Elopement in Paris: step-by-step planning guide
Paris, the City of Lights, is indeed an enchanting destination for couples seeking a romantic and intimate elopement. Moreover, with its iconic landmarks, charming streets, and timeless elegance, Paris offers a perfect backdrop for a personalized wedding experience. Furthermore, an elopement wedding in Paris allows you to escape the traditional wedding planning hustle and instead focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love in a setting that embodies romance and sophistication. Whether you dream of exchanging vows by the Seine, amidst the grandeur of historic monuments, or in a hidden garden, Paris provides a canvas of unforgettable experiences tailored just for you.
Frequently asked questions about elopement weddings
Cassia Thomas’s project, Elope in Fête, offers three elopement packages starting at €4,950. The packages include a ceremony orchestrated by an officiant, a symbolic marriage certificate, a custom ceremony script, a ceremony in a public place of your choice, a two-hour photography session, hair and makeup services, a bouquet and boutonniere, and a luxury car with a chauffeur for transportation and ceremony photos.
An elopement wedding is typically a symbolic ceremony. However, depending on your nationality, you may be able to combine a civil wedding with a symbolic ceremony.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is a favored location for weddings and elopements, thanks to its breathtaking views and romantic ambiance. Many couples opt to hold their ceremonies in nearby parks or gardens with the Eiffel Tower as a picturesque backdrop. However, if you plan to have a legally binding ceremony in France, it is crucial to ensure you meet the country’s legal marriage requirements.
Eloping in Paris can be relatively easy, especially if you’re opting for a symbolic ceremony. Hiring a local wedding planner, like Cassia Thomas, can simplify the process. They can assist with paperwork, venue selection, and arranging all the details to ensure your day goes smoothly. For ceremonies in public places, you may need permits or permission from local authorities, and the wedding planner can help with that as well. Paris offers stunning locations for an elopement wedding, including charming gardens, luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and historical monuments.
Foreigners can have a wedding in France, but this is typically limited to symbolic ceremonies. For a civil wedding, at least one of the spouses must have continuously resided in the same municipality in France for at least one month before the wedding date. This residency period starts from the publication date of the marriage banns. The civil marriage must then be validated in the spouses’ country of origin.
What is an Elopement Wedding?
In English, “elope” means to run away secretly to get married, often without the consent of parents or family, and typically with just the couple involved. It usually implies a spontaneous, intimate, and private wedding, often in a distant or romantic location.
The term refers to the act of marrying quickly and secretly, bypassing traditional or formal wedding arrangements.
Nowadays, an elopement wedding is a small, intimate wedding ceremony where the couple typically chooses to marry in a private or less traditional setting, often without the involvement of many guests.
Overall, an elopement wedding focuses on the couple’s connection and preferences, creating a memorable experience that aligns with their personal vision.
Why should you do an elopement wedding in Paris?
Eloping allows you to focus on the intimacy of your ceremony without the stress of planning a large event. You can enjoy a personal and meaningful experience with just the two of you or a few close loved ones.
- Read more: Wedding in Europe: why you should do it?
An elopement in Paris offers several compelling advantages, starting with its romantic atmosphere and iconic landmarks. The city is also home to many experienced wedding planners, photographers, and other vendors who specialize in creating beautiful elopement experiences.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to experience “l’art de vivre française,” or “the art of French living,” which emphasizes enjoying and savoring life’s pleasures with elegance and refinement. In Paris, you can indulge in exquisite gastronomy, appreciate the aesthetics of daily life, and immerse yourself in a rich and vibrant culture.
Does eloping save money?
Eloping can often be more cost-effective than a traditional wedding, though actual savings vary based on several factors. With fewer guests, you can save on costs for invitations, catering, seating, and other related expenses. Overall, elopements typically involve less planning and fewer logistics, which can reduce costs associated with venue rental, decorations, and entertainment. Choosing a symbolic ceremony in a public space or smaller venue can be cheaper than renting a large reception hall.
If you choose a destination wedding, you might save on local costs by hosting a smaller, more intimate event. However, travel and accommodation expenses for you and possibly a few guests can still add up.
Conversely, selecting a high-end destination, luxury services, or a highly personalized experience can increase costs. Ultimately, the savings from eloping depend on your specific choices and priorities.
Where to elope in Paris?
Paris offers many options for wedding venues. Therefore, here are some recommendations
Luxury Hotels: Experience a unique celebration in some of the world’s most outstanding hotels. Highly recommended options include Plaza Athénée, Le Grand Contrôle, and Le Meurice, among others.
Charming Gardens: Paris boasts several charming gardens that make for picturesque wedding venues, like Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg.
Historical Monuments: Choose to say “I do” in front of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.
Michelin-Starred Restaurants: If you and your beloved are interested in a memorable gastronomic experience, we can recommend the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris.
Read more:
- Paris wedding venues: top 11 luxury places to get married
- Catholic church wedding in France: how to organize it?
Is the elopement wedding a symbolic ceremony or a civil wedding?
An elopement wedding can be either a symbolic ceremony or a civil wedding. It depends on the couple’s preferences and legal requirements. For a civil wedding in France, one spouse must have lived in the same municipality for at least one month before. This residency period begins from the date the marriage banns are published. Afterward, the civil marriage must be officially recognized in the spouses’ home country.
Experiences to live in Paris in your elopement wedding
If you’re spending your honeymoon in Paris (or have a few extra days in the city), then you can savor some marvelous experiences in the City of Lights:
Private Boat Cruise: Firstly, enjoy a romantic Seine River cruise with unique views of Paris landmarks, perfect for a private celebration.
Customized French Experience: Then, immerse yourself in local culture with a personalized tour of Paris’s art galleries, historic sites, or unique neighborhoods led by a knowledgeable guide.
Spa Day: Indulge in a luxurious spa day with rejuvenating treatments, perfect for unwinding before or after your elopement.
Private Concert: Arrange a classical or jazz performance for an intimate and memorable experience.
French Pastry Tasting: Enjoy exquisite pastries and sweets from renowned patisseries, a delectable treat to share together.
Best wedding vendors for your elopement wedding in Paris
First, if you’re seeking reputable and well-known wedding vendors in Paris, start by finding a skilled wedding planner. Above all, they know the planning process and can connect you with the best professionals in the city. Talk to Cassia Thomas and start planning your elopement wedding now.
Wedding planner in Paris
Cassia Thomas is a wedding planner based in Paris, with a strong presence in Portugal, Greece, France, and Italy. She focuses on organizing weddings across Europe, managing each phase from inception to completion. With fluency in French, English, and Portuguese, Cassia ensures smooth coordination with local vendors. Certified as an Elite Wedding Planner by MSAcademy, she is dedicated to curating personalized and unforgettable wedding experiences.
Elope in Paris cost: wedding packages
Wedding planner Cassia Thomas launched Elope in Fête, dedicated to planning elopement weddings in Paris. Explore our packages, starting at €4,950.
