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Weddings Abroad Guide

Weddings Abroad Guide - How to Get Married Abroad

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Wedding in France

Having your wedding in France is bound to add an extra touch of romance to your day.

If anyone asked us for our number one choice for a wedding destination abroad, the honours would have to go to France. Okay, there may be a slight bias here as it was the setting for Natalie’s (founder of this website) destination wedding.

Rachel & Sam's Provence Chateau Wedding - Chateau du Bijou - Kerry Morgan Photography

Rachel & Sam’s Provence Chateau Wedding

However that aside, we are certain if you have your wedding in France you will be guaranteed stunning scenery, fine wine and food, impeccable service, style, sophistication and an extra sprinkling of romance!

Wedding Suppliers, Legalities, Advice & Tips

Why a Wedding in France

France offers beautiful venues, fantastic food and wine, great value for money, romantic settings and easy access; whether you’re looking for a classical, funky or grand and historic wedding day, it truly is a wonderful destination for a wedding abroad.

You and your guests will be captivated by its charms. In fact, if you choose to have your wedding in France one of the most challenging aspects is deciding which of the many beautiful locations and venues will set the scene for your big day.

Jacqueline & Fred's DIY Wedding in France & Photography Spotlight Review Natacha Elmir

Jacqueline & Fred’s DIY Wedding in France

Cost of a Wedding in France

Obviously, prices vary from location to location, what time of year you decide to get married and your personal preferences, however the feedback we receive is that it’s possible to get value for money in France.

That being said, do not expect to have a full wedding for pennies! But, what comes as standard are breathtaking venues, delicious cuisine, amazing wine and fabulous service!

In the initial planning phase, we suggest obtaining between 3 and 5 quotes from the key suppliers. This will provide you with a realistic idea of the options available in your chosen location/locations and will also be a key factor in determining guest numbers.

We also recommend browsing our Real Wedding Budget Breakdowns to gather real wedding costs from real couples and our France Mini Guide.

Wedding in France Mini Guide | Image: Polly & Andrew's Wedding in France | Wedding Planner: Your Wedding Planner France

Plan a Wedding in France Mini Guide

Good to Know

  • Unfortunately, France has some of the most stringent residency requirements of all the European countries, as a solution, most couples will usually have a symbolic ceremony in France.
  • A civil ceremony is the only legally binding type of ceremony possible in France.
  • Civil ceremonies can only take place in the Mairie (Town Hall).
  • You may only have a religious ceremony after a civil ceremony has taken place, either in France or in your own country.
  • Don’t expect things to work the same way as they do in your home country. Ask as many questions as many times as you need to in order to make sure you get the answers you need.
Wedding Suppliers, Legalities, Advice & Tips

Tips from French Wedding Experts

If you’re having your ceremony outdoors in the height of summer, please make sure you and your guests have some shade. July/August temperatures can be 35°C + in France and ceremonies usually last about 30-40 minutes. It doesn’t have to be a canopy; a large tree or some fans are just as good.

Ceremonies in France – French Wedding Celebrant

Choosing your wedding celebrant is a very personal matter so trust your instinct! Before going ahead, make sure you meet your potential celebrant, in person or online. In order to prepare your wedding ceremony, a good celebrant will ask you personal information therefore you have to feel comfortable sharing such information with them.

Unique Ceremonies – French Wedding Celebrants

A French Wedding can be affordable for all. Never hesitate to chat to a planner that lives in the area you want to celebrate your wedding, they will have a wealth of knowledge of local places that could be your dream destination, and they may often be better value than something you have sourced yourself on-line – or even something you never thought of (fancy a party on a steam train, or a boat on the river Lot?)!

Party in France – Planning & Catering

K&J's Rustic DIY Wedding South West France Real Destination Wedding Cost Breakdown | Honeydew Moments Photography

K & J’ s Wedding in France – Real Wedding Cost Breakdown

Our Hot Tips for Getting Married in France

  • Don’t have to let the residency requirements stand in the way of having your dream wedding in France. Many couples opt to do the legal bit in their home country and then have a symbolic ceremony or religious ceremony in France.
  • Plan ahead, some of the more popular wedding venues can be booked up 12 to 18 months in advance.
  • As soon as you know your wedding date, book your photographer and videographer.
  • Have a welcome dinner or cocktails in a local restaurant or bar.
  • Organise a post wedding day bbq or activity.
  • For those planning a DIY wedding, use our Wedding Abroad Planning Tool Kit to help you stay on track or book a 90 Minute Personalised Planning Consultation.
  • Provide guests with as much information as possible. Read our Guest Information Guide, and download our Guest Information Checklist which covers everything from guests expenses, to creating a personal wedding website.
  • If you would like your budget to stretch that bit further then look just outside of the popular “hotspots” or consider having your wedding midweek.
Intimate Wedding on the French Riviera // Florent Vin Photography // Avalon Events // Simply Lovely Photography

Intimate Wedding on the French Riviera

Tips from Couples who were Married in France

Learn to prioritise and compromise. The last few months are intense, remember to have times that aren’t wedding related. Try and enjoy the process, it’s over before you know it!

K & J, United Kingdom

Send out a list of potential accommodation to guests as soon as possible (go and view them if possible first) and get flight details from all your home airports. Make an effort to learn the language – it is very flattering to the people you will get involved with and it helps a lot. In France a wedding is a community project and it was really important for us to involve as many local people as possible.

Jane & Graham, United Kingdom

Don’t let the residency requirements discourage you from having your wedding in France. Consider alternative options such as a blessing or a humanist wedding ceremony before settling on a different location.

Natalie & Simon, United Kingdom

Wedding Suppliers, Legalities, Adivce & Tips

Real Experiences – Why did you Choose France?

