First of all let me start by saying I love Paris, I can’t explain it, I can’t define it, it’s a feeling. When we close our eyes and think of Paris, we see people sitting in outdoor cafes drinking coffee and eating pastries. Strolling along the river in the fading glow of the sun, we (thanks to the movies) can’t help but hear the sound of “Le Vie en Rose” floating through our minds. And it’s pretty much all true! Except for the music, that’s just in your imagination.
I think I’ve explained why I’ve chosen Paris, despite the dramatic contrast from the wilderness coastline of Vancouver Island, BC. I needed to write about a place I love. Don’t get me wrong, home is, home, and of course I like it. But there are places in the world I would rather live, Paris is one of them.
THIS IS IMPORTANT, PLEASE DO NOT SKIP THIS PART – if you’re planning on getting married in France, you will need to LIVE THERE for at least 40 consecutive days prior to making it a LEGAL marriage. So if you want this to be your wedding destination, I suggest making it legal at home (no one else needs to know, you can have it all officiated as if it’s real when in Paris). You will also need a celebrant to make it happen, but because it’s not a legal ceremony, you could choose to ask a special family member or friend to perform the ceremony for you!
One more important thing to know, Parisians take their vacations in August, generally for a month. Unlike a hotel, some caterers, florists, etc., may not be open/available then. Consider this when choosing your venue or wedding date.
If you’re looking for group bookings, contact to me and I’ll work with my contacts to put together an amazing package for you.
*Disclaimer – venue rentals are just a guideline.
I am not going to to cover every single Arrondissement in Paris, as there are 20 and much of that is residential, however, what I am going to cover are the Arrondissements (neighbourhoods) that offer beautiful pictures and are iconic to Paris. I’ll mention which area it’s in so you can check it out on the map.
Style: Hotel | Spa | Luxury 5* | Historical | Elegant | Romantic
I have to start here, the Ritz, iconic and so very Paris. It was once home to Coco Chanel, Marcel Proust, Ernest Hemingway, to name a few. Recently restored and exquisitely decorated, this is hands down the most luxurious place to stay in all of Paris.
They recently renovated the entire property adding to the luxury of it all even further. Including an underground ballroom that can accommodate 400 guests; a passage including exclusive shops linking the hotel’s two buildings; retractable roofs for the two existing restaurants, the Bar Vendôme and L’Espadon, to make their terraces usable all year; and the hotel’s new gem – a 21,500 square feet winter garden – with a retractable roof in summer – lined with linden trees, hanging ivy and beds of roses.
Accommodations: Peak rates starting from € 1,200 – 3,300 EUR | Shoulder Season €1,100 – 3,000 EUR
Event Guest capacity: 220 seated guests and 500 guests for a cocktail party
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Restaurant / Rooftop
Rooftops with spectacular views are always memorable, and this Parisian rooftop terrace is no exception. Available for nuptials on the terrace, or below in the over-height panoramic view restaurant, Maison Blanche sits atop the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and boasts some of the best views of Paris.
Event Guest capacity: 11 to 250 guests, up to 350 standing reception
Budget: 26 guests or less starting at €100 EUR p/h plus an additional for the space. Rent the entire restaurant starting from €25,000 EUR plus food and drinks. There’s even a club available for rent downstairs if you want to keep the party going all night long.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Ship | River Cruise | Event Space
With a fleet of eight yachts that can carry anywhere from two to 800 guests, the options are aplenty for sunset cruises along the Seine. This takes the uniqueness of Paris to a whole other level, and one your guests aren’t soon to forget! The best part is you decide where you want to board!
Guest capacity: Depending on the ship 800 guests
Budget: There is a minimum 80 guest count for these private trips, however if there are fewer than 80 guests the number isn’t as important as the base fee. Starting from €198 EUR per person with a minimum rate. There are also 3 hour luncheons available.
Included are: Private hire of the boat from 7 pm to 2 am | A 3-hr cruise in the heart of Paris | Open bar (alcoholic and soft drinks) for 2 hours during the evening dance | DJ from 7 pm to 2 am
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Hotel | Historic | Modernized French Decor | Event Space
In the district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Hotel de Poulpry welcomes you as part of La Maison des Polytechniciens. Its rooms are contemporary have been renovated with French elegance. This prestigious 18th century mansion is mere minutes from the Musée d’Orsay.
Accommodations: Starting from €170 to €478 EUR per night
Maison de Polytechnicien | 12 rue de Poitiers 75007 Paris
The Maison des Polytechniciens offers all the comforts of the 21st century for your professional and private events (receptions, seminars, weddings) a few steps from the Musée d’Orsay. Connected to theHôtel de Poulpry situated between the Paris district of ministries and embassies. This mansion house retains its grandiose architecture and Second Empire style décor of the past.
