The Ultimate Guide to Your Dream Parisian Elopement

The Location Edition

Paris is a magical city that oozes culture and romance from the Haussmann buildings, to the elegant gardens, to charming cafés on every corner — and that’s just scratching the surface. It’s the perfect city to celebrate your elopement.

The big question: can you get married in France if you aren’t French?

Broadly, the answer is yes, but really the answer is: it’s complicated. The major issue is that to get married in France, one of the partners has to live in France for at least 30 days (unless you have a French parent living in France, and then you can skip the 30 day requirement). After the month long residency, you can put in the marriage application at your local Mairie (town hall) at least ten days before the legal ceremony.

Not impossible, but absolutely includes some hoops to jump through. If you want to go that route, here are French resources to check as requirements can change.

The Good News

You can have a civil service in your country of origin/residence and then plan the celebration of your dreams in Paris. It can be anything from a traditional service with an officiant to an intimate celebration with just your partner where you share vows in an iconic location of your choice.

LOCATIONS

Part of why Paris such a magical place to elope, and one of my favorite places to take pictures, is that it is so gorgeous. Paris offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to choosing where to have your photoshoot and exchange vows. Here are just a few of my favorite spots that really hit home the romance of your event and of Paris.

Tuileries Garden

These gardens ooze Parisian charm. They are full of flowers and have lawns where you can picnic or chairs to lounge in. This is an ideal spot throughout the day where even on the busiest of weekends you can find some place for pictures. This is one of my favorite places in Paris.

Palais Royal

Originally built by a cardinal and then given to the royal family, this location has Buren’s Columns the art installment of different leveled columns that make a stark, modern statement with clear references to the past. Just next to the columns, we can head to the Palais Royal gardens, which offer an intimate green space.

Along the Seine

Paris did not neglect her bridges, and from the walkway along the Seine you can experience the trifecta of privacy, views, and a quintessential Parisian experience. This picture is looking out at the Louvre from across the Seine, which is one of my preferred locations. I’d also recommend near Pont Neuf or Pont Alexandre III, which can also include taking some pictures on the bridge first.

Eiffel Tower Views

It’s hard to imagine iconic Paris without the Eiffel Tower. There are tons of locations that can give you a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and incorporate either gardens, stairs, or the Seine walkway. These locations especially can get busy, and for the best experience and best light, I recommend a sunrise photo session.

About the Author: Hi! I’m Kam Davis - an American film and digital photographer based in Paris, France.

Eloping or want an engagement shoot? Check out my work and inquire here for my availability.