Planning a wedding in France from abroad

If you are dreaming of saying “I do” in a French chateau, under olive trees in Provence or in a Cognac vineyard, you are not alone. France remains one of the top destination wedding countries in the world thanks to its food, wine, architecture and slow, celebratory approach to life. Every year, over 250,000 couples get married here, and thousands of them travel from the USA, the UK and other countries to do it.​

I am based between Bordeaux, Cognac and the Atlantic coast and photograph weddings and elopements all over south‑west France (and beyond when needed).

Couples who choose a destination wedding in France usually want three things:

• incredible food and wine,
• romantic scenery and
• a culture that knows how to celebrate.

From vineyard views and medieval villages to long multi‑course dinners that turn into late‑night dancing, France is made for weddings that feel intimate, joyful and unhurried.​​

Whether you are planning a stylish elopement in Bordeaux, a three‑day chateau wedding in south‑west France or a small gathering in Provence, you will find venues and suppliers used to working with international couples.

Your main challenge is “How do I find people I can trust from abroad?”

I work with international couples who want a relaxed, beautiful celebration in France, but have no idea where to start with French wedding planning, elopement photography or finding trustworthy suppliers. If that sounds like you, this guide will walk you through the first big decisions and show you how to build a wedding team you can rely on, even from thousands of miles away.

France feels like many countries in one. The food, architecture, landscape and even the summer weather change a lot from region to region. North of the Loire Valley you can expect more rain, while areas further south are generally sunnier and warmer in peak season.​

A few quick examples to help you focus your search:

• Provence and the South of France: Lavender fields, olive trees, sunshine and sea views, but also some of the highest venue prices in the country.​​
• South‑West France: Vineyard estates and relaxed countryside chateaux, often with more space and more flexible budgets than the Riviera.​​
• Central and Western France: Storybook villages, forests and rivers, full of character and value.​​

Once you know the region, your venue search becomes much simpler and your French wedding planning (and photography timeline) can be tailored to the light and landscape of that area.

There are hundreds of French chateaux, domaines, maison de maitre and boutique hotels that host weddings, from intimate family‑run properties to large dedicated venues. If you prefer English‑speaking owners or staff, start with platforms and directories that focus on international couples and destination weddings in France.​​

You can explore:

• Chateau Bee Selection – personally visited chateaux all over France, often with pricing tools that help you understand the French wedding market.​​
• Mariages.net – a French‑language platform widely used by local couples; useful to check reviews, capacity and how long a venue has hosted weddings.​​

Typical chateau or domaines rental budgets range roughly from 4,000 to 100,000 euros per weekend, with higher prices in the South of France and more accessible options in the south‑west and northern regions. When you visit a venue (virtually or in person), pay attention to:​​

• Access: Proximity to airports and train stations for your guests.​
• Weather plan (Plan B): Indoor or covered spaces that can be quickly turned into ceremony or dinner areas if it rains.​
• Guest experience: Pool, gardens and local activities if you are hosting a multi‑day celebration.​

Once you have chosen your venue, lock in the date before contacting other suppliers. Availability for photographers, caterers, bands and make‑up artists depends entirely on that date, and their calendars change every month.

Food is one of the biggest reasons couples choose a destination wedding in France, and your catering team (in French, a traiteur) will shape the rhythm of your whole day. Many venues already work closely with one or two trusted traiteurs, or they have an in‑house team that can handle everything from the vin d’honneur (cocktail reception) to brunch the next day.​

I noticed, there is also a real cultural difference in timing between a traditional French wedding and a typical UK / international wedding day.

At many French weddings, the formal dinner will only start around 21:00, with the ouverture de bal – the couple’s first dance – at about 23:00 or even midnight, and dancing often continues well into the early hours.

UK and US couples usually prefer to start earlier: vin d’honneur (cocktail) around 15:00–16:00, dinner from about 19:00 and the dance floor opening around 22:00 feels natural.

It is very useful to keep this in mind when you plan your schedule with a French traiteur, because their default suggestion may follow the later French pattern unless you explain the timeline you have in mind.

When you speak with your venue or caterer, ask about:

• Cocktail reception ideas (champagne, local wines, canapés).
• Options for multi‑course dinners and late‑night snacks.
• Next‑day brunch or a relaxed poolside lunch.
• Do they charge for corkage fee (known as BYOB "bring your own bottle") or offer other options.

In France, the cocktail reception is called vin d’honneur, literally “wine of honour”.

It is more than a quick drink; it is an extended cocktail‑style reception where champagne, wine and canapés are served while you greet guests and enjoy your first relaxed moment as a married couple.

For me as a wedding photographer, the vin d’honneur is also an excellent time to slip away for a short 15–20 minute couple photo session: your guests are busy talking and enjoying their champagne, and you finally have a little pocket of time just for the two of you as newlyweds.

I also love using this part of the day for relaxed reportage photography and group photos: people are mingling, laughing and far less aware of the camera, which creates very natural images of your friends and family.

French couples often order their wedding cake separately from a local pâtisserie or boulangerie, choosing a traditional croquembouche or pièce montée for a classic French touch. This can be a lovely way for you and your guests to experience authentic French pastry on your wedding day.

If you prefer to have a traditional wedding cake, then you will need a cake-maker. You can find them via your caterer or venue owner.

