France turns expectations into experiences: light that lingers after sunset, food that insists you slow down, landscapes that shift every fifty kilometres. Little wonder couples fly across oceans for their destination wedding in France. The challenge? Logistics that can feel Olympian. Use this guide to keep planning part of the adventure—not an obstacle course.
Decide what France means to you
France is not a single postcard. A vineyard in Bordeaux, a windswept beach in Brittany and a terracotta village in Provence each tell a different story. Start by naming the atmosphere you want—glamorous, pastoral, coastal, urban—and shortlist one or two regions. Every decision that follows moves faster.
Handle the legalities, then forget them
Unless one of you is French, you will not be allowed to have a legal ceremony in France. In order to get legally married in France, at least one of you needs to be French and you’ll need to do it at city hall. In France, it is not possible to get legally married outside, at a private venue or in the wilderness. Most couple deciding to have a destination wedding however chose to host a symbolic ceremony and sign a symbolic wedding license.
Choose a venue that matches your atmosphere
The venue is 80 % of your aesthetic and half of your logistics. Château, boutique hotel, countryside domaine—each carries different curfew rules and catering options. Always ask:
- Is there an on-site chef or preferred caterer?
- What is the noise curfew?
- How many guests can sleep on site?
- Is a tent required if it rains?
Build your core vendor team early
Planner
A bilingual planner is your first ally: translating contracts, handling permits, smoothing cultural wrinkles. Ideally someone local that will be able to suggest and handle trustworthy vendors (especially true if you live in a different timezone).
Photographer
Book your French wedding photographer right after the venue. Light and weather shift by region; an experienced local will guide your wedding timeline in France.
Caterer & Chef
French weddings are remembered for meals. A chef using regional products keeps guests talking long after dessert.
Florist & Designer
Seasonal flowers, antique-market rentals and locally sourced décor save budget and add authenticity.
Draft a timeline that respects French light (and lifestyle)
Summer sunsets stretch to 10 p.m.,especially in June. Plan the ceremony no earlier than 6 p.m. to avoid harsh light if held outside. Allow at least 90 minutes for apéritif; French guests expect time to mingle. Add 15 minutes to every transfer for peace of mind—rural roads can be scenic but slow.
Budgeting: hidden costs and local saves
VAT and service charges add about 20 % to invoices. Travel fees apply to out-of-region vendors. Offsetting that, local wine is cheaper than shipping, and regional blooms cost less when in season.
Make it an experience, not just a day
Turn the welcome dinner into a cellar tasting, host brunch under plane trees, book a vintage Citroën for a village tour. Spreading events across two or three days deepens guest experience and gives your photographer more light to work with to tell your story in a more casual, true to yourselves way.
Key takeaways
- Anchor your vision to one region.
- Decide early: symbolic or legal ceremony.
- Secure venue and planner first; photographer and caterer follow.
- Draft your schedule around sunset and mealtimes.
- Expect VAT and travel fees; save with local wine and seasonal décor.
Ready to plan? I photograph destination weddings across France with an eye for light, emotion and atmosphere.
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