Paris is known for being one of the most romantic cities in the world! So what better way to tie the knot than jetting off to France, and getting married amongst charming cobblestone streets, local cafes, and world famous landmarks? If you want to elope in Paris, there are a few things you’ll need to know first. This guide will cover some of the best Paris elopement locations, how to get legally married, and more!
Paris Elopement Locations – Where to Elope in Paris
Choosing an elopement location is one of the most exciting things about deciding to plan your wedding day in such a beautiful place. But, of course, Paris has tons to choose from! Here are a few incredible Paris elopement locations to consider for your day.
Trocadero
The Eiffel Tower is Paris’ most popular attraction! And while the tower makes an amazing backdrop for your elopement, I don’t recommend heading to the actual tower. There are lots of fences and concrete surrounding the area. While seeing the Eiffel Tower up close is something you should do while you’re in Paris… for your ceremony and photos, Trocadero is a much better elopement location. The Trocadero Gardens offer a gorgeous place to get married, with amazing views of the Eiffel Tower!
Luxembourg Gardens
At the Luxembourg Gardens, you get a mixture of gorgeous greenery and cool architecture. This is one of the best parks in Paris, and a great spot for an elopement ceremony! You can get married in front of the palace. Or explore the gardens a little to find a more secluded spot.
The Louvre
Outside the famous Louvre museum, there are lots of gorgeous Paris elopement locations! There’s the stunning architecture of the museum itself, the pyramid (you can’t have your ceremony there, but you can take some photos afterwards), and the Arc de Triomphe is just a quick walk away.
The Best Time to Elope in Paris
When you plan your Paris elopement, you’ll need to set a date! Choosing the right time to tie the knot is important! Here is what you need to know about Paris throughout the year.
Summer Elopements in Paris
Summer is the most popular time to visit Paris, so there will be lots of crowds this time of year! All of the famous landmarks will be filled with tourists, so I recommend planning your ceremony for sunrise. But, the weather is gorgeous, with temperatures in the 70s during the day. This is perfect for exploring the neighborhoods and wandering around the city!
Fall Elopements in Paris
Fall is one of the best times to elope in Paris, as the weather is still nice, but there are fewer people around! September and October are still pretty warm, with highs ranging from the low 50s to high 60s. You’ll definitely need to bring a jacket, but this weather is great for exploring! You’ll love being able to get some of the views to yourselves! AND it’ll be easier to find some privacy for your ceremony.
Winter Elopements in Paris
Starting in November, the weather gets colder. Winters are chilly, but they usually aren’t freezing! So you can definitely still have a blast if you bring a warm jacket. It rarely snows in Paris, but December is really rainy. Winter can be a good time to elope in Paris if you want to enjoy a unique view of the city. There are a lot fewer people around! One thing to be aware of is that Fashion Week takes place at the end of February, so it’ll be much busier then.
Spring Elopements in Paris
Spring is another amazing time to elope in Paris. It’s typically warm enough for outdoor adventures, but not as popular with tourists as the summer! However, spring can be pretty rainy, especially in May. The rain showers are most common in the afternoons, but you’ll be rewarded with blooming flowers in the parks, which makes for an amazing backdrop for your Paris elopement!
How to Get Legally Married When You Elope in Paris
Paperwork isn’t super glamorous, but if you want to get legally married during your Paris elopement, you’ll need to do a little bit of it.
Getting legally married in France is really tricky if you aren’t a resident, so some couples decide to do the legal stuff at home. (This is usually easier than navigating international marriage laws, and allows you to spend your elopement focusing on having fun and enjoying the experience!) Don’t worry- if you can’t get legally married in France, it doesn’t mean you can’t still have your ceremony. It won’t feel any less special or meaningful, because paperwork isn’t what really matters in a marriage- it’s your vows and your commitment to each other that make it real.
To get married in Paris, at least one of you needs to live in Paris, in the area where the wedding will take place, for at least 40 consecutive days- 30 days before you can apply for a marriage license, and 10 days afterwards. You will need to prove residency, so unfortunately a long vacation won’t cut it! You need to truly live in Paris, and provide two documents – like electricity bills – that prove it.
If you can fulfill the residency requirement, you’ll also need these documents, translated into French and endorsed with an Apostille Stamp:
- A passport or a French resident permit
- Long form birth certificate
- Proof of identity and residence for your two witnesses
You’ll present all of these documents to get a marriage application, and you’ll need a celebrant and two witnesses for your ceremony. Then, afterwards, you’ll register your marriage and get a marriage certificate!
Paris Elopement Photography
If you’re ready to plan an incredible destination elopement in Paris, I’m here to help! As an elopement photographer who loves to travel, my job is to make sure your one-of-a-kind wedding day is stress free, and that you get married in a way that’s absolutely perfect for you. My Paris elopement offerings include planning assistance, and I’ll provide tips, recommendations, and more to ensure you have everything you need!
Contact me to start planning your Paris elopement, or to learn more about my Paris elopement offerings!
