5 Unique Places to Get Married in France

 

While Paris may be the city of love, France is full of other beautiful cities you might not have considered for your destination wedding. Destination weddings have gained popularity in the last decade for a variety of weddings, but ultimately—who wouldn’t want to toast to their love in a country known for vineyard views, incredible culinary experiences, and wedding celebrations that don’t end until morning? If we were planning a wedding abroad, here are the five places to get married in France that we might consider.

 

From incredible views of the Swiss Alps and lakeside valleys to quaint storefronts and bakeries, Chamonix is the picture of small-town French charm. Though it’s further from major airports, once your guests arrive, they’ll be staying right on the border of France, Switzerland, and Italy, making it easy to explore after the wedding weekend. Chamonix is known for world-class skiing in the winter and incredible hiking in the summer, making it a perfect wedding destination for adventurous couples. Even if that isn’t the case, everybody can find something to love about a quaint town filled with history and a summer sun that doesn’t set till 10 p.m.

 

 

Le Chalet Mont Blanc is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the Chamonix area. It can accommodate up to 40 overnight guests, and their picturesque terraces are perfect for intimate rehearsal dinners and vow ceremonies. This property is complete with acres of private mountain land as well as a waterfall only guests can access.

 

Take a high-speed train from Paris to Burgundy for a quiet countryside straight from your French daydreams. The Burgundy region produces—you guessed it—Burgundy wine, a dynamic and earthy blend that reflects the unique area where it’s produced. Only 3% of French wine comes from Burgundy, so you can assume that these bottles are in high demand. Burgundy was also once the wealthiest region in France, and now holds more chateaus than any other region in the country. Your guests will love exploring the bustling capital of Dijon, roaming the vineyards in Beaune, and soaking in all the historic gothic architecture and art.

 

 

In the heart of Burgundy, you’ll find the incredible Château de Varennes. This was named among the top ten best wedding venues in the world by CNN and has been owned by one family for over 400 years. Couples can expect a castle wedding of fairytale proportions, complete with luxury bedrooms, reception space for 250 people that has been maintained for peak historical charm, and rolling castle grounds and gardens for optimal outdoor celebrations.

 

You’ve likely heard of Nice before, but sometimes it’s hard to pick the perfect city for a wedding in the South of France. Nice is the biggest city in the region, which makes travel to and from the area pretty simple. Nice is also a good hub for getting to other areas of the French Riviera, like Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco. Nice is perfect for a wedding weekend because couples and guests have options, options, options. Choose to live in Riviera resort paradise, or indulge in ancient ruins and back alley boutiques. Or, of course, do a bit of both! As one of the most-visited cities in France, second only to Paris, Nice guarantees your fill of beauty, beach time, and quintessential French romance and allure.

 

 

For a wedding in the South of France, you cannot beat Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This French palace features nine gardens inspired by different cultures, beautiful tea rooms, and an unbelievable view of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the perfect balance of artistic, historic, and seaside bliss, conveniently located just between Nice and Monaco.

 

Enjoy the unique culture of northern France in Rouen. This medieval city is stacked with historical significance, especially because it’s in Normandy and near notable beaches that history buffs will want to visit. The River Seine runs right through the city, adding to the medieval ambience and idyllic sights that can only be found in quaint Rouen. This is also a convenient 2-hour trip from Paris, giving your guests options for how they spend their travel time.

 

 

Wedding venues in Rouen offer a variety of vibes. The Rouen Cathedral is one of most notable Gothic cathedrals in the world for its towering steeples and awe-inspiring interior. Couples who are hoping for a traditional church wedding with added French flair will want to consider the cathedral, but we also love Les Jardins d’Angélique for a secret-garden-inspired affair. Here, you’ll find mazes of gorgeous flowers and greenery to set the backdrop of an intimate wedding.

 

Lyon is known for fine cuisine and innovative gastronomy, making this a no-brainer destination wedding option. In fact, not only is it the culinary capital of France, it’s also noted world-wide as a center for culinary creativity. It goes without saying that couples who appreciate fabulous food will have a field day planning their wedding in Lyon. Beyond the culinary scene, Lyon is a perfect blend of historic and modern—complete with many UNESCO World Heritage sites—so you and your guests can expect to experience all the best of France in Lyon.

 

 

Invite up to 1,500 guests to your wedding at the Palais de la Bourse Lyon. Yes, you read that number right. There’s no better opportunity to throw the French soiree of your dreams than here at this historic monument located in the center of town. For a lower-key but extremely elegant ceremony, consider the Chateau de Corcelles, a 17th century castle on beautiful grounds in Lyon. You can invite a reasonable number of 130 guests and still execute a fairytale celebration.