A romantic Catholic wedding at Eglise Saint Roch in Paris, what could be dreamier?

When Hope and Brien, two lovebirds that live in Louisiana, chose to get married in the heart of Paris, they envisioned a celebration that was timeless, meaningful, and filled with beauty—and that’s exactly what their wedding day became. As a Paris wedding photographer, I had the honor of documenting their romantic, traditional Catholic wedding at the breathtaking Église Saint-Roch, followed by an elegant luncheon reception at the iconic Peninsula Paris Hotel.

From the sacred rituals of the ceremony to the couple’s emotional first dance, every moment was filled with love, reverence, and that unmistakable Parisian magic.

Getting Ready for the Wedding Day at The Peninsula Paris

Hope and Brien both prepared for their day in separate suites at The Peninsula Paris, one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. With soft morning light streaming through the windows and Paris rooftops as the backdrop, I captured quiet, intimate moments as they got ready—Hope slipping into her elegant gown, the final touches of her beautiful hairstyle, Brien adjusting his tie one last time with steady anticipation and gathering with friends and family, ready to go to the church.

As a Paris wedding photographer, these calm pre-ceremony moments are some of my favorite to document. There’s a beautiful contrast between the stillness and the excitement to come. It also gives me a chance to meet the mother of the bride, the maid of honor, and other cherished family and friends, which is something I really enjoy, as they are a big part of this special day as well!

The Ceremony: A Traditional Catholic Wedding at Église Saint-Roch

Nestled in the 1st arrondissement, not far from the world famous Louvre Museum, Église Saint-Roch is one of the most historic churches in Paris, known for its grand architecture and golden light pouring through centuries-old stained glass. It provided the perfect setting for Hope and Brien’s traditional Catholic wedding ceremony. I especially love the ceilings, which are intricately painted, and are a marvel to behold.

The rituals—rooted in symbolism and tradition—made this ceremony incredibly meaningful. From the exchange of vows and communion, every moment was deeply spiritual and befitting of Catholic tradition and made this a deeply romantic Catholic wedding. The acoustics carried the sacred music beautifully, and the ambiance felt both grand and intimate at once. Hope and Brien had the most beautiful musicians play at their wedding, which everything feel so grand.

I captured this portion of the day with a documentary approach, allowing the flow of the ceremony to unfold naturally while preserving the sacredness of each tradition. I do my very best during ceremonies to be unobtrusive, to fit in and not cause distractions. To me, it’s very important to be mindful and respectful of traditions and proper etiquette while in the sanctuary.

Post-Ceremony Portraits in the Tuileries Gardens

After the ceremony, the guests traveled to the Peninsula Paris Hotel to prepare for the wedding luncheon, while I took Hope and Brien and their lovely maid-of-honor (who helped with Hope’s veil) to the Tuileries Gardens. It was a simply stunning day, and the newlyweds received quite a bit of congratulations from people in the gardens, which was heartwarming.

The newlyweds were absolutely glowing and it was so fun to show them my favorite spots for photographs, which included some bridal portraits and portraits of the groom, too. We wandered around the gardens for romantic frames against this timeless Parisian architecture (with the Louvre in the background), delicate stonework, and ivy-covered corners—a true celebration of love in the City of Light.

Each couple is unique, but in this case my goal was to create romantic, editorial-style portraits—with the soft May Parisian light, a just-married couple, and that unmistakable elegance Paris lends to every photo.

Luncheon Reception at The Peninsula Paris

After the wedding photos, we continued the celebration at The Peninsula Paris in the room called La Rotonde, where modern luxury meets historic charm. The reception space was adorned with a gorgeous table setting with colorful, magnificent flowers and perfectly matched the timeless aesthetic of the day.

The incredible service at The Peninsula created a regal atmosphere, and everyone was so friendly. A multi-course meal was absolutely delicious and topped off with an incredible desert. There was plenty of great French wine, as well! The laughter and happiness was flowing from one end of the table to the other/

One of my favorite parts of the reception was Hope and Brien’s first dance. After lunch, there was a short dance, with some of Hope and Brien’s favorite songs. Their first dance was tender and full of emotion, as guests watched on. I used a blend of artistic and documentary photography to capture the energy, joy, and elegance of the afternoon—and soon thereafter was the equally emotional daughter/father dance and mother/son dance. It was so sweet!

After the dance concluded, everyone finished off their dessert and last bit of wine, while I snuck up on the rooftop to grab some bridal portraits of the newlyweds against the stunning backdrop of Paris! I was so filled with joy to be a part of this very important day in Hope and Brien’s life and wish them a lifetime of joy and happiness!

Why Paris is the Perfect City for a Romantic Wedding

Paris is more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a feeling. Whether you’re planning a grand affair or an intimate elopement, the city offers endless backdrops and inspiration. From its historic churches like Église Saint-Roch to luxury venues like The Peninsula, it’s a city that adds meaning and magic to every wedding story. It’s just that special. As an English speaking wedding photographer in Paris, I’ve had the privilege to capture many weddings, and each and every time I end up falling in love with the city all over again. Paris has a way of making every love story feel like a fairytale.

The Photography Style: Romantic Meets Documentary

Throughout the day, I blended romantic editorial portraits with authentic documentary moments. This balance allows couples like Hope and Brien to relive their wedding day through imagery that feels both elevated and emotionally real. It’s about capturing the details—like the buttons on a gown or the flicker of candlelight—as well as the quiet glances, tears, and joy in between.

If you’re looking for a Paris wedding photographer who values emotion, beauty, and storytelling, I’d be honored to capture your day.

Planning Your Own Wedding in Paris?

If you’re dreaming of a romantic wedding in Paris—whether it’s a grand cathedral celebration like Hope & Brien’s or an intimate elopement with a view of the Eiffel Tower—I would love to help bring your vision to life through timeless photography.

As a dedicated Paris wedding photographer, I’ll guide you through locations, light, and logistics to ensure your photos are as magical as the city itself. Not only that, I’ll serve as an incredible asset to you, to help guide you and ensure that your Paris wedding experience is the one you dream of.

Ready to Begin Your Paris Wedding Story?

Let’s create something beautiful together. If you’re searching for a Paris wedding photographer who blends emotion, elegance, and timeless storytelling—I’d love to hear more about your plans.

📩 karina@karinaleigh.com
📷 karina.leigh.com
💌 Follow along on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/karinaleighphotography/

Featured Vendors:

• Church: Eglise Saint-Roch
• Reception Venue & Catering: @thepeninsulaparis
• Photography: @karinaleighphotography
• Planning & Design: @fetedujourevents
• Beauty: @onorinajomirbeautyteam
• Florals: @the_painted_bouquet_france
• Napkins: @rentequipva
• Paper Goods: @mintedweddings
• Dress Boutique: @linenjoliebridal
• Dress Designer: @maggiesotterodesigns
• Veil (church): Saylor James
• Veil (reception): Bellaire
• Groom’s Suit: @johnstuxedos
• Rings: @aucoinhartjewelers
• Transportation: Sami Chteoui