Paris Elopement Checklist – this essential guide helps you ensure nothing is overlooked, from choosing the perfect location to organizing key details like attire, photography, and ceremony personalization for your romantic elopement in the City of Love.
We’ve compiled below the ultimate Paris Elopement Checklist with all the essentials to consider. Later in this article (shortcut here) we’ll provide you additional details.
1. Consider the legal aspects about getting married in France
2. Decide the type of ceremony you’d like to have
3. Make the list of participants (family, friends etc)
4. Decide if working with a professional planner
5. Pick the date for your elopement ceremony
6. Arrange travelling and accommodation
7. Select the location for your elopement ceremony
8. Think of personalization for the ceremony (poems, songs, rituals)
9. Consider back-up ceremony location in case of bad weather
10. Choose a venue for celebrating after the elopement ceremony
11. Select wedding attire and how to travel with it
12. Think of the local transportation for you and your guests
13. Book local hair & make-up professionals
14. Book elopement officiant (the celebrant)
15. Book elopement photographer & videographer
16. Select locations for the elopement photo shoot
16. Select floral arrangements
18. Consider celebration dinner
19. Consider relaxation after the celebration
Now that you have a clear overview with this Paris Elopement Checklist, let’s dive deeper into each step to help you plan every detail seamlessly and make your special day truly unforgettable.
Now that you have an overview of the essentials, let’s explore each aspect in detail.
Before planning your Paris elopement, it’s essential to check the legal requirements for getting married in France. A legal wedding in France requires at least 40 days of residency, making it difficult for most foreign couples. As a result, many choose to legally marry in their home country and then have a symbolic ceremony in Paris, allowing for a stress-free and romantic experience in the City of Love.
Since a legal wedding in France requires residency, most couples opt for a symbolic ceremony, which offers complete flexibility in location and personalization. You can choose a romantic outdoor vow exchange at iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower or a secluded Parisian garden, or go for an intimate indoor celebration in a luxury hotel or private venue. For those who prefer a spiritual element, a non-legal religious blessing in a historic Parisian chapel is also an option.
One of the beauties of an elopement is its flexibility when it comes to the guest list. It can be a deeply intimate affair, just for the couple, or you can choose to invite a small group of close friends and family. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony with only a few loved ones or a more personal celebration with a select group of people, the choice is entirely yours, ensuring a memorable and meaningful experience.
Working with a wedding planner can greatly simplify the process, as they handle all the details, from securing venues to coordinating vendors, ensuring everything runs smoothly. However, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, organizing everything yourself can give you complete control over the choices and a more personal touch. Whether you choose a planner or self-organize, the key is to stay organized and ensure your vision comes to life effortlessly.
Choosing the right date for your elopement is crucial as it sets the foundation for coordinating with vendors, securing the venue, and organizing all other logistics. Make sure to confirm availability with photographers, florists, and any other service providers in advance, as popular dates can fill up quickly, ensuring everything aligns smoothly.
Coordinating your travel and accommodation is essential to ensure a seamless experience. Consider booking a place that can serve as both your home base and elopement venue—many luxury hotels or private venues in Paris offer beautiful spaces for ceremonies, making it easier to transition from the ceremony to a celebration without any hassle. This approach reduces stress and adds to the intimacy and convenience of your special day.
Paris offers a stunning range of ceremony locations to suit every couple’s vision. You can exchange vows at iconic outdoor spots like the Eiffel Tower, the serene Luxembourg Gardens, or the charming Montmartre district, each offering breathtaking views and a romantic atmosphere.
Alternatively, for a more intimate and luxurious feel, consider indoor venues such as private hotels, elegant Parisian chapels, or chic rooftops with panoramic views of the city. With so many options, you can create a ceremony that perfectly aligns with your personal style and the magical vibe of Paris.
Personalizing your ceremony adds a unique touch to your elopement. Consider incorporating meaningful traditions, rituals, poems, or songs that reflect your relationship and values. Customizing your vows, creating a special playlist, or adding symbolic elements can make your Paris ceremony even more intimate.
