Paris elopement

Paris elopement guide

1. Why eloping to Paris?

6 reasons for a Paris elopement

2. Paris elopement packages

Ceremony & Packages

3. Paris elopement day

Date, Timeline & Locations

4. Paris elopement vendors

Photos, Flowers & More

5. Get ready to elope in Paris

Travel, Dress & Tux

Just the two of us

Your elopement ceremony is an intimate moment that you mainly want to share with your fiancé/e. As much as you love your family and friends you prefer eloping in Paris without (many) guests. Because you want to fully focus on each other and your promises – the core of your Paris wedding ceremony and marriage. You are maybe also looking for an intimate elopement ceremony in Paris, because you are a little bit shy and don’t enjoy so much having all eyes on you – especially when declaring your love to each other.

Less Stress

Planning a big (destination) wedding with all the bells and whistles is not your thing. You don’t want to get stressed over the long list of things you need to take care of when planning a traditional wedding (e.g. who to invite? how to entertain our guests? which food, which favors? what about venue and decoration? and on and on…) Planning a wedding elopement in Paris is so much simpler and easier, because all you need is love – well, almost all! For a Paris elopement you basically need: The two of you, a celebrant in Paris for your ceremony and a Paris photographer to capture the moment – the rest is optional.

Lower Budget

Planning a wedding usually costs a bunch of money. And the most expensive items in your wedding budget are: your wedding venue and your guests. The more guests the more expensive your wedding, because you need to feed them, entertain them and have a venue large enough for them. Naturally when eloping in Paris, you don’t need to worry or pay for a wedding venue – because the city of Paris is already your wedding venue – or for your guests – because you will have none or only very few and therefore won’t need to host a large reception.

Paris is always a good idea

You love Paris, it’s your favorite place in the world? It has always been your dream to travel to the city of love one day? Paris is already part of your love story, as you got engaged in the city of lights or your first romantic trip as a couple was to Paris? Looks like you don’t need any other good reason than PARIS to get married with a Paris elopement wedding. And it’s true, Paris means love and romance – so could there be a more romantic and magical place than Paris to elope? Mais non, surtout pas!

Do it your way!

Sometimes with Paris elopement you can also finally do it your way: Some of my couple had a big traditional wedding back home, but felt that they had to follow traditions or fulfill expectations that did not feel like them. Some of my couples only got married with a quick civil ceremony, but never had a real celebration with a romantic and personal Paris celebrant ceremony or gorgeous wedding photos. These couples elope in Paris to finally have a the wedding celebration of their dreams.

Travel bugs

You are a couple who loves traveling and exploring the world together? You love trying new things and discovering new places and cultures? Then an elopement in Paris is exactly what you need. Your elopement in Paris is not only a romantic and intimate dream destination wedding come true. Eloping in Paris also means two in one: Wedding in Paris + Honeymoon in the most romantic city in the world. Paris means love & romance. Paris means delicious food & wine. Paris means great art & architecture. Can you possibly need more for a Paris elopement and honeymoon trip? Can you feel the travel bugs?

Paris elopement

Guests: Just the two of you. Or you 2 + max. 6 guests.
Venue: Typically outdoors at a public location.
And that’s already the reason why my Paris elopement packages are limited to a very small number of guests. Because first at a public location we are not allowed to privatize or close our ceremony space. That means the more people you are, the more attention of passersby and tourist groups you’ll attract. Also we are not allowed to set up chairs or use a PA system. So a Paris elopement ceremony is rather casual.
Secondly if the weather is bad on your elopement day, we may have to celebrate your wedding ceremony at an alternative outdoor spot that is covered. But these protected and covered public locations in Paris are very rare and don’t accommodate larger groups. However with a small group we are pretty flexible if we need to change location for any reason.

Paris wedding

Guests: As many as you want.
Venue: Private venue.
If you are planning a destination wedding in Paris you need to book a private venue to celebrate your Paris wedding ceremony and reception. In a Paris wedding venue you have a private space just for you and your guests. You don’t need to worry about the weather or any other disturbances – you’ll have your peace of mind. Not sure yet where to get married in Paris and host your Paris wedding? Then check my recommendations to find the best Paris wedding venue.

• I will create a bespoke elopement ceremony in English for you (with a little French touch!) based on a unique & meaningful script – tailor-made just for the two of you (including your personal love story and romantic readings & quotes about Paris, love & marriage!)

