One of the most common questions we hear from our couples seeking to get married in France is this: how much does a wedding in South of France cost? To be clear, when we refer to a wedding in the south of France, we’re technically referring to southwest France, in and around Bordeaux, France. A wedding in Nice or St. Tropez can be very dreamy, but in reality, there’s a big price difference between the two regions. Always do your research before you choose a region to get married, as it makes and breaks everything else you do!
Imagine Yourself in the South of France…
Close your eyes and picture it: golden vineyards stretching toward the horizon, sipping on some of the best wine, and the soft glow of candlelight illuminating a centuries-old château. That’s exactly the kind of vibe that our couples experience when they choose to get married in Southwest France. Getting married in the Southwest of France is a dream for many couples, and for good reason. This region offers an enchanting blend of elegance, history, and natural beauty, making it the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding celebration. Here, your wedding celebration extends beyond just one night – it’s an entire weekend and even week affair!
But let’s talk about the question on every couple’s mind: how much does a wedding in the South of France cost?
Budgeting for your destination wedding is one of the most crucial steps in the planning process, influencing everything from the venue you choose to the number of guests you invite. The good news? Whether you envision an opulent château affair or an intimate vineyard gathering, there are ways to make your dream wedding a reality while staying within budget. It’s all about prioritizing your “have tos”, “want tos”, and “could do withouts”.
Planning a celebration abroad always comes with questions—and the biggest one is this: how much does a wedding in South of France cost when you’re dreaming big but budgeting smart?
At Pétillante Weddings, we specialize in helping couples get clear on what those are, and then crafting bespoke weddings in the Southwest of France, ensuring every detail reflects your unique love story. Here, we’ll break down the key costs involved and offer expert tips to help you plan your perfect wedding.
How Your Guest Count Impacts Your Budget
One of the biggest factors in your wedding budget? The number of guests you invite. Every detail, from catering to venue size to décor, is influenced by your guest count. More guests means a larger venue, more tables to decorate, more meals to serve, and a bigger bar tab. Conversely, a smaller guest list allows for a more intimate setting with the possibility of splurging on luxury details. The good news? It can be easier to limit your guest count when you’re planning a destination wedding! Of course, it all depends on your crowd, but we encourage you to be intentional about the guests you invite, so that you can use your budget for what really matters most to you and your partner.
One of the wonderful aspects of hosting a wedding in the Southwest of France is the abundance of stunning venues that cater to larger guest counts. Many historic châteaux offer expansive grounds and reception halls, making it possible to accommodate 100+ guests comfortably. However, for couples dreaming of a more intimate celebration, there are equally beautiful vineyard estates and boutique hotels that provide a cozy, private atmosphere.
If budget is a primary concern, consider trimming your guest list to ensure you can allocate funds toward the aspects of your wedding that mean the most to you—whether that’s an exquisite floral installation, a Michelin-starred dining experience, or a live band to keep the dance floor packed all night.
The Biggest Wedding Budget Factors
Now, let’s break down the major expenses you can expect when answering, “how much does a wedding in South of France cost?”
The Venue
Your wedding venue sets the tone for your wedding, and the Southwest of France is home to breathtaking options, from grand châteaux to idyllic vineyards. Costs vary widely based on location, exclusivity, and amenities, ranging from €7,000 to €25,000+. If you’re looking for stunning venues, be sure to check out the features on our blog – we’re familiar with some of the best châteaux in Southwest France!
Your Catering
Let’s be real, the food and drink are going to be one of the highlights for your guests, and a great guest experience does make for an even more memorable wedding! French cuisine is a highlight of any wedding in France, and your catering costs will depend on the type of meal you choose. A refined/upscale seated dinner with wine pairings typically falls between €150 and €250 per guest, ensuring an exquisite dining experience.
Photography & Videography
Your wedding memories deserve to be captured beautifully. Expect to invest between €3,000 and €8,000+ for a professional photographer and videographer who will document your special day in stunning detail. When you work with us at Pétillante Weddings, we have a great list of top photographers and videographers in the area to partner with.
Florals & Décor
This part of your wedding can really add up when it comes to your budget, but makes all the difference in how the design turns out! From lush tablescapes to cascading bouquets, florals bring your wedding vision to life. Depending on your preferences, floral design can range from €3,000 to €15,000.
Entertainment
Music sets the mood for your celebration, whether you choose a live band, a DJ, or a string quartet. Along with this, you’ll want to consider the hidden costs of a wedding, such as renting a dancefloor. Entertainment costs typically fall between €2,000 and €15,000+.
Planning & Coordination
Hiring an experienced wedding planner (ahem) ensures a seamless and stress-free experience. We know from experience! At Pétillante Weddings, our full-service planning starts at €9,000, providing expert guidance and access to top-tier vendors who will bring your vision to life.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the primary expenses, there are additional costs that couples often overlook when planning their wedding in the Southwest of France:
- Guest Accommodations: If you’re inviting guests from abroad, you may need to consider lodging options, whether it’s a block of rooms at a boutique hotel or a countryside estate rental. Pro tip: also be sure to figure out a game plan for communicating what accommodations will be available to your guests. This part of attending a wedding can be very confusing to guests who are traveling overseas!
- Transportation & Logistics: Getting guests from their accommodations to your venue requires careful planning as every area is a little different. Shuttles, private car services, or even vintage car rentals can add to the budget. We’re happy to help guide you through what this looks like for your wedding party and guests!
- Marriage License & Paperwork: If you’re an international couple, navigating French marriage laws can be complex. Most couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in France while handling legal formalities in their home country.
- Weather Backup Plans: Having a backup plan (such as renting a tent or heaters) is always a wise investment, as rain can be unpredictable! Check out this blog on what to do if it rains on your wedding day for more details!
How to Plan a Wedding in the Southwest of France Within Your Budget
Planning a wedding while staying within budget requires strategy and smart decision-making. Here are some ways to maximize your budget without compromising on quality:
- Prioritize What Matters Most: Decide on your must-haves. Is it the venue? The food? The entertainment? Allocate a larger portion of your budget to these priorities and adjust other elements accordingly.
- Consider an Off-Season Wedding: Peak wedding season in France is May to September. Opting for a wedding in the shoulder seasons (April or October) can offer significant savings on venue and vendor costs while still enjoying beautiful weather.
- Work with a Local Wedding Planner: A planner like Pétillante Weddings has insider knowledge, vendor connections, and the expertise to help you get the best value for your budget.
- Use a Budget Calculator: Mapping out estimated costs from the beginning helps avoid surprises and ensures financial peace of mind.
A wedding in the Southwest of France isn’t just an event—it’s an experience, a once-in-a-lifetime celebration in one of the most breathtaking regions of the world.
Investing in your dream wedding here means indulging in stunning scenery, exquisite cuisine (we really cannot rave about it enough!), and unforgettable moments shared with loved ones.
At Pétillante Weddings, we specialize in bringing dream weddings to life with impeccable attention to detail and a passion for creating meaningful celebrations that optimize your experience and your guests’ experience. We are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a stress-free planning process and a flawless wedding day. Get in touch with us here to start the wedding planning journey!
Not sure where to start with your budget? Download our free wedding budget calculator to get a clear picture of what to expect.
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