© French Weddings 2024
The venue sets the stage for your wedding day. Explore our directory of stunning Wedding Venues in France to find the perfect location that matches your style, guest count, and budget.
Navigating the uncertainties of finding the perfect destination wedding venue in France can be a complex journey. French Wedding Style is here to guide you every step of the way, offering expert insights and personalized tips to ensure you discover the venue that truly reflects your dream day. Selecting the perfect wedding location in France is made easier with our tailored guidance and expertise.
France offers diverse landscapes—from the charming lavender fields of Provence, the luxurious beaches of the French Riviera and St. Tropez, and the stunning vistas of Corsica, to the historical chateaux in Bordeaux, Dordogne, and the South of France. Decide which backdrop best suits your wedding vision, whether it’s one of the best French chateaux wedding venues, top luxury Paris wedding venues, a beachfront celebration, or a vineyard setting. Popular regions like the Loire Valley and Nouvelle-Aquitaine in France offer a variety of wedding venues with unique charm.
The time of year can significantly affect your wedding venue choice. For instance, a summer wedding in the South of France can offer glorious sunshine and vibrant colors, but if you’re considering a winter wedding, a cozy chateau in the countryside might be more suitable. Remember to think about the climate and seasonal events that might affect your wedding. Whether you’re getting married in Nouvelle-Aquitaine or Occitanie, it’s important to plan accordingly.
Given that it’s a destination wedding, consider how easy it is for your guests to travel to your chosen French wedding location. Look for wedding venues in France with good transport links, close to major airports or train stations like Paris. Also, consider the availability of accommodation nearby to ensure your guests have a comfortable stay.
Photos and descriptions can only tell you so much. If it’s feasible, plan a scouting trip to visit your shortlisted wedding venues in person. This allows you to get a feel for the place, inspect the facilities, and meet with the venue coordinators and local vendors. During your visit, take the opportunity to ask about the chateau offers, wedding packages, and venue policies. Inquire about noise restrictions, guest capacity, weather contingency plans, and what’s included in French wedding packages. This direct interaction will help you determine if the venue aligns with your vision and if their services meet your expectations.
Marriage laws in France might differ from your home country. Research or consult with a wedding planner to understand the legalities of getting married at a French Wedding Venue, including residency requirements and documentation, to ensure your marriage will be recognized back home.
Factor in the exchange rate and consider all the costs involved, not just the venue hire but also catering, decoration, accommodation, and any extra services the venue provides. Some wedding venues in France offer all-inclusive wedding packages, which can simplify planning and potentially save money.
Ask about the wedding venue’s inclusions , unique features and amenities (like sound systems, seating, and lighting) and any restrictions (such as noise curfews or catering options). Knowing these details upfront can help you plan your event smoothly and avoid any last-minute surprises.
Hiring a wedding planner in France can be invaluable in navigating the logistics of planning a destination wedding. They can offer insights into the best local vendors, help with language barriers, and manage day-of coordination, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
The best place to get married in France is the South of France, particularly in popular hotspots like Provence, the French Riviera, and Languedoc-Roussillon. This region is renowned for its stunning variety of settings and offers couples picturesque lavender fields in Valensole, breathtaking coastal views along the Côte d’Azur, and a mild Mediterranean climate perfect for outdoor ceremonies year-round. The South of France is also famous for its exquisite rosé wines, which enhance the beautiful scenery and vibrant culture. Moreover, this region is a favorite among celebrities, making it an attractive choice for couples seeking a glamorous wedding experience. With its rich history, charming villages, and delicious local cuisine, the South of France truly is a dream destination for unforgettable weddings.
You should book your wedding venue in France 12 to 18 months in advance, especially in popular locations like Provence, Paris, and Bordeaux, which tend to book out quickly due to their high demand. Securing your preferred date early is crucial, as these sought-after venues often fill up fast, particularly during peak wedding season. Additionally, this timeframe allows ample time to coordinate travel arrangements, accommodations, and local vendors, ensuring a smooth planning process. Early booking also provides your guests with enough notice to make travel plans, making it easier for them to join you on your special day.
