Today, I’d like to talk about a growing trend in the wedding world: elopement weddings in France. For those unfamiliar with the term, an elopement is an intimate and discreet wedding, often organized abroad, without family or close friends. More and more couples are choosing this option, and France has become a destination of choice.
But modern elopement is more than just a secret wedding. It’s a conscious decision to get married in a more personal way—one that truly reflects the couple’s personality and values.
In a modern elopement, couples often choose a unique and meaningful location, either a place tied to shared memories or one that holds special significance for them. They opt for more relaxed outfits that reflect their lifestyle and identity. Ceremonies are usually simple and intimate, with very few guests. Couples may choose not to have bridesmaids or groomsmen, and to skip traditional rituals such as speeches, cake cutting, or bouquet tossing.
Modern elopement is also often linked to a more eco-conscious approach to marriage. Couples may choose to marry in nature, without generating unnecessary waste or pollution. They can also opt for more sustainable catering options, such as vegetarian or locally sourced meals. As you may already know, ecology is an integral part of my approach as a photographer.
In this article, I’ll explain the pros and cons of elopement weddings in France and share some ideas for locations where you can plan your elopement.
The advantages of an elopement wedding in France
It’s true that in France, we often struggle to step outside traditional norms—especially when it comes to weddings. There’s often a little voice telling us that if we do things differently, we’ll face criticism: unhappy family members, comments, and unnecessary stress. Still, there are many benefits to choosing a different path. And since this is your wedding—not your aunt’s or your uncle’s—it’s essential that the day truly reflects who you are.
You save money
Traditional weddings in France are often expensive. Between venue rental, catering, decoration, and all the extras, budgets can quickly spiral out of control. With an elopement, you can save money and invest more in other aspects of your wedding—like a dream honeymoon.
France has a favorable climate
Overall, France enjoys an excellent climate, making it possible to plan beautiful weddings throughout the year across the country. While northern regions experience more rainfall, summers are still warm and sunny. Winter is also an ideal season for an elopement in the Alps, offering breathtaking snowy mountain landscapes.
Simplifying the organization of your day
Planning a traditional wedding can be stressful and time-consuming. With an elopement, you don’t have to worry about all the small logistical details. You can focus entirely on yourselves and your love.
An intimate and personal ceremony
Elopement allows you to fully personalize your wedding. You can choose a unique and intimate location that perfectly reflects your relationship. You may also work with a specialized celebrant such as Solange from Ma Petite Cérémonie or Thaïs from Thaïs Cérémonie Laïque, who can guide you through the process.
The disadvantages of an elopement wedding in France
In my opinion, elopement comes with very few downsides—I got married this way myself. I’ll share my full experience in a future article. If you’d like a preview, you can read it on the blog Une Fugue Amoureuse. Still, here are the main drawbacks to consider before making your decision.
Not having family and friends present
The main disadvantage of elopement is not being able to share the moment with all your loved ones. If this is very important to you, elopement may not be the best option. An intimate wedding might be a better compromise.
Planning from a distance
Organizing an elopement in France from afar can be challenging. You may need to trust vendors you haven’t met in person.
7 stunning locations in France for your elopement
Now that you know the pros and cons, here are some inspiring locations where you can plan your elopement in France:
- Cliffs of Étretat – dramatic and breathtaking scenery
- Verdon Gorge – a romantic setting beside a turquoise lake
- Colorado Alsacien or Colorado Provençal – for a U.S.-inspired landscape
- Calanques of Marseille – a seaside elopement in a stunning natural setting
- Mont-Saint-Michel – a unique wedding at a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Bordeaux vineyards – a countryside wedding among the vines
- French Alps – countless spectacular spots for an intimate ceremony in nature
France offers endless possibilities for a meaningful and unforgettable elopement.
So, are you tempted by elopement for your wedding?
Elopement is an increasingly popular alternative for couples who wish to get married in an intimate, small-scale setting. This trend is driven by many advantages, such as the freedom to choose the location and timing of the ceremony, the ability to personalize the wedding to reflect who you are, and lower costs compared to a traditional wedding. In addition, France offers a wide range of romantic and prestigious locations to create an unforgettable elopement. As a professional photographer, I’m delighted to support couples on this journey and capture their moments of love and connection.
Contact me to tell me about your elopement project. I would be happy to guide you through the entire planning process and help you create the elopement of your dreams in France.
To learn more about elopement, you can visit this page on Zankyou.
