Plan Your Luxury Wedding ON The French Riviera

Legally marrying in France requires at least one partner to have lived in the country for a minimum of 40 consecutive days before the wedding. For most non-European citizens, this makes a legal civil marriage in France difficult. Instead, many couples do the paperwork in their home country and then host their symbolic or religious ceremony in France. From my experience, it’s smoother this way: you enjoy the romance of Paris without the red tape. That's why most couples dreaming of a luxury wedding in France choose a civil union at home followed by an exclusive destination wedding on the French Riviera.

Whether you need a visa depends entirely on your nationality. Some countries are exempt from short-stay visas for up to 90 days, while others require applying in advance through the French consulate. The process can take several weeks, so it’s best to check early, ideally 3 months before your trip. My advice : don't leave this for the last minute, especially if you’re inviting guests from multiple countries with different passport rules. To confirm your case, you can use the official French tool here: Check if you need a visa (France Visa Assistant). A little foresight ensures your luxury wedding in France unfolds smoothly, without border surprises.

French civil ceremonies are always conducted in French, and the mayor or registrar is required to perform it that way. However, you can hire a professional interpreter to translate live for you and your guests. For symbolic or religious ceremonies, you have full freedom to choose your native language. Many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in their langugage after handling the paperwork at home. It's one more reason why an exclusive destination wedding on the French Riviera often blends the best of both cultures.

Technically, you can plan a wedding in France on your own, but the reality is that local contracts, language, and cultural nuances make it a challenge. From my experience, the difference isn’t just logistics: it’s access. Many of the most exclusive venues in Paris don't even take public bookings; they open only through trusted planners with established relationships. That's why couples who want authenticity and privacy choose to work with experts already anchored in France. At Maison Fervenza, we're not just planners: we are wedding architects, unlocking hidden venues and artisans to craft an exclusive wedding on the French Riviera that no template could ever replicate.

The cost of a luxury wedding in Paris typically begins around €2.500 / guest, with most couples investing between €250,000 and €650,000 for a comprehensive experience. This includes access to private venues, custom design, Michelin-level gastronomy, and full guest support. These figures reflect not only material choices but the kind of wedding budget in France that unlocks the rarest doors and ensures an exceptional experience handled entirely for you.