How to Plan a Wedding in France: A Practical Guide
What you need to know to plan a wedding in France, from budgeting and logistics to legal requirements and cultural considerations.
Wedding Planning by Marry Me In France, Photography by Jeremy Boyer
What to Expect When You Plan a Wedding in France
Planning a wedding in France is an exciting opportunity to celebrate your day somewhere truly special. With its variety of settings, world class food, and stunning selection of venues, France continues to be one of the top choices for couples looking to plan a wedding abroad.
That said, organising a wedding in France comes with its own set of challenges. The process can be quite different from planning a wedding at home, especially when it comes to logistics, legal requirements, and collaborating with local suppliers. You’ll need to navigate unfamiliar customs, timelines, and understand how contracts and payments typically work in France.
This guide is designed to simplify the planning journey and highlight the key steps to help you organise your wedding in France. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into planning, you’ll find essential advice on everything from choosing the perfect venue and setting a realistic budget to understanding French legalities and wedding traditions. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to create a seamless and meaningful celebration that reflects your vision.
K&J’s Rustic DIY Wedding South West France
Why Planning a Wedding in France Is Different
Communication & Timelines
French wedding suppliers often work at a slower pace. Responses to emails may take longer, phone calls are less common, and many vendors are unavailable in August due to nationwide holidays. Patience and early planning are key.
Venue Hire Structure
Language & Contracts
Language barriers are another consideration. Contracts are usually written in French, and not all vendors speak fluent English. Hiring a bilingual wedding planner, or at the very least, working with someone who can assist with translations and communication, is strongly recommended to avoid misunderstandings.
Cultural Differences
Define Your Vision & Priorities Early
Before diving into logistics, take time to visualise your perfect day. Our Destination Wedding Framework Worksheet helps you identify your top priorities and values, so you can make decisions that align with your vision and avoid overwhelm later.
Download our Destination Wedding Framework (Vision & Priorities) Here
Wedding on the French Riviera by Avalon Events
Setting Your Budget When You Plan a Wedding in France
Think in Euros, Not Just Currency Conversion
Most suppliers in France quote prices in euros, so plan your entire wedding budget using the local currency. Use international payment platforms like Wise or Revolut to lock in favourable exchange rates and avoid hidden fees.
Smaller Guest List, Higher Quality Experience
One advantage of a wedding abroad is that it often leads to a more intimate guest list. This naturally reduces costs for catering, accommodation, and transport, allowing you to invest more in standout areas like your venue, cuisine, and guest experience.
Understand Venue Costs
Venue hire will likely be your biggest expense. Château weddings are stunning but tend to cost more, while vineyards or rural estates may offer better value. Always ask what’s included, some venues provide catering, furniture, and accommodation, while others require external vendors. If onsite lodging is available, decide whether you or your guests will cover the cost.
Time of Year Matters
Peak wedding season in France runs from May to September, especially in popular regions like Provence, the Loire Valley, and the Dordogne. Prices and demand are higher during this period. Consider a weekday wedding or off season date (spring or autumn) for better availability and lower rates.
Build a Contingency Fund
Top Tip: Need help building your budget?
Starting with a clear financial plan sets the tone for every decision that follows. Whether you’re hiring a wedding planner in France or managing things yourself, knowing what you’re willing to spend on the venue, food, photography, or guest experience will guide your choices and help keep your wedding abroad both on track and within budget. With this in mind, our Wedding Budget Essential Guide is designed to help you plan a wedding in France without overspending. It covers everything from smart cost saving strategies to handling unexpected expenses, so you can stay on budget while creating your dream celebration.
Wedding Planned by Noces du Monde
Choosing the Right Wedding Venue in France
When you plan a wedding abroad, choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your venue sets the tone for the entire celebration. It influences your guest list, impacts your budget, and often determines which suppliers you’ll be able to work with.
Many venues in France offer more than just a location. You’ll find options that include inhouse catering, furniture, planning support, and tableware. However, not all venues include these services, so it’s essential to ask detailed questions before signing a contract.
Popular Wedding Venues in France
- Châteaux in the Loire Valley and Dordogne are ideal if you’re dreaming of a romantic and historical setting. These venues often have large grounds and the option to host a full weekend celebration.