• I’ll perform your Paris elopement ceremony in a personal and romantic way as your celebrant in Paris – a moment you will never forget!

• We will perform the classic wedding rituals: declaration of intent (the “I do’s”), wedding vows (standard or personal vows – your choice) and exchange of wedding rings.

• You will sign a symbolic Paris-themed wedding certificate and receive a printed keepsake copy of your personal and unique ceremony script as keepsakes of your Paris elopement.

• I’ll support you with tips about eloping in Paris & recommendations for ceremony locations, timeline, wedding vendors etc…

“Laura had us complete a questionnaire so she could write a special ceremony unique to our story. It was incredible!
She created the most personalized, fun and touching elopement ceremony. We were literally laughing and crying the entire time.
You can tell: Laura puts her heart and soul into creating a one of a kind ceremony for her clients!”

• Of course always a bespoke elopement ceremony with myself, your English speaking Paris Officiant, as the base of your wedding elopement in Paris.

• Additional services of your choice: You can add Photography, Videography, Bridal Beauty, Wedding Flowers, Transportation/ Vintage Car, Musician to your Paris elopement experience.

• My Paris elopement packages are tailor-made for each couple. I believe that every couple is different and unique, that’s why I don’t offer standard packages.

• I will also plan your Paris elopement day together with you and coordinate all Paris wedding vendors included in your package for you.

Seasons in Paris

While weather & temperature in Paris are varying depending on the time of the year – but every season has it’s charm:
Spring is gorgeous because of cherry blossom and other spring blooms.
Summer is lovely because temperature are warm and the city has a relaxed vibe.
Fall is beautiful especially during autumn foliage when the leaves on the trees change color.
Winter is cold but Paris also empty and quiet. Around the holidays the city is full of lights and has a very festive charm.

Holidays in France

When picking your Paris elopement date try to check whether they fall into a French holiday period. Most holidays in France follow the Christian calendar (e.g. Christmas, Easter, Assumption, etc…). But there are also holidays specific to France. The most famous one: National Holiday or Bastille Day on July 14th.
Whereas it can be a great experience to celebrate one of these holidays during your trip and elopement in Paris. However it also means that the city is even more crowded and busy as usual.

When during your trip

Also make sure you choose a date for your elopement in Paris that is neither to close to your arrival nor too close to you departure.
Too early: Don’t elope on your first day(s)! If you elope on the day of/after your arrival to Paris you may feel jet lagged or tired. Also in case your luggage arrives with a delay it would make it stressful. So tt’s never bad to have a bit of time prior to your Paris elopement day in order to settle in and be able to fully enjoy.
Too late: Don’t elope on your last day(s) either! If you panned your elopement in Paris on your last day we won’t have any flexibility. Becasue if it’s pouring rain on your elopement day, we simply don’t have any chance anymore to reschedule your Paris elopement.

Most of my couples eloping to Paris wish to have an outdoor ceremony. Someplace beautiful with a typical Parisian backdrop. You too? Sounds great, as your English speaking celebrant in Paris I know many beautiful ceremony locations.

Feel free to get a first overview over all the different possible ceremony locations here: places to elope in Paris. If you already know that it has to be a iconic landmark or sublime architecture (e.g. Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Alexander III bridge, Golden Gate) then check my blogpost about the most stunning Paris elopement locations. If you prefer a romantic park or beautiful gardens (e.g. Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries) then check my blogpost about the most intimate Paris ceremony locations.

You can of course also book a private wedding venue for your Paris elopement ceremony. The advantage: No tourist groups, no crowds of passersby, no traffic noise, no busy street life… In a private venue you will be completely intimate and quiet for your wedding ceremony. But these beautiful Paris wedding venues of course come with a price, whereas public outdoor locations are free of charge.

Avoiding crowds

The French capital is densely populated and a very popular travel destination. That means that Paris quickly gets busy and crowded starting from late mornings.
So if you don’t want to have a bunch of strangers witnessing your ceremony, filming you with their phones or chatting loud in the background, then you better get up early to elope in Paris.
But not only your Paris elopement ceremony but also your Paris elopement photo session would be affected by the crowds: Because the two of you should be on your Paris wedding photos – and not a sea of strangers in the background of you Paris elopement pictures.

