How To Plan an Elopement in Paris

Congratulations!  You’re getting married!  And likely considering planning a wedding or elopement in Paris or France, which is how you’ve found yourself here.  We’re happy to pass along some tips and pointers to get you headed in the right direction on how to plan a Paris elopement!

Planning a wedding, even an intimate elopement, is known to be stressful at times. Planning a destination wedding adds even more logistics, and planning a wedding in another country can feel overwhelming at first.  But…that’s why it’s important to surround yourself with amazing vendors!  They’ll help to alleviate most of your stress points. We already have a curated list of professionals for you to reach out to for guidance.  (Obviously, we can help you with all of your photography needs!) 

A few important items to note about getting married in Paris or France.  First, if you are wanting a chateau style wedding you likely won’t be in Paris for that, as most chateau weddings take place within a couple hours of Paris, or even in the South of France, Provence area, etc.   

If you wish to wed in Paris, couples often select a public space or one of the luxury hotels such as the Shangri La or The Plaza Athénée.  Most public spaces, such as the areas around the Eiffel Tower and some of the parks, do not require that you reserve space.  This certainly helps to make things easier, but you should verify this is true of the location you choose.  I highly recommend that you do work with a planner to help you navigate France and all the logistics that will need to be planned from afar.  Trust me, your entire wedding experience will be infinitely better because you did, and you’ll thank me later! 

Now, about the legalities of marrying in France as we explain how to plan an elopement in Paris.  Well…this one is a bit trickier.  In France, everyone is required to wed first at their town hall (or ‘mairie’ in French) in a civil ceremony.  And…you’d have to show a minimum of 40 days straight of residency before being allowed to do this.  So, I don’t want to burst your bubble – it is possible, but in all honesty, probably not worth the paperwork and headaches involved.  The French love their paperwork too!  It’s certain to prove challenging to say the least and, without a doubt, I would secure assistance if you do have your heart set on going this route.  However, in our experience, most of the weddings we have photographed here are more ceremonial and for the experience and gorgeous photos, and the actual legal aspect of becoming married happened stateside. 

Speaking of vows, one of my favorite Paris wedding officiants is Laura Montario with The Paris Officiant.  She is a gem!  She speaks perfect English, but can speak German and French with the most lovely of accents.  In my opinion, she’s the perfect addition to even the simplest of elopements or weddings. Another of our favorite English speaking wedding officiant in Paris is Naim with The Parisian Celebrant. You’ll be in equally good hands with either one! 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a touch about photography since that is our specialty.  We are huge fans of the early morning light.  The light is soft, romantic, and dreamy in the early hours.  The added bonus is that the earlier you schedule your ceremony and photo session, the fewer tourists that will be out and about in your backgrounds.  A sunrise ceremony will have you feeling as though you truly have Paris all to yourselves! 

If photos are of high importance to document your love in Paris, you can plan photos in several of your favorite locations and easily spend 2-3 hours hopping around Paris enjoying your newlywed status while having it all documented.  A fun add on could be adding a vintage car or a chauffeur to take you around.  And by the end of all this fun, you’ll be ready for brunch at a cozy Parisian restaurant.  Your planner can help make suggestions and secure reservations for you, and as Parisian foodies ourselves we can assist with this as well!   

We hope you’ve enjoyed our quick and simple guide on how to plan an elopement in Paris!  We’d love to be a part of your celebration! When is your date?! Contact us now here!