How Much Does a Destination Wedding in France Cost?
France is a dream destination for couples planning a wedding abroad. From the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera and the aromatic lavender fields of Provence to the grand French chateaus that grace the countryside, the country offers many breathtaking venues. And, of course, any celebration in France can easily include a romantic honeymoon to Paris.
In the spring of 2024, we celebrated our wedding in Provence the South of France. Continue reading to discover the true cost of a destination wedding in France.
Why France is the Perfect Wedding Destination
France’s blend of romance, beauty, culture, and elegance makes it the ideal destination for a wedding. Its scenic beauty, world-class cuisine, romantic atmosphere, historic venues, accessibility, professional wedding services, and cultural richness explain why so many couples select France for their wedding.
France can also cater to almost every wedding budget. On the one hand, France is synonymous with luxury and sophistication. For couples seeking a high-end wedding experience, the country offers opulent chateaus, five-star hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants. On the other, there are also wedding venues suitable for those who want to celebrate on a smaller scale or budget.
Last, France is a great honeymoon destination. Combining your wedding with a honeymoon in France is a natural choice. France offers endless possibilities for a memorable honeymoon that range from exploring the romantic streets of Paris to relaxing on the beaches of the French Riviera or touring the wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy.
Personal Experience: Our Wedding in the South of France
We celebrated our wedding in the South of France in May 2024 and are incredibly happy with our choice. As with any wedding, the planning was not always easy, but for us and our guests, the wedding created life-long memories.
Read more about our wedding, how much it cost, and our challenges in the planning here.
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue
Choosing the perfect wedding venue in France involves considering the charm of each region.
The French Riviera‘s glamorous coastal allure and Mediterranean views,offer a sophisticated backdrop for beachside or luxury celebrations.
Provence, known for its rustic elegance, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes, provides an idyllic setting with rolling vineyards and lavender fields, ideal for a romantic, countryside wedding.
In contrast, the French countryside and Loire Valley boast majestic châteaux and historic estates, perfect for a fairytale-like celebration amidst grand architecture and serene landscapes.
Lastly, Paris, the epitome of romance and sophistication, presents an urban setting with its elegant venues and iconic landmarks, making it a dream location for a stylish and unforgettable city wedding.
Breaking Down Wedding Costs in France
Breaking Down the Costs of a Destination Wedding in France
How much is a destination wedding in France? All-in, a destination wedding in France can range from US$25,000 to US$100,000 or more. It all depends on your choice of venue, services, and guest count.
Let’s break down the costs to get a better understanding.
1. Wedding Venue Rental Fees
Your biggest expense is most likely to be venue rental fees. These vary widely depending on the location, type of venue and event duration (single-day vs multi-day wedding).
For example, a chateau in the French countryside or a beachfront property on the French Riviera can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more for a single day.
Parisian venues, particularly those with iconic views or historical significance, can command even higher prices, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. These fees typically include the use of the space and sometimes basic amenities, but additional costs may apply for extra services or longer rental periods.
On the other hand, countryside houses or smaller chateaus can be as affordable as $8,000 for three days, including onsite accommodation.
Here are two rules of thumb:
1. Wedding venues further away from major cities or airports (such as Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, Aix-en-Provence) are generally more affordable.
2. Wedding venues with onsite accommodation are typically more affordable when compared to a combination of venue and hotel.
In short: If not overspending on your venue is important to you, cast your net wider and look for venues with onsite accommodation.
2. Catering and Beverage Costs
A typical wedding in France includes:
1. Post-ceremony cocktails and finger food,
2. The wedding dinner (a 3- or 4-course meal),
3. The wedding cake,
4. Midnight snacks,
5. A wedding brunch on the next day.
Catering is a major expense. Costs, not including alcoholic beverages, generally range from $90 to $250 per person, depending on the menu and level of service.
A formal sit-down dinner with multiple courses, fine wines, and premium options will be on the higher end of this range. Beverages, including wine, champagne, and cocktails, can add $20 to $50 per guest.
Some venues may include catering in their rental fees, but often it’s a separate expense managed through external caterers
3. Photography and Videography
Expect to spend $2,000 to $8,000 on photography and videography.
The cost varies based on the experience of the photographer or videographer, the duration of coverage, and the final products (such as albums or highlight reels). High-end services or well-known professionals in Paris or luxury venues might be at the higher end of this range.
4. Floral Arrangements and Decor
Floral arrangements and decor can significantly impact your budget, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.
This includes everything from bouquets and centerpieces to ceremony and reception decorations. The complexity and size of the floral arrangements, as well as the use of exotic flowers or high-end decor items, will influence the total expense.
Custom-designed decor for high-profile venues or specific themes may also add to the cost.
5. Entertainment and Music
Entertainment costs, including live bands, DJs, or other performers, generally range from $2,000 to $6,000 or more.
The final cost depends on the type of entertainment (DJ only; DJ plus saxophone or vocal support; live band; etc.), the duration of the performance, and the experience of the artists.
High-profile musicians or bands, especially those in Paris, can command higher fees.
6. Transportation and Accommodation
Travel expenses for guests and accommodation can be a significant part of the overall budget.
For guests traveling from abroad, flights, transfers, and lodging costs can vary widely. Providing group rates or blocks of rooms at nearby hotels can help manage these expenses.
Additionally, transportation for the wedding party and guests, such as shuttles or rental cars, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the distance and size of the group.
Choosing a wedding venue with onsite accommodation can dramatically simplify the logistics (and reduce the cost) of your wedding day.
7. Additional Costs
Not included in this overview are other expenses such as wedding attire, wedding planner services, and pre-wedding events like rehearsal dinners.
Expert Tip: To keep track of your wedding budget and costs, we recommend using this wedding budget template.
Cost-Saving Tips
There are a few simple ways to save costs without impacting the overall experience of your wedding.
For example, avoid booking wedding venues during the French summer holidays, when rental fees are higher due to the higher demand.
Finding local vendors from nearby towns can also have a big impact on your budget.
For more cost-saving tips, visit our blog post here.
Real-Life Examples
For real-life examples of destination weddings in France or Italy, and detailed cost breakdowns, visit our blog posts here. We cover everything from budget-friendly mini-weddings to large-scale luxury weddings.
You can also browse our database of wedding venues and compare prices, capacity, and onsite accommodation.
Is a Destination Wedding in France Worth It?
Deciding whether a destination wedding in France is worth it ultimately depends on your priorities and budget.
For many couples, the allure of celebrating their love in one of the world’s most romantic and picturesque countries is an irresistible dream come true. The unparalleled beauty of French venues, the rich cultural and historical backdrop, and the opportunity to treat guests to an unforgettable experience all contribute to making it a worthwhile investment. While the costs can be significant, the unique and magical memories created justify the expense.
A destination wedding in France offers more than just a beautiful venue; it provides an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. From enjoying exquisite French cuisine and wines to exploring iconic landmarks and charming villages, the true experience extends beyond the wedding day itself.
For those who value these experiences and seek a truly exceptional and romantic celebration, a destination wedding in France is undoubtedly worth considering.