let’s make magic together → Contact Me
France is waiting for you—and so am I, camera in hand, ready to capture every breathtaking, joy-filled second. 🥂✨
