Ah, getting married in France! Just imagine it: exchanging vows under the soft golden light of Provence, celebrating with a sunset toast in a Bordeaux vineyard, or dancing under the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. Très romantique, right? But then comes the big question: How much does a wedding in France actually cost?
Planning a destination wedding in France can be a dream come true—but only if you budget wisely. Don’t worry, though—I’ve got your back. Let’s break down the real costs of a French destination wedding (including some budget-friendly hacks to keep your wallet as happy as your heart).
💍 The Venue: €4,000 – €30,000+
Choosing the right venue is like picking the perfect bottle of French wine—so many options, but only one that truly speaks to your soul (and your budget).
Luxury Château Experience (€15,000 – €30,000+)
Want to feel like royalty? France has no shortage of historic châteaux, where you can live out your own fairytale wedding.
Charming & Elegant (€7,000 – €15,000)
- 🍇 Domaine de la Fauconnie (Dordogne) – A romantic château experience at a more reasonable price.
- 🍷 Bordeaux vineyard venues – Perfect for wine lovers, with prices starting around €7,000.
Budget-Friendly Hidden Gems (€4,000 – €7,000)
- 🏡 Rustic countryside estates – Many charming farmhouses and boutique hotels in Provence offer affordable wedding packages.
- ⛪ Local town halls & gardens – In smaller towns, you can rent historic buildings or gardens for just a few thousand euros.
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Get married in the off-season (November–April) to score big venue discounts!
🥂 Food & Drinks: €80 – €250 per guest
A French wedding without amazing food? Sacrilège!
- Simple yet elegant: €80–€120 per person (think classic French fare like coq au vin and Bordeaux wine).
- Gourmet Michelin-style: €150–€250 per person (foie gras, truffle-infused dishes, and a sommelier-curated wine list).
🧀 Budget Tip: Skip the formal plated dinner and go for a French-style grazing table with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh baguettes. It’s chic and affordable!
📸 Photography & Videography: €2,500 – €8,000+
Your wedding day is once in a lifetime—make sure it’s beautifully captured!
- 🎞️ Standard wedding coverage: €2,500–€4,500
- 🎥 Luxury, multi-day experience: €5,000–€8,000+
💡 Pro Tip: Choose a photographer who knows the best light in Provence or the secret Parisian streets for the most breathtaking shots. (That’s where I come in!) Check out my work here and let’s create magic together.
💐 Florals & Décor: €2,500 – €10,000
- 🌸 Simple & elegant: €2,500–€4,000 (minimalist floral arrangements, olive branches, wildflowers).
- 🌿 Over-the-top luxury: €6,000–€10,000+ (grand floral installations, chandeliers, draped silk table runners).
🪻 Budget Tip: Use seasonal, local flowers—lavender in Provence, olive branches in the Riviera, or wildflowers in the Loire Valley.
🎶 Entertainment: €1,500 – €8,000
- 🎧 DJ: €1,500–€3,500
- 🎸 Live band: €4,000–€8,000
- 🎻 String quartet for ceremony: €800–€2,000
🎤 Budget Tip: Some venues have in-house sound systems, which can save you rental costs.
💄 Hair & Makeup: €300 – €1,000
French beauty is all about that effortless je ne sais quoi.
- Bridal package: €500–€1,000 (trial + wedding day).
- Bridesmaids: €100–€250 per person.
📜 Legal Fees & Paperwork: €300 – €2,000
Getting legally married in France requires at least 40 days of residency (yep, bureaucracy at its finest). Most couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in France and legal paperwork at home.
📑 Budget Tip: Skip the legal stress and go for a celebrant-led symbolic wedding in France instead!
🏨 Accommodation & Travel: €5,000 – €20,000
- Château buyout (for 2-3 nights): €10,000–€20,000
- Luxury hotel: €300–€700 per night
- Budget-friendly boutique hotels & Airbnbs: €100–€250 per night
✈️ Budget Tip: Book flights & accommodations early—prices skyrocket in peak wedding season (June–September).
💶 Final Budget Estimate
So, how much does a wedding in France cost?
- Low-range budget: €20,000–€35,000
- Mid-range budget: €40,000–€60,000
- Luxury budget: €80,000+
📝 Quick Budget-Saving Checklist
✅ Get married in the off-season.
✅ Choose a vineyard or countryside estate over a château.
✅ Serve local wine instead of imported bottles.
✅ Skip the plated dinner for a French grazing table.
✅ Book a photographer who knows France well to get the most stunning shots. (Hint: That’s me!)
🤔 FAQ: French Destination Wedding Budget
❓ How can I save money on a wedding in France?
- Choose Provence or Bordeaux instead of Paris.
- Look for all-inclusive venue packages that include catering and accommodations.
- Book vendors who specialize in destination weddings (they’ll help cut unnecessary costs).
❓ Can I legally get married in France as a foreigner?
You’d need to live in France for at least 40 days before the wedding. Most couples handle the legal paperwork at home and have a symbolic ceremony in France instead.
Let’s Capture Your Dream French Wedding
From lavender fields to Parisian rooftops, France is made for love stories. And when it comes to capturing those magical, once-in-a-lifetime moments—you deserve a photographer who truly understands destination weddings.
✨ Ready to turn your dream wedding into timeless memories?
📸 Explore my photography packages here or contact me here. Let’s create something unforgettable, à la française! 💕