We wanted our wedding to be different from a traditional UK wedding and we certainly succeeded in our aim. There were so many special little things that happened that made our day unique. Things we felt made our wedding better; weather, cost, venue, civil ceremony and being able to buy our own local wine!

Jane & Graham, United Kingdom

Sentimental reasons. We have a family home there and really wanted to hold a blessing there. I think it may have been easier to organise our wedding in the UK but I would have not have been as inspired to make it as brilliant.

Charlotte & Christian, United Kingdom

I used to live in France and my parents still do. The financial aspect (getting more for your money and of a better quality) also played a role, as did the location and flexibility of service.

Lydia & David, United Kingdom

We love the French countryside, wine, food and culture and wanted our wedding to be truly unique. Our wedding ceremony was conducted in the roof space of a 13th century Chateau, we would have never been able to do that at home! It also gave us the opportunity to spend more time with our guests and extend our celebrations over three days.

Natalie & Simon, United Kingdom

French Wedding Suppliers, Legalities, Advice & Tips

Find the Best Destination Wedding Planners to help you plan your perfect Wedding Abroad in France on Weddings Abroad Guide
Find Destination Wedding Venues for your Wedding in France on Weddings Abroad Guide
Find the Best Destination Wedding Videographer to capture your Wedding Abroad in France on Weddings Abroad Guide
Find the Best Destination Wedding Photographer to capture your Wedding Abroad in France on Weddings Abroad Guide
Find a Destination Wedding Caterer
Find a Destination Wedding Celebrant
Find Destination Wedding Stationery
Find Destination Wedding Websites & Apps
Find Wedding Abroad Insurance
Find the Best Destination Wedding Suppliers to help you plan your perfect French Wedding on Weddings Abroad Guide
Couples who had their wedding abroad have kindly volunteered to share their stories, photographs and videos.
The legal requirements and documentation required for your marriage in France to be legally binding are outlined here.
The details of the different types of wedding ceremonies you can have in France are outlined here.
Destination Wedding Location Guides & Venue Reviews for a Wedding Abroad in France.
Invaluable information, hints, tips and advice from experts in the destination wedding field and couples who had their wedding in France are outlined here.
Destination Wedding Costs & Budget Tips for a Wedding Abroad in France are outlined here.
Free Planning Tools to help Plan a Destination Wedding Abroad from Weddings Abroad Gide
Step_by-Step Destination Wedding Guide by Weddings Abroad Guide
Instagram Destination Wedding Inspiration from Weddings Abroad Guide
Join the Chat in our Destination Wedding Facebook Group from Weddings Abroad Guide
Pinterest Destination Wedding Inspiration from Weddings Abroad Guide

Welcome to Weddings Abroad Guide a website dedicated to those planning a destination wedding providing independent information & advice for those planning a wedding abroad.

French Wedding Suppliers

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
WEDDING CEREMONIES
PLANNING TIPS & ADVICE
COSTS & BUDGET TIPS
LOCATION & VENUE REVIEWS
WEDDING INSPIRATION

Digital Wedding Planning Tool Kit - The Essential must have Easy to Follow Checklists, Spreadsheets & Workbooks Guide for a Destination Wedding Abroad by Weddings Abroad Guide

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    Benefits of a Wedding Abroad Consultation
  • K&J's Rustic DIY Wedding South West France Real Destination Wedding Cost Breakdown | Honeydew Moments Photography
    Real Destination Wedding Cost Breakdown:
    58 Guests in South West France
  • Jacqueline & Fred's DIY wedding in France & Wedding Photographer in France Spotlight - Natacha Elmir
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  • Jess & Jamie's Chateau Wedding in Normandy planned by Noces du Monde - Pierre Torset_Photography - Chateau de Miserai
    Chateau Wedding in Normandy
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    Provence Chateau Wedding
  • Wedding on the French Riviera - Venue Spotlight 4 Private Villas within 45 minutes of Nice // Batide Bijou
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    Wedding on the French Riviera
  • Wedding on the French Riviera Exclusive Offer Avalon Events Organisation
    Wedding on the French Riviera
    Exclusive Offer
  • Exclusive Use Wedding Abroad Venues in Europe
    Exclusive Use
    Wedding Abroad Venues in Europe
  • Intimate Wedding on the French Riviera // Florent Vin Photography // Avalon Events // Simply Lovely Photography
    Intimate Wedding on the French Riviera
  • Wedding Abroad Mini Guide - Plan a Wedding in France by Your Wedding Planner France
    Plan a Wedding in France
    Mini Guide
  • Gay Marriage Countries
  • Lubna & Jamil's Winter Wedding in France // Marry in France // Zen Film Works
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    French Island Wedding
  • Small Intimate Wedding Abroad Destination Mini Guide by Amulet Weddings | Wild Connections Photography
    Winter Wedding in Europe
    Expert Tips & Advice
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  • Real Wedding in France Jane and Graham
    Jane & Graham

Supplier Spotlight

Party in France

Rosie Paddon believes a wedding in France can be affordable for all. With her wealth of local knowledge, she can offer as much or as little help as you need to have your perfect wedding in France.

Find Out More
Party in France Wedding Event Planning & Catering Services in South West France

Painting the Day. Unique and personalised, Paul Raymonde is a live wedding & event painter.0

Create Your Wedding Website & App today with Appy CoupleHoneymoon & Wedding Gift List by Holidaysplease

destination wedding planning checklist // weddingsabroadguide.com

Mix & Match Bridesmaid Dresses by Dessy Group

Weddings Abroad Guide

Planning!

Digital Wedding Planning Tool Kit - The Essential must have Easy to Follow Checklists, Spreadsheets & Workbooks Guide for a Destination Wedding Abroad by Weddings Abroad Guide

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