9 Steps to Planning a Destination Wedding in France

9 Steps to Planning a Destination Wedding in France

 

Planning a wedding abroad, especially in a place as romantic and picturesque as France, can be an absolute dream—but there are definitely a few golden nuggets of advice that can make the difference between floating through your big day in bliss or frantically translating while hunting for a florist who swears they didn’t receive your email. Here are 9 of my top tips, from years of helping UK couples get married in France, with all the real-talk and friendly advice you’d want from your expert planner:

1. Hire a local planner (or one who really knows France)

Let’s start with the big one: don’t go it alone. Even the most organised brides and grooms need boots on the ground. French weddings have their quirks—trust me, you don’t want to be navigating French bureaucracy or explaining your vision to a baker who thinks a croquembouche isn’t optional. A planner who knows the venues, vendors, and little local customs is worth their weight in champagne.

2. Visit the venue… if you can

Zoom calls and dreamy Instagram feeds can only take you so far. If your budget and schedule allow, try to visit your venue in person at least once before the big day. It’s the best way to get a feel for logistics (like whether Grandma can actually get to that clifftop ceremony spot), lighting for photos, and that all-important vibe. Plus, a sneaky wine tasting or cake sampling never hurt anyone.

3. Get very clear on legalities

Here’s the truth bomb: getting legally married in France as a non-resident is a bit of a paperwork jungle. Many UK couples opt to do the legal bit at home (a registry office affair), then have the full-blown celebration in France. It’s easier, cheaper, and lets you focus on the romantic, heartfelt part abroad, without worrying about French town hall documents.

4. Don’t underestimate the power of a bilingual MC

Unless all your guests are fluent in French and English, having someone bilingual—whether it’s your planner, celebrant, or MC—will save you a world of confusion. From coordinating shuttles to announcing dinner, someone who can keep both sides of the aisle in the loop is absolutely key.

5. Be savvy about seasonality

France is gorgeous year-round, but the wedding season sweet spot is generally May to September. Just bear in mind that July and August can be scorching, and a sleepy rural town in August may have half the vendors on holiday (yep, the French take summer holidays very seriously). Also, don’t forget about local festivals and holidays—they can affect availability and pricing.