Wedding venues in France — 10 of the best picked by destination specialist Emma Reeve
10 Min Read
Finding that perfect wedding venue in France should be one of the first things you tick off your wedding planning checklist if you're tying the knot in the land of the Gallic roosters. Now, let's be honest, sorting through all those gorgeous options can feel a little tricky, especially when you want to ensure the pitch-perfect version of your wedding day and your high school French is a tad dusty. That's why we had a chat with Emma Reeve, a francophile and a seasoned wedding planner. Not only is she a fantastic planner for destination weddings, but she also genuinely knows the ins-and-outs of all the beautiful wedding venues France has to offer (think serious insider tips!). Because really, the venue creates the whole atmosphere for your special day, so finding one that truly feels right for you when getting married in France is so important. And trust us, France is brimming with incredible places – from those grand, historic chateaux that feel straight out of a fairytale, to the cozy, rustic charm of Provence, and those stunning coastal views around Nice.
Read on for Emma's expert tips on where to get married in France, uncovering some of the best wedding venues the country has to offer. Plus, she'll share her recommendations for the best honeymoon destinations in France after you say "oui," and even some charming France-inspired gifts you might love to add to your wedding registry.
Where to get married in France
From the sun-kissed South of France, with its stunning vineyards and lavender fields, to the historic chateaux scattered across the country, France offers endless romantic settings for your wedding. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, focus on exploring venues within one specific area of France that captures your heart. "Provence and the South of France will forever be popular destinations for weddings in France," says the wedding planner, Emma Reeve. "The South of France typically has gorgeous weather for a longer period, from spring through to late September, making it more reliable for alfresco wedding breakfasts under twinkling festoon lights." "And with its rolling landscapes of vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields that connect the quaint, quintessential French villages," she adds, "the entire region sets a stunning backdrop for weddings."
The best wedding venues in France according to Emma
1. Château Canet, Carcassonne
Credit: Château Canet
Château Canet is a charming 19th-century estate located in the heart of the Languedoc region, just outside the medieval city of Carcassonne. Surrounded by vineyards and the rugged landscape of the South of France, the estate boasts elegant, classical architecture with a rustic twist, making it the perfect blend of tradition and romance. This chateau wedding venue offers a versatile setting for weddings, with its expansive grounds ideal for outdoor ceremonies amidst the vineyards, while its grand interior spaces, including elegant reception rooms and a spacious ballroom, are perfect for a more formal affair. The estate's facilities provide a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere, ideal for a stylish and relaxed destination wedding in the French countryside.
CAPACITY: up to 80 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: up to 39 guests
NEARBY AIRPORTS: Carcassonne Airport (20km), Toulouse International Airport (116km)
Credit: Chateau Canet
2. Villa Marie, St. Tropez
Credit: Villa Marie
Nestled in the hills of St. Tropez, Villa Marie is a chic, Provençal-style villa that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline and the glamorous atmosphere of the Côte d'Azur. With its elegant blend of rustic charm and contemporary luxury, the villa boasts intimate, secluded gardens and a gorgeous pool area, making it a picture-perfect venue for a stylish, relaxed wedding in France. The villa’s decor, featuring soft, pastel hues and refined details, creates a warm yet luxurious atmosphere, while its facilities are perfect for both small, intimate ceremonies and larger receptions, ensuring a memorable celebration in the heart of the French Riviera.
CAPACITY: ask the venue
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: 45 rooms and suites (2-bed and 4-bed options)
NEARBY AIRPORTS: Toulon-Hyères Airport (42km), Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (63km)
Credit: Villa Marie
3. Cap Estel Hotel, Eze-Bord-de-Mer
Credit: Cap Estel Hotel
Located on the cliffs of Eze-Bord-de-Mer, Cap Estel Hotel is a stunning five-star property offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the dramatic rocky coastline. The hotel's luxurious design blends modern elegance with traditional Mediterranean charm, showcasing sleek, contemporary interiors, a private beach, and a beautiful outdoor terrace perfect for a romantic seaside celebration — picture sipping wedding cocktails with those breathtaking sea views. Its intimate and serene atmosphere, paired with exceptional facilities and services, makes Cap Estel an ideal venue for a sophisticated wedding in France, whether you envision an elegant indoor ceremony or an outdoor event with panoramic sea views.
CAPACITY: up to 240 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: 14 suites and 4 rooms
NEARBY AIRPORT: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (40km)
Credit: Cap Estel Hotel
4. Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, Côte d'Azur
Credit: Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean, Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschildis a majestic Belle Époque villa set in lush, expansive gardens on the French Riviera. With its stunning architecture, including classical façades and ornate interiors, coupled with panoramic sea views, the villa offers an extraordinarily glamorous backdrop for a wedding. The venue allows for an opulent celebration with indoor and outdoor spaces, such as the beautifully manicured gardens and elegant salons, making it ideal for a luxury event, with the ability to accommodate both grand receptions and more intimate gatherings. The world-class facilities and exceptional location ensure a destination wedding in France that is both sophisticated and unforgettable.
CAPACITY: up to 300 seated people or up to 370 for a wedding reception
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: not available
NEARBY AIRPORT: Nice Airport (15km)
Credit: Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild
5. Château de Fonscolombe, Provence
Credit: Château de Fonscolombe
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Château de Fonscolombe is a splendid 18th-century château wedding venue in France, surrounded by acres of vineyards, olive trees, and beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a truly picturesque setting for a destination wedding in France. The venue's elegant architecture, with its classical façade, sweeping staircases, and charming courtyards, exudes regal charm, while the lush grounds provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and refined luxury. Whether you choose to walk down the aisle to your chosen bride entrance songs amidst the vineyards or a grand reception in the château’s opulent indoor salons, the venue's versatile spaces are well-suited for both large celebrations and intimate affairs. Exceptional service, fine dining, and exquisite decor of the venue further enhance the beauty of this remarkable region.
CAPACITY: up to 200 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: 50 rooms
NEARBY AIRPORT: Marseille Provence Airport (41km)
Credit: Château de Fonscolombe
6. Château de Berne, Provence
Credit: Château de Berne
Château de Berne is a renowned winery and luxury hotel located in the heart of Provence, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and forested hills. This stunning venue offers both the elegance of the château's classical architecture and the relaxed charm of the surrounding countryside, providing an idyllic setting for a vineyard wedding in France. Whether hosting a formal indoor ceremony in the château’s grand salons or an outdoor celebration with views over the rolling vineyards, the venue’s versatile spaces can cater to various styles, from rustic and romantic to sophisticated. If you want to get hitched at a chateau wedding venue in France and desire exceptional service, world-class catering, and luxurious facilities, Château de Berne provides an unforgettable setting for a Provence-inspired wedding.
CAPACITY: up to 130 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: up to 20 guests
NEARBY AIRPORT: Toulon-Hyères Airport (22km)
Credit: Château de Berne.
7. Bastide de Gordes, Provence
Credit: Bastide de Gordes
Bastide de Gordes is a luxurious 5-star hotel perched on the edge of the Luberon mountain range in the heart of Provence, offering panoramic views of the picturesque village of Gordes and the surrounding rolling hills. This magnificent 16th-century Provençal bastide blends rustic elegance with modern luxury, with its terracotta-tiled roofs, pale stone walls, and charming courtyards providing a stunning backdrop for getting married in France. The venue is ideal for couples looking for a quintessentially Provençal atmosphere, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including a spacious terrace, manicured gardens, and a grand ballroom. The wedding venue facilities cater to both large, opulent celebrations and intimate gatherings, with top-tier services and bespoke decor options to create a truly magical, romantic event.
CAPACITY: up to 200 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: up to 90 guests
NEARBY AIRPORTS: Avignon-Caumont Airport (24km), Marseille Provence Airport (53km)
Credit: Bastide de Gorde
8. Château de Tourreau, Provence
Credit: Château de Tourreau
Château de Tourreau is an exquisite 18th-century Provençal château nestled in the heart of the sun-drenched landscape of Provence. With its grand façade, manicured gardens, and historic interiors, the château exudes an aura of refinement and romance, while the surrounding fields of lavender and vineyards provide a quintessentially French countryside backdrop. The château’s magnificent spaces, including elegant salons and vast courtyards, offer a romantic and luxurious setting for both intimate and large-scale weddings in France, with the option for outdoor ceremonies beneath the shade of centuries-old trees. The high-end facilities, including a stunning pool area and picturesque surroundings, ensure an unforgettable celebration.
