The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Paris
Elopements are fantastic, and more and more couples are discovering just how meaningful they can be, especially in a city as magical as Paris. If you’re not the type of couple to want to have the big wedding back home, if you’d prefer something more unique and personalized to you (and you can always have a big party when you get back home), they eloping in Paris may be for you!
That is why I created the Ultimate Guide to Eloping to Paris, to help couples just like you! Now is a great time to consider eloping in Paris. This idea is intimate, simple, and terribly romantic — and with my help, it can be a breeze!
Whether you decide to come to Paris in 2024 or beyond–no matter the date, as they say, Paris is always a good idea. You know what? It’s so true!
Maybe you like the idea of eloping in Paris, but you have a lot of questions, maybe even some concerns. That’s completely normal! Maybe you’re worried about the thought of getting married in a foreign country where English isn’t the first language. Plus, all of the details as well. I know it would feel daunting to me, too! That is why I created the The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Paris, in an effort to answer some of your questions and alleviate any anxiety you may feel.
As an American elopement photographer in Paris, I speak English and French and have great suggestions and ideas on how to make your Paris elopement come to life (or even in other parts of France–like Provence where I also live part-time). I’m an English speaking Paris wedding and elopement photographer, yes, but I’m also a great help in sharing resources to define the day of your dreams.
The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Paris
Paris is a popular destination spot for lovebirds looking for a romantic getaway. After all, what could be better than time with your sweetheart in the “City of Love”? Therefore, it should be no surprise that there are many local companies in the city who can help you pull off the perfect elopement. But you can do it yourself too, with my help!
First things first, let’s define the difference between a Paris elopement and a Paris wedding.
Paris weddings are more traditional, typically take place in a church or venue like a hotel, and typically have 10 or more guests, followed by a traditional reception, like you’d have in the United States or United Kingdom. It’s usually a bit more formal as well.
A Paris elopement is a small and intimate affair, usually with less than 10 guests. Most often, it’s just the bride and groom. Paris elopements also typically take place in public areas like gardens or view points with the Eiffel Tower and last about 10-20 minutes. But they can also take place in pretty wedding venues such as a hotel terrace, or even a boat docked on the Seine River with a view of the Eiffel Tower!
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff (just remember that a wedding or elopement in France isn’t a legal affair, that part would happen in your own country like at a justice of the peace or city hall). The symbolic and emotional ceremony to remember the rest of your lives happens in Paris!
So, how do you elope or get married in Paris? It’s actually quite simple. Just follow these steps:
Book your dates
First, you’ll want to consider when you want to get married, keeping in mind an elopement in Paris leads to a honeymoon in Paris too, with tons of fun things to do! So, make sure to plan plenty of time so you can enjoy it all.
In Paris, spring and fall are typically the most common seasons for elopements. However, summer is glorious in Paris, if a bit busier with tourists (but don’t let that put you off) and don’t count out winter. Particularly around the holiday season, Paris can be magical (if a bit chilly and usually, rainy).
Personally, I can highly recommend an autumn (which goes until late November) elopement and even into the holiday season if you love the holidays. Then, I’d definitely put Paris on the calendar for any time from late March to mid-April, when the trees and flowers burst with flowers. May is also a gorgeous month, as is June, but from June onwards, the tourists descend on Paris, and while the weather is usually nice, there’s a lot of tourists during the busy summer season. If that doesn’t bother you, then summer could be ideal.
Discuss with your fiancé(e) the kind of elopement you’d like to have, and find the date that best suits your schedule. Once you’ve found the perfect date, you’re well on your way to a romantic Parisian elopement! You can also reach out to me directly for advice, I’m happy to help!
Reserve a hotel or another property
Whether you’re getting married on a hotel balcony or in front of the Eiffel Tower (there are no ceremonies on the Eiffel Tower itself), you and your future spouse will need somewhere to stay during your trip. Therefore, the next step is finding the right hotel for you.
A Paris elopement often doubles as a Paris honeymoon, so don’t be afraid to splurge a little on your hotel room. There are many gorgeous hotels in the city, so find one that suits your tastes and schedule your stay.
For those splurges, I highly recommend the following hotels that are famous in Paris (with links):
The Ritz (Coco Chanel lived here for quite some time)
Four Seasons George V (one of the best hotels in the world)
Plaza Athenée (this is where Carrie Bradshaw stayed on the HBO show Sex & the City)
Hotel Crillon (if you’re a Millenial, you may remember the TV show on MTV “The Hills”, which filmed an episode here)
Shangri-La (great location a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower and an amazing property)
Hotel Marignan (beautiful terrace with view of the Eiffel Tower, I’ve photographed a wedding here!)
