Getting Married in France: A Guide

Plan a wedding in France with this location-based guide covering where to get married, seasonal timing, and how French weddings and elopements work.

Getting Married in France

France has a way of making everything about a wedding day feel intentional and special. The architecture, the landscapes, the food, the pace of life; it all lends itself to celebrations that feel elevated without being overdone. With historic city streets, quiet countryside estates and dramatic coastlines, France offers a setting that feels both romantic and refined. For couples dreaming of a destination wedding that blends beauty, culture, and timeless elegance, it’s a place that naturally delivers.

Beyond the scenery, France also offers a strong wedding scene with experienced vendors and venues designed for meaningful, well-executed events. Whether you envision a multi-day celebration or something more intimate, the experience feels thoughtful, personal, and truly unforgettable.

Where to Get Married in France

Obviously, there’s no shortage of beauty here in France. It’s everywhere here, which means you will have a wide variety of locations to choose from for a wedding, but that can make it tough to decide where is best. Here are some of the best options to choose from!

Paris

Paris is classic for a reason. The city’s architecture, cobblestone streets, and river views create a timeless backdrop that doesn’t need much styling. Weddings here often feel elegant and intimate, with a focus on beautiful spaces, simple design, and meaningful moments.

Here are some Paris wedding venues to consider:

• Castle Méridon: a historic estate venue just outside Paris with garden and reception spaces
• Château Du Prieuré D’evecquemont: a romantic château wedding venue with classic French character
• Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris: an iconic luxury hotel venue with elegant courtyard areas and right in the heart of Paris

Provence

Provence has gorgeous rolling vineyards, stone villas, olive groves, and soft golden light, which creates an atmosphere that feels both romantic and grounded. Weddings here often unfold outdoors, with long tables under the open sky, local wine, and the countryside stretching out in every direction. The pace is slower, the scenery is rich with texture, and the overall experience feels much more intimate. Provence is ideal for couples who want their celebration to feel personal and scenic, with the relaxed vibe of southern France.

Here are some Provence wedding venues to consider:

• The castle Beaumetane: a private château setting with on-site accommodation, perfect for a multi-day wedding celebration in the heart of Provence
• Château La Tour Vaucros: a stunning venue set among the Provence countryside and vineyards, ideal for both outdoor ceremonies and receptions
• Field of White Flower: a romantic estate surrounded by lush gardens in Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne

The French Riviera

The French Riviera offers a polished, coastal setting for a wedding that feels refined and romantic. With its Mediterranean views, pastel architecture, and cliffside venues, this area creates a naturally striking backdrop, without needing much added design. Popular locations like Nice, Èze, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat have both historic charm and contemporary elegance, with many venues overlooking the sea. Weddings here often take place in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the coastline is calm and picturesque.

Here are some French Riviera wedding venues to consider:

• Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel: an iconic luxury venue perched on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat with manicured gardens and Mediterranean views
• Domaine du Mont Leuze: an estate in Villefranche-sur-Mer overlooking the sea
• Château Saint Georges: a historic estate near Grasse set in a park, with classic French charm

The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is known for its grand châteaux, formal gardens, and storybook landscapes, making it one of the most classic wedding destinations in France. Weddings here often take place at historic estates that have sweeping staircases, manicured grounds, and elegant interiors. The region feels peaceful and picturesque, with a slower pace that allows couples and guests to fully enjoy the setting. Spring and early fall are especially popular for outdoor ceremonies, when the gardens are in bloom and the weather is mild.

Here are some Loire Valley wedding venues to consider:

• Château de Challain-la-Potherie: a fairytale château with gorgeous gardens, a lake, forested grounds, and luxury suites
• Chateau de Jalesnes: a beautifully restored Renaissance castle with on-site chapel
• La Racaudière: an estate in Touraine with a warm, countryside feel

Bordeaux & Champagne

France’s wine regions offer a quieter kind of elegance. There’s something so magical and romantic about all of the rolling vineyards, and wineries with historical charm. It makes the whole region feel really timeless for a wedding, where you can enjoy refined dining, the stunning landscapes, and a treasured time spent with your favorite people.

Here are some Bordeaux & Champagne wedding venues to consider:

• Château De Garde: a beautifully restored estate nestled among vineyards in Bordeaux
• Le Château de Sept-Saulx: a château venue in the heart of Champagne vineyards
• Domaine Les Crayères: a luxurious estate and hotel in Reims with lush gardens and beautiful interiors

A French Wedding vs. Elopement

Planning a full wedding in France often means hosting a multi-day experience. Welcome dinners, exploring the area, and farewell brunches are common, allowing guests to truly enjoy the destination. These celebrations tend to feel immersive, intentional, and have more of a relaxed pace.

Elopements, on the other hand, offer a more streamlined approach. Many couples choose to legally marry elsewhere and host a symbolic ceremony in France, which gives you flexibility with location and timeline. Elopements often focus on the experience itself, like a quiet ceremony, meaningful vows, and a location that is more personal to you and your person.

Both options allow couples to embrace France’s beauty, but the scale and structure look different. A wedding centers on shared celebration, while an elopement leans into intimacy and simplicity.

When to Get Married in France

Deciding when to host your wedding in France all depends on the overall vibe and look you’re wanting for your day. Here’s what each season looks like here in France!

Spring in France

Spring means mild temperatures, breathtaking gardens, and fewer tourists than summer. It’s a popular season for countryside and château weddings, especially in the Loire Valley and Provence.

Summer in France

Summer gives you longer days and warmer weather, making it more ideal for outdoor celebrations. Areas along the coast are especially popular during this time, and it’s also the busiest season for travel and tourism.

Fall in France

Fall is ideal for vineyard regions like Bordeaux and Champagne. The light is soft, the landscapes are rich in color, and the crowds begin to thin. It’s the perfect choice to be able to enjoy all the natural beauty here, without all of the crowds that come with peak-season.

Winter in France

Winter weddings in France tend to be more intimate, especially in cities like Paris. Fewer tourists, cozy interiors, and festive décor can create a very romantic atmosphere for a smaller event.

How to Get Married in France

Legally marrying in France comes with specific requirements. At least one partner must have French residency, and the process involves several months of preparation. Because of this, many international couples choose to complete the legal portion at home and hold a symbolic ceremony in France.

A symbolic wedding allows more flexibility with location, timeline, and ceremony style. Couples can exchange vows at a château, vineyard, seaside terrace, or private estate without legal restrictions.

Planning typically begins 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak seasons and popular regions. Working with local professionals ensures everything runs smoothly while allowing couples to focus on the experience itself.

France Elopement Photographer

Hi, I’m Katie! I’m a girl filled with a mission to serve you by providing your favorite memories frozen in place to live through time, after time. My wish as a friend, and as a photographer, is that you never forget the magic that was within you in those passing moments.

Even after traveling the world to some incredible places, France is absolutely my favorite place on Earth & I’d love to help capture your French wedding! You can reach out to me here if you are looking for a France elopement photographer!