It’s always wise to have a back-up location in mind for your ceremony, especially in case of unexpected weather. Paris can have unpredictable conditions, so having an indoor option or a covered venue ensures your elopement remains beautiful and stress-free, no matter the weather.
When choosing a celebration venue for an elopement with more guests, consider the ambiance and capacity of the space to ensure comfort and intimacy. Look for venues with a cozy yet elegant atmosphere, such as a charming Parisian restaurant, a private dining room, or a luxury hotel with stunning views. It’s important to select a venue that can accommodate your guests while still reflecting the romantic and personal vibe of your elopement.
Choosing the right wedding attire is essential to feeling your best on your special day. When selecting your dress or suit, also consider how to transport it to Paris safely—ensure it’s well-protected and wrinkle-free for the journey. Many couples opt to carry their attire as carry-on luggage or have it professionally packed to ensure it arrives in perfect condition for your elopement.
When planning your elopement, it’s important to consider transportation options for both the couple and any guests. Paris offers a variety of choices, from private car services and vintage cars to ride-sharing apps like Uber for more flexibility. Make sure to plan ahead, ensuring everyone arrives on time and comfortably, especially if you’re moving between multiple locations for your ceremony, photos, and celebration.
Hair and makeup are essential elements that should not be overlooked, as they help you feel your best on your special day. If you choose to hire a wedding planner, they can coordinate these services for you, ensuring you have professional stylists who understand your vision. Alternatively, you can arrange these details yourself, but be sure to book experienced professionals who are familiar with wedding looks and the unique Parisian atmosphere.
The officiant is a key part of your elopement, and it’s important to choose someone who aligns with your vision for the ceremony. If you’re organizing everything yourself, make sure to find a qualified officiant who understands your wishes and can create a meaningful ceremony in line with your personal style.
Booking a professional photographer and videographer is crucial to capturing and preserving the memories of your Paris elopement. These experts will ensure every special moment is documented beautifully, from intimate vows to stunning Parisian backdrops. Don’t overlook this step—your photos and video will be cherished keepsakes for years to come.
Carefully selecting your photoshoot locations is key to capturing the essence of your Paris elopement. Whether you choose iconic landmarks, hidden gems, or intimate spots around the city, each location adds a unique touch to your photos. Plan ahead with your photographer to ensure the backdrop complements the romantic atmosphere and reflects your personal style.
Floral arrangements play a significant role in enhancing the beauty and atmosphere of your ceremony and celebration. Whether you choose to work with a planner or handle it yourself, selecting flowers that match your vision and the season is essential. The right bouquet, boutonniere, and decor can bring a touch of elegance and romance to your Paris elopement.
Hiring vintage cars can add a touch of elegance and charm to your Paris elopement, enhancing both the ceremony and the overall experience. These classic vehicles not only make for stunning photo opportunities but also provide a stylish way to travel between your ceremony, photoshoot locations, and celebration venue.
If your elopement is more intimate or you’re working within a smaller budget, consider celebrating with a romantic dinner for two afterward. Paris is home to countless cozy restaurants offering exquisite dining experiences, perfect for continuing the celebration in a quiet, personal way. This intimate dinner can be just as meaningful and memorable as a large reception.
After your elopement, taking time to relax and unwind is a wonderful way to savor the moment. Consider a spa day to rejuvenate, enjoy a romantic Seine River cruise to reflect on the day, or simply spend a quiet morning exploring Paris at your own pace. This will allow you to fully appreciate the magic of your elopement and start your new journey together.
The Paris Photographer is a team of talented photographers specializing in Paris elopements, dedicated to capturing the magic of intimate wedding celebrations in the most romantic city in the world. With over a decade of experience, we’ve had the honor of working with countless couples, sharing our expertise to ensure their special day is flawlessly documented.
With a proven track record of reliability and excellence, we’re here to make your elopement experience effortless and unforgettable. Let us turn your love story into stunning, lifelong memories.
Planning your dream elopement in Paris is an exciting journey, and this Paris Elopement Checklist ensures you don’t miss a single detail.
Now that you have everything in place, all that’s left is to embrace the romance of Paris and create unforgettable memories!