Peninsula Hotel Paris (incredible service and wonderful location)
If it’s not a splurge you’re looking for, there are many other choices in Paris. I recommend a neighborhood called the Marais or Saint Germain, one is on the right bank of the Seine River, the other on the right. Great neighborhoods for art galleries, shops, restaurants and walking is super easy and charming, with lots of cobblestone streets. I personally love to read reviews on Tripadvisor or Booking.com. to see what others have said, before I make my decision.
Of course there’s always Airbnb, and you can find some unique properties on Airbnb. Also, if you love luxury apartments, have a look at Paris Perfect. They have some lovely properties, and some with Eiffel Tower views.
Book your vendors
An elopement naturally requires fewer vendors than your typical wedding. For example, you don’t need a caterer, a DJ, or even a florist to make tons of floral arrangements. Although I highly recommend a floral bouquet. As an experienced Paris wedding photographer, I can tell you that a bouquet will look amazing in your wedding photos! I can even help you with the flowers, I have a local vendor that I love working with. All you need to do is tell me the types of flowers you like, and the colors, and voila, I’ll have the bouquet created for you and I’ll bring it with me to your ceremony.
There are two vendors you will definitely need to hire: an officiant or celebrant, and a wonderful photographer to capture your wedding day memories (I hope that’s me)!
Your officiant/celebrant is important because they will perform the ceremony in a personal and meaningful way. I work with several excellent English speaking officiants/celebrants and Paris and would be happy to put you in touch. You’ll work directly with your officiant/celebrant to design the ceremony that has the most meaning to you as a couple. It doesn’t need to be fancy or elaborate, but they can create an elopement ceremony that’s very special.
Next up, your photographer is essential because… well, who would have an elopement ceremony in Paris and not capture your beautiful moments in Paris? This is a time you’ll treasure your whole lives, and you’ll want those memories to cherish!
Take some time before you elope to scout out photographers; check out online portfolios to see which styles you prefer, contact photographers to see how they are to work with, and make sure you choose a photographer who will help you get photos you’ll treasure for a lifetime. I’d love it if that photographer was of course, me, but if my style doesn’t speak to you, there are many talented photographers in Paris. You can see more of my work here.
I’m not a wedding planner, or elopement planner, but a Paris elopenent photographer, an American living in Paris since 2014, and I know the most romantic and beautiful spots in this gorgeous city for your wedding photos!
My web site is www.karinaleigh.com.
Wear your very best, what you’ve always dreamed of
Once you’ve set a date, booked your accommodation, and signed your vendor contracts, there’s only one thing to do: get married! Of course, every couple wants to look their best on their wedding day — and if you’re eloping in Paris, you have the very height of fashion at your disposal!
Consider finding a wedding gown from an exclusive bridal shop in the city. Rent a tux from a high-end men’s boutique for the groom. Or, of course, bring along your gown and suit from home, most wedding gowns can be stored in the overhead bin or travel closet of any airline, and you’ll be all ready to get married upon your arrival in Paris!
If you want to look exceptional for the ceremony, hire a professional to do your hair and makeup. With the right outfits and a little bit of pampering, you’ll both be looking your very best for your wedding day. I also know some excellent makeup artists and hair stylists in Paris and I’m happy to put you in touch so that you look perfect on your wedding day (and look gorgeous in your wedding photos)!
Unique Paris elopement locations
If you’re not familiar with France, the very idea of an elopement in Paris can seem overwhelming. Where should you have the wedding? Will your vendors speak your language? How much does a Paris elopement cost, anyway?
The answers to your last two questions will vary from one place to the next. But as for the first, I’d be happy to help. Here are a few of my favorite Paris elopement locations:
Hotel Marignan
The Hotel Marignan Champs-Elysées is a historic location with a modern twist. The hotel was completely redesigned by French designer Pierre Yovanovitch in 2012, and his artistic, luxurious style is noticeable in every room. The hotel also boasts many event spaces to accommodate elopement parties of any size, from rooftop dinners with a sweeping view of the city to a large private club, complete with DJ.
Photo credit: Karina Leigh Photography
Ritz Paris
The Ritz Paris is an ideal location for any couple that wants their Paris elopement to drip with classic elegance. This hotel is the epitome of French style and charm! You’ll be in constant awe at the beauty in every inch of this impressive building — and their soundproof salons make it easy to feel like there’s no one else in the world but you and your loved ones on your wedding day.
