Destination weddings carry a certain mystique. Sun-drenched landscapes, elegant tables under cypress trees, guests lingering over wine late into the night. But along with the dream often comes a question — or rather, a concern: is getting married in France going to cost more?
If you’re imagining a luxurious, multi-day celebration in a historic château or a vineyard estate, the short answer is: it depends on what you compare it to. And it’s not always what you think.
The True Cost of a Destination Wedding
Most couples don’t choose a destination wedding to save money. They choose it to elevate the experience — for themselves and their guests. They want intimacy, intention, and immersion. A weekend that feels like a slow, elegant exhale.
But here’s what often surprises people: a thoughtfully curated destination wedding in France can cost the same — or less — than a large, traditional wedding back home. Why? Because destination weddings naturally invite curation. You invite fewer guests. You focus on what matters. You eliminate the pressure to “perform” and instead create space for presence, emotion, and meaning.
Fewer guests = deeper experiences
One of the biggest reasons destination weddings are not necessarily more expensive? They naturally invite selectivity. You’re not inviting 180 people you vaguely know. You’re curating an intimate list of your favorite humans — the ones who matter most.
Smaller weddings often mean you can splurge more intentionally: better wine, beautiful settings, more time with each guest, and a photographer (👋) who captures not just the big moments, but the little, quiet ones too.
Think in Cost per Guest, Not Just Total Budget
Instead of simply asking, “How much will it cost?”, a better question is: “What kind of experience do we want to create — and for how many people?”
When you plan a destination wedding, your investment becomes more intentional. You don’t spread it thin across hundreds of guests. You craft something elevated, personal, and unforgettable for your closest circle.
Here’s a practical way to look at it:
A luxury wedding in France typically starts around €1,000+ per guest, offering exclusive venues like 5-star estates or historic mansions, Michelin-level catering, live bands, fireworks, and thoughtful extras.
High-end celebrations range between €700–900 per guest, often hosted in Loire Valley castles or vineyard estates, with gourmet French cuisine, elegant floral styling, and experienced vendors.
For those leaning into elegant simplicity, budgets around €500–700 per guest can still deliver a beautiful experience with rustic châteaux, countryside manors, regional gastronomy, and classic décor — all wrapped in an authentic French atmosphere.
Venues: beauty already included
French venues often come with built-in charm. Whether it’s a 17th-century stone farmhouse in Provence, a castle nestled in the Bordeaux countryside, or a villa on the Riviera, the “decor” is already there. You don’t need to spend thousands transforming a blank canvas into something atmospheric — the atmosphere is real, historic, and alive.
What about vendors and travel?
Yes, flying to France has a cost — but if you plan early and prioritize what matters most, it’s absolutely manageable. Many vendors (photographers, florists, planners) offer packages specifically tailored to destination weddings. Some, like myself, are already based in France — which means you’re not paying inflated travel costs.
Even better: France is full of talented local vendors, often more affordable than their counterparts in bigger cities like NYC or London, and incredibly experienced with international couples.
As someone based here in France, I work closely with trusted local planners and vendors to help you make the most of your investment.
Quality over quantity, always
For my couples, it’s rarely about putting on a show. It’s about the light in the afternoon, the conversations over wine, the way your partner looks at you as you walk toward them. Those are the moments you’ll remember — and those are the ones I photograph.
A destination wedding in France isn’t about extravagance. It’s about intention. You’re choosing beauty, culture, emotion — and trading quantity for meaning. That’s not a compromise. That’s a win.
What You’re Really Paying For
In France, you’re not paying for volume. You’re investing in intention. In the golden light on a vineyard terrace. In the feel of your gown against limestone walls. In the silence before the music starts. You’re paying for memories that will live longer than a centerpiece or a favor bag ever could.
And when you think of it that way — the real question isn’t whether it costs more, but whether it gives you more.
So… is it more expensive?
It can be. But for most of my clients, a destination wedding in France ends up being more emotionally rich and financially comparable — or even less expensive — than a large traditional wedding at home.
If you’re willing to think differently, prioritize experiences over expectations, and invite your loved ones on a journey they’ll never forget… it might just be the smartest decision you make.
Let’s talk about your vision
If you’re envisioning a wedding that blends emotion, artistry, and elevated simplicity — France might just be the most meaningful place to begin. I’d be honored to document it with care and intention. I only take on a select number of weddings each year to give each story the attention it deserves. If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you.
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