THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT IN FRANCE – TIPS, VENUES AND LOCATION IDEAS
Ancient Europe meets food, wines and beautiful landscapes in France. If you’ve chosen to plan your elopement in France, but you’re not sure where to start, I wrote this guide just for you!
Since 2013, I have helped more than 100 couples plan their dream elopement in France. In this guide, I’ll show you the most beautiful places to elope in France, the best venues, the legalities, as well as elopement tips and tricks to help you plan this magical day!
Table of contents
1) What is an elopement?
2) Why you should plan an elopement in France
3) The best locations for an elopement in France
4) The most beautiful elopement venues in France
5) The best time for an elopement in France
6) What is the cost of an elopement in France?
7) What to wear for your elopement in France
8) Eloping in France – your checklist
9) Galleries of elopements in France
First, let’s be sure we’re talking about the same thing:
1) What is an elopement?
An elopement is an intimate wedding ceremony including 2 to 20 people (couple included) that is organized when a couple doesn’t feel like being the center of attention and wants a “just us” wedding day.
The elopement is planned just like a laid-back wedding with a very meaningful part: the ceremony and the vows exchange. This is generally done in a beautiful place, like on top of a mountain, in a lush garden or on a beach at sunset.
Afterwards, the couple celebrates in a very minimalist way with their closest friends and family, and sometimes even leave on a getaway together one or two days after the ceremony.
NOTE: In France, elopements are not a legal way to get married. There will be more on that in this article about how to get married in France.
2) Why you should plan an elopement in France
Beautiful weather
In general, France has a beautiful weather that can be enjoyed most of the year, in almost every part of the country. Even if the northern parts are get more rain than the other areas, the summers are still very hot and sunny. The winters are just as beautiful: plan an elopement in the French Alps and enjoy jaw-dropping panoramas over snow-covered mountains and peaks.
Landscape diversity
Whether you’re dreaming of eloping in Paris, or on top of a secluded mountain, you will find everything you’re looking for in France. From dramatic mountains ranges (the Alps, the Pyrénnées, the Massif Central…) to sandy beaches in the south all the way to cities boasting with life and cultural assets, you will truly have an embarrassment of choices, when it comes to choosing the best place for your elopement in France.
Delicious food and wines
It’s not a myth. Food and wines truly are delicious in France. All the regions have their own dishes and you can enjoy many different tastes wherever you visit. Just be sure to check the TripAdvisor reviews from French visitors to make sure that you eat in a truly delicious restaurant. Menus with a “plat du jour” generally cost around €30 ($35) and have an entrée, a main course, a dessert and a coffee. Don’t forget that tips are not mandatory in France (but much appreciated!).
Picturesque villages
Wherever you will be visiting, picturesque villages are around the corner of every road. Some regions have more beautiful villages than others, for instance Dordogne and Lot, Provence, Alsace and the Alps.
3) The best locations for an elopement in France
You can read the full article here
Paris
Because you can’t talk about an elopement in France and don’t mention Paris. Even if there are tons of other jaw-dropping locations in France, Paris is still the most accessible, varied, cultural and food-oriented city in France.
Provence
If you’re dreaming of hot sun, dried stone walls and beautiful perched villages on top of every other hill, Provence is just for you! Enjoy delicious strolls on the cobbled streets of little villages, while eating a home-made ice cream. You can also discover antique shops, before going back to your luxury hotel and eat a local dish.
Auvergne
Have you ever heard of Auvergne? It is because this region of France is overlooked. It is a shame because it has some of the most beautiful mountains you will ever find. And since it doesn’t get many tourists, most places are still secluded, wild and untouched.
The Alps
The Alps are perfect in every season for an elopement in France. You will find beautiful peaks and magnificent chalets, perfect for an elopement outside and epic couple pictures. If you’re planning a winter elopement in France, don’t forget to prepare accordingly, when choosing your wedding attire.
Corsica
Corsica is an island located south of Provence in the Mediterranean Sea. Its beauty lies in its variety, as you will find both beaches and dramatic mountains. You will also be able to enjoy the picturesque views of ancient villages, while enjoying the most delicious delicatessen and cheeses.
There are MANY places to plan your elopement in France, so don’t limit yourself to this list. These are just examples. You can explore more options of the best places to elope in France on Google, or by planning your elopement with a seasoned photographer (like me).
