Paris, the most romantic city in the world is filled with awe-inspiring architecture and an overall passionate atmosphere. Are you dreaming of how you can elope in Paris?
With world-famous monuments and rich culture, it is no wonder why so many couples decide to get married here.
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Best Places To Elope In Paris
With a wide range of grand and glorious locations, eloping in Paris is the epitome of romance. From jaw-dropping monuments, historic sites, and beautiful terraces, wherever you decide to elope in Paris will be a fairytale come true.
Suppose you’re looking for perfect summer weather, you will want to plan your wedding from June to August. With these great temperatures comes higher prices and larger crowds.
If you don’t mind visiting this beautiful city during the off-season, fall is a great time to elope in Paris.
Keep in mind Paris is a popular destination year-round. While the crowds may slightly subside in the offseason, you will still be accompanied by many tourists.
Now that you have a better idea of what Paris has to offer let’s find out some of the best locations to elope in this amazing city.
1. Eiffel Tower
Of course, this stunning location is at the top of the list. This iconic piece of architecture makes for a perfect elopement destination.
What better place to exchange vows than at one of the most romantic destinations in Paris. While the backdrop will be incredible at any time of day, to avoid crowds you will want to plan to tie the knot early in the morning.
If you’re looking for accommodation with dreamy views of this beautiful masterpiece, check out some of the below hotels.
- Adagio Paris Tour Eiffel
- Citadines Tour Eiffel Paris
- First Hotel Paris
- Hotel Balzac
- Hotel La Comtesse Paris
2. Île Saint-Louis
Île Saint-Louis sits in the center of the Seine River, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a step back into the 17th century when you enter this small island.
Filled with old town charm, a vast history, and amazing views of the Seine River and the city of Paris, you can’t go wrong eloping here.
After the ceremony is complete, take a short walk to the Notre Dame Cathedral for breathtaking photos.
3. Place Saint-Sulpice
This large public square is surrounded by breathtaking architecture. Opt for a religious ceremony in the grand and historic Saint-Sulpice Church.
After a picture-perfect ceremony, take a stroll to the monumental fountain, Fontaine Saint-Sulpice.
4. Jardin Des Tuileries
This picturesque garden is filled with fragrant flower beds, flourishing trees, and spectacular sculptures.
The garden was once completely enclosed and only accessible to royal families. Today it is open to the public and beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Spring is a perfect time to elope here. There will be slightly fewer crowds, and you’ll have the opportunity to watch the pink Judda trees come to life.
5. Luxembourg Gardens
This famous destination is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. The Luxembourg Garden is filled with beautiful architecture and surrounded by lush trees and climbing vines.
Created in the 1600’s it is filled with century-old monuments and exciting history.
Like many of the locations on this list, it’s best to plan for a morning ceremony if you’re hoping for a more private and intimate vow exchange.
6. Golden Gates At Petit Palais
As you walk up the stairs to enter the Petit Palais, you will be met with magnificent golden gates that weave together to make an extraordinary welcome piece.
Above this, you will find statues and embellishments carved along the museum, further enhancing the glamorous archway.
As this is an entrance to a museum, you must require permission to marry here. If you or your partner do not speak french it may be helpful to hire a wedding coordinator that does.
To avoid a crowd and long lines in your wedding pictures it’s best to plan for a sunrise wedding.
Looking For A Romantic Stay?
We recommend this hotel: Hotel San Régis.
How To Elope In Paris
Time to get down to the logistics. While picking the perfect destination may come with ease, legally eloping in Paris can be pretty difficult.
It will require a bit of planning and proper documentation. Not to mention you must be residing in the country for at least 45 days (consecutively) to marry here legally.
If living here for over a month is no issue, here is the necessary paperwork you will need as a US citizen.
- A passport or French resident permit
- A birth certificate
- A certificate of celibacy (less than three months old)
- Affidavit of Law (a statement certifying that the US citizens can marry in France) This must be completed by an attorney licensed to practice in the United States and France.
- Medical certificate that is less than three months old
- Proof of country residency
- Certificat du Notaire (prenuptial contract) This is not mandatory and only required if you plan to have one.
- Proof previous marriages have been dissolved.
Same-sex marriages are legal in France, but you may require additional paperwork to ensure it will be recognized in your state of residency in the USA.
Civil And Religious Ceremonies
All ceremonies in France must be performed by a French civil authority, even if you intend to have a religious ceremony. The civil authority will be required to officiate the wedding first for it to be legal.
If you only have a religious ceremony, this will not be legally binding.
You will be required to have two witnesses attend the wedding. These witnesses will be required to complete a formality form and must have a sufficient understanding of the french language.
To find a proper officiant, you must contact the mayor’s office in the town you plan to get married in.
Symbolic Ceremony
To avoid some of the complications of legally marrying in France, you may opt for a symbolic ceremony. This is a popular option for couples when they choose to marry abroad.
How this typically works is that you and your partner will legally marry in your home country. If you are both citizens of the same country, this will be the easiest route, it will help you avoid lengthy paperwork and out-of-country calls.
A symbolic ceremony will also allow you to plan your wedding the way you genuinely want it. As you will have no legal obligation, you are not required to have a set number of witnesses and can have whoever you would like to officiate your wedding.
Permits And Permission
As many of the locations listed above are iconic landmarks, it is likely that you will be required permission or permit to marry here. Even if the ceremony is symbolic, you may need to have consent to gather on the property.
It has not been made entirely clear what the exact process is to gain permission. I suggest contacting the individual location or the town in which your ceremony will take place.
Paris Elopement Packages
Whether you decide on a legal or symbolic ceremony in Paris, there are plenty of agencies that will be able to help you plan this special day. Keep in mind that because it is a lengthy process, a legal ceremony will be more expensive.
If you’re looking to keep things simple, you can opt for a small package that includes things such as:
- An Officiant
- Ceremony location
- Transportation service
- A photographer
If simple has never been your thing, no need to worry. Paris is known for extravagant weddings.
A more inclusive package will have the above inclusions as well as:
- Hair and makeup
- Videographer
- Dedicated wedding planner
- Onsite coordination
- Bouquet
- Hotel accommodations
- Dinner
The prices of the packages will heavily rely on the location and inclusion but can often range from $1,000 – $10,000 and well beyond.
Final Thoughts On Eloping In Paris
What better place for a romantic elopement than in Paris. From the Eiffel tower to the Golden Gates, there is no shortage of stunning locations.
While the location may be a no-brainer, the steps to make this a legal matrimony can be a bit of a hassle. To avoid this, you may want to get legally married in your home country and celebrate with a symbolic ceremony in Paris.
Looking for other destinations where to elope in Europe? Take a look at the following guides:
