Destination weddings are not just a trend, but a revolution in the way weddings are conceived, with more attention paid to the experience. Enjoy landscapes beyond anything you could have imagined, even in your wildest dreams. Getting lost in the alleys of a Parisian flower garden or in front of the Eiffel Tower to enjoy the sunset.
However, destination weddings need to be planned because in this kind of situation nothing is left to chance. This setting is ideal if you and your fiancée have a taste for adventure and the discovery of new cultures.
If you are thinking of organising your elopement in Paris, we will share with you the pros and cons that you may well encounter. At the end of this article, we hope we have helped you make your choice.
Advantages of organising a Destination Wedding in Paris
An intimate affair
While there are no rules, concerning the size of your wedding, whether it’s large or intimate, your guest list must be cherry-picked! Organising a destination wedding in Paris is an incredible experience to live and generally, you like to share it with a few relatives. Destination weddings tend to be more immersive and handmade. According to Virginie Mention, one of the main pros is that you’ll have a memorable experience that make you live extraordinary adventures, epic and romantic. “This is the kind of experience you only live once in your life”.
Have stunning wedding photos
Chances are, enjoying the view of a breathtaking landscape to say “I do”. Your destination wedding will come with the opportunity to live a gorgeous wedding in an unfamiliar place. Whether you choose to host a celebration in front of the Eiffel Tower, a field of lavender or an elegant garden party at a historic “chateau a la Française”. Your photographer will be amazed by such lovely surroundings. The intimate atmosphere and also the intricate architecture will only make your wedding photos that much more stunning.
Organise your holidays at the same time
The choice of destination should make sense to you. Is it your meeting place? Is it the capital that you dream about? A place you have already visited. Or you may decide to go together to an unknown destination and make this romantic getaway happen. But no worries, a lot of our bride and groom came in Paris for their first time.
The best part is that you can of course prolong the magic of your wedding by staying a few more nights or weeks. It can be the opportunity to visit some other places in France and why not Europe. The principle itself is incredible, you go on holiday with your friends and you get married. Not to mention that your destination wedding is also your honeymoon. All-in one !
A wedding budget saved
Who said that a destination wedding was reserved for the happy few? We admit that it can be impressive at first sight. Depending on the season you choose (low season or holidays time), along with the destination you’ll host, there can be some cost savings involved with a destination wedding. “A fewer a group of wedding guests is easier to please” notes Virginie Mention. It is especially true if you look to a wedding planner option”. It ensures a clear view of your budget with no extra.
For the unique and unforgettable experience
Organising a traditional wedding at your home country doesn’t suits to every bride & groom. A destination wedding in Paris can make things very exciting. An extraordinary adventure awaits you : a wedding in a different culture, language and in a different setting. Travel and discover all its wonders on the arms of your partner. This is a once in a lifetime experience.
Disadvantages of organising a Destination Wedding in Paris
Now that we have considered that organising a wedding or an elopement in Paris can be such a nice idea, let’s be honest….Those kinds of weddings are not always easy to organise.
Time difference and language barrier
Of course it depends on where you are from, but it often happens that you have a big time difference with Paris. That doesn’t facilitate the planning. And flying to another country is also often a challenge if you don’t speak the language. But does this mean that it’s a hindrance? Not really, it is true that the French are not the best English speakers. A lot of French wedding vendors don’t speak English at all. However, they are always ready to help you. As each problem as a solution, you can of course rely on us : as we work a lot with American brides and grooms, we are used to deal with the time difference and as English speakers (we’re sure you’ll love our French accent) we ease the planning.
Will my marriage be legal in my home country?
This is another important point to take into consideration. If it’s important for you that your destination wedding is also legal in your home country, then you’ll have to check. In France, if you are not a resident, civil marriage is not possible. You can only organise a symbolic ceremony or a religious one if you’re already legally married in your home country. You can check our page detailing all the Parisian wedding requirements
It can be costly for your guests
As we said above, organising a wedding in Paris can save the bride and groom’s budget. But what about the guests? This may be a problem for some of them as travelling abroad can be expensive. That’s why if you want to elope in Paris with guests, it can be nice to plan it in advance, one year ahead so your guests can early book their flights and have time to save money. Another solution you can offer them is to contribute to the costs and offer them a part of their travelling costs.
A wedding budget saved
Covid has affected us all greatly in recent years. A point of vigilance will always be kept. In France, the Covid continues to lose ground, the masks fall for our greatest pleasure. We see smiles again! As for the capital of love, day after day it is redolent with its most beautiful colours from event to event. Because yes, it was time for life to take back its rights. But as we never know what the future holds, don’t hesitate to ask your wedding vendors what’s planned in the event of a new wave : quarantine, borders closed …
Also make sure what are the requirements regarding the vaccination and tests before travelling.
It can be costly for your guests
As we said above, organising a wedding in Paris can save the bride and groom budget. But what about the guests? This may be a problem for some of them as travelling abroad can be expensive. That’s why if you want to elope in Paris with guests it can be nice to plan it in advance, one year ahead so your guests can early book their flights and have time to save money. Another solution you can offer them is to contribute to the costs and offer them a part of their travelling costs.
A wedding budget saved
Covid has affected us all greatly in recent years. A point of vigilance will always be kept. In France, the Covid continues to lose ground, the masks fall for our greatest pleasure. We see smiles again! As for the capital of love, day after day it is redolent with its most beautiful colours from event to event. Because yes, it was time for life to take back its rights. But as we never know what the future holds, don’t hesitate to ask your wedding vendors what’s planned in the event of a new wave : quarantine, borders closed …
Also make sure what are the requirements regarding the vaccination and tests before travelling.
You are the only one missing to bring to Paris this je ne sais quoi so romantic.
