So, you’ve decided to get married in France – maybe you are passionate about its historical architecture and landscapes, or you got tempted by its gastronomic culture and marvelous wines. No matter the reason, that’s an excellent choice!
If you are still wondering where the best place to get married in France is, I can help you to figure out what region fits your style better.
I’ve prepared a selected list of the most incredible regions worthy to get married in. This will help you to understand what kind of experiences you should expect from each of these parts of France. Check it out!
Say “I do” in Paris
When you think about France, Paris is probably the first place that comes into your mind. I get it – the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, and all the romantic atmosphere really make couples dream about it. Known as the City of Love, Paris is definitely iconic.
Paris offers a wide variety of experiences for couples – that go far beyond taking photos at the Eiffel Tower (which is great, by the way). Indeed, the City of Lights offers you the opportunity to have a destination wedding in some historical (and also magnificent) buildings like Opera Garnier and Rodin Museum. What about getting married in a place frequented by personalities like Oscar Wilde, Coco Chanel, and Audrey Hepburn? Then, the Ritz Hotel is perfect for you.
If you want to go a little bit further and explore different sights of Paris, you’ll find gorgeous châteaux in its surroundings, like Château de Villette, Château de Chantilly, and Château de Vaux Le Vicomte.
For a more laid-back and intimate experience, you can plan a boat wedding. Can you imagine saying “I do” while you sail through the Seine River and with an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower? Absolutely unique and unforgettable!
What kind of destination wedding experience you should expect in Paris?
If you are planning a destination wedding in Paris, you and your guests will enjoy a vibrant city, with lots of activities to do – especially if some of your guests have never been to France before. Another key point is that your guests will find many options for accommodations, whatever their budget is, from luxurious Parisian palaces to chic airbnb.
The first thing to remember: make sure to give your guests some time to explore Paris, since this place offers so many opportunities. However, keep in mind that this is a big city and the traffic might be heavy – so it is important not to schedule many activities per day, as everyone might feel a little tired and overwhelmed. In essence, try to choose the “crème de la crème” activities to show your guests the best of Paris.
Walk down the aisle in Provence and French Riviera
Good weather, deep blue sea beaches, lavender fields, and a relaxed atmosphere. That’s what you’ll find in Provence and French Riviera. Located in the Southern area of France, these regions include cities like Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Marseille, Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez.
Mainly, Provence is known for its gorgeous lavender fields in the summer and its cities hold a romantic atmosphere. Coupled with that, weddings usually are held in private properties, like mansions (manoirs), villas, châteaux, vineyards, and boutique hotels. Above all, it is very common for couples to rent the entire property and spend the whole weekend (or week) there with family and friends.
In the French Riviera, it is possible to get married in some famous properties like Villa La Vigie (the former home of Karl Lagerfeld) and La Bastide du Roy (where Mick Jagger and Bianca Jagger walked down the aisle). There are also some luxury hotels where you can enjoy your destination wedding experience to its fullest. And what’s better: many of these places offer a great sea view!
What kind of destination wedding experience you should expect in Provence/French Riviera?
All things considered, in the Southern region of France, you’ll be able to have outdoor weddings with great landscapes – no matter if it is a lavender field or the deep-blue sea. Not to mention that you’ll spend more time with your guests and you’ll be able to enjoy activities such as boat trips (getting to know the Calanques is highly recommended!), wine tasting, a pool party, or an after-wedding brunch.
Bear in mind that to get married there, you’ll probably have to go to one of these airports: Nice (LFMN), Cannes (LFMD), Marseille (LFML), or Toulon (LFTH). Or you can book a flight to Paris and use the TGV (high-speed rail service) to get there.
Destination wedding in the Loire Valley
If you dream of an exceptional wedding experience in a fairytale venue, then the Loire Valley is perfect for you! Located in the middle stretch of the Loire River in central France, some of the region’s main cities are Tours, Orléans, Angers, Saumur, and Nantes.
A quick curiosity about the Loire Valley: it has been classified a World Heritage Site by the UNESC0 in 2000. Above all, this region is so enchanting that the master of arts, Leonardo da Vinci, chose it as his last residence. Today, the castle Clos Lucé is one of its main attractions.
Throughout its history, the Kings of France and members of the nobility have established themselves in the region. For that reason, in the cities along the river, you’ll find gorgeous châteaux and charming properties with captivating architecture. Some good examples of that are Château de Chenonceau and Château Chambord, two of the most famous spots to visit in the Loire Valley.
Also known as Château des Dames, Chenonceau’s history is related to strong women. Its architecture mixes elements from Gothic and Renaissance styles. For art lovers, in its interiors, it is possible to see an art collection that includes works by Tintoretto, Correggio, Rubens, Murillo, Van Dyck, and Ribera.
