Getting married in Paris is truly a dream come true! The city offers stunning venues and top-notch professionals to ensure your big day is unforgettable – not to mention the breathtaking backdrops perfect for wedding photos. If you’re wondering what is the wedding cost in Paris, this article will provide key insights to help you start planning your celebration today.
Most frequently asked questions about the cost of weddings in Paris
The cost of a wedding in Paris can vary widely based on several factors, including the size of the wedding, the choice of venue, services required, and personal preferences. A small, intimate wedding in Paris might start around €20,000 (up to 10 guests). When it comes to larger, more luxurious weddings, the starting point often begins around €40,000, with no true upper limit—the possibilities are endless, allowing couples to dream as big as they desire.
Getting married at the Eiffel Tower can be a dream come true, but it comes with a unique set of costs. To hold a private ceremony at the Eiffel Tower, fees can range from €20,000 to €50,000 depending on the time of day, the area used, and whether you want exclusivity. If you plan a ceremony in a public area (like the Trocadéro Gardens), you typically won’t have to pay a rental fee, but you may need to secure necessary permits. A wedding at the Eiffel Tower can start around €20,000for a simple ceremony and can go upwards of €100,000 for a more luxurious experience with all the extras. It’s essential to budget carefully and consult with local vendors for precise pricing.
Most couples have a simple civil ceremony in their hometown, followed by a symbolic ceremony in Paris to experience the city and create beautiful wedding memories. To have a civil wedding in France, at least one of the spouses must be a resident of the country. If you wish, that are other countries in Europe that allow foreigners to have a civil wedding.
The most expensive places to get married in Paris typically include luxury hotels, prestigious châteaux, and iconic venues that offer exclusive experiences. Here are some of the top contenders: The Ritz Paris, Le Meurice, Shangri-La Hotel, and Palais Garnier (Opéra de Paris). Couples should expect to budget significantly for these prestigious locations, with total costs often exceeding €100,000when accounting for catering, decorations, and other services.
Wedding planner in Paris: how much does it cost?
Cassia Thomas, a luxury wedding planner in Paris, offers wedding planning services starting at €7,250. These services include:
- Budget management
- Complete wedding project design
- Scheduling and real-time payment monitoring to support informed decision-making
- Demonstration and assistance with the secure 24/7 platform
- Progress tracking of your project and tasks assigned to you
- Seamless communication via Zoom, WhatsApp, phone, SMS, and email
- Careful pre-selection of vendors, including caterers, private chefs, beverage suppliers, floral designers, cake designers, stationers, photographers, videographers, DJs, violinists, and bands
- Scenography and design concepts: invitations, table stationery (menus, place cards, table names), creative table layout suggestions, and selection of table linens and furniture
- Full coordination on the wedding day
- Post-event organization, including teardown and return of equipment and materials.
Read more: Wedding planner in Paris: how to find the best professional?
Wedding venue rental cost
The cost of renting a wedding venue in Paris varies greatly depending on the location, type of venue, guest capacity, and included services. For luxury venues such as châteaux, historic mansions, or exclusive hotels, prices range from €10,000 to €50,000 or more. This often includes exclusive use of the venue for the entire day or weekend, with access to gardens, salons, and bridal suites. Some venues may also offer catering, staff, and coordination, while others charge for these services separately.
Read more: Paris wedding venues: top 11 luxury places to get married
Typical Costs for Church Weddings in Paris
If you choose to have a Catholic wedding in Paris, it’s important to consider the associated costs related to the church. While many churches in Paris do not charge a fixed rental fee for weddings, some may request a donation that typically starts at €500, depending on the church’s prestige and location.
For example, at Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its stunning stained glass, fees can range from €2,000 to €4,000 or more. The historic Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés may have a donation requirement of approximately €500 to €1,000, while at Sacre-Cœur Basilica, fees typically range from €300 to €1,000.
Additionally, if you are having a priest or officiant perform the ceremony, there may be extra fees involved, usually between €150 and €500.
Catering & beverages
For high-end or luxury catering in Paris, you can expect to spend between €190 and €630+ per person. This typically includes customized gourmet menus crafted by renowned chefs, often featuring premium ingredients such as truffles and lobster. Services in this category may also include multi-course meals, luxury wine pairings, and personalized food stations.
For beverages, mid-range packages typically range from €50 to €100 per person. However, if you’re looking for an open bar, costs will likely start at €100 to €200+ per person. This option allows you to offer unlimited alcohol throughout the event, including champagne, wine, cocktails, and top-shelf spirits, and may also feature signature cocktails or custom drink menus.
Photographers and videographers
The cost of wedding photographers and videographers varies significantly depending on location, experience, and package options. If you’re seeking highly experienced or internationally renowned photographers or videographers, you should budget between €4,000 and €20,000 or more.
Make-up artists and hair stylists’ prices
The cost of hiring a makeup artist and hairstylist for a bride in Paris can vary depending on the artist’s experience, reputation, and the services provided. A basic package, without a trial session, may start at around €300. However, for more exclusive services, high-end professionals typically charge between €1,200 and €2,500 or more. These luxury services often include multiple trial sessions, on-site touch-ups, and highly personalized attention.
DJ, musicians and orchestra
The cost of booking DJs, live musicians, or orchestras for weddings in Paris can vary. It depends on factors such as the performers’ expertise, the duration of the event, and the desired style of music or entertainment.
Entry-level DJs, who provide 3 to 5 hours of music along with basic sound equipment and lighting, typically start at around €1,000. In contrast, high-profile DJs, known for their work at luxury weddings and high-end events, generally charge between €3,000 and €6,000 or more.
For solo musicians, prices range from €400 to €1,200 per musician for 1-2 hours. This might include professionals such as violinists, guitarists, harpists, or pianists. Small ensembles or duos, like string duos or jazz duos, usually cost between €800 and €3,000.
Live bands can range from €1,500 to €15,000 or more. It depends on their reputation, the number of musicians, and their level of expertise. If you’re considering an orchestra for your wedding, expect to pay between €5,000 and €25,000 or more.
Keep in mind that some DJs or musicians may charge extra for specialized lighting, sound systems, or custom performances.
Wedding florists
The cost of a florist for weddings in Paris can vary widely. It depends on factors such as the scale of the event, the types of flowers used, and the complexity of the floral arrangements. For larger weddings with elaborate setups and luxury flowers may range from €5,000 to €25,000. Custom designs, seasonal flowers, and additional services like delivery, setup, and teardown can also affect the final price.
Accommodation in Paris
Hotels such as The Ritz Paris, Le Meurice, and Shangri-La offer exquisite luxury and personalized services for wedding guests. Suites and premium rooms typically range from €1,500 to over €10,000 per night, especially in these iconic establishments.
Boutique guesthouses (chambres d’hôtes) are also a charming option. They provide smaller, more intimate accommodations that are common in Paris and its surrounding areas. Prices for these guesthouses usually range from €150 to €350 per night.
Many hotels offer group rates for wedding parties, particularly if you’re booking a block of rooms. Discounts can vary from 10% to 20%, depending on the number of rooms reserved.
For luxury weddings, some couples choose to rent an entire boutique hotel or château for the weekend. Costs usually range from €10,000 to over €50,000, depending on the size and exclusivity of the venue.
By booking in advance and collaborating with hotels or accommodations that specialize in weddings, you may be able to negotiate better rates or secure additional perks for your guests.
Wedding stationery
Regarding wedding stationery, couples can find options ranging from €1,000 to €5,000 in total.
Peak Season Pricing
Please note that from May to September, which is the peak wedding season in Europe, costs may rise by 10-20%. For hotels, prices often increase by 20-30%.
