Planning a wedding in France is like preparing a Michelin-starred meal—each ingredient must be carefully chosen, perfectly timed, and beautifully presented. From dreamy château receptions to Parisian elopements, your big day deserves a seamless timeline. Let’s break it down into manageable steps to ensure your wedding in France is as magical as the country itself.
12-18 Months Before: The Dreaming Stage 🌟
Close your eyes. Do you see yourself exchanging vows under the Eiffel Tower, in a lavender field in Provence, or at a historic château in the Loire Valley? Before diving into logistics, let yourself dream!
Key Steps:
✔ Set Your Budget – France offers everything from intimate vineyard weddings to grand palace receptions. Be clear about your priorities—champagne fountains or a live jazz band? (Or both? No judgment.)
✔ Pick Your Date & Venue – France’s peak wedding season runs from May to September, so if you want that golden-hour summer glow, book early! Some dreamy venues:
✔ Hire a Wedding Planner (Highly Recommended!) – A local planner can navigate the complexities of a destination wedding, language barriers, and those charming-yet-sometimes-chaotic French bureaucracies.
✔ Secure Your Photographer – A French wedding deserves breathtaking photography. (Psst… you can check out my work here! 😉)
9-12 Months Before: The Big Moves 🚀
At this point, your wedding is no longer just a dream—it’s becoming real!
Key Steps:
✔ Send Save-the-Dates – Give your guests time to book flights and accommodations. You’re basically inviting them to the best vacation of their lives.
✔ Start the Legal Process – Getting legally married in France as a foreigner can be tricky. Some couples handle the legal paperwork at home and have a symbolic ceremony in France. If you do want to go the official route, you’ll need:
- A long-term residency (in most cases)
- Birth certificates (translated into French)
- A civil ceremony at the local mairie (town hall)
✔ Book Key Vendors – The best caterers, florists, and musicians get booked fast, so don’t wait!
✔ Plan a Venue Visit – If possible, visit your venue in person, meet your vendors, and—most importantly—taste the food and wine. (Trust me, this is a “task” you don’t want to skip!)
6-9 Months Before: The Fun Details 🎨
Now it’s time to get into the details that make your wedding uniquely you.
Key Steps:
✔ Finalize the Menu – French cuisine is the stuff of dreams. Whether it’s a multi-course meal with foie gras and duck confit or a casual crêpe station, food will be a highlight.
✔ Choose Your Dress & Suit – Paris is the fashion capital of the world—this is your chance to go full couture!
✔ Plan Guest Accommodations – Whether they prefer a charming countryside inn or a luxury Parisian hotel, send them a curated list of options.
✔ Book Transportation – Vintage Citroën? Classic Rolls Royce? Or a boat on the Seine? Make your grand entrance unforgettable.
3-6 Months Before: The Final Touches 🎶
Things are getting real! Time to refine the vision and lock in the logistics.
Key Steps:
✔ Send Invitations – Now it’s official. Guests will start dreaming about sipping rosé in Provence or dancing under Parisian lights.
✔ Plan the Ceremony – Work with your officiant to personalize your vows. If having a bilingual ceremony, decide how translations will be handled.
✔ Create a Wedding Day Timeline – Share this with your vendors so everyone is on the same page.
✔ Organize Activities for Guests – Plan optional excursions like wine tastings, a Seine river cruise, or a trip to Mont Saint-Michel.
1-3 Months Before: Almost There! 🏁
The finish line is in sight. This is when everything comes together.
Key Steps:
✔ Confirm Final Guest Count – Your caterer will need to know.
✔ Arrange a Wedding Rehearsal – Especially helpful if guests are unfamiliar with French customs.
✔ Prepare Your Wedding Day Kit – Pack essentials like fashion tape, band-aids (for those killer but painful heels), and tissues for those emotional “I do’s.”
✔ Practice Your First Dance – Even if it’s just swaying under the stars, make sure you feel comfortable.
The Big Day: Say “Oui!” 🥂
It’s here! Breathe, enjoy, and soak in every magical moment. Whether you’re kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower or twirling under chandeliers in a château, this is your day. Santé!
Final Thoughts from a Wedding Photographer Who’s Seen It All
Planning a wedding in France is an adventure—one that’s filled with beauty, joy, and, let’s be honest, a few logistical hurdles. But trust me, it’s worth every moment. If you want to capture the magic of your French wedding with breathtaking photography, let’s connect! You can browse my portfolio here, check out pricing here, and reach out here. Let’s make your love story last forever. 💕
