A Travel Expert's Advice for Destination Weddings in Paris
L'amour est dans l'air!
Getting married is an exciting and important time for many people, and choosing the perfect place for a destination wedding can be the cherry on top of a perfect day.
That’s why many people choose to get married in Paris, the city of love.
Paris is widely considered one of the most romantic cities in the world to say “I do.” Whether you are choosing between an intimate elopement or a grand wedding, planning a destination wedding in Paris does require careful planning and coordination.
Riverdale Travel’s wedding destination experts have put their heads together to build a comprehensive guide to planning a wedding in Paris, from choosing the perfect venue to going during the right time of year.
As always, Riverdale Travel is more than happy to help you coordinate your group travel arrangements for the happiest day of your life!
Schedule Your Date
Choosing the right time of year to get married in Paris is essential!
Between tourist season and weather changes, you will need to research the type of wedding you want, the type of venue (whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding), and your wish list dates.
The seasonal changes in Paris include:
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Spring (April to June): Beautiful weather, cherry blossoms, but popular with tourists
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Summer (July to August): Warm, lively, but peak tourist season
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Fall (September to October): Fewer crowds, mild weather, stunning autumn colors
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Winter (November to March): Romantic holiday lights, cozy settings, and lower costs
Choose the Perfect Venue in Paris
Choosing the right venue should be first on your list, as many popular locations book up fast.
You must be flexible on dates if you have your heart set on a particular location or choose several locations and try to get your perfect date.
Some of our favorite Paris wedding venues include:
Iconic & Elegant
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Shangri-La Paris: Luxurious with Eiffel Tower views
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Ritz Paris: Historic, glamorous, and high-end
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Hôtel de Crillon: Classic Parisian luxury with stunning ballrooms
Château Weddings (Just Outside of Paris)
Outdoor & Intimate Settings
Legal Requirements for a Paris Wedding
Before you marry in France, you must confirm you have the appropriate documents and coordinate the necessary ceremonies well before your date. It is possible to get married on a tourist visa.
However, there are some steps you must take.
Required Legal Documents
To get married in Paris, France, ensure you have the following documents:
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A valid I.D. or Passport for both partners
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If you live in France, you must present proof of address or residency permit
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An original birth certificate for both parties dated less than 3 months from the date of the application
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A list of at least two witnesses with their personal details (which may include their I.D., passport, job title, and address)
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A copy of your prenuptial agreement (optional)
Schedule Your Civil Ceremony
Even when having a religious or symbolic wedding, you must schedule a civil ceremony first. Depending on the city or town you are getting married in, you must schedule the legal civil ceremony in the local town hall.
Legal representatives in France won’t go to hotels or wedding venues to perform ceremonies. You have to go to the town hall with all your guests. The ceremony is performed by the local mayor or one of the delegates.
After your civil ceremony, you can have your religious or symbolic ceremony. If getting married in a church, you must contact a local church representative and confirm the exact date and hour of the celebration.
You may be expected to attend a few “wedding preparation classes” before the ceremony for Catholic ceremonies.
Budgeting for a Paris Wedding
Budgeting for a París wedding is an important part of the planning process.
Let’s take a look at some estimated costs for weddings in Paris:
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Luxury Wedding: €50,000+ (includes an exclusive venue, top-tier vendors, and full catering)
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Mid-range: €15,000 - €40,000 (includes an intimate venue and quality vendors)
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Elopement: €3,000 - €10,000 (includes a photographer, celebrant, bouquet, and dinner)
There are ways to save on your Paris wedding, such as choosing a weekday for lower costs. If you and your guests take time off work to be in Paris for the wedding, a weekday wedding works just as well as a weekend.
You can also have an off-season wedding, such as in the late fall or winter when venues have less demand. In addition, you can choose smaller, charming venues instead of a grand Château.
Hiring Local Vendors
As you would in the United States, choosing local vendors and trying out different places can help you stay within your budget while getting the best product. For photographers, choose one that fits your budget and who can capture iconic wedding moments.
When choosing flowers, you can pick local flowers, such as peonies, roses, and lavender. These are popular French florals and are easier to get than other flowers.
For catering and cakes, depending on your budget, you can work with a Michelin-starred chef or a boutique caterer for a French gourmet experience. For a cake, consider a croquembouche, which is a traditional French wedding cake.
Guest Experience & Accommodations
If you plan on having guests at your wedding aside from your witnesses, you will need to plan their accommodations and entertainment. There are plenty of places to stay in Paris, such as the Four Seasons George V or the Plaza Athénée.
For more budget-friendly options, choose the Maison Souquet, Le Meurice, or Hotel Malte-Astotel.
For some entertainment options, you can book a Seine River cruise and dinner, a wine and cheese tasting in Montmartre, or a private Louvre or Versailles tour.
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Paris Wedding
To close out this guide for a destination wedding in Paris, here are a few last-minute tips:
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Hire a bilingual wedding planner to help coordinate the details.
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Book venues & vendors at least 12 months in advance.
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Factor in extra travel days for jet lag and setup.
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Have a backup indoor option for outdoor weddings.
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Use a local makeup artist familiar with the Parisian climate.
Book Your Destination Wedding With Riverdale Travel
A destination wedding in Paris is a dream come true, but careful planning is key. From choosing the perfect venue to handling legalities and logistics, a well-organized plan ensures a magical and stress-free day.
For the travel aspect of your destination wedding, choose Riverdale Travel!
We can help coordinate travel and lodging arrangements for luxury or intimate weddings and work within your budget. We will assign a dedicated travel consultant specializing in your destination to help you choose the best venues, lodging, and experiences to round out your perfect dream wedding.
And when you’re ready to plan your honeymoon, we can help!
Book a consultation with a Riverdale Travel specialist or give us a call at 763-323-3665 for more information.