France Destination Wedding Guide

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in France.

Weddings in France: What You Need To Know

France is a country that is beloved by many people around the world.

It is no surprise, then, that so many couples choose to have their destination wedding in France.

There are many reasons why France is such a popular choice for destination weddings.

The country has a rich history and culture, and its picturesque countryside is dotted with charming villages and beautiful buildings.

From the picturesque villages of Provence to the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera, there are endless possibilities for an unforgettable wedding.

In addition, France offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious chateaus to more modest country cottages.

And of course, the food and wine in France are second to none.

Whether you are looking for an intimate ceremony or a lavish affair, France is sure to have everything you need for your perfect destination wedding.

So, start planning your dream destination wedding today, and bon voyage!

But first: you need to know where in the world France is…

Where is France?

France is located in northwestern Europe, and it also includes the island of Corsica. It borders Belgium and Luxembourg in the northeast, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy in the east, and the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra in the south. It has an extensive coastline on the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Overseas France consists of 13 French-administered territories outside Europe, but only 5 have exactly the same administrative status as the metropolitan regions: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Réunion.

Area: 210,017 sq mi (543,941 sq km), Population: (2022 est.) 65,823,000, Capital: Paris.

France Facts To Know:

  • Language: French
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Nice (NCE), Lyon Saint Exupéry (LYS)
  • Official Tourism Website:https://www.france.fr/en
  • Driving side: Right

Below you will find some more useful information about visiting France for your special day:

4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in France

Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!

But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in France:

1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests

Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in France or closer to home.

You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:

2. Decide on a budget

When it comes to having a French wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.

But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.

Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:

3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget

No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.

Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in France:

4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details

A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.

Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in France

France Weddings: Key Information

Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.

To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in France:

  • What is the average cost of a wedding in France?
  • What are the marriage requirements for France?
  • What is the weather like in France?
  • What should you pack for a trip to France?
  • What things are there to do in France?
  • What are the best French wedding venues?

Read on to find out more:

How Much Does a Wedding in France Cost?

Civil wedding ceremony in France costs around €95 in administration fees.

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in France

When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • A Valid Passport or a French resident permit.
  • Long form Birth Certificate issued not longer than 3 months before the date of applying for your wedding.
  • Certificat de Celibat: This is a document stating that you are not married and may be sworn before a Consular officer at your Embassy in France. This document can’t be more than 3 months old. If this certificate does not exist under your country’s law, you will need to seek an official attestation from your Consulate to prove it.
  • Certificat de Coutume: (Certificate of Custom Law): The Certificate de Coutume certifies that you are both free to marry and your marriage will be recognised in your country of residence.
  • Proof of Domicile (Justificatifs de Domicile): You need to show proof of residence in the form of 2 documents such as gas and electricity bills.
  • Prenuptial agreement (Certificat du Notaire): If you will have a prenuptial agreement this must be presented to the Mairie.
  • Statement of Identity and residence of two witnesses.
  • If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
  • Name change document – generally all names on all documents need to match (including your parents’ names), otherwise proof of name change needs to be shown.

Other legal requirements are:

  • It will take 4-6 weeks to complete your application, so it is advisable to apply as soon as you can and to be flexible with dates.
  • Take note that only civil marriages are legally binding in France.
  • Civil ceremonies can only take place in the Mairie (Town Hall).
  • The language of the ceremony will be French. If any of you does not speak French well, a translator should be present. In most cases, it is not required that they be a certified professional.
  • At least one of the individuals who will be getting married is required to have been a permanent resident of France for a period of at least 40 days prior to the wedding. This ought to take place in the same location as the wedding ceremony itself.
  • All documentation must be original and endorsed with an Apostille Stamp. Any documentation that is not in French must be accompanied by official translations translated by an agency verified by the French Consulate.

You will be given a family record document (also known as a livret de famille) after the ceremony, unless you already own one.

This document contains a copy of your marriage certificate (l’acte de mariage) and serves as a continuing record of all events that are connected to the marriage (such as births, adoptions, deaths, and divorces).

You need to make a separate inquiry in order to get a separate copy of the certificate as well as any extra copies you may desire.

If you have your heart set on getting married in France but are unable to meet the residence requirements, we advise you ‘secretly’ get married in your home country and then have a Wedding Blessing or so called Humanist wedding ceremony in France.

What Is The Weather Like in France?

Late spring, namely the period from the middle of May to the middle of June, and early fall (the month of September) are considered to be the ideal periods to visit Paris.  The summertime, from around the middle of June through the end of August, is another nice time to travel, although it may become rather warm. In general, this is true for all of France’s inland areas.

The greatest time to go to Brittany, Normandy, and the coastal regions along the Atlantic is during the summer months June to August.

The best times to visit the Mediterranean are spring and fall, especially May, June, and the first half of September. In the second half, the temperature is still pleasant, but the rains may become abundant. However, the heat is often tolerable in the middle of summer (July to August), at least around the coastlines, thanks to the sea breezes.