- Vineyards in regions like Provence or Bordeaux offer a relaxed and picturesque atmosphere, perfect for wine lovers and those seeking a countryside backdrop.
- Coastal locations such as the French Riviera or elegant city venues in Paris suit couples looking for a modern or luxurious style of wedding.
Venue Considerations
Once your venue is secured, everything else, from design and logistics to your wedding timeline, will come together more smoothly, helping you plan a truly memorable celebration abroad.
- Location matters, especially when you’re inviting guests from abroad. Accessibility is key, so choose a venue that’s close to major airports and has convenient transport links. Check if the venue offers onsite accommodation or has quality hotels nearby to make travel logistics easier for your guests.
- If you’re planning a multi-day wedding in France, look for venues that can host additional events like welcome dinners, poolside parties, or farewell brunches. Many French venues are available for full weekend hire, allowing you to make the most of your time there. However, this also means popular dates get booked quickly, so early reservations are essential.
- Be thorough with the details. Ask about exclusivity, local noise restrictions, curfews, and whether you’re required to work with specific vendors. Some venues have preferred supplier lists, which can streamline planning but may limit flexibility.
- Book early as top venues in France tend to book up 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for peak season weddings between May and September. Locking in your venue early is one of the most important steps when you plan a wedding in France.
Top Tip: Ask the Right Questions Before You Book
Knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference when choosing your French wedding venue. Our comprehensive list of 50+ essential questions covers every detail, from venue policies to hidden costs, helping you feel confident and informed before you commit.
Chateau Lagut Wedding Venue Dordogne
Do You Need a Wedding Planner?
It is possible to plan a wedding in France without hiring a planner, but it can be challenging, especially when doing so from abroad. A destination wedding comes with added layers of logistics, language differences, and cultural expectations. That’s why many couples choose to work with a local wedding planner based in France.
Why Hire a Local Planner?
A planner based in France can offer far more than convenience. They have local knowledge, established supplier relationships, and a clear understanding of how the French wedding industry works. They can help with everything from venue scouting and supplier sourcing to paperwork and timelines.
Hiring a bilingual planner can also help manage communication challenges. French suppliers may take longer to respond, prefer written communication, and contracts are often written in French. Having someone on your side who understands both languages and cultures can be invaluable.
Even if you want to stay hands on, a planner can support you by handling on the ground tasks and avoiding potential issues. They help keep everything running smoothly and allow you to enjoy the process.
Flexible Planning Support
If a full service planner is outside your budget, consider alternative support options. Partial planning packages or hiring a coordinator just for the wedding day can make a huge difference. A coordinator can manage timelines, liaise with suppliers, and ensure everything flows perfectly, so you don’t have to troubleshoot in your wedding dress.
It is absolutely possible to plan a wedding in France on your own, but be prepared to invest more time in research, communication, and logistics. If you’d prefer to enjoy the lead up and the day itself with less stress, hiring planning support may be well worth the investment.
Choose a Planning Approach That Works for You
When deciding how to plan a wedding in France, consider your priorities. Do you want to save money, stay in control, or reduce stress? Your answers will help determine whether you want to do it yourself or hire a planner or combine both approaches.
Wedding Catering & Planning by Party In France
Styling Your French Wedding
One of the greatest advantages of getting married in France is the natural beauty and historic charm that surrounds you. Whether you’re celebrating in a centuries old château, a chic Paris venue, or among the olive groves of Provence, the setting itself becomes a central part of your wedding aesthetic. The key to great styling is to enhance, not compete with these stunning backdrops.
Let the Location Shape Your Vision
Different regions of France bring different moods. A vineyard in Bordeaux might inspire earthy tones, wooden textures, and natural florals, while a celebration in the French Riviera might lean toward minimalist elegance with clean lines and modern accents. Your venue should influence your style decisions, helping you create a cohesive and immersive atmosphere.
Collaborate with Local Experts
Instead of importing everything from home work with local experts. Florists, rental companies, and stylists based in France understand the local architecture, climate, and seasonal blooms. They can recommend décor that feels authentic to the region like antique furniture for a château, lavender accented arrangements in Provence, or sleek details for a modern Paris affair. Choosing locally sourced elements also cuts down on transport costs and helps reduce environmental impact.
Elevate the Experience with French Elegance
Rather than large, themed décor setups, focus on thoughtful, refined details. French wedding style is known for its understated sophistication, long banquet tables dressed in soft linens, loose and organic floral arrangements, and ambient lighting from taper candles or festoon lights. It’s about creating atmosphere, not over the top installations.
Top Tip: Simplicity Creates Impact
When styling your destination wedding, trust in the natural character of your venue. A well curated table setting, a few statement pieces, and fresh, local flowers can be far more impactful than trying to recreate a look from home. Let the surroundings speak and style in harmony with them.
Chateau Lagut Wedding Venue Dordogne
Legal or Symbolic Ceremony
While it’s technically possible for foreign couples to get legally married in France, the process is complicated. Because of this, the vast majority of international couples choose to complete the legal paperwork in their home country and have a symbolic ceremony in France.
Legal Ceremonies Require Residency
To legally marry in France, at least one partner must meet a 40 day residency requirement in the commune (town) where the ceremony will take place. This legal requirement makes it challenging for couples who don’t live in France, as it involves a long stay, extensive paperwork, and coordination with the local mairie (town hall). All legal documents must be translated and often notarised, which can be time consuming and complex.
Why Most Couples Choose Symbolic Ceremonies
Due to the logistical hurdles, most couples legally marry in their home country before travelling to France for a symbolic ceremony. This option gives you complete freedom to design a ceremony that reflects your values and vision, without being bound by French legal restrictions. It also means you can get married at any venue, be it a vineyard, garden, or even the beach, without needing government authorisation.
Personalise Your Symbolic Celebration
Symbolic weddings allow for total flexibility in content, language, and format. You can hire an English speaking celebrant in France to create a ceremony that tells your love story, incorporates cultural or religious elements, and includes your own vows. Many celebrants offer bilingual options, which are perfect for mixed-language guest lists.
Top Tip: Don’t Let Legal Details Limit Your Vision
If your dream is to plan a wedding in France without the stress of residency rules or administrative red tape, a symbolic ceremony is your best option. It gives you creative control over the ceremony, so you can focus on celebrating your love in one of the most romantic places in the world.
Symbolic Wedding Celebrant Unique Ceremonies
How to Keep Your Guests Informed and Happy
When you plan a wedding in France, your guests’ experience plays a big role in the overall success of the celebration. Since most attendees will be traveling from abroad, clear and thoughtful communication is essential to make sure everyone feels welcome, informed, and excited from the moment they receive your invitation.
Create a Wedding Website with Essential Info
A user friendly wedding website is your best tool for keeping guests up to date. Include practical details like the closest airports, train stations, hotel recommendations in a range of budgets, local transport options, and what to expect at the venue. If you’re covering any expenses, like transfers, meals, or accommodation, state this clearly to avoid confusion.
Share a Detailed Schedule of Events
Many destination weddings in France span several days, so giving guests a clear itinerary helps them plan accordingly. Whether you’re organising a welcome dinner, wine tasting, or post wedding brunch, outline the timing and dress code for each event. This gives your celebration structure and allows guests to fully participate.
Add Cultural and Local Tips
Even a few helpful touches go a long way. Include basic French phrases, tipping etiquette, and wardrobe advice, especially if your venue includes outdoor settings, cobblestone paths, or formal dining. These little details help guests feel more comfortable navigating a new culture.
Send Save the Dates Early
Because guests will be coordinating time off work, booking flights, and arranging childcare, give them as much notice as possible. Send save the dates at least 8–12 months in advance and follow up with formal invitations and website updates as the day approaches.
Top Tip: A Smaller Guest List Can Create Space for a Bigger Experience
When you plan a wedding abroad, the natural outcome is often a more intimate guest list. But fewer people doesn’t mean fewer memories. With a manageable group, you can plan immersive, multi day experiences that turn your wedding into an unforgettable holiday for everyone involved, from sunset dinners to local excursions and relaxed post wedding gatherings.
