The French Wedding Starter Kit

Your First-Class Guide to Planning a Luxury Destination Wedding in France

By Bonjour Weddings

🧭 Introduction: Your Dream Wedding, the French Way

Welcome to the beginning of something extraordinary.Whether you're picturing a candlelit château soirée, a sun-kissed garden ceremony in Provence, or a multi-day celebration by the Riviera, France offers a tapestry of unforgettable settings, flavors, and moments.

But where do you begin?

This guide is your curated introduction to planning a luxury destination wedding in France. Designed for discerning couples like you—dreamers, romantics, travelers, and aesthetes—it answers your first big questions and helps you lay a confident foundation.

Let’s make your vision real, together.

✨ Inside This Guide

• Why France? The 5 Reasons Luxury Couples Choose It

• Region Rundown: Match Your Style to the Right Part of France

• Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremonies: What You Need to Know

• What Things Really Cost: Sample Budgets Based on Your Vision

• The Golden Timeline: What Happens When

• Planning Etiquette: What Guests Expect (and Love)

• How to Work with a Local Planner (Like Us)

• Bonus: Destination Wedding Checklist + Guest Experience Tips

🇫🇷 Why France Is the Ultimate Luxury Wedding Destination

• Effortless elegance: France is the birthplace of style—why not begin your marriage with it?

• Diverse settings: From royal châteaux to vineyard villas to alpine retreats.

• World-class vendors: Designers, florists, chefs, and sommeliers who bring magic to the details.

• Built-in experiences: Your wedding becomes a once-in-a-lifetime trip for your guests.

• A love of celebration: The French do romance, hospitality, and gastronomy like no one else.

🗺 Which Region Is Right for You?

Each part of France has its own flavor. Here's a quick peek at what each region offers:

Paris

Iconic elegance, historic glamour, and the ultimate city backdrop.

Provence

Sun-drenched charm, olive trees, lavender fields, and outdoor dining at long tables.

The Loire Valley

Fairy-tale châteaux, manicured gardens, and a regal, timeless feel.

The Riviera

Seaside luxury, old-Hollywood glamour, and vibrant nightlife.

The French Alps

A hidden gem for intimate, nature-filled celebrations in breathtaking scenery.

(You'll find a link to your ideal region’s detailed guide at the end of this guide.)

💍 Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremonies in France

France is one of the most beautiful countries to marry in—but not always the easiest for legal ceremonies. Here’s what you need to know:

Most international couples choose a symbolic ceremony in France (and legally marry in their home country). This means more freedom in your location, schedule, and personalization—while still enjoying the full magic of a wedding day.

💸 What Things Really Cost

We believe in transparency and intentional investment. Here are realistic ranges for luxury weddings in France, based on guest count and aesthetic:

Guest Count	Budget Range	Notes
Up to 50	€40,000–€90,000	Intimate yet elevated, often château rentals or estates
50–100	€100,000–€200,000	Multi-day, refined experiences with layered design
100+	€200,000+	Full-scale events with immersive guest entertainment

These are all-inclusive estimates (venue, food, design, planning, etc.)

⏳ Your Golden Wedding Planning Timeline

A quick overview for destination weddings in France:

12–16 months before

• Secure your planner

• Choose region + venue

• Confirm guest count and date

9–12 months before

• Book key vendors

• Send Save the Dates

• Begin design phase

6–9 months before

• Plan guest travel/accommodation options

• Finalize timeline and menu

• Send invitations

2–4 months before

• Confirm all logistics

• Plan welcome/destination events

• Final fitting + beauty timeline

1 week before

• Arrive in France

• Welcome your guests

• Celebrate your love

🎩 Planning Etiquette & Elevated Guest Experience

You’re not just planning a wedding—you’re inviting your guests on an experience. Here are things luxury guests often expect:

• Travel guidance (flights, transfers, accommodation blocks)

• Welcome gifts or handwritten notes

• A welcome event & recovery brunch

• Thoughtful touches (water stations, shade, fans, comfort amenities)

• Well-paced schedules and clear communication

The result? A celebration that feels seamless, personal, and joyful from start to finish.

🤝 Working with a Local Luxury Planner

Bonjour Weddings is a boutique agency working with a limited number of couples per year to create bespoke, high-touch destination weddings in France.

We act as your translator, designer, advocate, and confidante—navigating language, culture, logistics, and expectations so you don’t have to. You bring the vision. We bring the 700+ hours it takes to make it sing.

Want to chat about your project? [Inquire here →]

✅ BONUS: Your Planning Checklist

✔ Define your guest list

✔ Choose your region + ideal season

✔ Hire a planner

✔ Explore venue types

✔ Set your budget & priorities

✔ Consider travel logistics

✔ Think about ceremony type (symbolic or legal)

✔ Make a Pinterest board

✔ Begin dreaming

✉️ Final Note

We know this is more than a party. It’s a milestone, a shared story, a legacy in the making. You deserve a wedding that feels like you—beautiful, intentional, and unforgettable.

Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to help bring it to life.

Célia

Founder & Lead Planner, Bonjour Weddings

[bonjourweddings.com] | [Instagram] | [Contact]

Next Steps

• 📍 View your personalized regional guide [Link]

• 💬 Ready to chat? Let’s connect → [Inquire Now]

• 🧠 Prefer to explore more? Visit the [Bonjour Weddings Blog] for inspiration