Destinations

Destination wedding in France: a guide for your guests

France covers both city weddings in Paris and chateau or farmhouse weddings in Provence. Guests come for the food and wine and stay for the countryside.

2 destinations covered · 24 activities · 24 restaurants

Where to get married in France, from your guests' point of view

Provence

Luberon, Avignon & the Alpilles · best May to early July, September to October

Perched stone villages, lavender fields, markets and rosé on shaded terraces. Weddings usually take place at a country mas or château.

  • Getting there: Marseille (MRS) is about 1 hour away. High-speed trains reach Avignon from Paris in 2h40.
  • Car needed: Mostly yes, or book drivers
  • Activity prices: Mid-range
  • Group favorites: lavender fields tour; luberon hill villages tour; châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tour

Things to do · Weekend itinerary · Where to stay · Welcome dinner

Paris

Paris · best April to June, September to October

Café terraces, the Seine at sunset and world-famous museums. Paris rewards slow walks between neighborhoods.

  • Getting there: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is 45 minutes from the center; Orly (ORY) is 30 minutes. Taxis from both airports charge a flat fare.
  • Car needed: Not usually
  • Activity prices: Mid-range
  • Group favorites: seine dinner cruise; seine sightseeing cruise; louvre guided tour

Things to do · Weekend itinerary · Where to stay · Welcome dinner

At a glance

ProvenceParis
Best seasonMay to early July, September to OctoberApril to June, September to October
Car needed?Mostly yesNot usually
Activity pricesMid-rangeMid-range
Relaxed activities45
Foodie activities44
Adventure activities54
Full-day trips42

Good to know for guests in France

  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Tipping: Service is included by law ("service compris"). Leaving a few euros extra for good service is a nice touch, not an obligation.
  • Dinner time: Dinner from about 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Village restaurants may stop serving early.
  • Group dinners: For groups, agree a fixed menu in advance. Many restaurants close one or two days a week, often Sunday evening and Monday.
  • Power plugs: Type C and E plugs, 230 V.
  • Entry rules: Passport and visa rules depend on nationality. Ask guests to check their own government's travel advice early.

Questions couples ask

Where is the best place for a destination wedding in France?

It depends on your guests. Best for relaxed guests: Paris (5 relaxed activities on our list). Best for foodie guests: Provence (4 foodie activities on our list). Best for adventure guests: Provence (5 adventure activities on our list). Easiest on guest budgets: Provence (activities skew cheaper than elsewhere in the country). Easiest without a car: Paris (guests can get around on foot, by boat or by taxi). Best for guests staying longer: Provence (4 full-day trips nearby).

When is the best time for a wedding in France?

Provence: May to early July, September to October. Paris: April to June, September to October.

Do wedding guests need to tip in France?

Service is included by law ("service compris"). Leaving a few euros extra for good service is a nice touch, not an obligation.

What time is dinner in France?

Dinner from about 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Village restaurants may stop serving early.

What currency and plugs do guests need in France?

Euro (EUR) Type C and E plugs, 230 V.

What should guests budget for a wedding in France?

Flights and accommodation are usually the biggest costs, followed by meals and activities. Our free destination wedding guest budget calculator adds it all up per person and per day.

Plan the costs: guest budget calculator · how to set up a room block · guest etiquette

Getting married in France?

Make a free guest page with day plans, tours, restaurants and a map for your wedding weekend.

Create your guest page