Best light

Apart of avoiding crowds for your elopement in Paris, sunrise time and the early morning are also great, because the light for your Paris elopement wedding photos will be the most beautiful.
Paris photographers love shooting in the early morning, because the natural light is soft and flattering. The closer we get to noon, the higher the sun will rise and the harsher it will look on your wedding photos in Paris. The light around noon can create strong contrast and dark shadows.
So in the early morning you also have ideal circumstances for your photoshoot – and best chances to experience a magical sunrise.

No morning person

If there is no way for you to wake up at the crack of dawn – or even before, because you know that you couldn’t fully enjoy your Paris elopement as you really are no morning person – no worries, there is a solution for everything.
I know a few romantic and intimate locations for your elopement ceremony in Paris, that are still as quiet as it gets even in the afternoon. It won’t be the Eiffel Tower or Louvre thought: These scenic locations are just too packed later in the day and an intimate Paris elopement ceremony would be impossible there – unless you enjoy the attention and don’t mind a lack of privacy.

As celebrant in Paris I know many many talented, reliable and awesome Paris wedding vendors that I often work with and that I am happy to recommend to you. So if you would like to choose, book and coordinate your wedding vendors yourself and make sure that their style, personality, packages are a perfect fit for you, then let me know which Paris wedding vendors you need and what style you envision. Then I can create and send you a curated list of great Paris wedding vendors.

Moreover if you prefer a little more help planning and coordinating your Paris elopement, feel free to reach out to me and we can create a tailor-made Paris elopement package for you. I would choose, book and coordinate the vendors included in the package for you and plan your elopement day (locations, timeline, inspiration) together with you. So you would just need to communicate with one person, your Paris officiant.

On a side note: I don’t recommend other Paris wedding vendors because they pay me a commission for it – NEVER. I only recommend elopement vendors because I have worked with them and know that they are capable of providing great services and results, also that they are friendly, reliable and speak English.

“Thinking to elope in Paris can be scary (especially when you don’t speak French). But Laura makes everything so easy!
Her English is amazing and she couldn’t have been more helpful.
She recommended great ceremony locations, suggested professionals for hair & make-up, photographers,… everything and anything!
No matter how many times I emailed her with questions she always responded quickly, happily and most helpfully.
She took away all of my worries and stress!”

Skills & Experience

First and foremost your Paris elopement photographer need to be have the professional skills to capture your day and create beautiful Paris elopement photos.
So choose a Paris photographer who is doing Paris elopement photography as a full time and main job – not just a hobby or side hustle.
Who uses professional quality equipment (as much as you can judge).
Who is an experienced elopement photographer in Paris – it shouldn’t be their first time shooting a wedding, even if they are for instance great fashion photographers or photojournalists.
Also check their portfolio carefully (galleries on their website, posts on social media) to see whether quality and style are consistent – if only a few of their photos are really great or their look/style/editing seems to be very varying, then that usually doesn’t speak for great quality or a reliable outcome of your Paris elopement pictures.

Totally your Style

Even if the quality of the photos is great, but you don’t really like the photography style, then you probably won’t be happy with your elopement photos. So first find out which esthetic you envision for your Paris elopement photos.
Some photographers have a classic and timeless esthetic (e.g. natural light, mix of posed and candid), some have a fine art approach (often very lighty and airy, sometimes a bit artsy and posed), some shoot moody style (a bit darker, edgier editing and rather candid photos than posed ones), some are specialize in close ups, some in wide angles, some shoot film etc.
You don’t need to know all any specific terms though. Just check the website portfolios and Instagram of photographers to see which style and esthetic you like most.

Question of time

Many couples want to take wedding photos at different locations in Paris. There is one rule of thumb to help you choose the right package of your Paris photographer: You need to count 1 hour per 1 photoshoot location. So for instance if you want to take Paris elopement photos at the 3 locations Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Luxembourg Gardens you need to book a photo session of around 3 hours.
Maybe you only want photos of your ceremony in Paris and a few additional wedding photos? Then maybe a short 1-2 hour photography package may be enough.
Or do you want a full day coverage similar as for a traditional wedding (e.g. including getting ready, detail shots, first look, ceremony, couples photos at different locations, romantic lunch/dinner)? Then you are definitely in need of a longer package or full day coverage, maybe around 5-7 hours.

