How to Have a Elegant Intimate Destination Wedding in Paris

Wedding couple kissing near Eiffel Tower at golden hour in Paris

Paris, the city of love. It doesn’t get any more romantic than this! Shaun and Angie knew Paris was the wedding location of their dreams, and they had a luxurious wedding and reception with only their closest in attendance.

Though their invite list was small, they went all out choosing the stunning venues for both the ceremony and reception, not to mention a photo session in the city of Paris! Swoon! Talk about a real-life fairytale. Trust us, you won’t want to miss their video below + full gallery from Claire Morris Photography. Enjoy!

Elegant wedding invitation suite with calligraphy and florals

Elegant bridal flat lay featuring shoes, perfume, and engagement ring Elegant engagement ring in a black velvet box surrounded by flowers

Beautiful bride in elegant white lace wedding dress

Man in a black suit smiling in a formal garden setting Elegant bride in wedding dress steps down stairs with groom

First look on the rooftop

From Claire Morris Photography: Shaun and Angie’s first look was on their private rooftop terrace, there Shaun waited in anticipation for his bride to be to tap him on his shoulder. The view from the roof top was sensational, with the famous Arc De Triomphe and all Paris’s magnificence just a stone throw away.

Bride and groom hold hands joyfully, overlooking a beautiful city Newlyweds holding hands on a balcony with a beautiful city view

Arc de Triomphe in Paris France from a rooftop view

Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride and groom in front of guests Gay couple exchanging vows during a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony Happy couple walking in front of a beautiful building on wedding day

Ceremony at a French chateau

After they escaped the crowded city by way of their beautiful outdoor ceremony, that took place at the Pavillon de Musique de la Comtesse du Barry, where they were met by an intimate group of family and friends. This venue is only a 30-minute drive out of the city and it feels like you are at a chateau in another village somewhere in France. This venue being so close to Paris means you get all the glitz and glamour of Paris in your photoshoot but you get a little added serenity when saying your vows.

Elegant couple on wedding day, bride in lace gown, holding bouquet

A smiling bride and groom stroll together after their wedding ceremony Bride holding a beautiful white wedding bouquet with black ribbon

Elegant couple in front of Salle de Societe cafe entrance

Elegant dining table with floral arrangement and chandelier

Luxurious reception

For the portraits in Paris, we were limited to the locations because of fashion week taking over famous monuments. From experience we found some remarkable locations to get some dazzling shots. After portraits around Paris we headed to the reception at the luxurious La Maison des Centraliens, the hotel had been redecorated by famous fashion designer Martin Margiela, which was a perfect nod to fashion week.

Elegant place setting with white flowers for a wedding reception Elegant white orchid petal on a table setting with cutlery

Elegant wedding menu with handwritten calligraphy and menu details

Elegant table setting with menus and floral centerpiece for a celebration Elegant black card with Bride on a plate for wedding place setting Cheers toast with champagne flutes at a wedding celebration

Why get married in Paris?

From the bride: With our families on opposite coasts, a wedding in either location would mean travel for the other half. Beyond that, we were never in love with the "invite everyone" guest list. We had been to enough extended cousins weddings to know that wasn't for us. With Paris you have the history and the beauty that comes with that ‘city of love’ moniker that fits with a wedding more than any other location in the world. There is a prestige to it that makes the idea of a marriage there an alluring idea even before you add any details to it. That led us to find a neutral site, a destination location where we'd invite only our closest.

Elegant Croquembouche cake decorated for a wedding celebration