There are many beautiful villages in France, too many to count, actually. But it’s well known that one of the most beautiful, in fact, I’d have to say the most beautiful, is the village of Gordes, in Provence. I love this region so much, and that’s one reason why I was delighted as a professional elopement photographer in Provence to welcome a dynamic and fun couple for their elopement in Provence and to enjoy an elopement photoshoot to celebrate their big day.
Planning an Elopement in Provence
The most difficult part of planning an elopement or destination wedding in Provence is narrowing down the choices, because there are so many. A couple’s wedding day deserves beautiful photos, and I love photographing my couples and weddings in the fairytale village of Gordes. Gordes has the peace, charm, tranquility and access to nature that most people love, but it’s not so far from some larger cities when you’d love those big city amenities. Just an easy 45-minute drive from the larger town of Avignon, and a smooth sailing 2 1/2 hour train ride from Paris, Gordes is ideally situated for exploring the best this region has to offer.
An elopement in Provence can be just the couple, very private, or some couples like to invite close family and friends to attend, as well. When I met Eric and Griselle online for the first time, their energy was bursting through the screen, and I was so excited to meet them. They’re both physicians, living and practicing in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and from the outset, I knew I’d be in for a treat photographing them on their wedding day.
The couple planned to invite close family to their elopement ceremony, usually with around ten or fewer people, an elopement ceremony can take place outdoors, for larger events, a privatized space is a great idea. For just a couple, there are even more options for the elopement ceremony.
Eric and Griselle chose Gordes for their elopement because it had a lot of what they love. Nearby one can kayak on a river, rent bicycles and visit nearby villages, go on a wine tour, and even ride in a hot air balloon. Not to mention, stunning stone architecture in the buildings of Gordes, and views of nature for as far as the eye can see.
Eric and Griselle wanted a wedding photoshoot in Gordes and some nearby villages, and would have a small ceremony at the Domaine de la Bastide, nearby in a village called Menerbes, just a 20-minute drive from Gordes. I knew it would be an incredible day, and I couldn’t wait to meet Eric and Griselle and photograph their wedding day!
The Sun Always Shines in Gordes, Except When it Doesn’t
Our plan for Eric and Griselle’s wedding day was to start at the overlook of Gordes, for an incredible view at sunrise. Unfortunately, uncharacteristic for June, there was a lot of rain the day before the big day. Luckily, despite the dire forecast, there was no rain on Eric and Griselle’s wedding day, however the clouds hung around for a portion of the morning and the sunset wasn’t visible.
We arrived to the overlook just before sunrise at 5:57 am, the time the sun comes up in the month of June. Despite there being no sunrise, the village is still gorgeous and a joy to view. The overlook is normally filled with tourists, getting their best photo shot, and this day was no different. There were four sets of tourists with tripods set up photographing the village, however, we took a spot of our own and created absolute magic!
A Scenic Walk Around Gordes
I adore walking around Gordes with my couples, and I couldn’t wait to show the bride and groom my favorite spots. On this day, we were joined by a wonderful videographer by the name of Pierre Froger, who lives in Paris. Walking around Gordes before everyone was up was like being in a dream, we had the whole village, with the exception of the delivery drivers delivering food to the restaurants, to ourselves. This meant we had unobstructed views of the castle, of the cutest fountain in town, and then a walk along the medieval cobblestones, stopping along the way for photos.
Many people say Gordes is like a wedding cake, it has many layers. You start on the top and can walk and walk and finally get to the very bottom. At the very bottom is one of my favorite features, and relic of medieval Gordes, the lavoir. A lavoir is a communal washing space for washing clothes, and while they are no longer used, they are now beautiful reminders of past days.
Gordes is hilly, and requires good footwear, and a sense of adventure, but it’s totally worth it.
A Romantic Stop in a Lavender Field
After Gordes, we took a drive to the countryside near Gordes. Provence is famous for its lavender fields, which typically bloom at the end of June to mid-July. If you’re in Provence during this time, the lavender fields are a must-see. The fragrance from the plants is intoxicating!
On the road to another one of France’s most famous villages is a nice field of lavender. We stopped briefly, but there was a huge issue–mud! As it had rained so much the day before, the fields were really muddy and difficult to walk in. We don’t walk very far typically into the fields, but the mud made it almost impossible to walk without slipping. Even so, I grabbed a couple of quick shots here before we headed to our next destination.
Roussillon, Another Amazing Provence Village
From the first time I visited the tiny village of Roussillon, I fell in love with it. Due to its history as a region for mining ocre (iron ore), the buildings are all in an orange color, making it quite unique. I love photographing wedding couples in this little charming town. Eric and Griselle looked absolutely stunning, their love story set against this fairytale village was so inspiring to me, but to others, too, because tourists stopped in their tracks to take photos of the bride and groom, and to wish them well.
My favorite place to photograph couples in Roussillon is the city hall, which I’m convinced is the prettiest in France, and the clock tower.
Ceremony and Reception in Menerbes
After our wedding photoshoot, it was time to get married! Family was waiting at the Domaine de la Citadelle, in nearby Menerbes. The domaine is a vineyard, which produces their own wines and grape juices. They also have a restaurant and on a hill, a large, grassy space for events, like weddings.
There was a pretty arbor set up, and Eric and Griselle, along with their treasured families alongside them, said their vows to each other. It was very touching and emotional, and a real celebration!
After the ceremony, I photographed some formal and also fun shots with the family, and everyone enjoyed a glass of grape juice.
Then, inside, a terrific buffet lunch was served, along with celebratory fine French champagne. The staff at the domaine was exceedingly helpful and pleasant, and it was a joy to share spend time here.
I loved every single minute of this elopement day with Eric, Griselle, and their family. Such a stylish, gorgeous and wonderful couple, with beautiful souls. Their love story is so inspiring, their loves runs so deep, you can see their devotion to each other in each and every frame.
My thanks to Eric and Griselle, and I wish them the happiest life together!
Karina Leigh Photography
Its my passion to photograph sweet couples in love, visiting France, especially those that are thinking of saying “I do” in such a scenic place. If you’re thinking of eloping or have decided you’d like to elope, and would love beautiful photos of your special day, don’t hesitate to reach out!
