South of France · Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez Wedding Photographer: Cinematic Storytelling on the French Riviera
Calm, natural direction with an editorial finish. Clean tones and true skin, built around the best light of the day.
For Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle and Pampelonne celebrations, from private villas to beach club dinners.
Saint-Tropez · Var
Capturing the Essence of Riviera Glamour, Old Money Elegance, and Timeless Love in the Var.
Saint-Tropez · Côte d’Azur
Cinematic Realism
Welcome to the heart of the Côte d’Azur. As a premier Saint-Tropez wedding photographer, I specialize in "Cinematic Realism"—a sophisticated fusion of candid photojournalism and the polished, nonchalant aesthetic found in high-fashion editorials. For couples planning a luxury destination wedding in the South of France, the goal is not merely to document an event, but to translate the electric energy of the party and the quiet intimacy of a stolen glance into a timeless visual history.
My name is Janis Ratnieks, and I bring more than 20 years of experience photographing weddings with a calm, editorial approach—so you can enjoy the day while the story unfolds naturally.
Saint-Tropez · History & light
The Legend of Saint-Tropez: A Backdrop of History and Light
Saint-Tropez is a destination that transcends the ordinary. Once a strategic maritime route for European aristocrats in the 18th century, it evolved from a humble fishing village into the global capital of glamour. Today, it remains the ultimate stage for the world’s elite, defined by the \"legendary golden light\" that has inspired artists and photographers for generations.
Whether we are shooting in the Old Port with its vibrant waterfront scenes or navigating the quaint, cobbled streets of the old town, every frame is infused with the scent of lavender and the effortless chic of the French coast. My approach leverages this unique Mediterranean light to create images that feel authentic, vibrant, and deeply romantic.
South of France weddings
Featured South of France wedding photography galleries
A few full wedding stories from the region. Each gallery shows how I build a narrative from getting ready to first dance, and how the locations look in real light.
Saint-Tropez vineyard wedding
Warm late-afternoon light, vines, and relaxed portraits that feel effortless and cinematic.
Garden wedding in Antibes
A relaxed coastal celebration with a ceremony in the garden, portraits by the sea and dinner under the trees.
Villa wedding near Grasse
Intimate South of France villa wedding with poolside drinks, fragrant gardens and a long evening dinner outdoors.
Wedding at Royal Mougins Golf Club
Elegant celebration overlooking the fairways, with sunset portraits in the hills around Mougins.
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat wedding
Classic Riviera glamour, sea views and chic poolside portraits at one of the most famous hotels on the coast.
Château Diter wedding
Italian style château in the South of France with dramatic architecture, terraces and candlelit courtyard dinners.
Royal Riviera Hotel wedding
A classic hotel by the sea with terraces, gardens and a calm private beach for portraits.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild wedding
A dream location with formal gardens, fountains and terraces, perfect for elegant Riviera weddings.
Saint-Tropez · Venues
Iconic Wedding Venues in Saint-Tropez
In the luxury niche, the choice of venue defines the visual narrative. I provide expert photographic direction at the most prestigious "authority nodes" in the region:
Perched on a hillside with panoramic views of the Bay of Pampelonne, this 19th-century castle offers a regal, aristocratic ambiance. The grand terrace at sunset provides the "ultimate shot" where the light makes every guest look effortlessly elegant.
For those seeking intimate luxury and Michelin-starred dining, Villa Belrose in Gassin offers breathtaking bay views and a sophisticated infinity pool area—perfect for high-impact sunset portraits.
A private estate in Grimaud that defines Art Deco glamour. The private pier is an iconic location for cinematic boat arrivals and Gatsby-esque celebrations.
A hidden oasis within a pine forest, offering a bohemian-chic vibe with flower-filled courtyards that are a "photographer's dream" for romantic, natural shots.
For the modern romantic, the minimalist aesthetic and palm-lined pool area of Hotel Sezz create a trendy, editorial backdrop that feels like a fashion shoot.
Saint-Tropez · Nearby villages
Beyond the Celebration: Exploring Gassin and Ramatuelle
To truly capture the spirit of a Saint-Tropez wedding, one must look beyond the village center. The surrounding "Most Beautiful Villages of France" offer diverse textures for engagement sessions and elopements:
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Gassin:
Overlooking the peninsula, its flower-filled alleyways and spectacular views over the gulf are unmissable for landscape-driven photography.