Less stress

A professional hair and makeup artists are used to work on a timeline and know exactly how much time they need creating a certain bridal style. This will take a lot of weight off of your shoulders. You know that you won’t run late or feel stressed when your hair just doesn’t want to behave the morning of your Paris elopement.

Timeline

As mentioned above elopements in Paris usually start at around sunrise. That means you need to wake up and do your makeup and hair extremely early in the morning (2-3 hours before sunrise). Believe me, it is so much nicer to sip your coffee and snooze just a little longer, while a professional beauty is taking care of your hair and makeup.

Bridal style

Even if you regularly do your own makeup and hair, bridal hair and makeup may look different from you everyday style. You may not be used to create a bridal updo or specific makeup style on yourself – and definitely don’t want to try it as a first time on your wedding day. A professional will make sure that the outcome is as you envision it.

Lasting look

During your Paris elopement you’ll usually be outdoors for hours and you don’t know how challenging the weather may be on your wedding day. A professional bridal beauty artist knows the weather conditions in Paris and the challenges that come with it. They are able to recommend bridal hairstyles that are great for a windy day and make your makeup last all day long – even through your happy tears.

Paris wedding flowers

A beautiful flower bouquet and boutonniere will make your Paris bridal style complete. As most of my couples wear the traditional wedding colors black and white, flowers are often a beautiful pop of color completing the look. If you decide on different wedding colors or a color theme, then wedding flowers can give your Paris elopement style the final touch.

For a Paris elopement usually a wedding bouquet and boutonniere are enough. But you can always add a floral arch for your elopement ceremony or floral decoration for your hotel room or at your dinner venue.

PRO TIP: Make sure to order your bridal bouquet online in advance and have it delivered to you. This will save you a lot of time while in Paris and you’ll also make sure that you get exactly what you want. So send your Paris florist inspirational photos or a Pinterest board, tell them which flowers in what colors you want and agree on a delivery date. Usually that would be the evening before your elopement to your hotel. However some Paris florists also deliver early in the morning to your elopement location.

French vintage classic car

If you are planning a longer Paris elopement with ceremony and photoshoot at different locations in Paris then hiring private transportation will make your life a lot easier. Having a private van or vintage car with chauffeur on your elopement day saves you time (no need to wait for Uber or cabs!) – and less time in traffic means more time to take pictures. It provides extra flexibility (in case we quickly need to change location due to e.g. weather) and comfort (you can leave belongings safely in the car).

Private van: Your driver picks you up at your hotel, drives you and your team from location to location and in the ends drops you off again at your hotel. There is also enough room in a van to change outfit if you have a second bridal look or to bring along a couple of guests.

French classic car: Especially grooms get a big smile on their face when adding a French vintage car to your Paris elopement experience. Of course these cars come with a chauffeur as well, so you don’t need to know how to drive stick. You just can lean back and watch Paris passing by through the windows.
The chauffeur does not only pick you up at your hotel and drives you from location to location for your Paris elopement ceremony and photo shoot. You can also use the classic French vintage car for your wedding photos, which looks so elegant and so Parisian.

Paris ceremony music

When celebrating a traditional wedding ceremony you usually always have music for your processional and recessional. So why should you miss out on that just because you are eloping in Paris? You can book a musician for your Paris elopement, who is playing live music for your elopement ceremony in Paris.

Even if with an elopement we don’t really have a big processional or recessional as usually there is not really an aisle nor guests. However you can incorporate your favorite songs into your ceremony to add an extra personal touch. As celebrant in Paris I love that listening to a song before starting the ceremony helps my couples to get into the moment and relax. After the ceremony you can listen to another song while sharing your first dance as married couple – so romantic!

As your officiant in Paris I usually work with a violinist or a vocalist playing Ukulele.

Focusing on your Paris elopement ceremony

As your English speaking celebrant in Paris I will be first and foremost creating and officiating your elopement ceremony in Paris and help you planning everything around your Paris ceremony (e.g. ceremony location, ceremony schedule, wedding vows). I am also always happy to additionally send you recommendations for great Paris wedding vendors you may need and want for your elopement day in Paris (e.g. Paris elopement photographer, videographer, bridal stylist, wedding florist, private wedding transportation, ceremony musician), so that you can choose, book and coordinate your own team of vendors for your Paris elopement day.

