When it comes to celebrating your wedding in France, there’s loads of choice for romantic venues and places that will create the memories you want from your special day.
If you want to have a party or celebration of your wedding in France – that’s easy, just pick a venue that’s in the area you want, big enough for your guests and with plenty of the wow factor you desire.
If your plans including getting married in France, you’ll need to tick a few boxes first, you can’t just rock up and book it Las Vegas style.
Getting married in France
You will need to fulfil a list of criteria to be able to get married in France – one of which is to be resident for 30 days before the wedding date.
You’ll need to book the wedding date in advance – all marriages take place at the town hall and are conducted by the major of one of his team. If you want a religious ceremony, you’ll need to take the certificate from your civil ceremony to book it.
Then there’s the paperwork. The town hall staff will provide you with a list which will include birth certificates, which need to be translated by an authorised translator and verified. A certficat de celibate is also needed – to confirm that you’re not already married. Proof of residency – confirming those all important 30 days you’ve spent in France. And a formal declaration with details of who you are, and your chosen witnesses.
Celebrating your marriage in France
This is much easier! It’s a question of choosing where, when and what! A chateau, manor house, grand country abode – they’re all popular choices. Romantic, luxurious, rural, near the seaside, in the mountains, Paris, Provence, whatever your dream, you’ll find the perfect venue in France.
Luxurious Rustic Chic : Domaine de Lauzel Lot-et-Garonne
The Domaine de Lauzel is near the Bastide town of Monflanquin. Alongside stylish accommodation for 14 there is a beautiful, newly converted stone Wedding Barn suitable for functions with up to 150 guests. Open, light and sunny by day and cosy, intimate and beautifully lit by night the Wedding Barn has an original Napoleonic fireplace, well-equipped bar and dance floor with outside terraces, together with a heated infinity pool across a secluded Courtyard.
The property, in a beautiful, tranquil part of South West France is set in 50 acres and away from other properties but with stunning outlooks over the Lauzel vineyard and lake, amongst rolling countryside. A truly magical and romantic estate in which to celebrate your wedding or other special occasion, amongst family and friends.
Intimate: La Ferme and Chateau du Mont, Eure, Normandy
The 18th century Chateau du Mont sleeps 16, next door the wonderfully restored Ferme du Mont sleeps 10. Set in a huge country estate just 12km from the beautiful port town of Honfleur, there’s also a consecrated chapel on the grounds that’s suitable for weddings. This is the perfect venue for an intimate celebration and includes a converted stable block that can seat 28 for functions. With a heated swimming pool and roomy, luxury accommodation, it’s as lovely inside as it is outside, the perfect backdrop for photos.
Just an hour from Giverny and Monet’s garden, close to the beaches and famous Normandy attractions, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone happy here.
Perfectly Provencal: Domaine de Provence, Gard
The stunning Domaine de Provence sleeps up to 22 in an elegant 18th/19th century country house. Its charm and authentic Provencal beauty make it the perfect backdrop for celebrations, as well as for holidays. Pool, jacuzzi, gorgeous garden with summer kitchen and boules pitch, light and airy rooms and just a couple of miles from lovely Uzes – it’s perfect Provence.
Just 17 km from Pont du Gard, and within easy reach of Arles, Avignon and the top Provence sites, you won’t want to leave.
Enchanting: Chateau de la Couronne, Charente
The chic Chateau de la Couronne sleeps up to 26 in luxury, close to Angouleme in charming Charente and on the border with neighbouring department Dordogne. With a heated pool, private cinema and large garden it’s a perfect wedding venue or celebration location. Enjoy the billiards room, relax in one of the 5 salons, sleep like a baby in the huge bedrooms. This is luxurious accommodation at its best, rated by Guardian Travel section as “one of the five best house rentals in France”.
