Picking the right venue for your wedding might be one of the most important and difficult decisions in your bridal planning. The place you choose will set the tone and influence the atmosphere of your big day, meaning you have to select carefully. This is not a decision you will make lightly, so take your time to be certain of your choice.
However, taking your time does not mean prolonging the decision-making process. On the contrary, you should research different wedding venue types and explore your options. This is the only way to find something that reflects your style and authenticates your day. Wedding planning is supposed to take some time, including a lot of exploration, until you find exactly what you have imagined!
Since we know that finding the right spot is not easy, we have decided to simplify the process for you! This guide will help you find the perfect wedding venue in France. Whether you dream of a vineyard ceremony, a coastal celebration with stunning ocean views, or a chic urban affair, you will discover a venue that matches your vision.
Moreover, this guide has all the details about different types of venues, interesting architectural elements, and advice for picking the right location. With this info, you will be all set to pick a place that matches your style and makes your French destination wedding super memorable.
What Types of Venues for Weddings Are Popular in France?
France is one of the dreamiest countries for a destination wedding, especially due to the different venue types. The French cities and countryside offer you a diverse selection of places. However, to pick the right one, you need to know what is at your disposal first.
Here are some of the most popular wedding venue types across France.
Chateaux & Castles
Having your wedding in a French castle or a chateau is like stepping into a fairytale. You can expect gorgeous gardens, fancy chandeliers, stunning halls, and amazing architecture. These kinds of places usually have huge, historic grounds that provide the perfect backdrop for a dreamy bridal celebration.
Vineyards & Wineries
Vineyard wedding locations are not only for wine lovers! These spots usually have stunning outdoor and indoor spaces for events, so you will likely get some amazing photos of your big day. These wedding venue types are more common in French regions because the country is renowned for its delightful wine!
Beach & Coastal Venues
Beach weddings are quite popular in France, so, unsurprisingly, the country is home to many fascinating coastal venues. The stunning sea views provide a breathtaking backdrop and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for a big occasion, such as a wedding.
Country Estates & Farms
If you are thinking of having a rustic-themed wedding, a farm venue or a country estate are the ideal places for your vibe to stand out. A lot of farms offer amazing perks, like a cozy fire pit and dreamy places to stay overnight.
Gardens & Outdoor Spaces
Lavish gardens and scenic outdoor spaces will never go out of style. French cities offer abundant tranquil outdoor spots that will provide a serene atmosphere for your wedding.
Luxury Villas
When your idea of a wedding involves privacy and luxury, you can count on private villas that are all around France. These are exclusive and sophisticated venues with modern conveniences, ideal for a stylish and special event.
Historic Hotels & Manors
Whether you are really into history or just love awesome old buildings, choosing a historic home or building for your wedding venue is a great idea. These places are usually picturesque and have both indoor and outdoor areas. Some historic homes are perfect for smaller, more cozy weddings, while others can handle bigger parties.
Mountain Retreats
If you are looking for an authentic venue, consider checking out the mountains. The French mountains are home to beautiful, private locations located in deep nature, perfect for couples who love the outdoors.
City & Urban Settings
Urban settings and venues in the city can add lively energy and stylish vibes to your event. French cities have plenty of modern and vibrant places ideal for chic contemporary weddings.
Unique & Themed Venues
Unique places such as boats, contemporary venues, or themed spots provide a special and unforgettable experience. When you want your wedding to include authentic elements, you need a place with one-of-a-kind details and design.
What Are The Most Popular Wedding Venue Styles in France?
France is a versatile country, meaning you should expect diverse wedding venue types. However, when it comes to authentic French bridal celebrations, there are places that couples commonly choose because of their unique style and setting – chateaux and castles.
Chateaux and castles are super popular for weddings in France. They provide an enchanting backdrop for couples from all over the world to fall head over heels. There are around 40,000 of these beauties in France, so you will have plenty of options to choose from.
Couples often opt for these breathtaking establishments because of Disney’s influence and its majestic fairy tales. Stories like Cinderella have elevated castles, making them an alluring choice for weddings. The princessy vibes are often wanted during these occasions, so it is not strange that castles are the most popular venue styles both in France and worldwide.
What Are The Top Features of a French Castle Wedding Venue?
French castles are full of history! They have huge grounds, luxurious interiors, and a lavish setting that will give your wedding the atmosphere you desire. Consider choosing a grandiose French castle if your ideal bridal celebration involves fairytale-like features.
