Guide · Weddings in Paris

Paris elopement: how to plan it

An elopement is an intimate wedding: just the two of you, or very few other people. Paris works beautifully for it, but the season, the place and the time of day need to be decided early.

What is legal and what is not

A ceremony that is legally valid in France requires a residency link to the commune (usually 30 days). That is why many couples marry legally at home and hold a symbolic ceremony in Paris, which has no restrictions. The details are in our guide to getting married in Paris as a foreigner.

When to go

June to August is peak season and the best-known spots fill with crowds. April, and October until early November, tend to be milder and quieter. From November to March it is cold, but it can be an intimate option with a festive feel if you don’t mind wrapping up.

Where

The Eiffel Tower is the iconic choice, but also the busiest: if you want it to yourselves, go at sunrise or choose a nearby spot. Terraces and rooftops with views offer more privacy. Other options: Île Saint-Louis, the Luxembourg Gardens, Pont Alexandre III, Montmartre and, for portraits, the area around the Louvre (watch the closing days). A little further out, Château de Chantilly, just outside Paris.

Light and timing

At the summer solstice the sun rises around 5:47 and sets around 9:56 pm; in midwinter it rises close to 8:38 am and sets around 4:55 pm. That difference rules the plan: in summer there is plenty of room for sunrise and late afternoon; in winter the day is short and the schedule has to be tight.

Planning it with your photographer

The fewer locations, the better: two or three well chosen give you more than six in a rush. Allow more travel time than you think, because Paris traffic is heavy. Permits for photographing at some places depend on each site, so they are checked in advance.

Dates and daylight times are approximate. Check legal requirements and permits with each town hall or venue before booking.