Wedding on the French Riviera by Avalon Events
Always Have a Backup Plan
No matter how well you organise your destination wedding, unexpected challenges can still arise. From sudden weather changes to delayed flights or last minute supplier issues, flexibility is essential when hosting a celebration in another country.
Prepare for Weather Uncertainty
If your ceremony or reception is outdoors, confirm that your venue offers a reliable indoor alternative or the option to rent a marquee. Don’t assume good weather, even during peak season. Having a solid Plan B in place allows your day to continue smoothly, come rain or shine, without unnecessary stress.
Choose Adaptable, Experienced Wedding Suppliers
Work with suppliers who understand the realities of destination weddings and are prepared to adapt. Ask in advance about their postponement, cancellation, or rescheduling policies. Knowing how your vendors will respond to disruption provides valuable peace of mind.
Protect Yourself with Wedding Abroad Insurance
Consider investing in wedding abroad insurance. These policies can cover everything from extreme weather delays to cancellations due to travel issues. It’s a small cost for a big layer of protection, especially when coordinating a wedding from abroad.
Top Tip: Planning for the Unexpected = Peace of Mind
Having a contingency plan doesn’t mean expecting things to go wrong, it means being ready just in case. When you’re well prepared for the ‘what ifs,’ you can focus on enjoying the moment, confident that your day is covered no matter what comes your way.
Event Rentals by Fete 24 Stretch Tents & Lighting
What Does a Wedding in France Cost?
The cost of a wedding in France varies significantly based on location, guest count, venue, and overall style. On average, couples spend between €25,000 and €45,000. This estimate typically covers the venue, catering, photography, décor, and some level of coordination, but not always accommodation or travel.
Château weddings tend to sit at the higher end of the spectrum, especially if you’re booking for a full weekend with onsite lodging. A more modest celebration at a countryside gîte or vineyard can often be arranged for less, particularly if you’re working with local suppliers and keeping your guest list small.
Below is a breakdown of estimated wedding costs in France for 2025. Prices will vary based on location, specific services, and vendor experience.
Note: All costs are listed in euros (€).
Venue Rental (Full Day): €6,000–€15,000+
Vary based on location and exclusivity. Château venues can exceed €40,000; countryside venues are more affordable.
Catering Per Person: €70–€250
Influenced by menu choices and beverage packages. Simple meals start at €70; gourmet options can reach €250+.
Photography & Videography: €1,500 - €8,000+
Based on the professionals’ experience and services offered. Luxury photography packages may exceed €10,000. High-end videography can reach €10,000+.
Wedding Planner (Full Service): €2,000–€10,000
Full service planning costs vary by region and complexity.
Flowers & Décor: €800–€4,000+
Influenced by the scale and intricacy of floral arrangements and décor. Elaborate designs can exceed €10,000.
Entertainment (DJ or Live Music): €1,500–€8,000
DJs start at €1,500; live bands can reach €8,000+.
Hair & Makeup (Bride & Trials): €250-€600
Pricing depends on the artist’s experience, travel fees, and whether services are extended to the bridal party.
Note: Subject to change, costs May 2025
Wedding Planned by Noces du Monde
Budgeting Tips for Your French Wedding
Organising a wedding in another country comes with unique financial considerations, and getting your budget right is key to a smooth planning process. With the right approach, you can host an unforgettable celebration without overspending.
Prioritise What Matters Most
Start by identifying the elements that are most important to you, whether it’s a picturesque venue, gourmet catering, or a top tier photographer. Allocate your budget accordingly, and don’t be afraid to spend more in areas that will have the greatest impact on your experience.
Keep the Guest List Intimate
Destination weddings naturally lend themselves to smaller gatherings, which can significantly reduce costs. Fewer guests mean less spent on food, drinks, accommodation, and transportation, allowing you to reallocate those savings toward quality and experience.
Choose Dates Outside Peak Season
Wedding season in France peaks between June and September. Booking your celebration in the shoulder months, spring or autumn, or on a weekday can offer better rates and increased availability for venues and suppliers.
Work with Local Suppliers
Hiring vendors based in France can be more cost effective than bringing in talent from abroad. Look for English speaking professionals or consider a bilingual planner who can help bridge language gaps and negotiate on your behalf.
