French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)
French Riviera Wedding Photographer
Editorial storytelling with a fine-art touch across Antibes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco, and Cap-Ferrat. Seamless direction when needed, quiet documentary the rest of the time. Celebrate your love with timeless, sun-kissed imagery across the Côte d’Azur’s vineyards, gardens, and coastlines.
French Riviera Wedding Photographer: Editorial Storytelling on the Côte d’Azur
The French Riviera is not merely a location; it is an art de vivre. From the "Old Money" elegance of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to the cinematic glamour of the Cannes Croisette, weddings here demand a visual language that matches the region's legendary light and opulent history.1
I am Janis Ratnieks, and for over 20 years, I have documented the world’s most sophisticated celebrations across 37 countries.3 As a specialist French Riviera wedding photographer, my goal is to capture your story with a signature blend of editorial refinement and unfiltered, documentary-style honesty.5
The Allure of the Côte d’Azur: From Monaco to Saint-Tropez
Ranking as the premier destination for high-net-worth couples, the Riviera offers a diverse architectural canvas. Whether you envision an intimate elopement on the medieval cliffs of Èze Village or a multi-day extravaganza in a private Saint-Tropez villa, I provide a tailored approach to each micro-region.7
- Monaco & Monte Carlo: Capturing the "James Bond" level of sophistication, from the Belle Époque grandeur of the Hotel de Paris to the sleek harbor-view terraces .
- Antibes & Cap d'Antibes: Home to the iconic Antibes wedding photographer gallery, Antibes offers a mix of rocky Mediterranean coastlines and quaint old-town charm.10
- Cannes: The epicenter of coastal glamour, perfect for large-scale receptions at the Hôtel Martinez or the historic Château de la Napoule.7
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Where the "pink palace" of best South of France wedding venues guide sits amidst nine themed gardens, offering the most iconic backdrop in the Mediterranean.13
A 2026 Vision: 1940s Coastal Glamour & The "Beautiful Mess"
In 2026, destination weddings are shifting away from staged perfection toward "Presence over Production".15 My work for the upcoming season focuses on two major stylistic movements:
- 1940s Coastal Glamour: Utilizing the nautical aesthetics of striped umbrellas, vintage convertibles, and "blue hour cinematic" portraits to create a timeless, high-fashion narrative .
- The "Beautiful Mess": Embracing intentional motion blur, direct flash "paparazzi" reception shots, and the raw emotional honesty of candid moments .
To preserve these memories with the texture they deserve, I offer a Hybrid Media approach, combining high-resolution digital coverage with the nostalgic warmth of 35mm analog film and Super 8 video .
The Venue Knowledge Graph: Your Riviera Spoke Hub
Choosing a venue on the French Riviera is an investment in a visual legacy. Over the years, I have established deep logistical expertise at the region's Tier 1 landmarks:
| Venue | Experience Level | Key Photographic Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild | Multi-Season Expert | The Florentine garden at sunset; choreographed fountains 12 |
| Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat | Preferred Vendor | The iconic Club Dauphin; Four Seasons cliffside elegance 7 |
| Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc | Elite Coverage | Private coastline paths; Hollywood-standard privacy 12 |
| Château de la Chèvre d'Or | Intimate Specialist | Suspended terraces 400m above the Mediterranean 7 |
Planning for the Mediterranean Light
The "South of France vibe" is defined by its harsh, beautiful sun. As your photographer, I act as a logistical partner to ensure your timeline protects the photography.19
- The Golden Hour: Essential for portraits at coastal venues like Royal Riviera Hotel wedding photography.
- The "Slow Wedding" Trend: Most Riviera inquiries for 2026 now focus on 3-day experiences—welcome cocktails at yacht clubs, the wedding day, and a poolside brunch.9
Start Your Journey
Whether you are planning a grand celebration at Château Diter or an intimate vow renewal in Mougins, your wedding images should still look good in twenty years.20
Check My 2026/2027 Availability
Bespoke quotes provided within 24 hours.
Top French Riviera Wedding Destinations
The Riviera is light, water, and clean lines — pastel towns, pine cliffs, and grand hotels. I photograph weddings from Antibes to Saint-Tropez, Monaco, and Cap-Ferrat, balancing editorial portraits with candid, honest moments.
Antibes wedding photographer
Old-town walls, Cap d’Antibes paths, and Eden-Roc’s pier.
Saint-Tropez wedding photographer
Beach clubs, Messardière terraces, and quiet coves at dusk.
Monaco wedding photographer
Casino Square formality, sea-view promenades, and winter gardens.
Cap-Ferrat wedding photographer
Pine cliffs, lighthouse paths, and blue-hour terraces.
Mougins wedding photographer
Hilltop calm, olive groves, and Mas Candille’s terraces.
Grasse wedding photographer
Perfume-town balconies, garden venues, and soft hillside light.
Favourite Riviera Wedding Venues
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat wedding photography
Belle Époque lines with sea-level Club Dauphin minimalism.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild wedding photographer
Axis gardens, fountains, and formal night lighting.
Royal Riviera Hotel wedding photographer
Palm-lined beachfront with classic Cap-Ferrat views.
Royal Mougins Golf Club wedding photography
Expansive greens and golden light minutes from Cannes.
Château Diter wedding photographer
Provençal grandeur, terraced gardens, and warm courtyards.
Best South of France wedding venues guide
A quick guide to standout Riviera & Provence locations.
Recent French Riviera Weddings
Kind Words
We felt completely ourselves — calm, unhurried, and never posed. The photos are elegant without feeling staged, with light that looks exactly as we remember it.
— A & J, Cap-Ferrat
Janis captured every fleeting expression and moment without us even noticing. The photos from Saint-Tropez feel like stills from a film — cinematic yet real.
— L & P, Saint-Tropez
From the first email to the final gallery, Janis made everything effortless. His calm presence and eye for light transformed our Monaco wedding into pure art.
— E & M, Monaco
FAQ
Do you cover the whole French Riviera?
Yes — Antibes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco, Cap-Ferrat, Mougins, Grasse, and nearby Cannes/Nice.
What’s the best time for portraits?
Golden hour is ideal. Midday works in open shade — hotel arcades, gardens, or pine stands.
Do you shoot film as well as digital?
Yes. I use film for tone and texture, digital for speed and low-light — you get the best of both.
How do we book?
Share your date and venue — I’ll send availability and a simple booking link. Contact Janis Ratnieks.
Do you travel for pre-wedding sessions?
Yes — sunrise/sunset sessions across the Riviera, from Cap d’Antibes to Saint-Tropez beaches and Monaco viewpoints.
Can you help with timelines and light?
Absolutely. I’ll map venue light and suggest a timeline that keeps portraits quick and the rest candid.
Planning a wedding on the French Riviera?
Tell me about your plans — I’ll suggest timelines and locations that photograph beautifully. Based in London, available across the Côte d’Azur.
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