France—land of romance, fine wine, and impossibly photogenic wedding locations. Whether you dream of saying oui in a sun-drenched château or exchanging vows with the Eiffel Tower twinkling behind you, this country has it all.
But before you book your one-way ticket to wedding bliss, let’s talk logistics. What are the legal requirements? Where are the best LGBT+ wedding venues in France? And how much champagne is too much champagne? (Spoiler: There’s no such thing.)
💍 Is Same-Sex Marriage Legal in France? Oui, Oui!
Good news—same-sex marriage has been legal in France since 2013, thanks to the Mariage pour tous (Marriage for All) law. However, as with all things French (think bureaucracy and three-hour lunches), there are some formalities involved.
✅ Residency Requirement
At least one of you must have lived in France for 30 days before the wedding OR have a close family connection in the city where you plan to marry. No French ties? Many couples choose to do the legal paperwork in their home country first, then have a symbolic or religious ceremony in France.
✅ Civil Ceremony First
All legal weddings in France take place at the Mairie (town hall) before the mayor or their representative. Once that’s done, you’re free to celebrate however you like—whether it’s in a lavender field, a medieval château, or on a yacht in the Riviera.
✅ Paperwork (Because France Loves Paperwork)
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Birth certificates (translated into French)
- Passports or ID cards
- Proof of residence (if applicable)
- A Certificat de Coutume (a document proving your legal right to marry)
Once that’s out of the way, it’s time for the fun part—choosing the perfect location!
✨ Best LGBT+ Wedding Locations in France
France is not just a country—it’s a mood, a lifestyle, and a never-ending Instagram dream. Whether you want your wedding to be chic, rustic, luxurious, or all of the above, here are some top picks.
1. Paris – The Ultimate City of Love 💫
There’s no place more romantic than Paris. Imagine exchanging vows in a hidden courtyard, on a private Seine cruise, or with the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the background.
📍 Top Venues:
- Shangri-La Paris – A luxury hotel with stunning Eiffel Tower views. Website
- Musée Rodin Gardens – A dreamy outdoor setting surrounded by art. Website
- Hôtel de Crillon – A palace-style venue for lovers of luxury. Website
Perfect for: Couples who want a timeless, elegant, and oh-so-Parisian wedding.
2. Provence – Lavender Fields & Rustic Charm 🌿
If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding that feels like a romantic French film, Provence is your place. Think golden vineyards, sun-kissed olive groves, and lavender fields stretching into infinity.
📍 Top Venues:
- Château de Robernier – A fairytale château straight out of a dream. Website
- Domaine de Blanche Fleur – A charming estate near Avignon. Website
- La Bastide de Gordes – A luxurious hilltop retreat. Website
Perfect for: Couples who love wine, warm summer nights, and a relaxed yet elegant vibe.
3. The French Riviera – Luxury & Seaside Bliss ☀️
If “effortlessly glamorous” is your wedding aesthetic, the Côte d’Azur has your name written all over it. From Monaco’s grand villas to Saint-Tropez’s beachside venues, the Riviera is pure magic.
📍 Top Venues:
- Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat) – A pink palace with jaw-dropping gardens. Website
- Château Saint-Martin (Vence) – A stunning hillside retreat with sea views. Website
- Hôtel Belles Rives (Antibes) – A Gatsby-era hotel right by the water. Website
Perfect for: Couples who want a stylish, sun-drenched, champagne-in-hand wedding.
4. Chamonix – A Winter Wonderland Wedding ❄️
Snow-capped peaks, wooden chalets, and cozy fires—if a winter wedding sounds like heaven, the French Alps will not disappoint.
📍 Top Venues:
- Refuge du Montenvers – A mountaintop wedding with breathtaking views. Website
- Les Granges d’en Haut – Luxury chalets with the perfect mix of adventure and comfort. Website
- Hôtel Mont-Blanc Chamonix – A five-star retreat in the heart of the Alps. Website
Perfect for: Adventurous couples who love snow, skiing, and cuddling by the fire.
💸 How Much Does a Wedding in France Cost?
A wedding in France can be as affordable or as extravagant as you want. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Small elopement: €5,000 – €10,000
- Mid-sized wedding (30–50 guests): €15,000 – €40,000
- Luxury château wedding: €50,000+ (but hey, it’s a château)
Pro tip: Most venues require a minimum guest count or a full weekend rental, so keep that in mind when budgeting!
📋 LGBT+ Wedding in France: Quick Checklist
✔️ Pick your dream location
✔️ Check legal requirements & residency rules
✔️ Gather paperwork (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
✔️ Hire a photographer (ahem, I know a great one! 😉)
✔️ Choose your wedding style (château, beach, vineyard?)
✔️ Book accommodation & activities for guests
✔️ Pop the champagne—you’re getting married in France!
📸 Make Your Wedding Moments Last Forever
France is the kind of place where love feels larger than life—and your wedding photos should reflect that. If you want breathtaking, cinematic, joy-filled wedding photography, I’d love to be part of your love story.
✨ Explore my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Find the perfect photography package: Investment & Packages
📩 Let’s create magic together: Get in Touch
Your love is extraordinary—let’s capture it in a way that’s just as unforgettable. 💕
