Getting Married in France in 2026/2027: A Complete Guide for International Couples

France has long been a dream destination for couples from the UK, the US, Australia and beyond. From sun-drenched vineyards in Provence to romantic château estates and elegant coastal villas of the French Riviera, getting married in France is about more than a ceremony — it’s about an experience.

This guide is designed for international couples planning a destination wedding in France in 2026 or 2027. Whether you’re at the very beginning of your planning journey or refining the final details, this article will help you understand how weddings in France work, what to expect, and how to make the most of your celebration.

PHOTO BY PATTIE FELLOWES PHOTOGRAPHY

Why Choose France for a Destination Wedding?

Couples choose France for three main reasons:

• Diversity of locations – Provence, the South of France, countryside châteaux, vineyards, mountains or the coast

• Lifestyle & atmosphere – long meals, beautiful light, outdoor celebrations, multi-day wedding weekends

• Timeless elegance – French weddings feel refined, relaxed and emotional rather than rushed

For international couples, France offers something unique: a wedding that feels like a holiday for everyone involved.

Is It Easy for Foreigners to Get Married in France?

This is one of the most common questions — and the answer depends on how you want to get married.

Civil vs Symbolic Ceremonies

• Civil (legal) weddings in France require at least one partner to have strong residency ties to the local mairie (town hall). This process can be complex for non-residents.

• Symbolic or celebrant-led ceremonies are by far the most popular option for international couples.

Most couples legally marry in their home country, then host a symbolic ceremony in France, allowing complete freedom with location, timing and style.

For destination weddings, symbolic ceremonies are the easiest, most flexible and most emotional option.

Best Regions to Get Married in France

Provence & South of France

One of the most sought-after regions for destination weddings.

• Golden light and warm colours

• Lavender fields, olive groves, vineyards

• Ideal for outdoor ceremonies and long summer evenings

Perfect for couples looking for a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

Château Weddings

France is home to thousands of private château estates.

• Ideal for weekend weddings

• Accommodation on site for guests

• Weather-proof with indoor and outdoor options

Château weddings are especially popular with UK and US couples hosting 2–3 day celebrations.

Coastal France

From the French Riviera to the Atlantic coast, seaside weddings offer:

• Bright natural light

• Modern villas or elegant hotels

• A more contemporary wedding aesthetic

Best Time of Year to Get Married in France (2026/2027)

Choosing the right season is crucial — not just for weather, but also for light, guest comfort and overall experience.

May–June

• Mild temperatures

• Beautiful natural colours

• Excellent light for photography and film

July–August

• Long days and golden evenings

• Peak season (higher demand & pricing)

• Ideal for late ceremonies and outdoor dinners

September

• One of the best months overall

• Softer light, warm days, cooler evenings

• Vineyards and countryside at their best

Many international couples now avoid extreme heat and choose late June or September for the best balance.

How a French Wedding Weekend Usually Works

Unlike traditional one-day weddings, destination weddings in France often take place over several days:

• Day 1 – Welcome dinner or casual gathering

• Day 2 – Wedding day (ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, party)

• Day 3 – Brunch or poolside recovery

This slower rhythm allows for:

• Less stress

• More meaningful moments

• Stronger connections with guests

It also creates richer memories — and more story-driven wedding films.

Why Hiring Local Vendors Matters

For international couples, working with local French-based vendors makes a huge difference.

Local experience means:

• Understanding of French timelines and venues

• Knowledge working with international clients (several languages spoken)

• Knowledge of light, weather and seasonal changes

• Easier communication with venues and planners

• Fewer surprises on the wedding day

This is especially true for wedding photography, videography and content creation, where timing, light and movement are everything.

Wedding Videography for Destination Weddings in France

A destination wedding is not just one day — it’s a story.

Professional wedding films allow you to:

• Relive moments you didn’t see

• Capture emotions beyond posed images

• Preserve the atmosphere of the place itself

For couples travelling from abroad, video becomes even more meaningful — it’s how you remember how it felt, not just how it looked.

Drone footage, natural audio and a cinematic approach are particularly powerful in French landscapes, from château estates to Provençal hills.

Common Mistakes International Couples Make

Planning from abroad can be challenging. Some common mistakes include:

• Underestimating travel fatigue in the timeline

• Scheduling ceremonies too early in the day

• Not accounting for golden hour timing

• Choosing vendors unfamiliar with destination weddings

The best weddings in France are the ones that feel unrushed and intentional.

Final Tips for Planning Your Wedding in France

• Choose quality over quantity when it comes to vendors

• Build a timeline around light, not tradition

• Allow space for spontaneity

• Trust professionals who work locally

France rewards couples who slow down and embrace the experience.

Planning a Wedding in France in 2026 or 2027?

If you’re planning a destination wedding in France and looking for a cinematic, emotional and natural wedding film, working with a videographer who understands destination weddings — and France itself — makes all the difference.

Your wedding deserves to be remembered not just as an event, but as a story.

You can visit this page for more guidance on luxury wedding videography and the different packages suggested.

This guide is updated for couples planning weddings in 2026 and 2027 and is intended for international destination weddings in France.

PHOTO BY FRANCES MARY SALES