How to Have a Breathtaking Wedding in Paris

I’ve photographed all over the world, and Paris never ceases to take my breath away. It’s the most romantic place for a wedding. I’ve put together some tips and inspiration for your wedding in Paris.

People walk past the Eiffel Tower as rain clears.

Beginning Your Forever in Paris

If you want to have your wedding in Paris, there are a few things you need to know. First, it’s not easy for Americans to get legally married in the city. You can have a civil marriage ceremony at the city hall, but only after residing in France for 45 days. There’s also a lot of paperwork involved. It’s much easier to have a legal ceremony in the U.S. and enjoy your Paris celebration with less red tape. 

A fountain sprays water in front of the Louvre before a wedding in Paris.
A cloudy sky hangs over the Louvre in Paris.

Inspiration for Your Wedding in Paris

Once you have logistics taken care of, you can start planning the fun parts of your wedding in Paris. This magical city is full of inspiration.

People sit at tables on a sidewalk outside a Paris cafe.
Statues line the hall of a wedding venue in Paris.

Your Wedding Venue

Paris has gorgeous historic hotels for larger weddings. Some on this list are even former palaces.

  • Shangri-La Hotel

  • Ritz Paris

  • Musée Rodin

Diners sit inside a restaurant during a wedding in Paris.

Intimate weddings might be better situated in a restaurant. France is known for its food.

  • Jules Verne (This is actually in the Eiffel Tower!)

  • Le Pré Catalan

  • Macéo Restaurant

Baguettes sit in baskets along a wall in a Paris bakery.

French Traditions

France has some really fun wedding traditions. Why not incorporate a few into your wedding? 

  • Une Fontaine de Champagne: Champagne towers have been gaining popularity in the U.S. They’ve been much beloved in Paris for quite awhile. What could capture that joyful effervescence of newlywed life better than an abundance of bubbles?

  • Croquembouche: Let’s turn our attention from towers of drinks to a tower of pastries. It's a French tradition to place sparklers in a tower of cream-filled profiteroles. The pyrotechnics can be exciting!

  • La Coupe de Mariage: This is your chance to start a new tradition. French families have a shallow silver cup that they pass down from one generation to the next. Newlyweds use it to toast each other at their wedding. 

Murals decorate the ceiling of a Paris museum.
A carousel turns in front of a Paris landmark.

Paris Wedding Photography

You’ll want to remember your wedding in Paris forever. Preserving it with nostalgic photography should be a priority. Would you like me to photograph your celebration? I’m a destination wedding photographer, specializing in effortless editorial images. I’d love to document this chapter in your love story. Inquire with me today!

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