June 14, 2024 / Destination Elopement Resources
Paris Elopement Guide
Paris Elopement Guide | In The Alpenglow
Ahhh, Paris — the city of loooove. You had to know a Paris elopement guide was coming, right? It would be silly to leave it out when talking about dream destinations for sharing vows, with its (well deserved) reputation for being the most romantic city. And wowow is that true. The dreamy and old world feel of the buildings, tiny cobblestone alleys filled with charming boutique and café storefronts, live jazz pouring out of candle-lit restaurants and bars, a perfect sunset over the Seine River while the lights of the Eiffel tower twinkle in the background. I could go on! In fact, those things only scratch the surface of the take-your-breath-away beauty of this place! If a city could give you butterflies, this would be it. 🙂
I recommend eloping here for a lot of reasons, but a big one is that it’s also a PERFECT jumping off point for exploring other parts of France and even the rest of Europe. There are countless beautiful little villages just outside the city, and a great train system to explore it all. I hope this elopement guide opens your eyes to all the ways a Paris vow exchange can be a once in a lifetime experience. Even more so, I hope it makes the process of planning a little less daunting. Read on for more!
Best time for a Paris Elopement
If you’re hoping to enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds for your time in Paris, I’d recommend visiting May through June, or September through October. In those spring months, the weather is lovely with just a tiny bit of rainfall — which has its own romantic feel! There are far less crowds, so you’ll be able to stroll with your love through parks and outdoor cafes without dodging tourists. September through October also has beautiful, mild weather and some gorgeous fall foliage. And regardless of the month you pick, there will almost always be a good amount of people around the main attractions. SO if you’re really hoping to be on your own, I’d recommend a sunrise midweek for photos!
Where to elope in Paris?
Luxembourg Gardens
Known as “Jardin du Luxembourg” to the locals, this area is a peaceful oasis in the heart of a busy city. It spans over 60 acres with the most incredibly manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, elegant fountains, and shaded areas to sit and relax. It has no shortage of picturesque backdrops for exchanging vows — lush greenery, serene ponds, tree canopies. Every corner of this park exudes romance and is a perfect spot for some privacy in Paris.
Eiffel Tower
This is an obvious but a reeeally good choice for an elopement spot. The Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of romance, elegance and timeless love. Its silhouette against the Parisian skyline is a perfect backdrop for an elopement, and if you enjoy the sprawling lawns until dark, you’ll witness the sparkling of the tower’s lights! And after the ceremony, you can enjoy the Seine River nearby — an unbelievably romantic location (especially along the quay) and great for a leisurely stroll or a boat tour.
Parisian Backstreets
Paris’ backstreets, or “rues”, are an enchantingly intimate setting for an elopement, giving you a historic and quaint look with a bit more privacy than the more bustling tourist spots in the city. You and your love can capture photos in the narrow cobblestone streets lined with breathtaking historic buildings — covered in ivy and beautiful flower-filled balconies. I especially love the Montmartre neighborhood for the more artistic vibe and tons of romantic cafes and storefronts!
A few (amazing) Paris elopement alternatives
Normandy
Located in the northwestern region of France, Normandy is known for stunning landscapes, rich history, and romantic charm. You can exchange vows on the picturesque coastlines, in the rolling hills, or in the many charming villages. In particular, I love that this region gives you the option of a more epic backdrop (beach overlooking the English Channel) or a quaint countryside setting. Or if you’re wanting to choose a venue, there are private estates to rent, historic castles, or cozy bed and breakfasts. Normandy is a perfect blend of natural beauty, historic charm and romance!
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is in the Southwest of France and famous for its world-class wine, architecture, vibrant culture, and a thriving culinary scene. There is something really magical about exchanging vows amidst lush vineyards, with a warm breeze and views of rolling hills around you. And there is so much for you and your love to do after your elopement. For example, you can indulge in the local cuisine, explore the waterfront views of the Garonne River, attend a music festival, or spend a day at the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Cité du Vin.
Lyon
Lyon, nestled in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France, is often called the gastronomic capital of France. It’s bustling with tons of Michelin-starred dining with amazing wines from the nearby Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône regions. So, it’s a great option if you’re a foodie looking for a romantic, culturally rich, architecturally stunning location for your vows. It’s settled between two rivers with lots of stunning waterfront views and scenic promenades. Additionally, you’re in a great location to visit other parts of France. In fact, it’s in the heart of the country with really accessible transportation links to other major cities like Paris, Marseille, and Geneva.
Strasbourg
One of my favorite things about Europe is the blend of cultures around the borders of each country. Strasbourg is one of these places. It sits in the Alsace region in northeastern France and blending French and German influences. There are lots of charming cobblestone streets, lots of vibrant flower boxes, and a dreamy network of canals for exploring. It’s a really unique location for an elopement. Specifically, I love that you get to experience two cultures in one city, enjoying food, art and architecture from each country. You can elope in the countryside overlooking the village-esque buildings, alongside one of the many canals, or in an intimate venue in the city (lots of medieval churches, Renaissance palaces, outdoor squares, and cozy boutique hotels).
Lodging for your Paris elopement
Many of the apartments and hotels in Paris have beautiful terraces and balconies that would make a perfect addition to your elopement day. For instance, you can toast to your future together on a balcony while enjoying the views of the city, or read letters from your family cozied up at a table on a terrace. And if you’re looking for Airbnb recommendations, check out my list here. And here are a few of my favorite hotels in Paris:
The Ritz Carlton
Hotel de Crillon
The Shangri-La
How to legally elope in Paris
In order to be legally married in Paris, you need to be in the country for at least 40 days before the ceremony. For this reason, a good way to handle that is to get legally married in your hometown before and have a symbolic elopement in France!
There ya have it! Paris and the surrounding areas are truly an elopement dream and will give you a fairytale setting for promising forever. As always, I hope I can inspire you to choose something intimate and authentic for your wedding day, in a location that feels exciting, adventurous and romantic. And if you’re looking for someone to stand by you, cheering you on and capturing the memories — I’d love to be that gal! Head to the link below to start a conversation.
