Are you thinking of tying the knot in France? Here are five reasons that will help you make up your mind …
1. Picturesque Chateaux and Manor houses
The incredible number of ridiculously scenic chateaux and manor houses in France means that ideal wedding venues present themselves in just about any town in any region of the country.
Picturesque chapels and village churches are everywhere in France too – where you can have a ceremony (but it will be symbolic only for most as most UK or residents of other countries are not able to legally marry in France. See our article on legalities of getting married in France). And for a reception with the wow factor, rent a country home for your friends and family at a far more reasonable rate than you’ll find in the UK and elsewhere. You could be among rustic lavender fields in Provence; nestled amongst the vineyards of Bordeaux; or along the wild, rocky coastline of Brittany – difficult though it may be, the choice is yours.
2. Champers
Its probably fair to say that most wedding celebrations will involve a fair bit of wine. But when choosing French wine in France, they are far less expensive than when bought in the UK – and, I’ll let you in on a secret – the French often keep the best vintages for themselves.
If your wedding takes place in France you will have easy access to the very best wine, at the very best prices. Champagne is one of your big day’s most important investments – what if you were actually getting married on a vineyard in Champagne itself? Endless supplies, that’s what.
3. Unspoiled Landscapes
France’s topography is as diverse as that of any country in Europe. Towering mountain ranges run from the Atlantic Ocean to the Med; contrasting crashing surf to the west with swanky yachts to the east. Lushly green hills roll from Normandy to the Loire, and rushing rivers connect the gorges of the south to the parched soils of sun-scorched Provence. In such a beautiful country, these breath-taking unspoiled landscapes will create unforgettable wedding memories and photos for you and your guests.
4. Top notch nosh
As the self-proclaimed world capital of gastronomy, anyone who’s spent a holiday in France will know how frankly difficult it is to have a bad meal there. Food is not only the backbone of French society, but of the country’s very identity.
5. Sunshine!
The south of France is truly blessed with a near-perfect climate. The Côte d’Azur enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, with mild winters and hot summers tempered by a light sea breeze. On the Mediterranean coast, summer days bask in 12 hours of sunshine each day and an average temperature of 27 degrees, whereas the Atlantic coast on the East is slightly milder. Further north, the Paris region still enjoys reliably pleasant summers – and even in the Alps the sun shines just as brightly, albeit with a coolness to the fresh mountain air. In Brittany and Normandy the climate is cooler, but often the Chateau prices reflect this.
With the odds so blatantly on your side, you can forget about the inevitable, endless fretting over the weather forecast that accompanies planning a wedding in lesser-blessed climates. So a wedding in France means gorgeous venues, almost guaranteed sunshine, and gourmet food and wine to boot – are you convinced yet?
Are you planning a wedding in France or did you marry there already? Let us know in the comments below
Photos:
John Armstrong-Miller Insta @armstrongmiller
Kerry Morgan Insta @kerrymorgan.photography
Samuel Docker Insta @samueldockerphotography