France remains one of the world’s most romantic destinations for an intimate wedding. Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows by the sea, in a cobbled alley or in the heart of a vineyard, the country offers an incomparable choice of authentic and elegant venues. Here are the best places for a small-scale wedding when you’re from abroad, and I’m here to organize it:
1. Paris: timeless elegance
For couples who dream of pure romance, Paris is the obvious choice. Its parks, bridges and buildings steeped in history create the perfect backdrop for an intimate ceremony.
Where to get married in Paris in a small group? The gardens of the Palais-Royal, the Parc Monceau, a private barge on the Seine, a Palace, a private terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
Why choose Paris? Because it’s the city of love, easily accessible, ideal for an elopement or a micro-wedding.
2. The Loire castles: a fairytale atmosphere
Just a few hours from Paris, the Loire Valley offers a royal atmosphere without the crowds. Numerous small châteaux can be privatized for just a few guests.The most beautiful venues for a small wedding: a manor house surrounded by formal gardens, a family chateau transformed into a guest house, the banks of the Loire for an outdoor ceremonyThe plus? The region’s gentle way of life and sumptuous settings on a human scale.
3. Provence: charm, sunshine and lavender
For a soft, warm atmosphere, head for the South. Provence is perfect for couples looking for a natural, luminous and authentic setting.
Ideal for : A ceremony under olive trees, dinner in a stone courtyard, a country wedding in a Provencal mas.
What do foreign couples look for here? The pleasant climate, local cuisine and postcard aesthetic.
4. The Atlantic coast: a wedding with your feet in the sand
Less well known than the Côte d’Azur, but much more accessible, the Atlantic coast appeals to couples looking for a simple, chic wedding.
Perfect locations for an intimate wedding: Les Sables-d’Olonne and its wild beaches, the little coves of the Basque country, the dunes of Charente-Maritime.
Why choose the Atlantic? For a relaxed, authentic atmosphere, with the ocean as a natural backdrop.
5. Alsace villages: a romantic film setting
Colorful houses, flower-filled lanes, vineyards as far as the eye can see… Alsace is a jewel for an intimate wedding.
Perfect for : Couples who want a picturesque setting, a winter wedding (magical with Christmas lights!), a ceremony in a small medieval courtyard or wine estate.
Key asset: A cosy atmosphere, ideal for very small weddings.
6. The Alps: a wedding with a spectacular view
For those who dream of a grandiose, natural ambience, the French mountains offer incomparable scenery.
Where to get married in a small group in the Alps? A private chalet, on the edge of a mountain lake, on a panoramic terrace facing the peaks
Why choose the mountains? For the peace and quiet, the beauty of the scenery and a sense of being “out of time”.
Conclusion:
Whether your style is chic, natural, urban or seaside, you’re bound to find a unique venue where you can say “I do” in privacy, while giving your loved ones an unforgettable memory.
If you’d like a selection of venues tailored to your group size, budget and desires, I’d be delighted to help!