The best time of year to have a destination wedding in France is from June to September, especially in the South of France, which is the most popular wedding destination due to its Mediterranean climate. During these months, couples can enjoy warm, sunny weather perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. However, France’s diverse geography offers varying climates throughout the country. In the northern regions, cooler temperatures make late spring and early autumn (May to October) more suitable for weddings. The Alps provide a unique winter wedding experience with a picturesque snowy backdrop, while coastal areas maintain milder temperatures year-round. Ultimately, the ideal time for a destination wedding in France depends on your chosen location and desired atmosphere.
France offers a variety of beautiful settings for destination weddings, each with its own charm:
Châteaux (Castles): Experience opulence and history with grand ballrooms and stunning gardens. The Loire Valley and Provence are popular for their enchanting châteaux.
Vineyards: Enjoy picturesque views and a relaxed atmosphere in regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy, ideal for wine-loving couples.
Beachfront Venues: Have a romantic wedding by the sea on the French Riviera, with luxurious resorts in places like Nice and Saint-Tropez.
Countryside Estates: Celebrate in tranquil settings with lush gardens and rolling hills in areas like Provence and the Dordogne.
Historical Towns: Tie the knot in charming medieval towns like Carcassonne and Avignon, where cobblestone streets and historic architecture create a romantic backdrop.
These diverse settings make France a fantastic choice for unforgettable weddings.
When planning a destination wedding in France, you’ll need to send money in euros to pay your vendors. To transfer money, start by creating an account on a money transfer service like Wise.com (formerly TransferWise). Next, verify your identity by providing some personal information. Then, set up your transfer by entering the amount in euros and the recipient’s bank details in France. You can fund your transfer using various methods, and the service will show you the total cost, including fees and the exchange rate. After confirming the transfer, you can track its progress until the euros are delivered to the recipient’s bank account. Comparing rates and fees with different services is a good practice to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your transfer.
Driving: If you plan to rent a car, remember that in France, you drive on the right side of the road with the steering wheel on the left. Seatbelts are mandatory, and using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
Flying: With about 45 airports across France, flying can be a convenient option for your wedding guests. Major cities like Paris, Nice, and Lyon are easily accessible, with flights taking just over an hour from the capital.
Train Travel: For guests traveling between cities, the TGV offers quick connections, such as Paris to Lyon in just one hour. The French rail network is highly efficient, making it an excellent choice for those attending your wedding.
Encourage your guests to look for discounted tickets like Billets Prem’s and Ouigo trains for budget-friendly travel. Young guests can take advantage of the Carte Jeune and TGV Max subscriptions for additional savings.
When choosing a wedding vendor for your destination wedding, the best place to start is French Wedding Style. This platform showcases some of the top wedding suppliers in France, offering a curated selection of professionals who specialize in various aspects of wedding planning. You can find photographers, florists, caterers, and more, all with experience in creating beautiful celebrations in France. Take your time to explore their portfolios, read reviews, and reach out to vendors that resonate with your vision to ensure a perfect fit for your special day.
Guests at your wedding venue can enjoy a variety of nearby activities, depending on the location. For instance, if your venue is in Provence, they can explore the historic town of Avignon, famous for the Palais des Papes, or visit the stunning lavender fields in Valensole during the summer. In Bordeaux, wine enthusiasts can take vineyard tours and tastings at renowned wineries like Château Margaux. For outdoor lovers near the French Alps, there are hiking trails with breathtaking views or skiing at resorts like Chamonix during the winter. If your venue is on the French Riviera, guests can relax on the beaches of Nice or partake in water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing. Additionally, in Normandy, they can visit the historic D-Day beaches or explore the picturesque village of Étretat with its stunning cliffs. These activities provide fantastic opportunities for guests to create lasting memories while celebrating your special day.
French wedding packages can vary depending on the venue, but they often include essentials such as venue hire, catering, floral arrangements, and sometimes accommodation for the couple or guests. Many venues also offer all-inclusive options that can cover additional services like event coordination, entertainment, and décor. To find specific pricing and details about what’s included in each package, visit the individual venue listings on our directory, where you can inquire directly for tailored information based on your needs.
Discover tips, inspiration, and expert advice on choosing the perfect venue for your French wedding. Browse through our articles for ideas to help you create the ideal setting for your special day.
French Wedding Style 2024 | Weddings in France