Peninsula Paris
If you plan you elope to Paris, you’ll probably want to do some sightseeing while you’re here. The Peninsula Paris is an ideal hotel for couples who want to really get to know the city; it’s located right in the heart of the 16th arrondissement, which makes it walking distance from many shops, museums, and monuments. Enjoy a luxurious stay, a beautiful wedding, and a cultural feast all at once!
Four Seasons Hotel George V
The Four Seasons Hotel George V was built in 1928, and stepping through its doors is like stepping into a piece of art history. Fans of the art deco style will be in heaven here! The hotel offers many gorgeous salons for wedding parties of any size, and their staff will even help you with floral arrangements and catering if needed!
Shangri La Paris
A gorgeous suite overlooking the Seine, with an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower — what could be better? At Shangri La Paris, you will find beautiful rooms, Michelin-star restaurants, and several stunning wedding salons that will make you feel like you’ve literally stepped into heaven.
Hotel de Crillon
The Hotel de Crillon is a sophisticated hotel with lovely views of some of Paris’ greatest landmarks. The hotel offers several wedding and elopement packages that you can personalize to suit your specific needs, which makes it easy to get your dream wedding ceremony.
Hotel Plaza Athénee
If you or your sweetheart and fashion fanatics, you MUST book your elopement at the Hotel Plaza Athenee. This hotel is located on the city’s “avenue of fashion”, which means you’ll be only a few steps away from some of the most exquisite shops in the world!
Find your dream wedding dress, do a little honeymoon shopping, or just admire the incredible looks in the shop windows — no matter what you do, any fashion lover will be thrilled.
Outside with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower – the choice for most people
Most couples who elope to Paris have their ceremony outdoors, not indoors. It really depends on the season. Most couples have their ceremony and read their vows with a view of the Eiffel Tower from the riverside or Trocadero Gardens. Your officiant or celebrant will help you plan the ceremony of your dreams, we can arrange for a floral bouquet, and you can even have a violinist to make it extra special! You really can’t substitute for these views, and the photo memories you have will be incredible.
Most Paris elopements take place outdoors, with a view of the Eiffel Tower, but its not the only option. Photo credit: Karina Leigh Photography
Eloping in Paris on a Budget
When a couple decides to elope to Paris, they will inevitably have to talk about cost. After all, weddings are expensive.
Don’t worry! There are a few ways that you can save money on your Paris elopement and still get the wedding day of your dreams. Here are just a couple tips that can make a big difference for your budget.
Photo credit: Karina Leigh Photography
Have a look around to get an idea of what works with your budget
When people talk about eloping, most of us think of two young lovebirds, scurrying off to get married in a hurry before someone (usually their parents) catch them. But these days, that’s just not the case! Many of today’s couples plan elopements because they want a memorable wedding that is special to just the two of them — and that gives them a little more freedom to shop around.
Contact several different vendors. Find out as much as you can about pricing options. The more knowledge you have, the easier it will be to put together an elopement that makes you, your partner, and your bank account happy.
FAQs:
What’s the cost of a Paris elopement?
Unfortunately, this question is not an easy one to answer. The cost of a Paris elopement will vary based on the hotel you select, and so forth.
Luckily, it is possible to tailor your elopement plans to suit your budget. My photography elopement services in Paris start at 1050€, for example for a wonderful morning that includes photographing a “First Look” (if you want one), plus your ceremony and gorgeous images afterward. I also offer an all-inclusive package so you don’t need to think about a thing, and these are custom designed to each couple.
Is it possible to actually get married in France?
Well… yes and no. French law requires that couples reside in the country for at least 40 days before they can be legally married, so most visitors opt for a “symbolic” ceremony when they come here for their wedding and are legally married at city hall at home.
If you can’t spend 40 days on vacation (which, you must admit, does sound lovely), it’s best to have a civil wedding ceremony in your home country before you head to France. This could be at the city hall, courthouse, justice of the peace etc.
Should we elope in Paris?
Of course! A Paris elopement is terribly romantic. Whether you get married in front of your family, your closest friends, or just you and your spouse, a wedding in Paris is something you will never forget. And that’s not all — after you and your partner are married, you can have a honeymoon in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, or hop a quick train or flight to another gorgeous part of France, like Provence or the French Riviera.
I’m an American English speaking Paris wedding photographer that delights in helping couples capture the magnificence of their elopement in Paris.
Feel free to reach out to me with questions about your Paris wedding or elopement at karina@karinaleigh.com or here.
Prefer to chat by text? Send me a Whatsapp to 33 07 51 42 35 78.
You can also visit my web site and see the splendor of couples I’ve captured in Paris at www.karinaleigh.com.
See you in Paris!
