Paris. Just the name alone evokes romance, elegance, and unforgettable memories. When it comes to celebrating an anniversary, there’s truly no better backdrop than the City of Light. Whether it’s your first year together or a golden milestone, Paris offers endless ways to make your special day feel like a dream. As an English speaking professional photographer in Paris, I know Paris so well. Here are the Top 10 Ways to Celebrate a Wedding Anniversary in Paris. The photos you see here were captured of my lovely clients Peter and Olivia, who were celebrating their 14th wedding anniversary!
Private Dinner Cruise on the Seine
Imagine gliding along the Seine River as the Eiffel Tower sparkles in the distance and soft music plays in the background. A private dinner cruise offers the perfect blend of intimacy and scenic beauty. Companies like Yachts de Paris or Bateaux Parisiens offer luxurious dining experiences complete with gourmet French cuisine, champagne, and views of iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Louvre.
Tip: Book a late evening cruise to catch the Eiffel Tower’s glittering light show at the top of the hour—pure magic.
Stay in a Romantic Boutique Hotel
Paris is brimming with charming boutique hotels that exude Parisian elegance. Consider splurging on a room with a balcony view of the Eiffel Tower or a hidden gem in the Marais or Montmartre for an artsy, bohemian vibe. Most hotels in Paris are nearby to some very great restaurants, too. While you may not spend a lot of time in your hotel, you’ll want a wonderfully comfortable place to return to after a long day sightseeing.
Top picks:
- Hotel Plaza Athénée (for luxury lovers)
- Maison Souquet (a romantic, Belle Époque haven)
- Hôtel Particulier Montmartre (a hidden romantic retreat)
Love Lock Moment on the Pont des Arts (Reimagined)
Though the original love locks were removed for safety reasons, couples still visit the Pont des Arts to declare their love. This bridge is historic and gorgeous, with views of the Eiffel Tower on one side, and the Conciergerie on the other side. There are benches on the bridge, as well, so if you like, you can even bring a picnic lunch and a bottle of fine French wine and celebrate your time in Paris.
Picnic with a View
If the idea of a picnic on a bridge doesn’t appeal, for a true picnic experience, head to some gorgeous spots. For a more casual yet unforgettable moment, pick up fresh baguettes, cheese, macarons, and a bottle of red, white or rose wine, and head to one of Paris’s scenic picnic spots and relax. Here are some of the best picnic spots in Paris
Best picnic spots:
- Champ de Mars (with a front-row Eiffel Tower view)
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (hilly and romantic, off the beaten path and non-touristy)
- Jardin des Tuileries (elegant and central)
- Seine River (a popular spot for picnics is right alone the Seine River)
Add a cozy blanket for a picture-perfect picnic and prepare to relax!
Indulge in a Couples’ Spa Day
After days of walking cobblestone streets and museum-hopping, treat yourselves to a luxurious couples’ spa experience. Places like Spa My Blend by Clarins at Le Royal Monceau or the Dior Spa at the Cheval Blanc offer next-level pampering in stunning settings. There are so many amazing spas in Paris, you absolutely deserve the pampering!
Renew Your Vows in a Parisian Chapel or Garden
Why not make the moment even more special with a vow renewal ceremony? Whether it’s a simple exchange in a quiet garden or a more formal ceremony in a chapel like Sainte-Chapelle, there are local planners (and I can help too!) who can help you bring your dream to life—complete with flowers, music, and a bilingual officiant. You’ll naturally need a photographer, and I’m happy to help you plan a wonderful morning, celebrating your love story!
A Private Photoshoot Around the City
Capture your love story with a professional photographer (like myself) who knows the best hidden alleys, romantic bridges, and golden hour timing. You’ll not only have amazing photos to remember your anniversary—you’ll get to explore Paris in a new, creative way. I love to show my clients around Paris and capture them at their most vibrant and happy, these are memories you’ll cherish forever!
Dine at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Paris is home to some of the finest dining experiences in the world. For an ultra-romantic evening, reserve a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant like:
- Le Jules Verne (inside the Eiffel Tower)
- Septime (contemporary and chic)
- Guy Savoy (classic French fine dining)
Make sure to book well in advance—these spots are as popular as they are delicious.
Take a Sunset Stroll through Montmartre
Wander hand-in-hand through Montmartre’s cobbled lanes, admire the art stalls in Place du Tertre, and watch the sunset from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur. End the evening with a glass of wine at a nearby café and listen to live accordion music for that classic Parisian vibe. Beware that Montmartre is super touristy and usually crowded, but it’s completely worth it!
Create a Memory Box at Shakespeare and Company
This legendary bookstore is a haven for book lovers. Buy each other a meaningful book, write a note inside, and tuck away a small keepsake in your own personal memory box. It’s a literary and heartfelt way to mark your anniversary—and the start of a tradition you can revisit on future trips.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer grand romantic gestures or simple shared moments, Paris is a city that turns anniversaries into fairy tales. With its dreamy ambiance, rich history, and timeless charm, love in Paris is always something to celebrate.
So go ahead—toast your love beneath the twinkling lights, steal a kiss on a quiet bridge, and let the magic of Paris write the next chapter of your love story.
Contact me to reserve your cherished photo session!
bonjour, i'm karina!
Your incredible English speaking Wedding & Couples professional photographer in France!
I'm here to help you plan & capture your precious memories & moments in Paris, Provence & the French Riviera.