4) The most beautiful elopement venues in France
If you want something accessible – at least to exchange your vows!
La Bastide de Gordes
Le gîte du Passant
La Villa Ephrussi
Château de la Canière
Château Bouffemont
Château de Redon
Hôtel du Castellet
Château de la Durantie
L’Île à Bois
La villa Tosca
Château de Bouthonvilliers
Château de la Chèvre d’Or
Château de la Bourlie
Château Rieutort
Château Saint Martin
Château Allure du Lac
Château Barthelemy
Château Talaud
Château Challain
Camellas Lloret
Château Maulmont
Château Mirambeau
Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat
Les Rosées
5) The best time for an elopement in France
The weather is usually very nice in France. However, you need to remember some important facts, when planning your elopement in France.
Winter
Winter can be very cold, with temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F) in the winter in the Alps. However, if you’re planning accordingly and avoid the big ski season, you should be able to hike and find a secluded place relatively easily. Be careful since avalanches are very common, if you don’t walk on the trails. Be sure to contact the nearest tourist office to check where you can hike during the snow season.
Spring
You should try to avoid the months of March and April for your elopement in France, since these months are generally the dull and gloomy. Trees are still bare and the weather can be bad with frequent hail storms. If you wish to plan a spring wedding, it is best to have it at the end of April or during the whole month of May. This period is nicer and filled with beautiful green leaves on the trees, flowers in the fields and grass growing everywhere.
Summer
If you don’t like hot weather, try avoiding eloping to France during the summer. This season can be very hot, with temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F) in all regions of France. The peak temperatures are generally reached in the beginning of July. Therefore, if you’d still like to elope during the summer, try the fourth week of August or the entire month of September. At this time, it is generally still very warm and nice. You will also avoid the big harsh sun.
Fall
Fall is generally warm and beautiful. The weather is still nice, and you can enjoy adventurous hikes, while not stepping in mud. The trees also put on a colorful display. Try the Southern Alps to see the larches with full colors of reds/oranges/yellows. The deep forests of Auvergne are also a treat for the eyes during that season.
6) What is the cost of an elopement in France?
High-end elopement
Travel to and from France: $2 500
Travel visas (if needed): $150
5 nights in a high-end accomodation // $2 500
Elopement photographer // $6 000
Private chef or full board // $1 000
Officiant // $1 000
Florist // $500
Rentals // $500
Wedding dress and accessories // $4 000
Suit and accessories // $1 000
Total for a high-end elopement in France: $19 150
Budget elopement
Travel to and from France: $2 500
Travel visas (if needed): $150
5 nights in an airbnb // $1 000
Elopement photographer // $4 000
Food // $250
Officiant // $500
Florist // $200
Wedding dress and accessories // $2 500
Suit and accessories // $500
Total for a budget elopement in France: $11 600
7) What to wear for your elopement in France
Although elopements are usually considered to be laid-back and casual, this is not necessarily the case. Elopements can also be luxurious, delicate affairs that will require some special adjustments. Feeling beautiful while exchanging your vows and wearing something truly special for this moment, might be something you truly care about. This section will cover everything you need to know, when it comes to what to wear for your elopement in France.
The dress
It should be flowing, light and delicate. Avoid tulle since it has a tendency to get stuck everywhere, especially if you’re planning an elopement outdoors.
If you’re planning an elopement during the hotter months, consider a shorter dress or a very light option. Therefore, you won’t be too hot, while strolling from place to place during your couple photoshoot.
If you’re planning a winter elopement, choose layered clothes and avoid big puffy jackets. They might stand out too much in your pictures. Choose a long-sleeve dress and add a poncho and a nice bohemian woolen scarf for a complete look.
The shoes
Depending on where you’d like to elope, the type of shoes is essential. For traditional weddings, high heels are very common. However, since you are probably going to be doing a lot of walking and even hiking if you’re planning an adventure elopement in France, you will need to choose other shoes. Try to find some leather hiking shoes for an added touch of sophistication (and to beautify your elopement pictures). Don’t forget to plan for the weather. If you are eloping in winter, warm waterproof boots will be necessary. On the other hand, eloping in summer might require some well- ventilated hiking boots that will allow your feet to perspire freely and to avoid some very sore feet at the end of the day!
