While France has no shortage of picture-perfect places for your elopement, few carry the magic of Gordes. This village has it all, from historic buildings to breathtaking views. And because it doesn’t get as much attention as the other local spots, you won’t have to worry about fighting off crowds during your big day. As a France-based elopement photographer, I work with a lot of couples who are planning their destination elopements. If you have been considering this village for your elopement, I would love to walk you through everything you need to know for your Gordes elopement!
Your Ultimate Guide To Planning A Perfect Gordes Elopement
When You Should Elope in Gordes & How to Pick Your Date
The very first step to planning your Gordes elopement is to pick the date. To do this, first, you want to settle on the season when you want to exchange your vows. If your entire day will take place indoors, this isn’t as big of a consideration. However, outdoor elopements will need to take the weather into account. Here’s what you can expect throughout each season.
- Winter: If you’re coming to France to enjoy skiing in the Alps, then a visit to Gordes could be do-able, however, in the off-season everything is closed in Gordes. It’s also a bit chilly, sometimes with strong winds, so it’s not ideal.
- Spring: Spring is a great time to elope in Gordes. While early spring, the month of April, for example, can still be a bit chilly with some wind, I’ve photographed a gorgeous elopement in mid-April you can see here. April elopements in Gordes would probably require you stay in the nearby larger town of Avignon (just 45-minutes away by car), as more hotels, Airbnbs and restaurants are open year-round and Gordes hasn’t quite opened yet for the season. Later in April and May are gorgeous months in Gordes, as the days get warmer and a bit longer.
- Summer: Many visitors aren’t quite prepared for just how hot southern France can get through the summer. Highs are usually in the upper 80s to lower 90s, with lots of sun. July and August being the hottest months. Dress light and stay hydrated if you visit during this season. June is still a generally delightful month without scorching heat. While July and August are quite warm, as elopements are in the morning, the heat of the day is avoided, and after your elopement you can relax by a pool! See a June elopement here, and an August elopement here to get a better idea.
- Fall: Fall is positively gorgeous in Gordes with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Many people love hiking during this time so they can get the best views of the foliage. During this season, the average temp is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather stays fairly nice until the early part of November, although most hotels and accommodations close in Gordes for the season around the end of October, you can easily stay in the nearby larger town of Avignon, which stays open all year. Here’s an example of a lovely elopement in Gordes in early November.
Gordes Elopement Locations
Located in the heart of Provence, Gordes has a number of amazing spots just perfect for your elopement. I have gotten the chance to capture some pretty unforgettable events across the village, and here are some of my faves:
- The Scenic Overlook: I always incorporate the overlook into my elopement sessions, even if it’s not where you ultimately will get married. This stone space looks out over the entirety of the village. It can get pretty busy during tourist season, but during the off-season, you can get some privacy for your elopement. I captured a private elopement here in April, and it was wonderfully peaceful!
- Lavender fields: It wouldn’t be Provence without the fields of lavender spanning as far as the eye can see! If you’d like, you can exchange vows between the rows of lavender just like this couple did. Lavender does not bloom all year long, in fact it’s a super short growing season. If lavender if your love, then plan to visit at the end of June or first two weeks of July. After that timeframe, the lavender is cut and harvested.
- Olive groves: The olive groves give you a lush space just outside the city to exchange your vows. With this spot, my couples will typically spend the morning exploring the village before heading out to get married in their own personal Eden.
Eloping Legally in Gordes
So, you’re dreaming of a French wedding, but you’re not a resident – and to make it even trickier, you live in the US? No problem! You’ll just want to take care of the legal part of your marriage back home before you leave for France. This can easily be done at your local country courthouse. Then, come to France for your symbolic and glorious ceremony in Gordes.
To become legally married in France, either you or your partner must have resided in the country for a minimum of 30 days. However, this requirement can vary depending on the specific region, as each area has its own distinct rules for marriage licenses. It is crucial to verify the requirements in the location where you intend to marry. Due to these legal complexities, many couples opt to have a symbolic ceremony in France and then complete the legal paperwork in their home country.
What to Wear to Your Gordes Elopement
Back to the fun part: the wedding clothes! First off, keep in mind the travel. You likely don’t want to stow a beautiful wedding gown in your suitcase and risk it getting mishandled by the airlines. Instead, carry it on and ask the flight attendant to store it in the cloak closet or place it carefully in the overhead bin. Several of my couples have had their wedding luggage become lost by the airlines, so make sure the key elements for your wedding are with you in the airplane cabin, such as the groom’s suit and bride’s gown (and wedding shoes too!).
I always advise that my couples dress for the season. If you are planning a summer wedding, think about lighter clothing that won’t have you breaking a sweat by mid-morning. For the groom, linen can be nice and for the bride, a lighter, sheerer gown could be nice. Wear what you love, and what makes you feel amazing! In colder months, layers are key. You can add a faux fur capelet and tights, so you have that classic French look while still staying warm. The biggest thing to consider, however, is the footwear. You will be walking on cobblestones throughout your Gordes elopement. Maybe steer away from the heels and stilettos in favor of comfortable flats ready to last the miles, or bring a pair of ballet flats with you for the walk.
How Much Does a Gordes Elopement Cost?
With an elopement, you have a lot of freedom in the cost. While some people choose to save money and completely DIY it all, others prefer to let the experts handle it. At the very least, you will need to plan for the following:
- Hotel/B&B or Airbnb (luckily there is a nice mix of all three in Gordes), the most posh hotel is Airelles.
- Food, consider what you’d like to have for your post-elopement meal, most clients love to have a delicious luncheon after their elopement, or a romantic dinner the night of their elopement
- Celebrant/Officiant, they’ll craft a personal and meaningful ceremony for you, or you can choose just to say your vows to each other
- Flowers, an elopement wouldn’t be complete without a beautiful floral bouquet, I can help you create one, and in many cases can even pick it up for you or have it delivered to your accommodation
- Makeup/hair stylist, the key to looking and feeling your best (and it’s great for photos) is a professional to enhance your natural beauty, I can recommend a professional to you
- Rental car/private driver, this is super important because you shouldn’t have to drive on your wedding day
- Videographer, some couples love to have a romantic video highlight reel of their special day
- Photographer, you’ll want to remember this day for the rest of your lives, so having photos of your special day is so important
Hiring a Gordes Elopement Photographer
So, how important is it really to hire a professional photographer? I know you might think I am a little biased, but the fact is that your elopement is an adventure. You are making the choice to go out with the person you love and make some lifelong memories along the way! Why risk forgetting a single moment? If you do decide to hire a photographer, be sure to hire someone who is deeply familiar with the area. That way, you’ll know you are getting the best locations for your pictures.
As an English-speaking American photographer in France, I adore working with couples to capture all the magic of this country. Plus, I have gotten the chance to build up a rapport with some of the best vendors. In addition to documenting your wedding, I would love to be there to assist with the planning so you have every detail finalized before you even board that plane!
Your Gordes Elopement Will Be The Most Beautiful Day Of Your Life
If you think I might be the one to help you capture your Gordes Elopement. I would love to chat more about it! Send me a message today so you can find out if this is the destination for the next chapter of your love story.
