Sunrise portraits, elegant dinner after.
Spots I like: Trocadéro area, Bir-Hakeim, Île Saint-Louis, Palais-Royal, Montmartre side streets.
Tip: Sunrise avoids crowds.
Elopements & Micro-Weddings in France
(for US & UK Couples)
Small, simple, and beautiful. This is the calm way to get married in France—focused on light, real moments, and time together. Fewer moving parts, clearer timelines, less stress. Space to breathe, to wander, and to celebrate with the people who matter.
What counts as “small”
- Elopement: 2–10 people (often just the two of you).
- Micro-wedding: 10–40 guests.
Most international couples do the legal part at home and hold a symbolic ceremony in France. It’s faster. It opens every location. It keeps the day light.
Where it works best
Paris
Bordeaux & Dordogne
Vineyards, stone châteaux, weekend pace.
Spots I like: Saint-Émilion lanes, Médoc vines near Margaux, château courtyards in Dordogne (Sarlat, Beynac/La Roque‑Gageac), river overlooks at Marqueyssac.
Tip: Aim for golden hour in the vines; shoulder seasons (May–June, Sept–Oct) are ideal.
Provence & Côte d’Azur
Lavender, olive groves, sea light.
Spots I like: Luberon villages (Gordes, Roussillon), Valensole plain, Cassis calanques, Antibes old town, Menton promenade.
Tip: For lavender, plan late June–early July and start early; build shade and water breaks.
Loire Valley
Grand gardens, black-tie feeling.
Spots I like: Château alleys and orangeries (Villandry, Chenonceau surrounds), riverside paths near Amboise and Chinon.
Tip: Check garden closing times and sound curfews; many estates sleep guests on site.
Normandy & Brittany
Wind, cliffs, soft weather.
Spots I like: Étretat cliffs and farm lanes, Saint‑Malo ramparts, Dinard and Cancale coves, Cap Fréhel headlands.
Tip: Watch tides and wind; keep a covered plan close by.
Alps (Annecy/Chamonix)
Lakes and mountain air.
Spots I like: Annecy old town and lakeshore, Talloires bay, meadows with Mont‑Blanc views in Chamonix, Les Bois forest paths.
Tip: Summer sunsets run late; mountain weather shifts fast—leave time for parking and short walks.
When to come
April-June
Bloom and longer days
July-August
Busy and hot; book early, plan shade.
September-October
Harvest light, fewer crowds.
November-March
Cozy rooms, earlier timelines, lighter budgets.
Permits & simple rules
- Streets are usually fine for photos. Some gardens, rooftops, museums, or private sites need permits or fees.
- Music and noise: many venues have curfews. Ask early.
- Drone: strict in cities. Possible at many countryside venues with a licensed pilot. We’ll check the map first.
A right-sized team
- Planner or day-of coordinator (recommended): keeps permits, timing, and vendor calls simple.
- Photographer: documentary approach keeps the day natural; portraits when the light is right.
- Celebrant/Officiant: English-speaking; vows your way.
- Hair & Makeup: on-site. Humidity-proof in summer.
- Florist: seasonal, reusable pieces (ceremony → dinner).
- Music: acoustic duo for elopements; curated set or DJ for dinner.
- Chef/Restaurant: private chef at a château or a classic Paris restaurant buyout.
Booking windows
- Elopements: 3–9 months.
- Micro-weddings: 9–18 months (venues go first).
Budget snapshots (typical ranges)
On average, couples spend €30,000–€80,000 on a French destination wedding.
| Item | Elopement (2–10) | Micro-wedding (10–40) |
|---|---|---|
| Venue / Estate | — | €3,000–€15,000+ |
| Catering (per person) | Dinner €80–€200 pp | €120–€250 pp |
| Photographer | €1,800–€4,500 | €2,500–€6,500 |
| Hair & Makeup (HMUA) | €300–€700 | — |
| Celebrant / Officiant | €300–€900 | — |
| Florals & Décor | €120–€300 | €1,500–€6,000 |
| Music | — | €800–€3,000 |
| Planner / Coordination | — | €2,000–€7,000 |
| Permits / Transport | €200–€1,000 | — |
| Lodging / Transport | — | Variable |
Sample timelines
Paris sunrise elopement
- 04:30–05:30 Hair & makeup at hotel
- 05:45 First look outside the hotel
- 06:00–08:00 Portraits + vow reading (two close-by spots)
- 08:15 Café stop
- 10:00 Optional second neighborhood
- Evening: short sunset walk + dinner
Vineyard micro-wedding (weekend, 25–35 guests)
- Day 1: Check-in, aperitif in the vines, relaxed dinner
- Day 2: Late morning prep, garden ceremony, cocktail hour, portraits, golden-hour dinner, first dance
- Day 3: Brunch and goodbyes
Weather plans that work
- Heat: fans, shade, water breaks, powder for shine, light fabrics.
- Rain: clear umbrellas, covered plan B, glasshouse/arcade options, taxi buffers.
- Wind/coast: hairpins, veil weights, sturdy floral mechanics.
Travel basics (US/UK → France)
- Carry on your attire.
- One elegant pair of shoes + one for cobblestones.
- EU plug adapters (Type C/E).
- Travel insurance for peace of mind.
- Keep copies of permits and vendor contacts on your phone.
FAQ
Can we legally marry in France?
Yes, but residency rules make it complex. Most couples do the legal part at home and a symbolic ceremony here.
Do we need photo permits?
Sometimes. Streets: usually fine. Parks, rooftops, museums, private sites: often need approval. I’ll advise per spot.
What size is “micro”?
10–40 guests. Big enough to feel like a wedding; small enough to stay flexible.
When should we book?
Elopements: 3–9 months. Micro-weddings: 9–18 months. Peak dates and venues go early.
Can we use a drone?
In many countryside venues, yes—with a licensed pilot and permissions. Cities are restricted.
How I work
I’m a French wedding photojournalist. Bilingual. Calm on the day. I plan for light, not just locations. We keep it simple: real moments first, a few portraits when the light is right, and room to breathe. I’m comfortable with US/UK traditions and timelines.
Next step: tell me your date and place. I’ll send availability, a draft timeline, and full galleries for similar weddings.