Beauty suppliers that travel to your venue are still a limited but growing market in many French regions. Local brides often go to a salon in the nearest town on the wedding morning, but for most international couples it is much easier to have hair and make‑up done on site.​

A few tips:

• Start early: Popular make‑up artists and hair stylists book out long in advance, especially on Saturdays from May to September.​
• Look where they actually are: Many independent MUAs rely on Instagram rather than a traditional website, so social media is often the best way to check real wedding images and reviews.​
• Consider a trial: If you can plan a short pre‑wedding trip, a hair and make‑up trial will give you confidence and help with timing on the day.​

I noticed, some UK brides invite their MUA as a guest and cover travel; others prefer English‑speaking artists based in France who understand both French conditions and international styles. I keep a list of recommended MUAs in different regions and am happy to connect you.

As a wedding photographer in France, I see every year how much this country gives you visually: soft natural light, historic architecture, vineyards, courtyards and long summer evenings that are perfect for portraits. France attracts many part‑time and full‑time wedding photographers, as well as international destination photographers who fly in from the UK, USA and beyond.​​

When you are looking for a photographer or videographer:

• Focus on style first: Do you prefer editorial, documentary, fine‑art, film or a mix? Your wedding photos should feel like you.
• Check full galleries: Ask to see complete wedding days at similar venues, not just highlight images.
• Look for professional engagement: Platforms like Fearless Photographers and MyWed showcase photographers who enter international competitions and stay creatively active.​​

From my experience, a wedding photographer who regularly submits work to competitions is often very motivated to create unique, thoughtful images that feel timeless for you and also stand out in a professional community. You benefit from that extra intention every time you open your wedding album.​​

I see this every season when couples receive their galleries.

Because you are planning from abroad, you want someone who does more than take pretty pictures. You want a French wedding photographer who:

• Communicates clearly in English and French.
• Helps build a realistic timeline around light and your priorities.
• Knows how to work with international guests and mixed‑culture celebrations.

If you are eloping in France, look specifically for “France elopement photographer” or "French wedding photographer" and check what is included (hours of coverage, planning assistance, permits, album). As a wedding and elopement photographer in Cognac and Bordeaux regions I also help with simple timelines, locations and local suppliers.​

If you would like to check my availability as your French wedding photographer and get my supplier list, you can contact me here.

France has an excellent network of florists, from simple village shops to high‑end floral designers who specialise in weddings.

For many couples, the easiest option is to work with a good local florist recommended by the venue or planner; beautiful bouquets and table flowers can often be arranged just a few days before the wedding.​ French couples often order everything from a local florist. 

If you want an immersive floral experience – arches, hanging installations, custom colour palettes – look for a floral designer rather than a standard shop. They will see your wedding as a whole atmosphere.

From solo pianists for your ceremony to full bands for the party, the music scene for weddings in France is broad and diverse.

If you are considering a French DJ, make sure they understand your taste. They know favourite international tracks for UK, US and other English‑speaking guests.​

Many couples find it easier to work with DJs who already specialise in international or UK‑style weddings in France, as they usually know the typical playlists and dance‑floor energy their overseas couples expect. Whatever you choose, send a clear “must play” and “please avoid” list so the night feels like you.

Good lighting can completely transform your venue into a proper disco floor. A professional DJ will make sure the lighting is adapted to the space, that there are no loose cables on the ground and that the sound keeps you and your guests dancing until you drop. Three main questions to ask your DJ are:

• Do you have experience with international / UK and US weddings in France?
• What sound and lighting equipment do you bring, and how will you set it up safely in our venue?
• How do you manage the timeline (first dance, party, announcements), and what happens if there is a technical problem?

A good DJ can guide the evening, keep energy on the dance floor and has backup gear or solutions if something fails.

Some couples love planning and are happy to organise a small or medium‑sized wedding themselves, especially if their venue already hosts many international celebrations and can recommend suppliers. Others prefer to hand over logistics to a wedding planner so they can simply arrive and enjoy.​

A planner is particularly helpful if:

• You are hosting a large (100+ guests) or very detailed wedding.
• You do not speak French and want a single point of contact with suppliers.
• You have a demanding job or limited time to coordinate people across time zones.

From my experience, when you book a venue that already has a strong track record with international wedding celebrations, they often provide more than just the space. Many of these chateaux and domaines have in‑house planning support and a trusted team of suppliers such as florists, caterer, photographers and DJs. 

Some are happy to offer everything in a package, while others will let you bring your own team of wedding suppliers if you have already selected them or have your own preferences.

There are also UK‑based planners who specialise in weddings in France, as well as French planners who speak excellent English and work mainly with international couples. If you are not sure whether you need full planning, partial planning or just on‑the‑day coordination, we can talk through your plans and see what fits best.

Planning a wedding or elopement in another country can feel like a big adventure, but you do not have to figure it out alone.

With the right venue, a trusted team of French wedding suppliers who understands both the local culture and your expectations as an English‑speaking couple, your day in France can feel relaxed, joyful and completely “you”.

If you would like my personal list of French wedding venues, florists, DJs, planners and other suppliers I worked with, you can request it via my contact form. Tell me a little about your plans and I will send you tailored recommendations for your wedding.