Wedding Photographer in Paris
I’m Janis Ratnieks, a wedding photographer in Paris, and I believe this city doesn’t just host weddings—it writes love stories. Paris has a way of turning the ordinary into the unforgettable: light that feels painted by artists, rooftops where the Eiffel Tower watches silently, and hidden gardens that become private worlds for two.
Capture Your Dream Paris Celebration with Janis Ratnieks
For me, photography is more than documenting—it’s storytelling with elegance, emotion, and a touch of cinematic drama. Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings across Europe, but Paris remains unmatched. Every couple I work with finds their own version of magic here, whether it’s a lavish celebration at the Four Seasons George V or a quiet elopement at sunrise along the Seine.
In this guide, I’ll share why Paris is the ultimate wedding destination, what couples need to know when planning a ceremony here, and which venues create the kind of backdrops you’ll want to relive forever. And if you’d like to see how Paris weddings look through my lens, I invite you to explore my portfolio of Paris celebrations.
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Why Choose Paris for Your Wedding?
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Paris consistently ranks among the world’s most romantic cities, and not just because of the Eiffel Tower. Couples choose the French capital for its intimate ambiance, cultural richness, and the chance to create a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
A destination wedding in Paris allows you to:
Have an intimate, cherished celebration: Many couples prefer a destination wedding to keep the guest list small and spend quality time with their nearest and dearest.
Create a unique experience: Paris offers historic venues, world-class cuisine, and chic French style, giving your wedding an unmistakable sense of place. You can weave in your own design details to make it truly personal.
Travel and share your love of Paris: For those with wanderlust, getting married in Paris combines your wedding with an unforgettable vacation. Guests also enjoy a holiday, making the celebration feel like a shared adventure.
Maximise your budget: With smaller guest lists, destination weddings often allow your budget to stretch further. France’s favourable exchange rates can also give international couples more value for money.
Host multiple events: From welcome dinners to post-wedding brunches, Paris provides endless options for gathering with loved ones. The city’s cafés, wine bars, and cultural sites are perfect for entertaining guests.
Beyond the romance and travel appeal, Paris is beloved for its historic venues, French gastronomy, and unparalleled art scene. Whether you dream of a grand palace wedding or a chic elopement, the city offers a backdrop to suit every style.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in France
France has strict legal requirements for marriage, and civil ceremonies are the only legally recognised form of marriage. Religious ceremonies may follow, but they do not have legal standing unless you have completed a civil ceremony first.
Here are the key points to know:
Residency: At least one member of the couple must have lived in France for 40 consecutive days before the civil ceremony. This rule applies to both French citizens and foreigners, which means many international couples cannot have a legally binding ceremony in France (France.fr – Official Tourism Site).
Age: The legal age to marry in France is 18 for both partners (Service Public France).
Documentation: To apply for a civil marriage, you will need passports or national IDs, recently issued birth certificates translated into French, proof of address, and a certificate of celibacy stating you are unmarried. Depending on your situation, additional documents such as a certificate of publication of banns, divorce decree, or death certificate may also be required (U.S. Embassy in France – Marriage).
Application process: Documents must be submitted to the local town hall (mairie), and the banns must be published at least ten days before the wedding. The civil ceremony is then performed by the mayor or a deputy at the town hall (Mairie de Paris).
Because of these residency and administrative requirements, many international couples choose to have a legal ceremony in their home country and then hold a symbolic ceremony in Paris. A symbolic ceremony allows you to exchange vows in France without the legal paperwork, giving you greater flexibility with venues, timing, and style.
Working with a local wedding planner or photographer who understands these requirements can be invaluable. An experienced planner can help navigate the legal documentation while also assisting with venue selection and vendor coordination.
Iconic Paris Wedding Venues
One of the joys of being a Paris wedding photographer is discovering the city’s diverse venues. From grand ballrooms to secluded gardens, here are a few exceptional locations to consider for your celebration:
Four Seasons Hotel George V
Just steps from the Champs-Élysées, the legendary Four Seasons Hotel George V is an Art Deco masterpiece. Its rooms and suites overlook the City of Light, while the hotel’s marble courtyard adds a touch of Parisian grandeur. The property was the first palace in Europe to earn five Michelin stars across its three restaurants, and its spa now includes a serene 17-metre pool and tranquil treatment rooms. For weddings, the courtyards and elegant salons provide a glamorous backdrop, complemented by the hotel’s world-class culinary team. For a glimpse into a real celebration at this venue, explore my Four Seasons Paris wedding photographer feature.
Musée Rodin
Set within seven acres of sculpture gardens in central Paris, the Musée Rodin offers an extraordinary setting for weddings and private events. The museum’s 18th-century mansion, the Hôtel Biron, and its lush gardens can be rented for both ceremonies and receptions. Evening events can accommodate up to 1,500 guests, making it ideal for grand celebrations as well as more intimate gatherings. The gardens and historic interiors provide a stunning backdrop for photos. For details on costs, capacity, and photography tips, see my Musée Rodin wedding photographer in Paris guide.
Shangri-La Paris
Once the private residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, the Shangri-La Paris blends imperial grandeur with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower. Its gilded salons, marble staircases, and terrace overlooking the Seine provide a majestic backdrop for weddings. With Michelin-starred dining and five-star service, it is a favourite choice for couples seeking elegance with a touch of royal history. For inspiration, view my Shangri-La Paris wedding photographer portfolio.
