Introduction
Organizing a wedding at the Ritz Paris means choosing an emblematic hotel on Place Vendôme. The venue is renowned for the quality of its service, the beauty of its lounges and its ability to host a full day of events: preparations, ceremony, cocktail reception, dinner and party.
In this article, I present the Ritz Paris from both a practical and a photographic point of view, through the eyes of a Ritz Paris wedding photographer: how to use the spaces, manage the light, plan a realistic schedule and get strong images from morning until night.
The Ritz Paris, a prestigious venue for a top-of-the-range wedding
The history and atmosphere of the Ritz Paris
Opened in 1898 by César Ritz, the hotel has become a veritable legend.
Coco Chanel, Hemingway, the British royal family... all have frequented its salons.
It's a place steeped in history, where luxury is expressed in every detail.
The Vendôme and Psyché lounges, adorned with moldings and majestic chandeliers, create an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.
The Ritz garden, a rare green setting in the heart of Paris, offers a privileged setting for a cocktail party or photo shoot.
Getting married at the Ritz Paris means immersing your guests in a timeless setting, a symbol of Parisian prestige.
Useful link: official website of the Ritz Paris.
Why choose the Ritz for your wedding
Depending on your format, several zones may be included in the scroll:
Salons (e.g. Vendôme, Psyché, etc.): perfect for indoor civil/secular ceremonies, seated dinners, speeches and ball openings.
The inner garden: calm and protected from the noise of the square. Ideal for cocktails, couple portraits or a short ceremony, weather permitting.
Suites: practical for preparations (dressing, details, moments with loved ones).
Place Vendôme (outside): a strong visual landmark for a few portraits, at the end of the day or at night.
Tip: checkspace allocation and availability times early on. This is the basis for realistic planning.
My approach as a wedding photographer at the Ritz Paris
A documentary and artistic style adapted to a prestigious location
As a Ritz Paris wedding photographer, I work in a documentary style. My aim is to tell the story of the day as it happens, without forcing the scene. Spontaneous glances, laughter and gestures become the fabric of the story.
The Ritz offers a special kind of light. The mirrors and gilding reflect the light, while the large chandeliers create a powerful atmosphere. I use these elements to compose natural, elegant images. The aim is to capture both the emotions of the bride and groom and the character of the location.
I also pay attention to details. A hand on a shoulder, an exchange of glances between two generations, a laugh between friends: it's these moments that tell a truer story than a posed photo. It's my way of making a difference and delivering images that are uniquely you.
Experience, parties and night shots
For over fifteen years, I have photographed weddings in France and abroad. I have accompanied couples in the United States, Asia and Europe, in a wide variety of contexts. My background as a war photojournalist in Lebanon and Afghanistan has taught me to observe, anticipate and shoot at just the right moment.
At the Ritz, the evening is a highlight. Speeches often lead to hugs and tears, then the music takes over. Guests dance, relax, and the energy changes. These scenes make for powerful, true-to-life photos. I stay around until late to capture the atmosphere.
I also like to offer an overnight couples session. A few minutes is all it takes to create a memorable series. The illuminated salons, inner courtyard and Place Vendôme become a unique backdrop. These end-of-day images add an artistic touch and complete the reportage.
Practical information for a wedding at the Ritz Paris
Access, logistics, timing
The Ritz is located on Place Vendôme, in the heart of Paris. This location is an advantage, but requires good organization. Access is sometimes limited, and you need to anticipate arrivals by car, cab or VTC. For service providers, authorization may be required to deliver equipment.
Timetables are also crucial. Lounges are not available indefinitely, and you need to know the limits set by the hotel for music and dismantling. The earlier this information is obtained, the smoother the day's planning will be.
A good tip is to prepare a shared document for all service providers (photographer, DJ, caterer, florist, planner). This avoids unpleasant surprises and saves time on the big day.
