Where Are the Best Destination Wedding Locations in France?
17/11/2023France is a country of love and romance, so it's no surprise that many couples choose to get married here. But with so many beautiful places to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to have your wedding.
When choosing the perfect location for your French wedding, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the style of wedding you want. Do you want a traditional ceremony in a church or a more relaxed outdoor affair within the grounds of a chateau estate? Do you want your wedding photos taken in the rolling lavender fields of Provence, or would you prefer the charming streets of Paris as your backdrop?
Each French region has something different to offer, so it's worth doing some research to find the location that best suits your needs. With that in mind, here are a few of the best places to get married in France.
Paris
The City of Light is one of France's most popular places to get married, and it's easy to see why. Paris is incredibly romantic, with its beautiful architecture, charming streets and stunning monuments. There are a number of gorgeous churches and historic buildings where you can have your ceremony, or you can opt for something more unique like a boat wedding on the Seine.
When it comes to wedding photos, there are endless possibilities in Paris. There are iconic landmarks around every corner, from the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame to the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe. If you're after a more natural setting, the Tuileries Gardens and Luxembourg Gardens are both lovely places for photos.
Paris is also an excellent choice for couples who want a destination wedding with easy travel options for their guests. There are direct flights from all over the world and a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets.
Provence
The land of lavender, Provence, is a hugely popular destination for weddings. This picturesque region is well-known for its beautiful countryside and pretty villages, making it the perfect place for a rustic-style wedding.
There are plenty of stunning rural estates where you can have your ceremony and reception. If you're dreaming of a lavender-filled wedding, Provence is the place to be. From mid-June to mid-August, the lavender fields are in full bloom and make for an incredible setting.
Provence is also an excellent choice for couples who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It's easy to find flights to Marseille or Avignon, and there are plenty of charming villages to stay in.
The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is a fairytale setting for a wedding, with its castles, vineyards and picturesque villages. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of France's most popular wedding destinations, and for a good reason.
There are dozens of stunning castles where you can have your ceremony and reception, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards. If you want a fairytale wedding straight out of a Disney story, this is the place to be.
Aside from the Gothic and Renaissance-style castles, the region is famous for its wine production. The Loire Valley is home to some of the best vineyards in France, making it the perfect place for a wine-themed wedding.
Côte d’Azur
If you're after a glamorous beach wedding, the Cote d'Azur is the place to be. This stunning coastline, stretching from Saint Tropez to Monaco, is dotted with chic resorts, luxury hotels, and private beaches.
The Côte d'Azur is popular for destination weddings due to its year-round sunshine and Mediterranean climate. There are direct flights from all over Europe, too, making it easy for guests to travel. Ceremony venues here include 5-star hotels and private villas, or why not have a small ceremony on a yacht?
The French Riviera is also a great choice for couples who want to extend their wedding into a luxurious honeymoon.
Dordogne
Known as the "Land of 1,001 Castles", the Dordogne region is unsurprisingly popular with couples who want a fairytale wedding. Chateaus are almost hiding around every corner of the Dordogne Valley, making it one of the most picturesque regions in France.
This region of France is a relative latecomer to the French wedding scene, but it's quickly becoming one of the most popular choices thanks to attractive prices and its unspoilt beauty.
Aside from the castles, the Dordogne is also famous for its prehistoric caves, some of which can be found in the picturesque village of Les Eyzies. The region is also home to beautiful vineyards, making it another excellent location for a vineyard wedding.
The Dordogne region is easy to reach from the UK, with direct flights from London to Bergerac, and many UK regional airports also serve nearby Bordeaux.
Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Destination Wedding in France
France is a tremendously varied country, making it the perfect destination for couples who want a truly unique wedding. Whether you're dreaming of a fairytale castle wedding or a cosmopolitan setting on the French Riviera, there's sure to be a location that's perfect for you.
When choosing a destination wedding location in France, it's important to consider the time of year you want to get married. Many regions, such as Provence and the Loire Valley, are popular tourist destinations, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to get married outside of the peak season. It's also worth bearing in mind that some regions, such as the Côte d'Azur, have a limited number of ceremony venues, so it's essential to book early to avoid disappointment.
Wherever you decide to host your nuptials, a destination wedding in France is sure to be an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.