In short: If you want to be very involved in your Paris elopement planning, are a fairly organized bride or groom and it is important for you to choose every single vendor yourself, then self-planning your Paris elopement may be the better choice for you.

Giving you a hand with Paris elopement planning

As your experienced officiant in Paris I am also always delighted to give you some extra support and create a tailor made Paris elopement package for you that suits your requirements. That means you simply tell me how you envision your elopement day (e.g. which vendors will you need, how long to you want your photoshoot to be). So on top of officiant your wedding ceremony as your Paris celebrant, I will also plan your elopement day together with you (e.g. elopement day timeline, ceremony & photoshoot locations, intinerary) as well as choose, book and coordinate your team of vendors. So you only need to communicate with me, your Paris officiant and Paris elopement coordinator, and I’ll take care of the rest.

In short: If you don’t want to sweat the details, are not feeling very comfortable planning and coordinating your Paris elopement yourself from afar, are eloping to Paris last minute or feel insecure researching, comparing and choosing your wedding vendors, then a tailor made Paris elopement package may be a great help for you.

Breaking the news about eloping in Paris

The original meaning of eloping is: run away secretly in order to get married at a romantic destination far away from home. Some of my couples still keep their Paris elopement a secret. But most of my couples break the news before that they plan to elope to Paris. And in most cases I would recommend just that!

Mainly because by talking to your loved ones about your Paris elopement plans before eloping in France, instead of confronting them with the news after having eloped in Paris, usually avoids greater conflict. Maybe your family has questions. Maybe they simply need a bit of time to get used to the idea. It sometimes isn’t easy – especially for parents – to know that they will NOT be part of their children’s wedding day. However if you explain your reasons why you choose to get married in Paris with an intimate elopement just the two of you they most likely will understand and be happy for you.

Many of my couples also plan a small reception back home after their Paris elopement to celebrate with their families and friends. This is also the perfect occasion to show your elopement photos from Paris and share your beautiful Paris elopement experience with your loved ones.

Where to rent or buy your dress?

Buy your Paris wedding dress back home because finding the perfect wedding dress, bridal shoes, wedding and all the gorgeous accessories that make your wedding style unique takes a lot of time – A LOT! Usually you won’t have all this time when you are in Paris. Most of my couples stay around week when eloping to Paris. If you have to find the wedding dress of your dreams during such a short stay then you’ll most likely be stressed out.

Also most wedding dressed to buy need to be ordered many weeks/months in advance and then again fitted later. So this would only work if you travel to Paris several times or on a regular basis. If this is not the case better prepare everything you can before. This way you’ll have time to visit Paris: enjoy a few romantic days in Paris and a stress free elopement experience.

Renting your wedding dress in Paris is a great option, if you only want to wear your wedding dress for this one occasion, your elopement in Paris, if you don’t want to keep your bridal gown as a keepsake of your wedding day, and if you not on the quest for the one and only perfect dress for you. However still plan enough time to try and choose your rental dress while on your Paris elopement trip.

Where to rent or buy your suit?

Buying your Paris wedding suit back home is usually also the best solution for grooms, in order to be relaxed during your trip to France and enjoy eloping to Paris without still having to find your outfit.

Moreover grooms can very often use their wedding suit for other occasions afterwards e.g. as a wedding guest, for other life celebration or even business events. So it often is a good investment to purchase a great fitting suit for your Paris elopement, but to take the time finding it back home.

Renting a wedding suit in Paris can be a great option for grooms, if you are sure that you will only wear this tux or wedding suit for your Paris elopement and you have a bit of time while in Paris. There are several places in Paris (more than for bridal gowns) where you can rent a tux or wedding suit. This will take a bit of time, but will save you money.

How to travel with your wedding outfits?

On the airplane: Don’t put your wedding dress or tux into the check in luggage. You would not want to risk damage or loss of your bridal gown. And you also don’t want to be stressed out in case your luggage arrives with a delay in Paris.

Instead transport your wedding dress and tux in a slipcover in the carry on luggage. Give your airline a call beforehand so that they can make sure that there will be a place in the cabin.

Via post mail: Also don’t use post mail to send your wedding outfits to Paris. It’s hard to get the timing right for it to arrive in time, and if it arrives earlier than you to have somebody receiving it in your place.

However if you keep traveling after you eloped in Paris and don’t want to carry your wedding outfits with you during your entire trip, then send you wedding outfits back home via post mail.