Preparations and accommodation
The Ritz suites are ideal for getting ready. Spacious and bright, they offer a practical setting for dressing, make-up and detail photos. They also allow you to share quiet moments with your loved ones before the ceremony.
The advantage of a hotel like the Ritz is that family and guests can be accommodated directly on site. This eliminates the need to travel and extends the experience. For the photographer, it's also an opportunity to tell the story of the preparations without running between several locations.
These intimate moments - a mother adjusting a dress, a friend helping to tie a tie - are often among the most precious photos.
Photo tips specific to the Ritz
Couple portraits: where and when?
Couple portraits are essential, and the Ritz offers several possibilities. The interior garden is perfect for a quiet moment, protected from the noise of the square. A few minutes is all it takes to create natural, intimate images.
When it rains, the lounges and corridors offer beautiful backdrops. The play of reflections in the mirrors and gilding create an elegant setting, even without any special decor.
The Place Vendôme, right in front of the hotel, is also a strong backdrop. I recommend it in the late afternoon, when the light is softer, or at night for an urban chic feel.
My advice: allow 20 to 30 minutes during the day, then 20 minutes at night. That's enough to create a complete and memorable series, without depriving yourself of time with your loved ones.
Group photos
Group photos are a must, but they shouldn't slow down the day. The best way is to prepare a hierarchical list: close family, witnesses, then a few friends. Limiting the number of combinations avoids lengthy shots.
I recommend appointing a contact person to call people at the right time. This makes the process smoother and less stressful.
The location should be chosen according to the weather: the garden if the weather's fine, or a bright living room if it's raining. In all cases, keeping a fixed point helps you to move forward quickly.
The aim is to take all the photos in 10 to 20 minutes. That's enough time to preserve the essential memories while leaving room for spontaneous, more natural images during the cocktail party.
Speeches, dancing and the end of the evening
Evenings at the Ritz are often full of surprises. The bride and groom can plan a screening, a live concert or a musical performance. Some events are possible, others are not, such as indoor fireworks, which are prohibited. For the photographer, these moments give rise to spontaneous, powerful images.
On the dance floor, the light changes constantly. I alternate between ambient light, which preserves the atmosphere, and a discreet flash, which freezes gestures without distorting the scene. This technique produces lively, dynamic images.
The end of the evening is often one of my favorite moments. The guests are freer, closer, and the photos become even more intense. The last dance, the embrace, the exit of the bride and groom: these images convey the happy fatigue and emotion accumulated over the course of the day.
FAQ - Wedding at the Ritz Paris
Is it possible to hold a ceremony at the Ritz Paris?
Yes. It can be held in a salon, or sometimes in the garden, weather permitting.
Are photos allowed on the Place Vendôme?
In general, yes. A few quick portraits are possible, provided they respect the location and safety regulations. In the United States, where I've had the opportunity to work, you have to pay for a permit. In Washington DC, for example, I had to contact the rangers for a couple shoot between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
How much time should you allow for couple portraits?
Approximately 20-30 minutes during the day and 20 minutes at night.
Is it possible to dance the night away?
Yes, but within the limits set by the hotel in terms of times and noise levels.
Conclusion
A wedding at the Ritz Paris combines a venue steeped in history with meticulous organization.
It's a prestigious setting that allows you to imagine different configurations, from a small dinner party to a grand reception.
When you choose a Ritz Paris wedding photographer, you can be sure of a faithful report, in which emotions and scenery are accurately portrayed.
My international experience, my background as a photojournalist and my presence late into the evening enable me to deliver authentic and complete images.
To find out more about my approach, see my Paris wedding photographer page.
Contact your Ritz Paris wedding photographer
A wedding at the Ritz Paris requires preparation and coordination with the hotel. Entrusting your photos to an experienced Ritz Paris wedding photographer guarantees images that are faithful to your emotions and adapted to the venue. I'll accompany you from morning to night, with a complete reportage, spontaneous moments and a series of night portraits.
Schedule a discovery call to discuss your project and check my availability for your date.
