Close your eyes and picture this: You’re standing in the middle of a sun-drenched vineyard, the scent of lavender floating through the warm evening air. The love of your life is beside you, and in the background, your guests sip on Bordeaux, laughing under twinkling fairy lights. Sounds like a dream, right?
Well, guess what? It doesn’t have to stay a dream. A destination wedding in the South of France is one of the most magical experiences you can create—and it’s totally doable with the right planning.
So, grab a glass of French rosé (yes, it’s mandatory for this read), and let’s get into how to pull off the most unforgettable wedding in Provence, the French Riviera, or the wine country of Bordeaux.
1. Choosing the Perfect Wedding Location in the South of France
The South of France isn’t just one place—it’s a mood, a lifestyle, a Pinterest board brought to life. Whether you’re into château weddings, seaside glamour, or countryside romance, there’s a spot with your name on it.
💜 Provence: For the Hopeless Romantics
Picture rolling lavender fields, golden stone farmhouses, and charming medieval villages. Provence is perfect if you want a rustic, yet elegant wedding with an intimate feel. Imagine getting married in Gordes, Luberon, or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards.
👉 Venue pick: Château de Berne – A breathtaking vineyard estate that screams romance.
🌊 French Riviera: For the Lovers of Luxury
If you’re dreaming of an ultra-chic wedding with a touch of Old Hollywood glamour, Nice, Cannes, Antibes, or Saint-Tropez are your go-to spots. Think sun-kissed beaches, luxury villas, and yacht parties.
👉 Venue pick: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – The definition of Riviera elegance, with sweeping sea views and a jet-set vibe.
🍷 Bordeaux: For the Wine Lovers
If saying “I do” in the heart of wine country sounds like heaven, Bordeaux is the place for you. Vineyards, historic châteaux, and the finest wines in the world? Yes, please.
👉 Venue pick: Château Pape Clément – A fairytale château with vineyards, gardens, and an unforgettable ambiance.
2. When to Get Married in the South of France? Timing is Everything!
🌿 Spring (April – June): Lush gardens, blooming flowers, and mild temperatures. Perfect if you want those stunning green backdrops.
☀️ Summer (July – August): Peak season! Think golden sunlight, warm evenings, but also higher prices and lots of tourists.
🍂 Autumn (September – October): Vineyards turn golden, the weather is still warm, and the crowds are gone. Ideal for a vineyard wedding!
❄️ Winter (November – March): Not as popular, but if you’re going for a cozy château wedding, it could be magical (and budget-friendly).
💡 Pro tip: If you want lavender fields in your photos, get married in late June or early July!
3. Can Foreigners Get Married in France? Legal vs. Symbolic Weddings
I won’t sugarcoat it—getting legally married in France as a foreigner is complicated. French law requires you to be a resident for at least 40 days before the wedding, which isn’t ideal for most couples.
💡 What’s the solution?
Most couples do the legal paperwork at home and have a symbolic ceremony in France. This means no legal headaches—just pure romance.
4. How Much Does a Destination Wedding in the South of France Cost?
💰 Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect to spend:
- Venue rental: €5,000 – €30,000
- Catering (per guest): €100 – €250
- Photography: €3,000 – €7,000 (hint: check out Your Happy Moments Photography)
- Wedding planner: €3,000 – €10,000
- Flowers & decor: €3,000 – €8,000
- Music & entertainment: €2,000 – €7,000
👉 Total cost: A small intimate wedding can cost around €20,000, while a luxury château wedding can go up to €100,000+.
💡 Pro tip: September and October are cheaper than peak summer months!
5. Finding the Right Wedding Vendors in France
You need a team that knows the local scene, speaks French, and understands your vision. Here’s who you’ll need:
📷 Photographer: Capturing that golden South of France light is an art. Check out Your Happy Moments Photography for breathtaking destination wedding photography.
💐 Florist: Want that wild, Provence-inspired floral look? Check out Laetitia C. Fleurs d’Atelier.
🎤 Music: Imagine walking down the aisle to live French jazz… très romantique!
🍰 Cake: Forget traditional cakes—get a croquembouche (a tower of caramel-glazed profiteroles).
💡 Pro tip: If you don’t speak French, a wedding planner is a must. Check out Haute Weddings for expert planning.
6. French Wedding Traditions You Might Love
🎉 The Wedding Parade – After the ceremony, guests honk car horns in a festive parade to the reception.
🥂 Vin d’Honneur – A cocktail-style pre-dinner reception with Champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
🍰 Croquembouche – A French wedding isn’t complete without this delicious tower of caramel-drizzled choux pastries!
7. FAQ: Your South of France Wedding Questions Answered
Q: How far in advance should I book my venue?
A: At least 12-18 months in advance, especially for summer weddings.
Q: Do I need to speak French to plan a wedding in France?
A: Not necessarily, but having a bilingual planner or photographer helps a lot.
Q: Can I have a small wedding in the South of France?
A: Absolutely! Many châteaux and vineyards offer intimate packages for 20-50 guests.
Let’s Capture Your Dream Wedding in France!
Your South of France wedding will be breathtaking, unforgettable, and full of love—and it deserves to be captured beautifully.
I’m Serg, the heart and soul behind Your Happy Moments Photography. I specialize in capturing love stories in the most stunning destinations, and I’d love to help make your dream wedding last forever through timeless, heartfelt imagery.
📸 Check out my portfolio: yourhappymoments.net/blog
🎞 Explore photography packages: yourhappymoments.net/investment
💌 Let’s chat about your wedding: yourhappymoments.net/contact
✨ Let’s make magic together! ✨