If you want to go on a beach vacation, the Mediterranean Sea is a better choice than the Atlantic Ocean. This is because the temperatures of the sea and the air are higher in the Mediterranean region, and the sun shines more regularly. The best months to go for a beach vacation to the Mediterranean are July and August. On the Atlantic side, the west coast, particularly from La Rochelle to the south, is far more appealing than the north.

The months of February and March are ideal for going on a ski vacation since the days are much longer during these two months than they are during the months of December and January. There are also ski resorts located at high elevations that remain open for skiing during the summer months.

Even though there is a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon during the summer, this is a great time of year to go hiking in the mountains.

What should you pack for your trip?

In the winter, remember to pack warm clothes, a sweater, a coat, a raincoat, or an umbrella. For the north-central, eastern region, as well as the mountains, bring a scarf, hat, and gloves.

During the summer, while traveling to Brittany and Normandy, you should take clothing appropriate for the spring and fall seasons. Bring a T-shirt for the hot days, but also a jacket, a raincoat, and an umbrella.

In the rest of the country, you should wear light clothes, but also bring long pants, a jacket, and a sweater for the evening and cooler days, as well as a raincoat or umbrella.

When you’re in the mountains, you’ll want to bring along some hiking boots, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and a jacket for the evenings.

France Weather By Month

Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit France:

Average Temperatures in France

The table below shows the average temperatures in France each month:

Month Min (°C) Max (°C) Mean (°C) Min (°F) Max (°F) Mean (°F)
January 1.7 7.6 4.6 35 46 40.3
February 1.6 8.8 5.2 35 48 41.4
March 3.8 12.8 8.3 39 55 47
April 6 16.6 11.3 43 62 52.3
May 9.6 20.3 14.9 49 69 58.9
June 12.8 23.7 18.2 55 75 64.8
July 14.7 26.3 20.5 58 79 68.9
August 14.4 26.1 20.2 58 79 68.4
September 11.2 21.8 16.5 52 71 61.7
October 8.2 16.7 12.4 47 62 54.3
November 4.6 11.2 7.9 40 52 46.3
December 2.2 8.1 5.2 36 47 41.3
Year 7.6 16.7 12.15 45.7 62.1 54

Average Rainfall in France

The table below shows the average rainfall in France each month:

Month Millimeters Inches Days
January 50 2 10
February 40 1.6 9
March 50 2 10
April 50 2 9
May 65 2.6 10
June 50 2 9
July 60 2.4 8
August 55 2.2 7
September 50 2 8
October 60 2.4 9
November 50 2 10
December 60 2.4 11
Year 640 25.2 110

Sunshine Hours in France

The table below shows the average sunshine hours in France each month:

Month Average Total
January 2 60
February 3 80
March 4 130
April 5.5 165
May 6.5 195
June 6.5 200
July 7 210
August 7 210
September 5.5 170
October 4 120
November 2.5 70
December 1.5 50
Year 4.6 1660

Sea Temperatures in France

The table below shows the average sea temperatures in France each month:

Month Celsius (°C) Fahrenheit (°F)
January 13 55
February 13 55
March 13 55
April 14 57
May 16 61
June 18 64
July 21 70
August 22 72
September 21 70
October 18 64
November 16 61
December 14 57
Year 16.6 61.9

What To Wear in France? (Packing Tips)

It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.

We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in France so that you can make the most of your time there.

  • Sunscreen: The French Riviera is known for its sunny weather.
  • Hat and sunglasses: A hat and sunglasses will help you in the hot French sunshine.
  • Beachwear: Pack your bathing suit – France is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
  • Rain coat: Don’t forget to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella, as even the south of France can experience occasional showers.
  • Pack clothes that can be layered – the weather in France can be unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for everything from warm days to chilly nights.
  • Comfortable shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of exploring.
  • Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
  • Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
  • Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
  • First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
  • Last but not least, be sure to pack your sense of adventure and savor every moment! With its stunning landscapes and rich culture, France is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Things to Do in France

There are many different things to do in France, no matter what time of year you visit.

Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:

Best France Wedding Venues & Hotels

With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in France?

Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:

Wedding Venues in France

  • Rodin Museum in Paris
  • Château de Versailles
  • Four Seasons Hotel, George V in Paris
  • Hotel Le Le Meurice in Paris
  • Bastide de Gordes in Provence
  • Domaine de Grimaldi in Provence
  • Bastide Saint Julien in Provence
  • Château Castellaras on French Riviera
  • Château Lacanaud in Dordogne
  • Chateau Challain in Loire Valley
  • Domaine de Murtoli in Corsica

Hotels in France

  • La Planque Hotel – Paris
  • Chouchou Hotel – Paris
  • Luxueux 3 pièces 80m2 – Coin bureau – 2mn Beach Croisette – Cannes
  • Villa Alexandra by Sweet Inn – Cannes
  • Les Appartements du Vieux Port – Marseille
  • Casa Ammirati Apartments – Marseille
  • Place aux huiles – Marseille
  • Hotel De Verdun 1882 – Lyon
  • Hôtel de l’Abbaye – Lyon
Check out the full list here: 60+ Wedding Destination around the World

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