France is a wildly romantic area with world-renowned views that are perfect for your elopement. Whether you’ve always dreamt of exchanging your vows in the heart of the city or prefer the rolling lavender hills, we have the spot guaranteed to make it a reality. As a France wedding photographer, I have been fortunate enough to work with couples who are planning their celebrations. Here’s your comprehensive guide for your South of France elopement.
The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Truly Magical South Of France Elopement
When You Should Elope in The South Of France & How to Pick Your Date
One of the first things you need to figure out for your wedding is the date. If you could use a little help, you should start out by picturing what you want for your celebration. Do you prefer a warm summer wedding surrounded by lush fields, or do you tend to love those perfectly gloomy days at the beginning of the spring? Here is what you can expect through each season.
- Winter: France tends to stay fairly temperate all year long, with The Alps catching most of the cold air, so you’re left with milder temperatures. During the winter, it very seldom dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Just remember, you still won’t get all the greenery you can find throughout the rest of the year. If you want the legendary gardens, you may want to stick to the warmer months.
- Spring: Finally, the world starts to wake up with the first signs of spring emerging from the ground. While the early spring tends to be overcast and gray, things start transforming near the end of April, making May the perfect month for romantic spring weather.
- Summer: If you like things hot–and I mean really, really hot, summer might be for you. Temperatures can reach up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with July being the hottest month. If you are planning a wedding around this time, it’s probably best to make sure it’s indoors.
- Autumn: I have a special love for the fall. The ground is dry, the leaves are turning, and the spell of summer is starting to break. It’s a fabulous time to couple a hike with an outdoor wedding.
South Of France Elopement Locations
Once you have your wedding season, it’s time to start considering locations. The South of France is full of amazing spots, from romantic castles to hidden gardens. Here are some of my favorite locations:
- La Bastide de Gordes: This legendary hotel features expansive gardens, a historic stone exterior, and reflection pools for your perfect backdrop!
- Provence: The lavender fields of this region in the south of France are world-famous, with rolling aisles of perennials nestled next to the mountains. It’s one of the best views on the planet! You’ll need to plan your elopement at the end of June to beginning of July to catch the blooms!
- Mountain Views: If mountains are your vibe, then you’ll love the south of France, which has many stunning small mountain chains that don’t require a ton of intense hiking, but offer spectacular views.
- French Riviera: The famous French Riviera is your go-to spot for romantic views along the sea, often with mountains in the background, it’s simply a slice of heaven.
How to Get a Marriage License In the South Of France
Getting a marriage license in France can be a pretty involved process if you are not from the country. If you are located in the United States, the first step is to talk to your county clerk and see if they will issue a marriage license for an overseas ceremony. If so, you’re good to go! If not, you might want to consider turning your ceremony into a symbolic service and making it official either before or after your trip.
To get a French marriage license, at least one person needs to have resided there for at least 30 days. However, it can change depending on the region. Each area will require its own rules for completing your wedding license, so your best bet is to look up the rules for the area where you want to tie the knot. Most couples enjoy a symbolic ceremony in France, and take care of the legal part back at home.
What to Wear to Your Elopement
Now that we’re past the legalities let’s chat outfits! Of course when you are planning your elopement, you have a lot of freedom for planning your look. There are just a few things I always urge my clients to keep in mind.
- Is it functional? For many weddings, functionality doesn’t exactly matter. In France, however, it definitely does! If you are going with a dress, you want to be sure it’s something in which you can easily move around. If you choose a summer wedding, be sure it’s not going to be too warm. If you have a winter wedding, you may want to consider adding layers.
- How will it photograph? I tend to prefer flowy dresses for elopements since they capture that perfectly romantic vibe you’re likely looking for. Tulle can appear too stiff, plus it can get so warm. Satins and silks, on the other hand, look positively divine!
- What about shoes? Again, you are going to be walking around a ton. Stilettos might look good, but your feet will be throbbing by the end of the day. Something flat and flexible will be ideal, and many couples even opt for hiking shoes if you’d like an adventure elopement.
How Much Does an Elopement Cost?
Another nice thing about elopements is you can choose where you spend your money. Some people choose this option so they can save some cash, others prefer it because this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Most couples eloping in France spend upwards of 5000 euro on their elopement. This price will include food for all your guests if you have them, a wedding celebrant, your wedding photographer, and of course, your wedding location if you privatize a location. Most outdoor locations with beautiful views are low cost or even free.
Hiring a South Of France Elopement Photographer
The best investment you can make for your South of France elopement is your photographer. This is a trip you’ll never want to forget. At the same time, you’ll be amazed at how much the entire thing flies by. Your photographer will be on hand to help you slow down and remember each and every second. With my couples, I also offer a few perks you can’t find anywhere else. To start out, I am an American English speaking photographer. This means that I will be able to act as your liaison as you work with your vendors, and you’ll have no communication problems at all!
I can also connect you with some of the best professionals in the business to make sure your wedding is everything you dreamed it to be! Additionally, I will be there throughout the entirety of your day and offer high-resolution pictures you can treasure forever. Your wedding is a legendary adventure. Let me be there with you on this journey!
I Hope This Helps You Plan The Perfect South Of France Elopement
If you think I might be the photographer for your South of France elopement, I would love to have a conversation with you and help answer any questions you have! Send me a message today so we can get the conversation started!
