How to Elope in France
From the sandy beaches of the Riviera to the snow capped peaks of the Alps, France offers a romantic, gorgeous destination for couples who want their wedding day to be intimate, authentic, and one of a kind. If you want to elope somewhere beautiful with the love of your life, exchange vows surrounded by the soft glow of the sun and breathtaking views all around, this guide will tell you how to elope in France!
Setting a Date When You Elope in France
One of the first things that couples need to do as they dive into planning their dreamy elopement is to decide on a wedding date. When will you tie the knot?
Winter in France
It’s important to note that France is a big place – and the weather will depend quite a bit on your elopement location. For example, in the winter, the mountains will be covered in snow. But in the areas along the Mediterranean, like the beaches of the French Riviera, the winters are pretty mild, and while it does get cooler, you can definitely still enjoy being outdoors and exploring during the day.
Winter is an amazing time to elope in France if you want to enjoy the snow – a sparkling winter wonderland makes for a gorgeous backdrop – and go skiing in the mountains. In places that don’t get quite as cold, it can be a good time to tie the knot while there are fewer tourists and people out and about.
Spring in France
Spring is a gorgeous time to elope in France. Flowers bloom, the weather is warming up, and most places are a lot less crowded than they will be in the summer.
A lot of areas see some rain during this season, so it’s important to bring a waterproof jacket! The mountains stay snow covered for a while, and ski season will still be in full force in March, but if you want to explore lower elevation areas of the mountainous regions, you can see some wildflowers and waterfalls.
Summer in France
Summer is the most popular time for travelers to visit France, because of the sunny beach weather and warm temperatures! This is an amazing time to elope in France if you want to enjoy the beach or hike in the mountains, but many places will be busy, which means it can be harder to find some privacy to say your vows. But, don’t worry – you can avoid some of the crowds by planning your elopement for a weekday and tying the knot closer to sunrise or sunset.
Autumn in France
The weather cools down in the autumn, and many parts of France are rainy and gray. But, you can definitely elope in France this time of year, and you’ll be able to see a lot of the more popular places without so many people. There are plenty of indoor adventures, like museums and food, but you can also enjoy the outdoors, see the fall foliage, and early in the season, you can hike in the mountains before the snow starts accumulating!
The Best Places to Elope in France
The place where you’ll stand in front of the love of your life, surrounded by incredible landscapes, and promise to spend the rest of your lives together… it’s unbelievably special, and finding the perfect elopement location is one of the most exciting things about choosing an intimate day. France has plenty of beautiful spots – so here are a few ideas for some of the best places to elope in France.
Paris
Of course, I couldn’t write about places to elope in France without mentioning Paris, known for being one of the most romantic cities in the world. With elegant hotels, remarkable architecture, delicious food, and a vibrant city life, Paris is perfect for couples who want a luxurious elopement day. There are plenty of parks, gorgeous buildings, and places to elope in the city, and you can spend the day exploring!
Provence, South of France
With its picturesque lavender fields in full bloom during the summer months, Provence provides an enchanting backdrop for your intimate ceremony. Amidst the vibrant purple hues and soothing fragrance, exchange vows that will be forever cherished. From quaint villages and charming vineyards to stunning sunflower fields and ancient ruins, Provence provides endless elopement opportunities.
The Best Places to Elope in the Mountains in France
France has seven mountain ranges – so whether you want to climb to the peak or marvel at the views from down below, there are plenty of places to elope in the mountains.
The Alps are France’s most famous mountain range, home to some incredible peaks and meadows. Explore the town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and tie the knot with the snow capped peak of Mont Blanc behind you.
More amazing elopement locations can be found in the Pyrenees, a mountain range that runs from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean coasts of southern France, separating France from Spain. The Parc National des Pyrenees is an incredible place for couples who love hiking.
The Best Places to Elope at the Beach in France
If you dream of being by the ocean, with the sea breeze in your hair and the waves crashing beside you, France has plenty of gorgeous elopement locations by the beach.
For a remote, unique location, you can elope on the island of Corsica – a region of France located off the mainland. The island is wild and largely undeveloped, which means you can find some jaw-dropping elopement locations that are peaceful and quiet.
Some of the most luxurious places to elope in France can be found in the French Riviera, with elegant cities like Nice, Eze, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and more remote places like Mercantour National Park. It’s the perfect place for a getaway!
Another one of the best places to elope in France is Normandy – an underrated region in the north, not far from Paris. There are stunning chalky cliffs that overlook the ocean, and you can get married high up above the sea, and stay in one of the quaint countryside villages.
How to Get Legally Married When You Elope in France
Getting legally married in France is tricky for couples traveling abroad. There is a residency requirement, which means that at least one of you has to be living in France, in the region where you’ll be tying the knot, for at least 40 days.
But, don’t let this discourage you! Many couples choose to do the paperwork and get legally married at home, then travel to France for a symbolic ceremony. It won’t feel any less special – papers aren’t what matters when you elope, it’s your vows and the commitment you make to each other.
If you are a resident of France, legal ceremonies must take place in the town hall – so even if you meet the residency requirements, if you want to exchange vows in a beautiful landscape instead, you can have your legal ceremony followed by a symbolic ceremony for your elopement!
Elopement Packages in France
If you’re drawn to the blue coastlines or the white peaks or the rolling countryside, and you want to elope in France, I’ll help you plan your dream day.
My job as an elopement photographer is to document your day, telling the story of your day through light, artful compositions, and real emotion. France is my home, and with the Alps in my backyard, I’ve spent years exploring everything this beautiful place has to offer – so if you’re ready to elope in France, contact me, and I’ll help you find the perfect elopement location and plan your dreamy wedding day.