The suit
Just like the dress, when you choose your suit, you should think about the details of your special day. Have you planned an adventure elopement with a four-hour hike to get to that beautiful peak with a view? Avoid three-piece suits, since you will be much too hot to hike in them. If you’re planning a winter elopement, try to find a luxurious woolen suit that will add an extra layer of warmth, while still being breathable and very beautiful. Try to match your styles and don’t forget to find more inspiration on Pinterest!
Other things to consider
Find a backpack that will contain everything you will need (another pair of shoes, extra layers for warmth, even in summer – temperatures can drop very quickly once the sun sets, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, water, snacks, your vows, your phone, an emergency battery charger, cleaning wipes and a water pouch for your bouquet).
Of course, these things won’t be needed for a city elopement in Paris!
8) Eloping in France – your checklist
Think about where you’d like to go
When you’re imagining your elopement, does it take place in a city or the countryside? Is it on a mountain,beach or a little village? This question will be crucial for your elopement planning, since it will determine where you should start searching for places to elope, like venues or hikes you could take for your ceremony.
Pick a date
Don’t forget to take into account that crowds can be VERY heavy in some tourist places in France, so plan accordingly. Try to avoid the summer months, if you’re planning on eloping in a popular tourist area of France (Paris, Bordeaux, Provence, French Riviera, Dordogne). In general, you should try to consider weekdays, since they will also be less crowded. Don’t forget that you can have your ceremony one day, and plan a whole trip afterwards to take pictures in other parts of France.
Find more informations about travel visas
You don’t want to be stuck at the last minute with everything paid for and not being able to make it to France. Contact your embassy or an agency specialized in visas to sort everything out first. Travelling to France is usually very easy, since it is the first tourist location in the world. Be sure that you have everything you need, before planning anything further.
Book your accomodation
Once you’ve found your area and date, you can start looking for accommodations that you will like. Don’t forget to check websites like AirBnB, HomeAway and Booking.com to find the best possible options. You can even select luxury rentals on AirBnB!
Book your photographer
Elopement photographers are generally booked six-12 months in advance, so try to contact your favorite ones as soon as you have booked your date, travel and accommodations. Choose your photographer based on what you can see on his/her website and his/her experience in shooting weddings in France. Local photographers are preferable, since they won’t need a permit to work in France (which can be extremely hard for foreigners to get).
Find a place to exchange your vows
Some accommodations, especially exclusive rentals, will have a beautiful place for your ceremony. It could be a garden, a little nearby forest or a nice hike atop a mountain or a beach. However, there are some that don’t offer this option. You can, therefore, check out hikes nearby to pick your favorite and start planning your day accordingly.
Book your other vendors
Florist, officiant, decorator, private chef, dress designer, wedding rings…these are all things you will need to take care of, while planning your elopement in France.
Plan your travel
If you’re dreaming of travelling around France, then you can plan a whole road-trip across the most beautiful places in France. Renting a car is easy and will allow you to go from one place to another very easily. Try to plan at least three weeks to see everything there is to see, or at least 10 days to see the essence of France. My pick is Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Lot, Provence, Alps and back to Paris.
Live your dream elopement
It’s the big day, enjoy it fully!
9) Galleries of elopements in France
- Marine & Etienne – An overnight post-wedding session near Lyon
- Kristina & Tyler – A chateau Challain elopement followed by a 10-days honeymoon in France and Italy
- Imogen & Paul – An overnight mountain elopement near Switzerland
- Elodie & Dean – A post-wedding session in Scotland
- Laura & Ben – A forest elopement in the Highlands
- Misha & Chris – A 5-days elopement in the Japanese forests
Your peaceful plan to elope in France
I.
Schedule a non-sales call
Everyone truly hates sales calls (me included) so I refuse to fo them. We simply chat about what your dream day and travel plans look like to see if we’re a match!
II.
Book your date
We find the perfect date together and you’re officially booked!
III.
I’ll plan your dream elopement
From itinerary planning to vendor suggestions all the way to helping you with permits, I plan everything.
IV.
Live your adventure
You live a peaceful, meaningful wedding day on an itinerary that’s custom created just for you.
V.
Relive this day forever
I deliver your pictures and your choice of album from my collection, to remember this adventure, and share it for years to come.
Let’s plan your peaceful elopement
Where you can be you. Feel. Breathe in each other’s love.
Experience a place close to your hearts, or a bucket list dream.
Need more inspiration for your elopement?
Check out this brand new article about the best places to elope IN THE WORLD