Le Pré Catelan
Located in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, Le Pré Catelan is one of Paris’s most enchanting venues. This 19th-century pavilion is home to a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, offering world-class gastronomy in a garden setting. Surrounded by greenery, it provides a romantic escape from the city while still being close to central Paris — perfect for elegant weddings that combine fine dining with natural beauty. Explore my Le Pré Catelan Paris wedding photographer feature.
Paris Opera (Palais Garnier)
For couples seeking the ultimate blend of drama, history, and grandeur, the Paris Opera — also known as the Palais Garnier — is an unforgettable wedding venue. Its gilded foyers, sweeping marble staircases, and the world-famous auditorium create a setting unlike any other in Paris. From intimate ceremonies in the grand salons to lavish receptions under sparkling chandeliers, this 19th-century masterpiece offers pure theatrical romance. The ornate architecture and opulent décor provide endless inspiration for photography. See more of my work as a Paris Opera wedding photographer in Paris.
Château de Vincennes
For couples dreaming of a fairytale wedding in a medieval setting, the Château de Vincennes is unmatched. Located just outside central Paris, this historic fortress features a 14th-century keep, Gothic chapel, and expansive courtyards. Its dramatic architecture and historic charm make it ideal for large, theatrical celebrations or intimate ceremonies with a touch of history.
Breathtaking Châteaux Near Paris
If you’re looking for a stunning venue outside of Paris, consider one of the many chateaux located just a short trip away. These historic castles and estates offer a beautiful and private setting for a special event or a getaway. With grand architecture, elegant interiors, and expansive grounds, these places provide a memorable experience.
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
This architectural masterpiece, which inspired the Palace of Versailles, offers an exclusive and grand wedding experience. It is a true hidden gem, hosting a limited number of weddings each year. For a photographer who specializes in this magnificent venue, consider a Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte wedding photographer.
Château de Villette
Known as “Le Petit Versailles,” this 17th-century marvel is just a 40-minute drive from Paris. Surrounded by 185 acres of parkland, lakes, and a magnificent cascade fountain, it’s the perfect setting for a fairytale countryside wedding without being far from the city. For a photographer who specializes in this magnificent venue, consider a Château de Villette wedding photographer.
Château d'Esclimont
Château d’Esclimont is a stunning 16th-century castle located just an hour’s drive from Paris. Its classic, fairytale setting with towers and a moat makes it a popular choice for a romantic celebration. For a photographer who specializes in this magnificent venue, consider a Château d’Esclimont wedding photographer.
You can also explore more of my work here:
My Approach as a Paris Wedding Photographer
My photography blends documentary storytelling with fine-art portraiture. I look for candid moments—the way your partner smiles during the vows, the laughter shared between family members—and pair them with thoughtfully composed portraits that highlight the beauty of Paris. From cobbled streets and elegant boulevards to hidden courtyards and world-class museums, the city provides endless backdrops. By anticipating how light shifts across the city, I plan sessions to capture the soft glow of golden hour and the romance of Paris at night.
Thorough planning is also part of my approach. Before your wedding, we’ll discuss your timeline, venue logistics, and any cultural or religious traditions you’d like reflected in your images. On the day itself, I work discreetly so you can stay immersed in the celebration while knowing every detail is preserved.
For couples travelling from abroad, I can recommend experienced local planners and vendors who specialise in destination weddings in Paris. Their support makes navigating logistics and requirements seamless, allowing you to focus on your celebration.
My goal is always the same: to deliver photographs that are timeless and personal—images that tell your story and embody the romance of Paris.
Planning a Wedding in Paris: Tips from a Wedding Photographer
Here are a few practical considerations when organising a wedding in Paris:
Legal vs. symbolic ceremony
Unless one of you meets the 40-day residency requirement, it’s often easiest to complete the legal marriage at home and host a symbolic ceremony in Paris. This gives you full freedom to choose any venue for your vows.Work with a local planner
An experienced Paris wedding planner can handle paperwork, recommend venues, coordinate vendors, and manage logistics. They are especially valuable if you don’t speak French or are unfamiliar with local customs.Plan your timeline carefully
Paris traffic and tourist crowds can affect how long it takes to move between locations. Build in extra time for travel and consider weekday weddings to enjoy quieter streets and landmarks.Think about the seasons
Spring and early autumn bring mild weather and blooming gardens—ideal for outdoor photos. Winter weddings can feel magical with festive lights, but you’ll need to account for shorter daylight hours.Enhance the guest experience
Provide guests with practical details about transportation, accommodation, and nearby attractions. Many couples arrange welcome dinners, boat cruises, or walking tours to make the celebration feel like a shared Parisian adventure.
Contact Me for Your Paris Wedding
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a grand multi-day celebration, I would be honoured to capture your love story in Paris. Explore my portfolio of Paris weddings and reach out via my contact page to share your vision.
In addition to my work as a Paris wedding photographer, I also document weddings across France and Europe, including London weddings, Italy, and other destinations. Wherever your celebration takes place, my goal is to create timeless photographs that reflect your story and the beauty of your surroundings.