Event Guest capacity: 300 guests
Event Budget: Minimum 80 guests (they have a base rate, so fewer people would simply require the base rate be met).
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Eiffel Tower Grounds | Gardens | Iconic Paris | Ceremony Only
It’s impossible to have a Parisian wedding location list without including the Eiffel Tower, it is after all the first thing we think of when we imagine Paris. So this iconic location offers a stunning background for your big day. Meaning you CANNOT hold your ceremony on the tower itself, but they offer access to all the perfect spots surrounding the Eiffel Tower.
Event Guest capacity: 10 guests
Ceremonies: Outdoor with one of several spots to choose from, all include a view of the tower: Foot of the tower | Wall of Peace | Banks of the Seine | Romantic bridge |the Trocadéro
Your ceremony also includes: Tailor-Made Ceremony | English Speaking Celebrant (remember it’s not a legal ceremony) | Unique Ceremony just for you | Readings | Personal vows | Whatever cultural elements you want to include | Any family traditions | Lasts 15-20 Minutes
Ceremony Only: €395 EUR flat fee
Please check with them regarding permission for extras like music or special flower arrangements, etc. Here are their FAQs.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you need assistance booking this venue.
Style: Restaurant| Parisian Quirkiness| Historical | Reception Only
Looking for something a bit quirky, non-traditional, then having your reception in this Parisian neo-brasserie might just be the place for you. With it’s unique decor, and a two Stared Michelin chef to offer a menu to please the palette. This chique venue will not soon be forgotten.
Event Guest capacity: 90 guests dinner | 250 Cocktail parties
Budget: 26 guests at €100 EUR p/hr plus an additional €3,000 EUR space rental | Entire restaurant €25,000 EUR plus food and drinks, estimate another €75-150 EUR per person.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
I just had to include this stunning location, set just outside Paris (15km), and close to Versailles, this jewel of 18th century French architecture is home to extensive gardens and provides a breathtaking backdrop for weddings. In the heart of a 4.6 hectare park overlooking the Seine, this Pavilion was built for Louis XV, who housed his mistress, the countess of Barry. The interior ballrooms are opulent and classically French, with baroque décor that will transport you back in time.
Style: Historical | French Elegance | Gardens | Luxury
Guest capacity: 60 guests
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Historical | French Elegance | Luxury | Ballroom
Part of the Dorchester family of hotels, this stunning hotel is rather magical. As they put it, ” Timeless glamour at the most elegant address in Paris, the most romantic city in the world”. And I don’t think they’re wrong. Must of the art, furniture and character of this 18th century hotel was inspired by the painter Salvador Dali, but also variety of other famous artists throughout the decades, Picasso even got married here.
Accommodations: Peak summer €900 to €9,000 EUR per night | Off Season €808 to €7,650 EUR per night.
Their suites and rooms have been built to be flexible so they can and will create the configuration that’s right for you, I’ll be happy to work with them to make your stay perfect, I’m happy to help!
Event Guest capacity: Salon Pompadour 35 – 200 guests | Salon Tuileries 25 – 170 guests | Salon Jeu de Paume 20 – 60 guests | Combined 300
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Cabaret | Historical| Ballroom | Live Show
Now here’s yet another unusual venue to consider. Located in the heart of the the Left Bank, a few steps from Notre Dame and the Pantheon, the Paradis Latin is the oldest Cabaret in Paris, inaugurated by Napoleon in 1803 and rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel in 1889.
Event Guest capacity: La Grande salle 500 guests | Salon Tuileries 200 guests | Le Paradis Latin (entire facility) 700 guests | Le Bar des Anges Mezzanine 50 guests | Nico’s Bar Lounge 20 guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Museum / Historical / Elegant / Romantic / Art Gallery
This beautiful museum Surrounded by gorgeous gardens dotted with Rodin sculptures, is housed in an 18th Century mansion. Tucked away from the bustle of Paris, this elegant wedding venue has two parts to it – the magnificent interiors and serene three-hectare gardens dotted with beautiful sculptures and art works. Have your wedding ceremony in the museum, surrounded by paintings, sculptures and artwork. Then move outdoors, they will erect a brilliant glass marquee on the lawn for your reception.
Event Guest capacity: 1,500 guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Non-Traditional Event Venue | Themed | French | Historical
If you’re looking for a unique fairytale esq event, whether a wedding or grand birthday party, look no further than the Pavillons de Bercy at the Musée des Arts Forains (the museum of fairground arts).
Three prestigious rooms, each with a different theme, are available for your reception. For a wedding on a grand scale, the Théâtre du Merveilleux is atypically themed around tales and legends, and the Musée des Arts Forains immerses you in the Paris of the 1900s with the atmosphere of a traditional fun fair of the past.
