No one ever said travel logistics were the fun side of destination weddings! You’ve said oui! to a destination wedding in France. Now it’s time to make sure the travel side of things goes as smoothly as your wedding will! Planning a wedding abroad comes with unique logistics, but don’t worry – we help couples with these logistics regularly and have years of experience helping couples from around the world get everyone to France successfully for their weddings.
Here are some travel logistics details to make sure you and your guests are doing:
1. Check Those Passports!
Before you get swept away in the romance of your dream wedding in France, let’s start with the most fundamental travel necessity: passports. Without a valid one, there’s no château, no vineyard vows, and certainly no celebratory champagne in Paris. It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people overlook this crucial detail until it’s too late.
Ensure both you and your guests have valid passports (and remind them early!). Some countries require passports to be valid for six months after travel dates. Make sure you double-check France’s requirements.
2. Research Visa & Entry Requirements
The good news? If you’re traveling from the U.S., Canada, or the UK, you typically don’t need a visa for short stays in France (up to 90 days). The not-so-good news? Travel regulations are ever-changing, especially in the EU, so it’s essential to verify the latest requirements before booking anything. The last thing you want is a surprise at the airport because of a policy update!
If you or any of your guests are coming from a country with different entry rules, double-check whether a visa is required well in advance. Processing times can vary, and some visas require appointments or additional documentation.
Thinking about making your wedding in France legally binding instead of just symbolic? That’s a whole other ballgame. France has strict residency guidelines for legal weddings, often requiring couples to live there for at least 40 days before their ceremony. Most destination couples opt for a legal wedding at home before having their dream French celebration.
Pro tip: Share a link to France’s official visa and entry guidelines on your wedding website so guests can easily access up-to-date information. A little preparation now will ensure smooth sailing (or flying) for everyone!
3. Book Flights Early (and Smart!)
Flights to France can fluctuate in price depending on the season, demand, and even the day of the week you book. To get the best deals, aim to book at least six months in advance—especially if you’re planning a summer or early fall wedding, which are peak travel seasons.
If you’re getting married in a region outside of Paris (hello, dreamy Bordeaux vineyards!), consider flying into a major hub like Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY), then taking a high-speed train or a short domestic flight to your final destination. Train travel in France is efficient, scenic, and often more convenient than navigating airport transfers.
For extra savings, set up flight alerts on platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track price drops. And don’t forget to remind guests to double-check baggage fees, as budget airlines often have strict luggage policies. The sooner flights are booked, the more time everyone has to get excited about the trip, and start practicing their French!
4. Mind the Time Zones & Jet Lag
Jet lag can be a real downer, but it’s surprisingly not too hard to beat! Arrive a few days early to adjust to the time difference and finalize wedding details.
Encourage your guests to do the same so that they’re well-rested for the celebrations. Pro tip from a past client of ours: stay off coffee for a week before departure to France and then drink it on the way over to France to help you stay awake upon arrival, and fall asleep at French time.
5. Arrange Local Travel Logistics like Transportation
Once you and your guests land in France, how will everyone get around? Unlike major cities like Paris, where taxis and public transport are abundant, more rural areas—like those picturesque vineyard regions—require a bit more planning. Decide in advance whether you’ll rent a car, hire a private driver, or rely on trains and local taxis.
If your wedding venue is in the countryside, keep in mind that Uber and taxis may not always be readily available. Many couples arrange shuttles for guests on key wedding days to make transportation seamless. Your hotel concierge can also be a lifesaver in coordinating rides.
To keep things smooth, provide guests with detailed transportation tips on your wedding website, including airport transfer options, train schedules, and car rental recommendations. A little pre-planning goes a long way in avoiding last-minute transportation hiccups!
6. Plan for Your Luggage & Wedding Attire
Bringing your wedding attire to France requires a bit of pre-planning! If you’re flying with your wedding dress or suit, check your airline’s policy on carry-ons vs. checked baggage. Some airlines allow wedding dresses in garment bags to be stored in the cabin, while others may require them to be packed in a suitcase.
Since lost luggage is every traveler’s nightmare—especially before a wedding—pack essentials like undergarments, accessories, and a backup outfit in your carry-on. If your dress or suit absolutely must be checked, use a hard-shell suitcase and garment bag for protection. A little planning will ensure your dream attire arrives wrinkle-free and ready for the big day! We’re happy to help you arrange a steaming service for your gown once you arrive!!
7. Communicate Changes & Provide Guest Info
Keeping your guests informed is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free wedding experience. Create a wedding website with essential details like travel logistics, local transportation options, the wedding itinerary, and accommodation recommendations. We recommend couples use Aisle Planner, and work with you during the wedding planning process in this software! This will serve as a go-to resource for all of your guests navigating their trip to France. Remember, this might sometimes be their first time traveling to France, Europe, or even out of their home country – so it’s great to stay prepared and keep them informed!
Since travel plans can change unexpectedly, keep guests updated on any last-minute adjustments via email, a group chat, or even a private social media group. Whether it’s a revised shuttle pickup time or a weather-related venue tweak, proactive communication will help everyone stay organized and avoid unnecessary confusion.
8. Understand Currency & Payments
France uses the Euro—so remind your guests to check exchange rates and notify their banks before traveling. Many places accept credit cards, but it’s good to have some cash for small purchases. Keep in mind that American Express isn’t as commonly accepted, so it’s advised to use a different type of card! Know your bank’s terms for pulling out money at an international ATM and plan for that.
9. Secure Travel Insurance
Protect yourself from unexpected cancellations, flight delays, or lost luggage. Some policies will even cover wedding-related mishaps so it’s worth checking out! This can ease a lot of the stress of a wedding. Make sure you’re also considering the less than glamorous logistics, like whether you have medical coverage.
10. Learn Basic French Phrases
A little effort goes a long way. Try to learn key phrases for greetings, ordering food, and asking for directions. But, let go of the myth that French people won’t speak English, because they definitely do! Your guests will appreciate a handy French cheat sheet, too!
Bonus travel logistics tip:
We mentioned it a little bit earlier, but it can be helpful to create a wedding website for travel logistics! You can create one on Aisle Planner, which we help you to use when you work with us here at Pétillante Weddings. You’re also welcome to use another platform. We can chat through this, if we work together!
Planning a destination wedding in France is an adventure of a lifetime—by tackling these logistics ahead of time, you’ll set yourself (and your guests) up for a smooth, stress-free celebration!
Need help planning?
Pétillante Weddings is here to make your wedding in France effortless and unforgettable. Contact us to start planning all the glamorous and less than glamorous logistics – we promise we’ll make it all a little more fun!
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