Where Can I Get Married in the South of France?

Whether you are a French couple looking for somewhere picturesque to tie the knot, or you're coming from abroad to enjoy the splendours the South of France has to offer, the good news is that there are plenty of wedding venues for you to choose from within this region. 

From grand, historic chateaus to modern boutique hotels, this region has something to offer everyone looking to marry in the warm climes of Southern France, so where are some of the places you can get married?

Where are the Best Places to Get Married in the South of France? 

Given that a civil ceremony is the only legally binding type of ceremony possible in France and they can only take place in the Mairie (Town Hall), you have a wide range of options for symbolic wedding ceremonies in the South of France. Unlike other countries such as England, there is no need for a licensed venue as "proper" weddings can only take place in the local town hall. 

Given that's the case, you have a range of different types of wedding venues that boast the best the South of France has to offer. From sprawling vineyards to dramatic chateaus, there's something for everyone. 

#1: Chateau

Synonymous with the South of France are the numerous chateaus that dot this beautiful region. From historic, listed buildings to more modern chateaus that come complete with modern conveniences. 

You really are spoilt for choice with chateaus available for weddings right across Southern France. From the Riviera to the Loire Valley and Dordogne, you won't struggle to find a perfect chateau for your wedding requirements. 

#2: Mas

A mas is a Mediterranean farmhouse primarily found in the Provence and Midi regions of Southern France. Traditionally, these large country houses were self-sufficient economic units, typically producing their own fruit, vegetables, grain, milk, and meat.

Today, many of them act as the perfect wedding venue for couples looking to tie the knot in the South of France. Many mas farmhouses boast sweeping vineyards these days, so if those are what you need for the backdrop to a perfect wedding photo album, then it's a mas you want to look out for. 

#3: Bastide 

Very closely resembling the mas are the numerous bastides occupying this romantic region. They originally belonged to wealthy farmers and were often more extensive and elegant than the mas. Their walls are sometimes whitewashed or covered with stucco, making them look grander than their Mediterranean farm counterparts. 

If you are looking for a rustic wedding in the south of France, then you might want to cast your venue net out to include bastides, which offer the majesty of a chateau wedding without the associated price tag. 

#4: Domaine

‘Domaine’ translates roughly into English as ‘estate’ – a large plot of land accompanying a property or group of buildings, generally with a specific purpose, such as wine growing. These wedding venues are perfect if you want exclusive use of a country estate that often boasts stunning (and totally private) courtyards that can cover up to an acre in size. 

Of course, that comes at a price, but some domaines in more rural locations don't command as much as you might think for wedding venue hire. 

#5: Boutique Hotel

If you want something more modern and chic, then there are dozens of hotels that will offer you the perfect wedding venue for your South of France wedding. These venues offer modernity, high-class cuisine, and as much accommodation as you need for your big day. Many of them resemble a chateau, too, killing two birds with one stone. 

Hotels are perfect if you want to wed by the sea, given many of them are located on the South Coast, and some even have their own private beaches. 

#6: Yacht Charter 

There is perhaps no better way to see the French Riviera than by boat. So why not charter a yacht to celebrate a wedding with a difference? If you've always dreamt of the perfect day at sea, with an experienced crew taking care of everything for you and your wedding party, then you should seriously consider this option. 

There might not be anything more romantic than laying on the front of the boat, with a glass of prosecco in one hand, your partner's in the other, watching the sun descend into the Mediterranean.

Choosing a Venue and Location for Your Wedding in Southern France

You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing somewhere to exchange your vows and celebrate with your nearest and dearest wedding guests. No matter whether you prefer the history and mystique of a chateau or the modernity of a boutique hotel, this region offers plenty of options for those planning their nuptials. 

All that's left for you to do is to choose the type of wedding venue that best reflects your preferences as a couple and start your hunt for the perfect location.