Introduction
France is one of the most desirable destinations for luxury weddings. Couples from the US, UK, and abroad come here for its blend of history, culture and refinement. From Parisian palaces to Loire Valley castles and Riviera villas, the country offers unmatched elegance.
The venue is often the first decision in planning a wedding abroad. It defines the atmosphere, the logistics, and the memories captured in photographs. This guide presents ten exclusive luxury wedding venues in France, each offering prestige, privacy and world-class service.
Luxury wedding venues in Paris, France
Shangri-La Paris
The Shangri-La Paris is a former princely residence turned into a palace hotel. Its grand salons with direct views of the Eiffel Tower make it one of the most exclusive wedding venues in Paris. Couples can host both intimate ceremonies and larger receptions, with world-class gastronomy provided by its Michelin-starred restaurants.
Hôtel de Crillon
On Place de la Concorde, the Hôtel de Crillon combines 18th-century heritage with contemporary luxury. Its historic ballrooms and terraces are perfect for a luxury wedding in France. The palace offers bespoke services, making each event unique and refined.
Ritz Paris – Luxury wedding venue in France
The Ritz Paris, located on Place Vendôme, is known worldwide for its prestige. Its elegant salons and private gardens can be privatized for weddings. With a history of hosting royalty and celebrities, the Ritz embodies the essence of Parisian luxury.
✦ Read my full article about a wedding at the Ritz Paris
Le Meurice
Facing the Tuileries Gardens, Le Meurice offers opulent ballrooms and terraces. The hotel combines classical French décor with five-star service. It is ideal for couples seeking a wedding that reflects both history and sophistication.
✦ Learn more on my Paris wedding photographer page
Luxury wedding venues in Provence & the French Riviera
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is one of the most iconic luxury wedding venues in France. Overlooking the Mediterranean and surrounded by nine themed gardens, it offers a breathtaking setting for exclusive celebrations.
Private hire rates start just under €100,000, including access to all reception areas, security, and cleaning staff.
For a quality wedding, expect to budget around €230,000 for 70–80 guests, or approximately €2,500 per guest for larger celebrations.
Le Grand Domaine d’Azur – French Riviera
Le Grand Domaine d’Azur is a vast private estate overlooking the Mediterranean. It can host up to 120 guests, sleeps 69 people, and starts at €51,500.
With its infinity pool, terraces and large indoor reception spaces, it is ideal for multi-day weddings. Guests can stay on site, creating a real private resort atmosphere in the South of France.
Château Saint-Martin & Spa – Vence
Part of the Oetker Collection, the Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a five-star property set in the hills above Nice. It combines luxury hospitality, Michelin-starred dining, and panoramic views over the Riviera. Its terraces and gardens offer a private and romantic atmosphere, perfect for refined countryside weddings.
✦ Discover my wedding photography services for the French Riviera and Provence.
Luxury wedding venues in France : the Loire Valley
Château de Chenonceau
The Château de Chenonceau, known as the “Ladies’ Castle,” is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Loire Valley. Built across the River Cher, it offers a spectacular setting for a luxury wedding in France. Couples can host ceremonies in the gardens and receptions in its historic halls, creating an atmosphere steeped in French history.
Château de Cheverny
Famous for its classical architecture and beautifully kept grounds, Château de Cheverny is open to private weddings. The Orangerie and park can be fully privatized, offering a refined space for receptions. The château also provides partnerships with nearby estates for accommodation, making it suitable for both intimate and larger celebrations.
Château d’Artigny
Built in the early 20th century by François Coty, the Château d’Artigny is now a 5-star hotel and luxury wedding venue. It offers grand salons, terraces, and 25 hectares of parkland overlooking the Loire Valley. With on-site accommodation and Michelin-starred cuisine, it combines heritage and high-end hospitality, ideal for a destination wedding in France.
✦ Learn more about real château weddings on my wedding photography blog.
Luxury wedding venues in Monaco & the Riviera
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
In the heart of Monaco, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is one of the most prestigious wedding venues in Europe. With its Belle Époque ballrooms, Michelin-starred dining and terraces overlooking the Place du Casino, it offers unmatched glamour. Weddings here are fully bespoke, with privatization available on request. Couples should expect six-figure budgets for receptions of this scale.
Villa La Vigie – Monaco
Perched above the Mediterranean, Villa La Vigie is a legendary property associated with Karl Lagerfeld. Available for private hire, it combines panoramic views, modern interiors, and large terraces for receptions. The villa is ideal for couples seeking exclusivity and Riviera lifestyle for their luxury wedding in France.
Private yachts on the Riviera
For something unique, several superyachts can be privatized for weddings in Nice, Cannes or Monaco. These floating palaces allow couples to host ceremonies at sea and dinners with panoramic views of the French coastline. Budgets start in the high six figures, depending on the yacht size and level of service.
✦ Explore more on my wedding photography services.
Luxury wedding venues in France : the French countryside
Château de la Canière – Auvergne Château de la Canière
Château de la Canière is a prestigious French château available for full privatization. Surrounded by vast parkland in the Auvergne region, it offers accommodation for guests, elegant reception halls and outdoor spaces for ceremonies. Couples often choose the château for multi-day weddings, combining authenticity with exclusivity.
Château Saint-Martin & Spa – Vence
Part of the Oetker Collection, the Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a five-star property set in the hills above Nice. It combines luxury hospitality, Michelin-starred dining, and breathtaking views over the French Riviera. Its terraces and gardens offer a private and romantic atmosphere, making it one of the most refined countryside venues in France.
Château de Maulmont – Auvergne
The Château de Maulmont is a 19th-century neo-gothic castle in the French countryside. Available for full privatization, it combines historic charm with modern comfort. With accommodation for guests and natural surroundings, it is ideal for intimate yet luxurious weddings.
✦ Read my full reportage: wedding at Château de Maulmont – Aïda & Gregory
Conclusion : choosing your luxury wedding venue in France
From Parisian palaces to Riviera villas and Loire Valley castles, France offers some of the most prestigious wedding venues in the world. Whether you choose the elegance of the Shangri-La, the exclusivity of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, or the intimacy of an Auvergne château, each place guarantees a celebration in true French style.
A luxury wedding in France is not only about the venue, but also about the experience. Choosing the right team — planner, caterer, and photographer — ensures that every moment is lived and remembered.
Book your destination wedding in France
I regularly work with couples from the US, UK, and Asia who choose France for their luxury wedding. My approach is documentary and artistic, focusing on authentic moments, late-night energy, and timeless portraits.
Book your private consultation on Calendly to start planning your day
Your luxury wedding in France deserves both an extraordinary venue and a photographer able to capture it with style.
