People know France for romance. And it’s for that very reason (among many others) that it’s an incredible place for a destination wedding — whether you’re gay, straight, or any part of the LGBTQ+ community. We were honored to plan Erik and Paul’s beautiful wedding celebration last year, full of friends and family who flew in for the couples’ big moment.
This wedding took place at the stunning Château Gassies, an 18th-century estate just outside Bordeaux. And while we are admittedly biased, we believe this picture-perfect ceremony proves exactly why couples travel from around the world to have a gay wedding in France. The thought, intention, and detail that went into the nuptials was really special. Not only was it a moment that felt authentic to them, it was a joyous celebration of love that you could genuinely feel.
So if you’ve been considering France for your own destination wedding, here’s what matters most when you’re planning your big day from across the pond.
Why LGBTQ+ Weddings in France Work So Well
The legal aspect of any wedding in a country other than the one you live in is always something to consider. And that’s especially true for LGBTQ+ weddings. France is an ideal place for destination weddings because it recognizes same-sex marriage fully, with the same rights and processes as opposite-sex couples.
Understanding the Legal Side
If you’re a foreign couple hoping to get legally married in France, it’s important to know that France requires strict residency qualifications. And many international couples are not eligible to legally marry here without meeting them. The process itself does not discriminate or change based on sexual orientation, but eligibility can be more complex than many couples expect.
Because of that, many couples choose to complete the legal paperwork in their home country and have a symbolic ceremony in France instead. If you do hope to legally marry in France, be sure to begin the paperwork process well in advance and work with a planner or legal professional who understands the requirements.
A Comfortable Planning Experience
Okay, now that we’ve covered the boring legal side of things, let’s dive into the day-to-day experience of planning a wedding in France. French wedding vendors in regions like Bordeaux have worked with international same-sex couples many times. Vendors do not treat it as unusual or as something requiring special accommodation.
Your florist isn’t going to think twice about creating two boutonnieres. They also won’t think twice about creating two bouquets instead of one boutonniere and one bouquet. And your photographer will have almost certainly shot same-sex weddings before. The château staff has hosted same-sex couples and knows how to make everyone feel comfortable.
Why Bordeaux Is a Favorite
Because we’re based in Bordeaux, we know this region has become a go-to area for destination weddings. It’s less busy than Paris, and the wine country setting is perfect for everything from photographs to accommodating friends and family in one place.
It also has a wide range of venues suited to any preference. Options range from rustic French countryside to elegant French romance.
For LGBTQ+ couples, Bordeaux’s international crowd is an added benefit. You’re not the only foreigners or the only LGBTQ+ couple getting married in the region.
Venues Built for a Full Wedding Weekend
Venues like Château Gassies, which is situated within a 14-hectare park, do destination weddings really well. The fact that 43 people can stay on the property with you means your friends and family flying in from the US, Canada, the UK, or Australia won’t have to worry about transportation or finding their own hotels.
No one will have to go separate ways at the end of the celebration. Your big day can become a full wedding weekend if you want it to be.
What You Need to Know About Planning a Gay Wedding France
If you’re considering following in Paul and Erik’s footsteps and making France your destination wedding of choice, the single most important decision you’ll make is choosing a planner who’s based here. They should know France inside and out and have planned many different kinds of weddings in the country.
It’s hard to overstate the importance of having someone who already knows which venues are genuinely welcoming, which vendors are best, and how to navigate the natural difficulties that come with planning a wedding from another country.
Why a Local Planner Matters
This probably isn’t a surprise to anyone, but there are things that are just done differently in France than, say, America or the UK. Vendor contracts in France operate differently in ways like payment structures, cancellation policies, or what’s included in your cost versus what costs extra. And because of the nuance involved, these typically aren’t things you want to try to figure out on your own through Google Translate or ChatGPT. Having someone who speaks French fluently and understands French business culture means you’re not getting lost in translation or accidentally agreeing to terms you don’t fully understand.
Timing Your Wedding Well
Timing matters just as much over here as it does in your home country. And maybe even a bit more than you might expect. Summer in Bordeaux is beautiful, but just like in many other places, that also means it’s wedding season. Venues book up very early here in the French wine country, and prices will definitely reflect the high demand of the season. Shoulder season (late spring or early fall) might be worth considering, as it often provides better weather than you’d expect, far fewer crowds to battle when you’re out sightseeing, and much more flexibility with your preferred vendors.
Understanding the Budget
Any time you’re planning a wedding — and a destination wedding at that — budget transparency is crucial. That’s especially true of France, which can be expensive. Especially if you’re bringing in international guests and hosting a multi-day celebration at a luxury venue. But costs can vary wildly depending on your choices. For example, a 40-person wedding at a high-end château with everyone staying on property is a different financial proposition than a 100-person wedding where people are booking their own hotels. A good planner will help you understand where your money goes and where you can make choices that reduce costs without compromising the experience.
Creating Your Own Gay Wedding in France
Planning a destination wedding in France requires finding vendors and venues that are genuinely welcoming, navigating French business practices and legal requirements, and coordinating everything from thousands of miles away. At Pétillante Weddings, we work with LGBTQ+ couples from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and elsewhere to create celebrations throughout France that feel authentic, elegant, and completely stress-free. If you’re ready to start planning your gay wedding in France, reach out and let’s chat!
Vendors:
Photography: https://www.instagram.com/dareksmietanaphotography
Venue: https://www.instagram.com/chateaugassies
Planner & Design: https://www.instagram.com/petillanteweddings
Grooms: https://www.instagram.com/ice_rckt & https://www.instagram.com/pdking416
Hairstyling: https://www.instagram.com/maggimargarette
Wedding Party Make-up: https://www.instagram.com/noemielemoine_mua
Celebrant: https://www.instagram.com/markrindcelebrant
Flowers: https://www.instagram.com/artmaniafleur
Caterer: https://www.instagram.com/le_nectar_traiteur
Bar: https://www.instagram.com/frenchbarmen
Wine: https://www.instagram.com/manvswine
Live Music & DJ: https://www.instagram.com/kmusicfrance
Foodtruck: https://www.instagram.com/truckwestcorner
Childcare: https://www.instagram.com/flore_et_jeanne_officiel
Transport: https://www.instagram.com/bordeauxtourismeaffaires
Welcome Event: https://www.instagram.com/manvswine
Stationery: https://www.instagram.com/mademoisellemouche
Be the first to comment