Indoor vs Outdoor Wedding Venues
When looking into different wedding venue types in France, check out indoor and outdoor offerings. Some places can provide you with both inside and outside space, but others have only one option. If you cannot find a venue that has both event areas, you will need to decide what your priorities are. Namely, you will need to figure out the properties of both types of venues to find the one that suits you best.
Indoor Venues
If you do not want to worry about the weather, you should opt for indoor venues. These spaces are designed to stay cozy no matter what happens outside. They are also quite fancy inside, with really lovely decor and details. Plus, they are available all year round, so you can enjoy them whenever you want. Whether you want a summer or winter wedding, these spots will give you the desired setting!
Outdoor Venues
Outdoor venues have a lovely, peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. They are quite versatile and can handle big groups and different seating arrangements. They are perfect for summer weddings when the weather is pleasant. Nonetheless, many of them come with great backup plans if the weather does not suit you.
How Can You Select a Venue in France That Offers Both Indoor and Outdoor Options?
Many couples want a venue with both indoor and outdoor options. This might be probably the best choice when it comes to bridal spots because you get the chance to choose different settings for distinct parts of your big day. Moreover, it is a great way to ensure you have a backup plan in case it rains.
You should look into several features to find the best one for your bridal celebration. First, consider your budget and see what suits your needs. Then, check things like guest accommodation and the style of the venue. If everything fits your initial bridal visions, you can say you have found your ideal venue!
What Are The Best French Wedding Venues for a Fairy-Tale Theme?
As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to wedding venue types in France. However, if you want to be unique in your choice, you may want to consider the classic French chateaux, castles, or historic manors.
These kinds of venues will provide you with classic fairytale backdrops with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Just imagine the gorgeous historic manors and castles, with their timeless charm and elegance, as your setting for the big day! It is simply dreamy!
What Is The Difference Between Dry Hire and Wet Hire for Wedding Venues in France?
‘Dry hire’ means you just rent the venue without any extras like food or decor. This option gives you the freedom to pick your own vendors and personalize everything, but you will have to set up and coordinate those extra services yourself. While the base cost is usually cheaper, keep in mind that you will need to make separate arrangements for all the other stuff you want. However, if you hire a wedding planner, you might easily get all the features you want and avoid all the stress over bridal vendors and details.
On the other hand, wet hire means you are renting a place and getting all the features like food, staff, and decor. It is convenient because it is all-inclusive, so you do not have to worry about organizing everything. But it is pricier upfront, although it covers a lot and usually makes things easier for you. It is a great option if you want everything to go smoothly and not involve many different vendors in the entire event.
Venue Prices from Luxury Castles to Mid-Range Estates
The cost of renting a wedding venue in France can vary a lot based on the kind of venue, where it is situated, and how luxurious it is. Here is more precise information about price ranges for different wedding venue types.
Luxury Venues (Grand Castles, Luxury Villas)
- Price Range: €25,000 – €50,000+
These places are usually old castles or fancy villas in beautiful areas like Provence, the Loire Valley, the French Riviera, or around Paris. You get to have the whole place to yourself, with opulent rooms, big grounds, and fabulous facilities. Some really sophisticated ones can cost over €50,000, especially during the most popular wedding months.
Mid-Range Venues
- Price Range: €10,000 – €25,000
If you want to consider some mid-range options, you can count on establishments such as lovely countryside estates, smaller chateaux, or elegant manors. These spots offer great service and amenities in beautiful settings but might not be as grand as the super luxurious venues. You can find these kinds of venues in regions like Brittany, Normandy, or Alsace, which have stunning scenery and are a bit more affordable than Provence or the Riviera.
Additional Considerations
Season
Prices might change based on the time of year, and they are usually highest during the peak season, which is in the spring and summer.
Location
In well-liked tourist spots such as Provence or the French Riviera, places usually cost more than less popular areas.
Inclusions
Some places offer accommodations, catering, and other services as part of their packages, while others might charge for these things separately. Keep in mind that prices usually include renting the venue for one or two days, but extra features like food, decorations, and similar things can make it more expensive. It is best to reach out to the venues for accurate prices and to talk about what part of their deals are so you can easily plan your budget.
So, what is the best wedding venue type for you?
France has so many different wedding venues to offer, each with its own unique charm. Whether you are dreaming of a fairytale wedding in a grand chateau, a romantic ceremony in the middle of vineyards, or a modern celebration in a city setting, there is a perfect spot just waiting for you.
Consider the vibe you want and how each wedding venue type fits with that. With some thought and planning, you will find a spot that not only ticks all your boxes but also sets the stage for a fabulous French wedding.