Book Early for Better Rates
Securing your venue and key suppliers well in advance may guarantee better pricing and wider choices. It also gives you time to space out payments, helping with overall budget management.
Explore All Inclusive Venue Packages
Some French venues offer bundled packages that include catering, staffing, furniture, and even accommodation. These can be excellent value and reduce the number of separate contracts you need to manage.
Top Tip: Track Costs & Set Payment Reminders
Keeping a detailed record of all your expenses and setting reminders for payment deadlines helps you avoid late fees and last minute budget surprises. Use a dedicated spreadsheet or budgeting app to monitor deposits, final payments, and due dates. Staying organised ensures you can manage cash flow effectively and make adjustments early if needed. Our Wedding Budget Essential Guide includes customisable spreadsheets, to help you stay in control, stay on track, and stay within budget.
Wedding Planning by Your Wedding Planner France
Building a Realistic Planning Timeline
Creating a clear timeline is essential when you’re planning a wedding abroad, especially in France, where peak season venues and suppliers get booked up well in advance. A well structured schedule keeps everything on track and helps you stay ahead of the planning curve.
12–18 Months Before
Begin by securing your venue and locking in your date. This is especially important if you’re planning to get married in peak season (May to September), when the most popular locations and suppliers are in high demand. Once your venue is confirmed, begin sourcing key suppliers like your planner, photographer, caterer, and florist.
10–12 Months Before
6–9 Months Before
Finalise your guest list and send out save the date cards. Giving guests plenty of notice is key for a destination wedding in France, as they’ll need time to book travel and accommodation. At this stage, you should also start narrowing down menu ideas and floral or décor inspiration with your vendors.
3–6 Months Before
Focus on confirming details like styling, rental items, and guest accommodation. Check in with suppliers to review logistics and timelines. You should also arrange transport, finalise your ceremony structure, and consider creating a wedding website if you haven’t already.
1–3 Months Before
Do a full run through of your timeline, confirm all bookings, and complete any remaining paperwork. Double check with each supplier, review contingency plans, and confirm numbers with the venue and caterer. If you’re using a planner or coordinator, this is when the final schedule gets locked in.
Top Tip: Create a Simple Wedding Day Timeline Early On
Even a basic timeline can help bring clarity to your planning and prevent last-minute stress. Start by mapping out the key moments—like your ceremony, dinner, speeches, and dancing—then build around them. Share your schedule with suppliers and your wedding party early so everyone’s on the same page and your day flows smoothly.
Wedding Planning & Catering by Party In France
Ready to Plan a Wedding in France?
With the right preparation, planning a wedding in France can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. From choosing the perfect venue to organising a ceremony that reflects your unique style, the journey can be just as meaningful as the big day itself.
That said, destination weddings do come with added complexities. Coordinating across time zones, navigating language differences, and understanding how the French wedding industry operates all require time and effort. Starting early, staying organised, and setting realistic expectations are key to a successful planning process.
Partnering with experienced local suppliers, creating a clear timeline, and knowing what’s standard practice in France will help you avoid common pitfalls. Whether you hire a full service planner or take charge yourself, having local insight, especially if you don’t speak French, can make all the difference.
With careful planning and the right support, your wedding abroad can be seamless, enjoyable, and perfectly tailored to your priorities.
Begin building your dream day by connecting with top wedding suppliers across France. To get in touch with wedding planners quickly and easily, use the form at the end of this page. Alternatively, explore our Quick Connect Links below to reach key suppliers directly.
Wedding Planning by Marry Me In France
Start Planning Your Wedding in France: Quick Connect
Learn More About Getting Married in France
We hope this overview on how to plan a wedding in France has provided a helpful starting point. For a deeper dive into planning your wedding in France, visit our France Destination Wedding Starter Guide. It’s packed with essential information including a detailed cost breakdown, top locations for every style and budget, the best times of year to get married, legal requirements for getting married in France, and insider tips to help you plan smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.
Wedding Planning by Your Wedding Planner
Contact Wedding Planners in France
At Weddings Abroad Guide, we work with a group of experienced wedding planners who can help bring your unique celebration to life. If you’re looking for expert guidance, simply fill in the short form below and your enquiry will be forwarded to trusted planners who work across France.
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