When a couple decides to get married, the next step in the process, the actual where and when, can produce incredible anxiety. A wedding comes with a lot of expectations, not only from the couple, but from family and friends, too. It’s such a momentous moment in a couple’s life, and an incredible celebration of love. As a French Riviera wedding and elopement photographer, I’m thrilled to welcome couples from all over the world, that would like a really unique wedding experience. When I was contacted by this beautiful couple, I was thrilled to learn that they intended to elope on the French Riviera, and were looking for an elopement photographer and wedding photoshoot to capture their big day. Truly, getting married on the French Riviera is a dream come true!
Why Elope on the French Riviera
For many couples, a traditional wedding, in a church with hundreds of family and friends is ideal. But more and more, couples are choosing a much more personalized approach. They may still have a big wedding back home, but the idea of a destination wedding or elopement is more appealing for many reasons.
For example, some couples aren’t comfortable with a lot of attention, and couples get a lot of attention, of course, on a traditional wedding day. Some couples are more private, and the thought of a ceremony just the two of them, or with a few close family and friends, makes them feel happier and more comfortable. A lot of couples report that a small ceremony, just the two of them, or with a small group, is more personal and intimate and has more meaning to them.
Many couples who elope or have a destination wedding do indeed have a big party upon their return home, but choose a beautiful location for their ceremony, which is personalized to them.
All weddings, whether destination weddings or elopements, do have a cost, of course. You’ll want to hire the very best vendors for your special day, photography is usually really important for couples who elope, because they are the sole professional documenting the day. The photos from an elopement are precious and will be enjoyed for years to come. While budgets vary, a destination wedding or elopement are usually significantly more budget friendly than a traditional wedding, which appeals to many couples, who also like the idea of having an elopement and honeymoon all-in-one.
The French Riviera, or Cote d’Azur, as its called in French, is famous as one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. Beginning in Marseille, the second largest city in France, and going all along the Mediterranean Sea to Nice, the coastline is gorgeous. Azure water, pretty trees and flowers, wonderful places to relax, excellent restaurants, and terrific transportation options, as well as hotels and resorts, the French Riviera is an ideal place for couples who seek the beauty of nature, combined with a myriad of activities to choose from, and the option to be nearer to city amenities, while still enjoying the beauty of nature.
Choosing a French Riviera Location
When I spoke to Gabriella and Lucas, a lovely young couple living in Massachusetts, in the United States, they explained to me that they were looking for a casual and romantic location to say their vows to each other, and wanted some gorgeous photos. They would be staying in Nice, and we discussed options in the Nice area for a beautiful elopement.
Sea views were really important to them, so after sharing some photos of locations on the Riviera I think are really scenic, the couple chose the village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Saint-Jean is a village with a beautiful cape, with incredible sea views. Its just a 20-minute drive from the center of Nice, and is located on a peninsula between Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer, extending all the way to the cape known as Cap Ferrat. Its long been incredibly popular with the wealthy and fabulous, many of whom have villas here.
Cap Ferrat is also home to one of the world’s grandest hotels, the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a must-see villa on the cape, with stunning gardens and many antiques to view in its stately rooms.
Gabriella and Lucas loved the idea of saying their vows on the coastal path, with a view of the sea, and then some photos in the area, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat seemed absolutely ideal for their special day!
Planning an Elopement on the French Riviera
Gabriella and Lucas chose the Amour Hotel in Nice for their stay. Located in proximity to the beach in Nice, and near a lot of great places to eat, the hotel staff is warm and friendly and offers a unique atmosphere. Gabriella picked up her bouquet from a local florist in Nice, and arranged a driver with the hotel for the trip to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Professionals such as an officiant/celebrant, makeup artist, and musician, are of course possible, but the beauty of an elopement is that you can design it any way that you like. In this case, Gabriella selected a beautiful bouquet from the florist in Nice, she applied her own makeup, and the couple decided to read their vows to each other, rather than utilize the services of an officiant.
Elopements are flexible and can be super simple or much more elaborate, this is the beauty of eloping on the French Riviera!
The Wedding Day in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This day in June was bright and beautiful, after having an unusual series of rainy days, which isn’t common in June. Starting early is a must, to capture that beautiful light before it gets too bright and hard to see, and before everyone is up and about enjoying the day. I met Gabriella and Lucas at their hotel, and wow, what a gorgeous couple! Gabriella was wearing a super classy and elegant gown that had a glamorous open back. Lucas looked so handsome in his green suit. Gabriella’s flowers were so beautiful too, with beautiful colors.
We were transported by air conditioned luxury van to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. As we were on our way, I enjoyed learning more about the bride and groom, what they had done on the Riviera so far, and their plans for the rest of their stay. They were so warm and friendly, I felt like I’d known them forever! They told me that they both were rather introverted, I am too, so I could totally relate. The idea of a large wedding just wasn’t the right fit for them, so they decided that having this beautiful time together on the French Riviera was perfect to celebrate their love story.
Wedding Ceremony and Wedding Photos on Cap Ferrat
We first stopped for photos near Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and walked a bit around the edge of the sea, stopping for photos in a square next to a villa that had unbelievably gorgeous bougainvillea blooming. It was such an elegant spot, and perfect for colorful wedding photos.
Then, we made our way down the cape. We arrived just next to the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, a Four Seasons hotel, and took a walk on the sentier littoral, which means coastal path. While rocky, it’s well marked and super popular. You pass the famous lighthouse of Cap Ferrat, and we walked along the sea path, with drop-dead gorgeous views of the bluer-than-blue Mediterranean Sea.
Gabriella and Lucas were open to anything, and because elopements are often just the couple, there is so much freedom. In this case, we walked the path until we found a pretty little spot for their vow exchange ceremony. It was elegant, yet simple and sweet, an exchange of words, any way that you like, an exchange of rings, and then followed by a passionate embrace and celebration of the joining of two lives.
An elopement can be as simple as a couple would like, or, more formal with an officiant and more formal ceremony. The absolute must is to capture this new found joy with photos to treasure forever!
Wedding Photo Session Around the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
After their super personal ceremony, we continued on the coastal path for stunning wedding photos. I was having so much fun, and it was so incredibly beautiful! Such a kind and lovely couple, celebrating their special day together, with these amazing views. The sun shimmered on the water and boats passed by, there were even a few men fishing. It was so peaceful, relaxing, and fun
The Return to Nice
I really didn’t want the morning to end! But, I could not keep Gabriella and Lucas all day, they had more celebration to do together, so we took the van back to Nice, and the couple celebrated with a beautiful lunch and relaxed at their hotel. I was so incredibly grateful to have met them and to have had an opportunity to photograph their love story on the French Riviera!
Karina Leigh Photography
If the idea of eloping on the French Riviera appeals to you, do not hesitate to contact me to learn more! In addition to photography, I specialize in assisting couples with ideas for their elopements on the French Riviera, and all couples I work with receive planning assistance and advice. It’s my goal to make this a day to remember!
