The Ultimate Guide to the Cost of your Dream Wedding in France

So, you’ve decided to get married in France—a country known for romance, breathtaking scenery, and world-class food and wine. Honestly, great choice! Whether you’re dreaming of saying "I do" in a château, on a sun-kissed beach, or under the twinkling lights of the Night Sky, France offers something for every couple.

But where do you even begin? Don’t worry! Grab a glass of champagne, get comfy, and let’s break it all down how much a wedding in France is likely to cost.

The cost of a wedding in France varies based on your venue, guest count, and style. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Luxury Château Wedding: €80,000+

• Mid-Range Venue (Vineyard, Villa, or Boutique Hotel): €30,000 – €60,000

  
  

🕌 Venue & Accommodation (40-50% of Budget)

Your venue is the biggest expense. Château weddings, for example, can range from €10,000 to €50,000 just for the space! Some include catering, while others require you to book vendors separately.

💡 Hidden Costs:

✅ Cleaning fees after the event (€500 – €2,000)

✅ Extra accommodation for guests (€100 – €300 per room per night)

✅ Venue exclusivity fees (€5,000 – €10,000)

🍽️ Catering & Drinks (20-30% of Budget)

French weddings are known for gourmet food & wine, so this will be a major cost. Expect to pay:

• €70 – €150 per guest for a multi-course meal

• €20 – €50 per guest for an open bar

• €300 – €1,000 for a signature wedding cake (or a traditional Croquembouche)

💡 Hidden Costs:

✅ Corkage fees if bringing your own wine (€10 – €20 per bottle)

✅ Late-night food (many venues charge extra for post-midnight snacks)

✅ Service fees & gratuities (usually 10-15% of the bill)

📸 Photography & Videography (10-15% of Budget)

Capturing your special day is worth the investment! Top wedding photographers in France charge:

• €2,500 – €8,000+ for full-day coverage

• €2,500 – €7,000 for videography

💡 Hidden Costs:

✅ Extra hours (€200 – €500 per additional hour)

✅ Travel fees for destination photographers outside Paris (€500 – €2,000)

💐 Flowers & Decor (5-10% of Budget)

French wedding florists are amazing, but custom floral designs can be pricey! Expect to pay:

• €3,000 – €10,000 for full floral decor (bouquets, centerpieces, arches)

• €500 – €2,000 for ceremony-only florals

💡 Hidden Costs:

✅ Rental fees for vases, candles, and decor items (€500 – €2,500)

✅ Flower preservation after the wedding (€200 – €500)

🎶 Entertainment & Music (5-10% of Budget)

Live music, DJs, and entertainment are a big part of French weddings. Common costs:

• DJ or Live Band: €1,500 – €5,000

• String Quartet for Ceremony: €600 – €1,500

• Fireworks Display: €2,000 – €10,000

💡 Hidden Costs:

✅ Equipment rental & setup fees (€500 – €1,500)

✅ Music licensing fees (some venues require a permit for loud music!)

🚨 Unexpected Costs You Should Budget For

💥 Venue Security Deposit: Some venues require a €1,000 – €5,000 refundable deposit

💥 Weather Backup Plan: Renting a tent for unexpected rain can cost €2,000 – €10,000

💥 Marriage License & Legal Fees: If you want a legal French wedding, be ready for paperwork costs (€500 – €2,000)

💥 Vendor Overtime Fees: Many vendors charge extra if the wedding runs past midnight (€200 – €500 per hour)

🎯 Final Budgeting Tips for Your French Wedding

✅ Set a budget from the start – Know what you can afford and stick to it!

✅ Prioritise your must-haves – Splurge on venue, food, and photography, save on extras.

✅ Hire a local wedding planner – They’ll help you negotiate rates and avoid hidden costs.

✅ Consider a weekday or off-season wedding – This can cut costs by 20-30%!

✅ Get everything in writing – Ensure contracts are clear on what’s included to avoid surprise fees.