Congratulations! You’ve decided to elope in one of the most romantic cities in the world. Now the hardest part is finding the perfect spot for your ceremony and photos. I love elopements that take place outdoors, surrounded by all the splendor of the city’s architecture.
This little guide gives you some ideas of which landmarks to choose for your celebration. I’m not including hotels or other venues here; that’s for another post!
1. The Louvre
This timeless location is a favorite for elopements in Paris. If you come early enough in the morning, you’ll have the place to yourselves in any season (be warned: sunrise is around 6 a.m. in summer here, so set your alarm extra loud).
2. Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens make a beautiful backdrop for your Paris elopement, from the grand central fountain to the Luxembourg Palace and the rows of manicured trees. The Medici Fountain is tucked into the north side of the park and offers an intimate space for your celebration.
3. Eiffel Tower
The symbol of the city can be seen from many places in Paris, so you have quite a few options for your elopement. The Trocadéro gardens are one of the most popular spots (and one of the most crowded). The Champ de Mars, the Bir Hakeim Bridge and the banks of the Seine all have views of the Eiffel Tower too, with more or less privacy. My guide to the best places for photos of the Eiffel Tower covers each one.
4. Pont Alexandre III
A bridge might not be the first place that comes to mind for an elopement ceremony in Paris, but this one is worth considering. It has magnificent views of the city from the top and a secluded area below, by the Seine, for your ceremony.
5. Montmartre
If you’d like a cozier place with a more local feel, the winding streets of Montmartre are for you. Place du Tertre and Sacré-Cœur are often crowded in the mornings, but there are plenty of other spots in the area with more privacy.
Ready to plan? See how my Paris elopement photography works, from choosing the spot to the timeline of the day.
