Close your eyes and imagine this:
An old château bathed in golden sunlight, endless lavender fields swaying in the breeze, the scent of fresh-baked baguettes mingling with crisp rosé. A warm, slow-paced celebration filled with laughter, good food, and that effortless French countryside charm.
Sounds like a dream, right? The good news: you don’t have to fly to France to make it a reality. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in Provence or bringing the rustic charm of the French countryside to your own backyard, I’ve got all the inspiration you need. From décor to attire, let’s create a wedding that feels like a romantic escape to Provence—without the jet lag.
1. Choosing the Perfect Venue: From Provence to Anywhere
If you’re lucky enough to say “I do” in Provence, consider these breathtaking venues:
🏰 Château de Berne – A vineyard estate with stunning views and luxurious rustic charm.
🌿 Domaine de Blanche Fleur – A cozy countryside retreat near Avignon, perfect for an intimate wedding.
💍 Château de Robernier – A fairytale-like castle with old stone walls, olive groves, and endless romance.
Planning your wedding elsewhere? No problem! Recreate the Provence vibe at:
✔️ A vineyard with rolling hills
✔️ A rustic barn with exposed wood beams
✔️ A charming garden with string lights and antique furniture
Pro Tip: Choose a venue with natural, earthy tones—think limestone walls, warm wood, or lush greenery.
2. Provence-Inspired Wedding Decor: Simple, Rustic, Elegant
Provence style is all about understated elegance—nothing too polished, just pure, natural beauty.
🌾 Must-Have Elements for Your Provence Wedding
✔️ Lavender, but make it subtle – Use fresh and dried lavender in bouquets, table settings, and even as a confetti toss.
✔️ Olive branches & greenery – Perfect for centerpieces, garlands, or even a greenery chandelier.
✔️ Natural linen & wooden accents – Swap out fancy tablecloths for raw linen runners and rustic wood tables.
✔️ Candlelight everywhere – Think antique brass candlesticks or soft, flickering lanterns for that dreamy glow.
✔️ Vintage details – Decorate with aged wooden signs, handwritten calligraphy menus, and vintage wine barrels.
💡 Want a quick Provence touch? Scatter small jars of lavender honey on tables for an effortless French-country aesthetic.
3. A Soft, Earthy Color Palette for That French Countryside Feel
🎨 Soft pastels: Blush pink, dusty blue, lavender, and warm beige
🎨 Earthy tones: Olive green, terracotta, and warm gray
🎨 Touches of gold – Perfect for vintage cutlery or delicate candleholders
Mix these shades naturally—Provence is all about “effortlessly chic.”
4. Wedding Attire: Effortless Elegance, the French Way
👰 For the Bride:
- A soft, flowy gown with delicate lace or floral embroidery
- Minimalist makeup and a low, undone bun for that “I just woke up looking like this” French-girl vibe
- A floral headpiece or a touch of baby’s breath woven into your hair
🤵 For the Groom:
- A relaxed linen suit in beige, soft gray, or olive green
- A boutonnière with lavender or olive leaves for a subtle touch of Provence charm
👗 For the Bridal Party:
- Flowy, mix-and-match dresses in pastel or earth tones
- No heavy, overdone styling—let everything feel breezy and natural
5. Dining Like the French: A True Provençal Feast
Let’s be honest—no one does food and wine like the French. Your wedding menu should reflect the delicious, slow-living spirit of Provence.
🍷 Wine, wine, and more wine – Serve plenty of Provençal rosé (like Château Miraval Rosé, co-owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie).
🧀 A rustic cheese board – Picture wheels of brie, goat cheese, and roquefort with honey, figs, and fresh baguettes.
🥖 Farm-to-table French cuisine – Ratatouille, roasted lamb, and fresh seafood will bring that authentic touch.
🎂 A naked cake with fresh figs and berries – Elegant, simple, and delicious.
💡 Want to go full Provence? Serve a pre-dinner pastis (a classic anise-flavored aperitif) to get the French vibes going.
6. Music & Entertainment: Set the Mood with a French Touch
Swap the traditional wedding DJ for something that feels like a sunset soirée in Provence.
🎻 Live string quartet playing French classics
🎶 Acoustic folk or a jazz trio for a laid-back, chic feel
💃 A dance floor under string lights, so you can waltz under the stars
Bonus points if your first dance is to La Vie en Rose. 🎶
7. Unique Touches That Bring Provence to Life
Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that leave the biggest impression:
🌿 Escort cards on olive leaves
🍯 Mini lavender honey jars as wedding favors
🚲 A vintage bicycle with a flower-filled basket as décor
📜 Menus printed on parchment paper with elegant calligraphy
💡 Extra Tip: Create a cozy lounge area with rattan chairs, linen cushions, and antique lanterns—perfect for guests to sip their wine and soak in the atmosphere.
8. Capture the Magic with a Provence-Inspired Wedding Photographer
Now that you’ve planned the perfect Provence-style wedding, you need someone to capture it in all its golden-hour glory. That’s where I come in! As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing sun-drenched, joy-filled moments that tell your love story in the most beautiful way.
📷 Ready to turn your wedding into a masterpiece? Check out my portfolio here.
💌 Want to know more about my photography packages? Click here.
📞 Let’s bring your vision to life—contact me today!
Final Thought: A Provence Wedding is a Feeling, Not Just a Look
A wedding inspired by Provence isn’t just about the decor—it’s about embracing a slower, more romantic way of celebrating love. It’s laughter under string lights, warm summer air filled with lavender, and the clinking of wine glasses over stories shared with loved ones.
So pour yourself a glass of rosé, let the magic of Provence sweep you off your feet, and create a wedding that’s as timeless as love itself. 💜