Château de Chambord is the largest in the region, it was designed to excel! When you arrive, you’ll be amazed by its gardens and its exteriors. Then, its opulent interiors, its main staircase, designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, and the roof terraces will enhance your experience. Both châteaux are available for rent to celebrate luxury weddings.
Also, in the cities along the river, you’ll find other gorgeous châteaux and charming properties with ravishing architecture to celebrate your big day. Mostly, these places offer magnificent gardens – and that’s why many couples choose to do outdoor weddings there. If you and your beloved one are wine lovers, then the Loire Valley might be the best fit for you – as some of the best wines in the world are made here.
Perhaps, you’ll feel a little bit lost among all the possibilities that the region offers. But I promise you won’t regret this experience.
What can you expect from your destination wedding in the Loire Valley?
If you are into the romantic and authentic style, then the Loire Valley will exceed your expectations. First of all, the photographer will be able to do an amazing photoshoot of you around the chosen château – and whatever gown style you choose to wear, the photos will look astonishing. Your wedding photo album will be definitely awe-inspiring!
Besides the dream venues, you’ll be delighted by the refined French cuisine in the region and world-class wines. Also, I must tell you a secret that might convince you to get married in the Loire Valley: warm hospitality. People and vendors are really welcoming and you’ll probably feel at home. You can hire the properties for the whole weekend to accommodate your guests.
The region offers a wide variety of activities for your friends and family – from wine tasting and hiking to golf games and châteaux tours. Make sure to have a local Loire Valley wedding planner who can recommend the best options for you to chill out and have fun together.
Most of all, a great advantage of getting married in the Loire Valley is its proximity to Paris – with two hours of driving, you’ll get there. If you prefer, you can also get the TGV, which might take around one hour, depending on the city.
All of that makes the Loire Valley one of the top places to get married in France!
Celebrate in Bordeaux
Looking for reasons to get married in Bordeaux? In 2017, it was listed as the number 1 city to visit around the world by Lonely Planet. Still not enough for you? The city is world-famous for its wines, and it even has a museum dedicated to that, called Cité du Vin. As a result, this is the perfect place if you are looking forward to doing a vineyard wedding.
Also, the city of Bordeaux is the sixth largest in France, which makes it vibrant and full of entertaining activities. You’ll probably be mesmerized by the number of preserved historical buildings. Equally, you’ll find their many options in Catholic and Protestant Churches to get married – if that is your wish.
Like in the Loire Valley, it is possible to find amazing châteaux to get married. Of course, this means gorgeous scenarios for your wedding.
What can you expect from a destination wedding in Bordeaux?
Once in Bordeaux, you can’t escape the wine tastings and wineries tours. And you should definitely dive into it! However, you have many more activities to entertain your guests. You can visit some important spots like Palace de la Bourse, La Grosse Cloche, Porte Cailhau, and Esplanade des Quinconces.
As for your wedding, the best options are the vineyards and the châteaux. I promise you won’t regret hosting your ceremony and reception outdoors, while you take a sip of the best wines and appreciate the gorgeous landscapes.
Most asked questions about weddings in France
See what are the most common questions from couples willing to get married in France.
How much does a wedding in France cost?
First of all, this is a hard question, because the answer might depend on the number of guests and the chosen region – and prices vary. In the Loire Valley, for example, a château wedding might go from 40000€ to 200000€+ for 100 guests.
Château venues’ rental might go from:
2500€ to 9500€ without accommodations;
9500€ to 45000€+ with accommodations for your guests.
Where is the most beautiful place to get married?
Mainly, it depends on what kind of experience you’re looking forward to having. If you want to have a beach wedding, for example, then the French Riviera is the ideal place. On the other hand, if you dream of a fairy-tale ceremony and reception, then the Loire Valley and Bordeaux offer the best châteaux.
What is the best month to get married in France?
In the first place, summer, spring, and fall are the busiest months for weddings in France. And, of course, there is a reason for that – the weather is fine, and vineyards and lavender fields are in their best shape. If you are looking forward to getting married in those seasons, you have to make sure to book your vendors in advance. However, this doesn’t mean that we can offer interesting experiences during winter as well.
Where do people get married in France?
From my experience, the Loire Valley, Paris, French Riviera, Provence, and Bordeaux are the most incredible regions worthy to get married in.
Where can I have a mini wedding in France?
Any region in France can offer great venues for intimate weddings. In the Loire Valley, for example, we have Château du Rivau, Château des Grotteaux, Château de Longue Plaine, Château de Laborde Saint Martin
What is the best country to get married in?
Since France is the most visited country in the world, it is also a great place to host your destination wedding. In 2019, before the pandemic, about 90 million people visited the country. What is most enchanting about France is that it has options for all tastes – from the ones looking for a modern celebration to the couples who want a fairy-tale wedding.
