Elopements are already extremely romantic. This is your chance to ditch the tired traditions and forge a future with the one you love the most. You get to call the shots and find all the brilliant little touches that are so meaningful to your love story. It’s also an opportunity to travel across the globe and find a place where you’ve never been before. As an elopement photographer in France, I have been lucky enough to capture weddings all around the country, and one of my favorite places remains the French Riviera. This area combines historic buildings with jaw-dropping nature to create a romantic setting worthy of your wedding. If you have ever considered a French Riviera elopement, here is everything you need to know!
The Ultimate Guide To Planning A French Riviera Elopement
When You Should Elope in The French Riviera & How to Pick Your Date
The very first thing you need to decide is what you want your backdrop to look like throughout your session. Here’s what to expect throughout each season:
Winter: The Alps tend to get pretty frigid, with winter temperatures falling below 20 degrees Fahrenheit in parts. Luckily, the cities don’t get nearly that cold, staying around mid-50s throughout December and January. It’s pretty perfect because you can incorporate the snow-capped Alps with fairly agreeable weather. Just beware, skiing season is very popular here. More than likely, you will be dealing with lots of tourists throughout your stay.
Spring: Early spring in the French Riviera is when the area starts to wake up. The snow begins to thaw, and greenery creeps in. For some couples, that color comes a little too slowly with March and April continuing on with the same gloominess as winter. Throughout May, however, the area is positively transformative with fields filled with wildflowers and leaves popping on trees.
Summer: If you like warm weather, you are going to love summer in the area! Temps can reach up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with peak temperatures in July. Couples who do choose to elope during this season prefer the end of August through all of September. The buzz of the summer is still present, but the temps are much more tolerable.
Fall: Fall in the French Riviera is a season for the adventures! The summer weather is replaced by a mild warmth, and the trees transform into vibrant hues. It also is far less muddy, making it the ideal spot for a couple who might want to hike throughout their trip.
Once you pick out the right season, you will be able to check for availability so you can find the wedding date that works best for you!
French Riviera Elopement Locations
The cities across the French Riviera feel as though they have come straight from a fairytale. When you are planning your wedding, you will get the chance to choose between secluded gardens and historic castles extravagant enough to make Cinderella blush! Some of the best spots include:
- Château de la Napoule: This historic castle has everything you need for a romantic weekend. The balcony along the exterior overlooks the water of the French Riviera. For your venue, you can choose from lush green gardens and decks nestled alongside the restored stone.
- Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: this blush-pink mansion is rich with colorful gardens, towering palm trees, and a terrace that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. It will serve as a gorgeous backdrop throughout your pics!
- Bastide du Roy: This manor brings you all the classic charm of the French Riviera. The gardens are some of my favorites, and over 350 olive trees provide shade for your ceremony.
- Château de Robernier: This Provence castle has been recently restored to its former beauty, giving you an enchanted castle perfect for exchanging vows. With this venue, you can make your ceremony as subdued or lavish as you’d like!
- Outdoors Along the Coast: Most couples love the simplicity of an outdoor elopement, many are drawn to the beautiful blue water, and there are many towns along the Riviera with beautiful sea views, such as Antibes and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for a perfect elopement.
How to Get a French Riviera Marriage License
Once you have all the exciting details planned out, it’s time for the most fun task of all: the paperwork! Many of the American couples who choose to have a French elopement choose to do a symbolic ceremony only. The reason for this is pretty simple. France requires at least one person in the relationship to have resided in France for at least 30 days. This rule can vary depending on the place. Luckily, certain states will agree to let you marry abroad by having the county clerk sign your license. This saves you from having to worry about the next steps.
If you do qualify, you will need to show several documents, including valid passports, birth certificates, and a Certificate of Non-Impediment. All this must be translated into French by a certified translator. Ten days prior to the ceremony, you will need to publish a wedding banns at the local town hall where you will host your wedding. You will need to host a civil ceremony at the town hall with at least two witnesses before any religious or symbolic service.
To avoid all of this, you can get the legal part of the way back home, and your elopement in France will be symbolic, and oh-so-special!
What to Wear to Your Elopement
What you wear really will depend on your personal style as well as the season. During the warmer months, you will likely want a shorter, lighter dress that won’t have you wilting by noon. Throughout winter, layers will be key! For outdoor weddings, I always suggest something rather flowy and lightweight so you move around easily! When it comes to suit, the same thought process applies. As far as shoes go, I would recommend something you can walk in. France has a lot of cobblestones in general, and can be tricky to walk. Wear something fashionable, yet comfortable!
How Much Does An Elopement Cost?
While it can be pretty easy to cut costs throughout your elopement, there are a number of things you will need to budget.
- Ceremony Location: Most couples who love eloping on the French Riviera love the great outdoors, and prefer a sea view when they say their vows. There are beautiful locations all along the French Riviera, particularly around the cities of Antibes and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Most of these views do not require permits and are free, but ceremonies are best in the morning before too many tourists are out and about.
- Accommodation: You’ll want a nice place to stay, because not only will your accommodation serve as your getting ready spot, but it will also be a honeymoon destination after your elopement. Budgets for accommodations vary widely, but you could expect to pay between 250€ a night and upwards.
- Food: When you are in the culinary destination of the world, you definitely need to feast! There are wonderful restaurants where you can celebrate after your elopement. Budget between 150€ and 250€ for fine dining.
- Ceremony: A celebrant or officiant will craft a personal and meaningful ceremony. You can expect to pay between 700€ and 1500€ for a celebrant or officiant. Some couples, however, love to read their vows to each other without a celebrant present.
- Music: You can hire a violinist to play some of your most meaningful songs, or bring along a Bluetooth speaker and program some of your favorite songs into it. Budget 400€ to 600€ for a violinist.
- Flowers: Flowers are essential for a wedding! Depending on the size of bouquet you’d like and the type of flowers, budget 100€ to 250€ for your floral bouquet
Hiring a French Riviera Elopement Photographer
The last thing you need to keep in mind is your photographer. Trust me, this is an investment you need for your ceremony. Not only will they be there to capture all the major moments, but they will serve as your guide as you make all the arrangements. While you are looking, you need to find out how familiar they are with the area so they know how to do justice to your surroundings. As an American English speaking French Riviera elopement photographer, I am deeply passionate about helping couples see the best side of my adopted country. I offer customized packages that include half or full-day photography, gorgeous high-resolution digital images, recommendations to trusted vendors, and helping you plan your big day. Not only do I want to make sure you can have gorgeous portraits showing off your celebration on the Riviera, but I also want to help your day feel absolutely stress free, fun and amazing!
I Hope This Guide Helps You Plan An Incredible French Riviera Elopement
If you think I might be the French Riviera elopement photographer for you, let’s chat more! I can give you some more tips and work with you to have your dream wedding. Send me a message today if you’d like to learn more.
