Why France
From the châteaux of the Loire to the wine estates of Burgundy, from the gardens of Provence to the villas of the Riviera, the settings vary widely. Add a way of life, a cuisine and wines that turn the wedding into a stay for your guests, not just a ceremony.
The paperwork: start with the town hall
Before anything else, check with the town hall (mairie) of the place you have in mind. The conditions for a civil wedding depend on your situation, in particular your nationality and where you live. Many international couples choose a symbolic ceremony in France, alongside a civil formality in their home country. Your wedding planner or your venue will be able to guide you.
Planning from a distance: organisation is everything
- Work with a local wedding planner. They know the venues, the customs and the suppliers, and they are your contact on the ground.
- Choose suppliers used to international weddings. Proposals sent in advance, video calls, answers in English, flexibility with time differences.
- Keep everything in one place. A shared folder (Drive, Trello, Notion…) lets everyone see the same version of the project.
The bar: the moment everyone comes together
At an international wedding, the welcome drinks are often the first moment the two families meet. A cocktail bar plays a particular role here: a bartender mixes the drinks in front of the guests, conversations start, languages mingle.
A few ideas:
- a short menu, with French recipes revisited and an alcohol-free alternative;
- an English-speaking team, so that your guests feel welcome;
- a signature cocktail, for example inspired by your country and your wedding venue, to tell your story as a couple.
What we prepare with you from a distance
We work with couples who marry thousands of kilometres from home: exchanges by email and video call, a menu approved in advance, a set-up prepared with your venue and your wedding planner. You have nothing to manage on the day.
Read more: how much a wedding cocktail bar costs in France.