CAPACITY: up to 150 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: up to 29 guests
NEAR AIRPORTS: Avignon-Provence Airport (32km), Marseille Provence Airport (100km)
Credit: Château de Tourreau
9. Château du Grand-Lucé, Loire Valley
Credit: Château du Grand-Lucé
Château du Grand-Lucé, situated in the heart of the Loire Valley, is a magnificent 18th-century château surrounded by expansive, manicured gardens and tranquil parkland, creating an air of refined elegance. The château's grandeur is evident in its classical French architecture, with ornate interiors, intricate detailing, and sweeping staircases, offering a majestic atmosphere for a wedding celebration. With several stunning indoor and outdoor spaces, including a grand ballroom, elegant salons, and spacious gardens, Château du Grand-Lucé provides the perfect setting for a sophisticated, fairytale-style wedding in France, offering excellent facilities, impeccable service, and bespoke wedding planning to ensure every detail of your celebration is extraordinary.
CAPACITY: up to 250 people
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: up to 44 guests
NEARBY AIRPORT: Tours St Symphorien Airport (51km)
Credit: Château du Grand-Lucé
10. La Divine Comédie, Avignon
Credit: La Divine Comédie
La Divine Comédie is a luxurious and exclusive venue located just outside the historic city of Avignon, offering a stunning backdrop of Provence's natural beauty and rich history. The venue is housed in a beautifully restored mansion, with a mixture of classic Provençal architecture and modern touches, set amidst acres of manicured gardens and vineyards. The expansive grounds provide numerous options for outdoor wedding ceremonies, while the elegant indoor spaces, including a grand ballroom, are perfect for sophisticated receptions, blending the charm of the region with modern luxury. The facilities are ideal if you're planning a high-end wedding in France with a touch of intimacy, offering both outdoor and indoor versatility.
CAPACITY: ask the venue
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: up to 29 guests
NEARBY AIRPORTS: Avignon-Provence Airport (10km), Marseille International Airport (89km), Montpellier International Airport (94km)
Credit: La Divine Comédie,
Emma's top 3 ideas for honeymooning after your wedding in France
After you get married in France, I'd recommend staying local. You really can’t go wrong honeymooning anywhere along the south coast of France. With picturesque seaside towns and quaint villages, it's one of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe to continue your wedding celebrations for a more relaxed honeymoon.
1. Honeymoon in Gordes
A picturesque hilltop village in the Luberon, Gordes is often considered one of the most beautiful in France. Its narrow, cobbled streets, stone houses, and panoramic views of the surrounding lavender fields and vineyards make it feel like a fairytale.
2. Honeymoon in Saint-Tropez
If you're after the best honeymoon destinations offering the ultimate glamour and seaside luxury, Saint-Tropez is the place to be. Known for its high-end shopping, superyachts, and exclusive beach clubs, it attracts A-listers from around the globe. Stay at Château de la Messardière, a grand hotel perched on the hill overlooking the Mediterranean. With its private beach, exquisite spa, and lush gardens, it offers a perfect blend of opulence and romance. Enjoy sunset cocktails in the hotel’s rooftop bar, or rent a private yacht to sail along the coast.
3. Honeymoon in Aix-en-Provence
For a blend of luxury, culture, and stunning landscapes, Aix-en-Provence is a fantastic choice. This charming town, with its tree-lined avenues, lively markets, and historical buildings, is both relaxed and refined. Birthplace of Paul Cézanne, the father of modern art, you’ll find art galleries, quaint markets, and beautiful gardens in this historic town. Opt for a stay at Les Lodges Sainte-Victoire, a boutique luxury hotel nestled in the hills with panoramic views of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. With its modern design, exclusive spa, and fine dining, it’s a peaceful haven that offers an intimate and bespoke experience. Or for a stay closer to the centre, opt for Le Pigonnet, within walking distance of the centre of Aix. Guests rave about the service and the mix of modern luxury and old-fashioned charm.
Alright, lovebirds, are you ready to get married in a romantic chateau in the heart of Provence or in a luxe hotel on the Côte d'Azur? If these top wedding venues in France haven’t inspired you, then we don’t know what will!
While you’re in wedding planning mode, why not make a start on your wedding registry with Prezola? (Unsure what we're talking about? Read our explainer about what a wedding registry is). Guests absolutely love them as it makes their lives SO much easier. And couples dig them because you can add everything from traditional gifts to experiences, cash funds, honeymoon contributions and more. So, what are you waiting for?
The main image features some of the best wedding venues in France, Château-de-Tourreau, Cap Estel Hotel and Bastide de Gordes.