The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Paris Elopement (2026)
Paris has long been one of the world’s most romantic cities, and eloping here is a dream for couples who want an intimate, unforgettable wedding experience. With charming cobblestone streets, iconic landmarks, and endless corners of magic at every turn, Paris sets the stage for elopements that feel personal and timeless.
I’m Ian Holmes, a Paris-based photographer who has spent close to two decades capturing intimate weddings and elopements throughout the city and across France. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect Paris elopement — from logistics to locations, vendors, and practical tips that ensure your day is stress-free and beautiful.
Can You Legally Get Married in Paris?
First things first: yes, couples can get married in France — but there’s a significant legal requirement. French law requires 40 days of residency in France before a civil marriage can take place. For most visitors, this makes a civil wedding in Paris impractical.
Practical Solution
Most couples choose to:
Legally marry in their home country
Hold a symbolic elopement ceremony in Paris
This way you can officially tie the knot where it’s easiest and then celebrate your love in Paris exactly how you envision it.
Where to Begin: Accommodation and Ceremony Backdrops
Your elopement starts long before the ceremony itself. Choosing beautiful accommodation can set the tone for your elopement — and many stunning hotels and private spaces double as lovely ceremony venues.
Iconic Luxury Hotels
These Paris hotels are not only gorgeous places to stay — they also make beautiful elopement settings:
The Shangri-La Paris
This luxurious hotel has certain rooms with large terraces looking over the Eiffel Tower. Not only great views but a potential location for a small intimate ceremony. Step out to the balcony, and the Eiffel Tower will stare right back at you, just the kind of view you deserve for your elopement. They also have stunning interior salons for larger ceremonies and to top it all the restaurants are highly regarded.
The Ritz
After a recent four-year, $450 million renovation the Ritz Paris is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. Home of the famous Hemingway Bar, along with the Chanel Spa, you can enjoy luxury without stepping a foot outside. However the moment you do you’ll be surrounded by stores from some of the most well-known brands in the world. The Ritz is perfect for couples looking for a premium luxury experience.
The Crillon
Another recently refurbished 5-star hotel. This one in the centre of the iconic Place De La Concorde. Easy walking distance into the gardens of the Louvre, views across the city to the Eiffel Tower, and of course absolute luxury inside. Makes a wonderful base for your time in Paris as well as a great ceremony/reception venue.
Hotel Plaza Anthénée
Located on the prestigious avenue Montaigne (the ultimate area of French fashion shopping) the legendary Plaza Anthénée offers the very best in French style and luxury. From the unmissable exterior, with 1,900 red geraniums adorning the hotel façade, inspired by a love story, this hotel creates a fairytale setting both inside and out, for the most romantic moments.
Four Season Hotel, George V
Built-in 1928 and located just off the famous Avenue Champs-Elysees (another perfect area for those who love to shop) the George V has different size salons available that are perfect for every type of elopement, from small and intimate to larger wedding ceremonies. With stunning floral designs in the foyer to welcome you, a decadent new Spa, three Michelin star restaurants and a swimming pool the George V should be on your shortlist!
Paris Perfect Apartments
If you prefer to live the Paris experience with real authenticity then your own Paris apartment could be the way to go. You’ll find hundreds of beautiful examples on AirBnB, there are also several companies specialising in short term rentals with some stunning apartments in the heart of the city. With the apartment option, not only do you get somewhere you can really call home, the right apartment can make an ideal ceremony venue for your elopement.
Here is an example of an elopement that I photographed in a beautiful, private Paris apartment overlooking the Palais-Royal.
Do You Need a Wedding Planner?
You don’t need a planner to elope in Paris — but many couples find one invaluable.
Why Couples Hire Planners
Local expertise and contacts – Planners know the best vendors, venues, and restaurants.
Budget management – They help you stick to your priorities and prevent overspending.
Stress-free planning – A planner handles logistics, vendor communication, and timing.
Time savings – Planning even an intimate ceremony takes hours; a planner frees you up to enjoy your trip.
Some planners I commonly recommend and work with include:
Dream Paris Wedding
Opaline Events
Jennifer Fox Weddings
Fête in France
DLG Paris
By Anne Moreau
NKT Events
Rendez-Vous In Paris
Samantha Bottelier
Hair, Makeup & Styling
Your elopement day is a celebration — so feeling confident and polished matters. Hiring a professional hair and makeup artist is a great way to feel relaxed and photo-ready. I work regularly with artists who speak English and know how to create looks that photograph beautifully.
Examples include:
Sanni Sorma
Modern Brides Paris
Onorina Jomir
Trine Juel
Ciara
Choosing an Officiant or Celebrant
Even though your ceremony will be symbolic, an officiant gives your elopement structure and emotional depth. Paris has many talented English-speaking celebrants who create personalised ceremonies just for you.
Some great options include:
Aude Abadie
Laura Montorio
Pierre Therond
Getting Around: Cars & Transportation
Whether you love vintage charm or modern comfort, choosing the right transportation adds style and ease to your day. Vintage cars are full of character and make fun photographic props, while limousines offer comfort and space, especially in spring or summer when you have long days of celebration ahead.
Recommended companies:
Paris Automédon Services
Paris Heritage Tours
LocaRolls
Private Chauffeur Limousine
Floral Design That Elevates Your Ceremony
Flowers bring your vision to life — from your bouquet to ceremony decor. Great florists help you tell your love story visually.
Top Paris florists I regularly recommend:
Floraison
Laurel Alliard
Maison Delangle
Ceremony Location Ideas
You’ll want a ceremony backdrop that feels meaningful and beautiful. Even if you choose a symbolic celebration, there are many wonderful options:
Hotel & Indoor Options
Many luxury hotels offer private salons, terraces, or ballroom spaces where you can elope in style.
Outdoor Spots in the City
Chapelle Expiatoire — A hidden, elegant chapel with classic interiors ideal for smaller ceremonies.
Louvre Courtyard & Palais Royal Gardens — Picturesque architecture and tranquil gardens that are perfect for your ceremony and portraits.
Eiffel Tower locations — Stunning views, especially at sunrise when crowds are low.
Paris quaysides (Ile Saint-Louis) — Historic streets and river views that deliver classic Paris elegance.
For even more ideas regarding locations for both your ceremony and some photographs around the city, I’ve made a blog post you may find useful here.
A key tip: always have a Plan B for weather changes or busy public spaces — Paris is dynamic, and flexibility helps you enjoy your day fully.
Choosing Your Paris Elopement Photographer
Your photographer does more than capture images — they tell your story. When choosing:
Look for a clear sense of photographic style
Prioritise responsive communication
Choose someone experienced with elopements in Paris, including working with weather, crowds, and iconic spaces
Make sure you feel comfortable with them — chemistry matters for authentic, joyful images
I’ve photographed countless intimate elopements in Paris with a focus on timeless, emotion-rich imagery that you’ll love forever. If you’re ready to talk about your day, I’d be thrilled to connect.
Click here to set up a call and start planning your Paris elopement.
Final Thoughts
Eloping in Paris is magical — but it’s also personal, intentional, and about celebrating your love exactly the way you want. With the right planning, vendors, and photographer beside you, your Paris elopement can be an unforgettable beginning to your life together.