Congratulations on your engagement! If you’re considering planning an elopement in France you’re in the right place. We’re excited to share some essential tips and advice to help you plan your dream elopement.
Planning a wedding, even a small one, can be stressful, and a destination wedding adds even more layers of complexity. Surrounding yourself with excellent vendors can alleviate much of this stress. We have a curated list of professionals to guide you, and we’re ready to assist with all your photography needs.
Here are a few key points about getting married in Paris or France. If you’re dreaming of a chateau wedding, these are typically located a couple of hours outside Paris or in regions like the South of France or Provence.
For those wishing to marry in Paris, couples often choose public spaces or luxury hotels such as the Shangri-La or The Plaza Athénée. Public spaces like the Eiffel Tower and certain parks usually don’t require reservations, but it’s a good idea to confirm this for your chosen location. Hiring a planner to help with logistics from afar is highly recommended and will greatly enhance your wedding experience.
The legal requirements for marrying in France are somewhat complicated. French law mandates a civil ceremony at the local town hall (‘mairie’), requiring at least 40 days of residency. While this is possible, it’s often not worth the hassle. Many couples opt to handle the legal ceremony in their home country and then enjoy a ceremonial celebration in Paris for the experience and stunning photos.
We highly recommend two wonderful officiants for your Paris wedding: Laura Montario with The Paris Officiant, who speaks perfect English and also German and French, and Naim with The Parisian Celebrant, who is equally excellent.
For photography, we love the soft, romantic light of early mornings. Scheduling your ceremony and photo session at sunrise provides beautiful lighting and fewer tourists in the background, making it feel like you have Paris to yourselves.
If photography is important to you, consider planning a session at several locations around the city. Spending 2-3 hours exploring and capturing your newlywed bliss can be a wonderful experience. Adding a vintage car or chauffeur can make it even more special, and you can finish with brunch at a cozy Parisian restaurant. Your planner can help with reservations, and as food enthusiasts, we can also offer recommendations. If you’re interested in a night time elopement with Midnight in Paris vibes, CLICK HERE to be inspired for something different!
We hope you found this guide on planning a Paris elopement helpful! We’d love to be part of your celebration. When is your big day? Contact us now!
