How to Plan a Wedding in France

First, planning a wedding abroad can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.. In this guide, you’ll get clear, step-by-step advice to plan a wedding in France so you can focus on the moments that matter—and leave the rest to local experts.

1 - Choose Your Wedding Venue in France

France is basically showing off at this point, vineyards in Bordeaux, sunlit stone villages in the Dordogne, lavender fields, the lot. The trick is narrowing it down. Start by listing what matters most: light-filled halls, hilltop views, riverside terraces... then lock it in early (10–12 months is ideal) so you’re not left choosing between a barn and a car park. Ask for a site visit or virtual tour, and request sample menus or layout plans so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Extra info – Budget ballpark:

• €4 000–€6 000 for a simpler countryside estate or barn rental (day-only, basic amenities)

• €8 000–€12 000 for a mid-range domaine with catering, basic décor and guest accommodation options

• €15 000+ (often €20 000–€25 000) for an exclusive château experience including full service, multi-day use and premium catering

2 - France Wedding Legal & Logistical Essentials

Getting legally married in France means paperwork, translations, and sometimes proving you actually live here. If that sounds like a hassle, there’s a simpler option: get legally married at home, then have the proper celebration in France. No red tape or admin and more importantly a lot less stress.

If you do want to go the full legal route, you’ll need a notaire or a planner who knows the system. They’ll walk you through the marriage licence, translated birth certificates, and a checklist of deadlines.

Here’s the rough timeline if you're going for it:

• 6 months before: Gather passports and birth certificates (with official translations)

• 4 months before: Submit everything to the local mairie (with official translations)

• 1 month before: Final appointment and publication of the banns (that’s a public notice of your intent to marry — basically the French way of saying “speak now or forever hold your peace”)

• Wedding day: Bring the documents and your witnesses — no pressure, but don’t forget them

3 - Finding Your Wedding Dress & Suit—and Getting Them to France

Deciding where to find your dress and suit sets your timeline and lifts one big worry off your plate. Here are two simple paths:

Shop at Home

• Easy fittings: You know your local boutiques and designers, so multiple try-ons feel familiar.

• Shipping made simple: Book a reliable courier 6–8 weeks before your wedding, use a sturdy garment bag and track the delivery. Allow extra time for any customs checks.

• Final tweaks in France: Schedule a local seamstress or tailor 2–3 weeks before the day for last-minute adjustments.

Discover in France

• Unique pieces: French boutiques and ateliers around Bordeaux or Paris offer handcrafted gowns and bespoke suits you won’t find back home.

• On-site fittings: Plan your first appointment 4–6 months out, then a final fitting 4–6 weeks before your wedding.

• Local help: Ask your planner or translator to confirm details, handle fabric imports and coordinate payments.

Timeline tip: Aim to have your outfits fully ready one month before your day so you can pack, travel and relax with confidence.

4 - Handy Checklist: Key Wedding Vendors in France

Then, to bring your wedding vision to life, use this checklist of essential local wedding vendors in France. To start, here’s who to reach out to:

• Photographer: Book 8–10 months before to secure your date, discuss your style and plan a venue scouting call. You can speak with me HERE!

• Florist: Share your mood board early, arrange a design meeting and request sample arrangements that suit your theme.

• Caterer: Confirm menu options, schedule a tasting and finalize service details based on guest numbers.

• Coordinator or Day-Of Manager: Outline your wedding day timeline, vendor load-in windows and any special logistics (shuttles, décor setup).

• Notaire (Civil Official): Start 4–6 months ahead to prepare and submit your marriage dossier, translations and proof of identity for legal ceremonies.

• Officiant or Celebrant: Book early if you’re planning a symbolic ceremony—bilingual celebrants often fill up fast.

• Translator: Arrange a sworn translator for mairie meetings or notaire appointments if one partner isn’t fluent in French.

• Hair & Makeup Artist: Schedule trials 3–4 months before so you know how your look works in natural light.

• Entertainment (DJ, Band or Soloist): Confirm equipment needs, sound checks and any licences required by your venue.

• Cake Baker & Dessert Station: Taste test 2–3 months out and discuss display logistics (table size, refrigeration).

• Transport & Accommodation Coordinator: Reserve group transfers, block rooms for guests and share detailed itineraries.

• Wedding Planner: Wedding Planners can bundle these vendor roles—handling vetting, contract negotiation and on-site coordination so you can relax.

5 - Assist Your Guests with Travel & Accommodation

Your wedding is about you, but your guests need a smooth journey too. Some may not have been to France before so theres a lot to consider to ensure their arrival and stay is stress-free. Here are a few ways to help:

• Share a Guest Guide

  Early on, email a one-page PDF with arrival times, flight hubs (Bordeaux, Bergerac or Toulouse), train options and local taxis/apps. Include your top three recommended airports and their approximate transfer times to the venue.

• Coordinate Group Transfers

  Arrange a shuttle or minibus from a central pick-up point (hotel or train station) on the morning of the wedding—and again at the end of the night. This avoids taxi queues and keeps everyone together.

• Recommend Accommodations

  Block rooms at two or three hotels or guesthouses at different price points (B&B near the château, mid-range boutique in town, luxury relais on the vineyard). Share direct booking links and, if possible, a group discount code.

• Welcome Basket & Local Tips

  Prepare a small welcome bag for out-of-town guests—local wine, a map of the village, bus schedules and a list of nearby cafés. It shows you care and helps them settle in.

• Post-Wedding Brunch or Activity

  Offer an optional next-day event, like a casual vineyard tour or brunch at a nearby café. It gives guests a gentle farewell and maximizes the time everyone spends together.

Need help coordinating guest logistics? You can contact me and I’ll share my favorite transport partners and accommodation options.

6 - Plan Your Wedding Timeline & Travel in France

After that you may want to consider you timeline for the days. French seasons vary: summer evenings can stretch past 10 pm, while spring may bring afternoon showers. Then, visit your venue during your planned month, or ask for a recent photo gallery to see real light conditions. Block out arrival days for you and key guests, then schedule rehearsals, hair and makeup slots and a buffer for traffic delays. Book group transfers—vans or shuttles—to keep everyone together and avoid rental-car mixups.

Sample France wedding itinerary:

• Day –2: Guest arrivals & welcome dinner

• Day –1: Rehearsal & vendor walkthrough

• Day 0: Ceremony, photos, reception

• Day +1: Brunch or vineyard tour for close family

7 - Capture the Moments with Documentary Wedding Photography!

Finally, your wedding day will be full of candid exchanges: a shared glance during vows, spontaneous laughter at dinner. At that point, that’s where documentary wedding photography shines—I stay in the background, blending into your day so you never feel posed. Before the wedding, we’ll connect on a call to explore your story, scout your venue and create a photo timeline that fits your pace. On the day, I’ll guide you through any group shots or quick portraits with simple, easy prompts so you feel natural. You’ll look back on images that feel like your own memory, complete with small details: the lace on your dress, the light through the château windows.

I’m here to help you feel at ease, capture genuine emotion and ensure your photos tell the full story of your day.

Ready to plan a wedding in France? Let’s make it effortless—contact me to get started.