Event Guest capacity: All of these venues can be combined and used in any combination desired.
Musée des Arts Forains – 600 guests
Salons Vénitiens – 450 guests
Théâtre du Merveilleux – 800 guests
Magic Mirror – 150 guests
You can even hire a unique collection of artists to entertain: From Trapezists, stilt-walkers, jugglers, acrobats, mimes, fire breathers, magiciens, musicians, and orchestras who can greet your guests and animate your event.
The Pavillons de Bercy also has two outdoor spaces, a garden and a private terrace, that can be coupled with the rooms. The piazza de Venise can be privately hired along with the Salons Vénitiens, and the ‘street garden’ with the other rooms.
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: High rise | Dramatic View | Ballroom | View of Eiffel Tower
Looking for a fantastic sky-high venue. Then Espace 56 is it, with views of the entire city, including the Eiffel Tower light show, because there isn’t a better direct view than from Montmartparnaisse Tower. As the highest panoramic function room in Europe. Its refined, warm, modern décor, a mix of windows and mirrors, make it a magical can’t-miss attraction at any hour of the day.
Event Guest capacity: 300 guests
Budget: Full day rental from 9am to 8pm | Dinners and cocktails from 7pm to midnight | Receptions from 10pm to 5am
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Castle | Historical | Elegant| Romantic | Private Estate
Despite the distance, and exclusivity of it all, I simply had to include this location, because for so many, getting married in a castle is part of the dream. The Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte is one of the most luxurious palaces in France. It’s only 55km outside the city (35 miles). This XVII century palace was built for Nicolas Fouquet, minister of finance at King Louis XIV, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains making for beautiful photos.
Event Guest capacity: 50 guest for private dinner unless entire estate rented
Weddings: €60,000 EUR base rental.
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
So for today that’s it, and while that’s barely scratching the surface of all that is Paris has to offer, it should give you a taste of the magical options available to you. Plus you can find a lot more inspiration on Instagram & Pinterest.
Remember, I’m here for all your luxury travel needs.
Please consider sharing and pinning because each share truly helps me out! Thanks – Maria
If you have a suggestion for a city/country that you’d like me to focus on, please send me a message at maria @ theeventfultraveller. com and I’ll get to it asap.
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Melissa Parcel | 19th Aug 19
These venues look amazing. I can only hope my daughter doesn’t choose them because I think they are a bit too far and pricey for us!
Maria | 19th Aug 19
Distance and budget is always a factor. However, there are several that don’t break the bank. This list is about dream destinations, and sometimes we have to modify our dreams to fit in with reality!
Angela | 19th Aug 19
Ah, stunning. One day I dream of getting to Paris. Thank you for this info and all the beautiful photos
Brittany | 19th Aug 19
wonderful information! My sister is getting married next fall, and I keep pushing for a destination wedding! I will be passing this post along =)
Maria | 19th Aug 19
Thank you, that’s terrific. There are lots more to come!
Laura Lee | 19th Aug 19
Paris would be a beautiful place to renew your vows! You wouldn’t need to worry about all the legalities since you’re already married. 🙂
Maria | 19th Aug 19
Absolutely! It truly is beautiful and incredibly romantic.
jen | 19th Aug 19
love that you have some interesting and not the usual places on this list.
Maria | 19th Aug 19
I try to keep it interesting and varied!
Tiffany | 19th Aug 19
Wow! What beautiful venues!! ?
Jane | 19th Aug 19
Wow! What an extensive list of places to get married. They all spell elegance and luxury. Great to know about living there for 40 consecutive days prior to getting married.
Heather | 20th Aug 19
These are breathtaking! Thank you for sharing.
Suzan | 20th Aug 19
Stunning…any bride would be blessed to be able to hold their wedding there!
Alexandra | 20th Aug 19
Thank you for sharing! cool guide to Paris 🙂 we are saving Europe for our retirement
Kendra | 20th Aug 19
Beautiful! Very interesting about the 40 day rule! I never knew that! I just want to go to France to eat. LOL
Lisa | 20th Aug 19
Paris is lovely and the food looks amazing.
Cindy | 20th Aug 19
Such gorgeous venues. Good to know about the 40 day rule! I like your suggestion about getting legally married at home first. Then go to Paris.
Pauline | 21st Aug 19
These all look so wonderful. Paris is just gorgeous and such a great place to be when you’re in love.
Catherine | 21st Aug 19
These are absolutely stunning!!
T.M. | 28th Aug 19
I mean, who doesn’t have Paris on their travel bucket list, right??? I may have to wait a few more years, but this certainly gave me places to add to my must-see list when I do get the chance to visit.
Maria | 28th Aug 19
You’re right! Paris is a repeat city for me!!