Introduction
Inspired by American wedding traditions, this format has become increasingly popular among couples from abroad. It offers the perfect balance between celebration, travel, and the timeless art of French living.
Inspired by American traditions, this format is attracting more and more foreign couples. They seek to combine celebration, travel and discovery of the French culture.
From the welcome dinner to the wedding day and the farewell brunch, a wedding weekend turns your celebration into a true story to live and remember. Here’s how to plan your three-day wedding in France — step by step, with meaning, light, and a sense of place.
What is a wedding weekend?
A wedding designed as a complete experience
Multi-day weddings are especially popular among couples traveling from abroad. They see them as a way to slow down, enjoy the experience, and discover France differently. Each moment becomes part of a larger journey — local cuisine, wine, landscapes, architecture, and the art of living.
This format encourages connection and genuine interaction. It allows everyone to slow down, live each moment fully, and gives the photographer a rich narrative to build a cohesive, documentary-style story.
Why this format appeals to foreign couples
Visit multi-day weddings particularly appeal to couples from abroad.
They see it as a way to slow downof enjoy and discover France differently. Every moment becomes an experience: local gastronomy, wines, landscapes, architecture, art of living.
This format naturally encourages connection. Guests have time to meet, share moments, and get to know each other. It’s also a beautiful way to bring together two cultures in an authentic, relaxed atmosphere.
A typical wedding weekend in France
Day 1 - Rehearsal dinner
The first day sets the tone for the entire weekend. It usually begins with a welcome dinner, an outdoor gathering that brings guests together in a relaxed setting. In most cases, it takes place on Thursday evening (two days before the wedding) when the ceremony is held on a Saturday. This timing allows international guests to arrive, settle in, and enjoy the venue before the official start of the celebrations.
The welcome dinner is also the time to review the wedding weekend schedule — timeline, transfers, and practical details for guests. It’s a helpful moment, especially when people are coming from different countries or meeting for the first time.
The rehearsal dinner, which is more formal, is usually held the night before the wedding (Friday evening). It brings together close family, the wedding party, and a few friends. This smaller dinner is an opportunity to thank loved ones, offer toasts, and share an elegant, intimate moment before the big day. Speeches are often more personal, the atmosphere more refined.
Together, these two evenings mark the true beginning of the celebration. They set the tone for the weekend — warmth, emotion, and authenticity. For the photographer, they offer the first opportunity to capture natural, luminous images — the opening scenes of a story told across the entire weekend.
Day 2 - The wedding
The second day gathers the main moments of the celebration: getting ready, ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and evening party. The rhythm is smoother than a traditional one-day wedding. International couples often appreciate this sense of freedom — it’s part of the French way of celebrating.
Meals last longer, speeches happen naturally, and music fills every space. Guests take time to enjoy the venue and the atmosphere. For the photographer, this is the most dynamic day of the weekend — light, emotions, and details all come together.
Day 3 - Brunch or a day of relaxation
The final day unfolds at an easy pace. A brunch outdoors or lunch under the trees, by the pool, or on a terrace — everyone enjoys the last shared moments. The atmosphere is lighter, conversations stretch on, and laughter echoes across the venue.
It’s also the perfect time to capture natural, joyful images, often the most spontaneous of the weekend. For a real-life example, discover the wedding at Château de la Canière — a reportage that perfectly reflects the spirit of a full wedding weekend.
How to organize a wedding weekend in France
Choice of location and region
Visit choice of location is crucial. It must be able to accommodate the ceremony, meals and guest accommodation. Visit all-in-one domains simplify logistics and guarantee a seamless experience.
Visit proximity to airports and the easy access are essential elements to consider. Foreign guests appreciate direct transfers and on-site accommodation. To compare the most suitable regionsThe article can be consulted here: Destination weddings in France: Best regions compared.
The budget for a wedding weekend
A wedding weekend in France generally requires a higher budget than a one-day celebration. On average, expect to invest 1.5 to 2 times the usual cost, depending on the location and level of service. But the experience is incomparable — three days filled with shared moments and lasting memories.
The main expenditure items concern domain rentalthe multi-day catering, l'hosting and artistic services (music, photography, decoration).
For a multi-day wedding, the overall budget varies significantly depending on the region and number of guests. On average, a wedding weekend in France ranges between €30,000 and €80,000, covering the venue, catering, accommodation, decoration, music, and photography. More intimate celebrations may start around €15,000 to €25,000, while larger-scale events — with multiple gatherings, high-end catering, and full-scale design — can exceed €150,000.
These figures offer a general idea, but each project is unique. The final budget will depend primarily on the duration of the weekend, the guest count, and the level of service desired.
The role of the photographer and local service providers
Working with French photographers and vendors specialized in destination weddings makes every step smoother. They know the venues, the light, and the local rhythm.
A destination wedding photographer speaks fluent English and understands the cultural expectations of American, British, or Indian couples.
These professionals know how to adapt to each culture and pace while respecting individual traditions. Supported by a trusted local team — wedding planner, caterer, florist — the photographer ensures a seamless and stress-free experience.
To explore this approach, the article on documentary wedding photography style explains how to tell a wedding story through natural, authentic images.
The advantages of a wedding weekend in France
Organize a wedding weekend in Franceto extend the party and experience a unique moment.
This format allows you to slow down, enjoy and create a sincere atmosphere.
More time to enjoy your loved ones
Three days of celebration offer more room for exchanges and simple moments.
A complete experience, not just a ceremony
Each day brings its own atmosphere: the welcome dinner, the ceremony, then the next day's brunch.
Immerse yourself in French culture
Cuisine, wines, landscapes, heritage: everything contributes to an authentic discovery of the country.
Smoother organization and less stress
Spreading out the highlights makes everything lighter.
Guests settle in serenely, unforeseen events are easily managed, and the weekend keeps its natural rhythm.
Richer, more natural images
A three-day wedding offers a real visual depth.
The photographer can tell the story of a complete storytrue to the atmosphere of the weekend.
This approach reflects the spirit of a authentic photo reportage sensitive, sincere and lively.
Visit wedding weekend in France becomes an experience both human, immersive and unforgettable.
Conclusion - How to plan a wedding weekend in France
A wedding weekend in France is not just a day to celebrate — it’s a few days to truly experience. France offers everything needed for this format: diverse landscapes, exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and unmatched light. From central château estates to Provençal bastides, every region has its own character and charm.
My work is rooted in a documentary and refined approach, focused on capturing emotions as they naturally unfold — with honesty and intention.
I offer collections tailored to each type of celebration: from the full wedding weekend with two photographers, to more intimate events requiring a lighter presence — for a more accessible experience, but always consistent in quality and visual coherence.
Plan your wedding weekend in France
Are you starting to imagine your wedding in France?
We can provide you with tailor-made support to create a high-end photo reportageboth genuine, elegant and adapted to your location.
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