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Ramatuelle:
Clinging to the hillside, this medieval village offers narrow streets with pastel shutters and proximity to the legendary Pampelonne Beach, where we can capture the "lifestyle that blends luxury with casual chic".
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Cap Taillat:
A natural reserve with rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, ideal for a serene, intimate escape far from the bustle.
Recognition
Published, Awarded, and Trusted for High-Stakes Celebrations
As an internationally acclaimed photographer featured in French Wedding Style, Style Me Pretty, and Nikon Pro, I bring a level of technical mastery and emotional intelligence that is non-negotiable for high-stakes celebrations. My work is regularly recognized by prestigious bodies such as Fearless Photographers, WPJA, and MyWed, ensuring your visual legacy is in the hands of a verified expert.
Saint-Tropez · Planning
Planning Your Riviera Wedding Experience
Choosing a wedding photographer in Saint-Tropez is a commitment to quality. High-demand professionals are often booked 12–18 months in advance, particularly for the peak Mediterranean season.
Investment: Bespoke packages for Saint-Tropez typically range from €5,000 for mid-range luxury to over €9,000 for high-end, multi-day coverage with cinematic assets.
Candid Artistry: My style is discreet and unobtrusive, allowing your family bonds and spontaneous laughter to unfold naturally without staged perfection.
- Analog film is available for select moments and a timeless, tactile look.
- High-end wedding albums with premium materials and clean, editorial design.
- Team coverage with multiple photographers and trusted videographers for multi-day events.
South of France · French Riviera
Other South of France wedding destinations I work in
Many couples combine a Saint-Tropez celebration with events in nearby towns or choose another Riviera spot that fits their story. I regularly photograph weddings and pre-weddings in these locations.
French Riviera
Cap d’Antibes villas, sea-view terraces and quiet coastal paths ideal for portraits with Mediterranean views.
Monaco
Grand terraces, formal gardens and elegant interiors for black tie weddings and refined celebrations.
Cap-Ferrat
Cap-Ferrat wedding photographer
Iconic Riviera villas and cliffside views, perfect for ceremonies overlooking the sea and long garden dinners.
Hilltop village
Stone streets, small squares and nearby venues that feel calm and private yet close to Cannes and the coast.
Countryside
Lush gardens, old stone houses and quiet countryside venues for fragrant, slower paced South of France weddings.
FAQ · Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez wedding photographer questions couples ask
Practical answers about timing, permits, coverage and planning for a luxury destination wedding in Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle and Pampelonne.
What is the best time of year for a wedding in Saint-Tropez?
Late May, June, September and early October usually bring softer light, warm evenings and fewer crowds. July and August are hotter and busier, but with smart timing and shade we can still create beautiful photos.
How many hours of photography do we need for a Saint-Tropez wedding?
Most couples book 8–12 hours to cover getting ready, ceremony, portraits, reception and first dance. For late parties, fireworks, or multi-day celebrations, I recommend extended coverage and sometimes a second photographer.
Do we need permits for photos in the old town or on the beach?
Rules depend on the exact location and how busy it is. Private villas and venues typically do not require extra permits. For public areas like busy beaches or harbour spots, your planner or venue can confirm the latest requirements, and I coordinate with them.
Do you photograph engagement or pre-wedding sessions in Saint-Tropez?
Yes. Many couples add a pre-wedding or engagement shoot in Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle, Pampelonne or nearby villages. It’s a relaxed way to get comfortable on camera and to photograph the coast without interrupting the wedding day.
Can you photograph multi-day celebrations and weekend weddings on the Riviera?
Absolutely. I regularly cover welcome dinners, boat days and brunches around the main wedding. We can build a custom plan so the entire weekend has a consistent, cinematic story.
Enquiry · Saint-Tropez
Let’s plan your Saint-Tropez wedding photos
Share your date, venue and rough schedule. I’ll reply with availability, a simple quote, and a calm plan for portraits that fits your light and your party.
Tip: include your venue (or shortlist), guest count, and whether you want full-day coverage or a multi-day Riviera weekend.