A legally binding civil ceremony in France requires one of the couple to be resident for around 40 days before the wedding, which is impractical for most visiting couples. As a result, nearly all international couples marry legally in Ireland first and hold a symbolic ceremony in France, often the more relaxed and flexible option anyway. A local planner will arrange the celebrant, venue and suppliers around it.
Provence is the classic choice for lavender-and-vineyard settings, the Dordogne and Loire Valley for fairytale châteaux, the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez) for coastal glamour, and Paris for city romance. May to September brings the best weather, with Provence at its most beautiful in early summer.
France sits at the higher end for destination weddings, particularly for exclusive-use châteaux on the Riviera and in Provence, though the countryside regions offer more relaxed budgets. Guest numbers, venue and season are the main factors. Share your plans with any of the destination weddings specialists below for a tailored quote.