First of all, let me start off by saying that I LOOOOOVE elopements in Paris! They have all the love of a big wedding with a lot less stress and best of all, you have all of the city’s gorgeous architecture as your backdrop. More than just the photography, I love hearing about all the details of the day, so feel free to tell me everything – your dress, jewelry, special keepsakes, etc. I want to hear it all (and if you have a Pinterest board, even better!)
Your elopement photographer in paris
Congratulations – you’re getting married…and in one of the most romantic cities in the world! No matter how big or small your big day will be, one thing is certain – you want to a Paris elopement photographer to capture this special day. You’ve landed on my website, so let me tell you more about who I am and what I do.
Elopements vs civil weddings
What’s the difference?
You’ve probably seen all of these terms, especially in Paris where paperwork is king, so what’s the difference between an elopement and a civil wedding and regular wedding? So let’s start with the civil wedding, which is mandatory for French residents, where the couple and their wedding party go to the city hall to register their marriage. This is a quick little ceremony of about 20 minutes. Many couples then choose to have another, bigger ceremony after (religious or non-religious) followed by a wedding reception.
Elopements are different – they’re usually smaller (sometimes just the couples or a few friends and family) and can be held anywhere, such as a park, hotel balcony or along the Seine river.
What’s my style?
If you’ve been looking around at some other Paris photographers already, you’ll notice many different styles, from fine art to dark & moody to fashion editorial. As a Paris elopement photographer, it was important for me to find a style that I love: Joy, love, cheer, light, excitement, honesty … all of these ideas are important to me and are reflected in my style.
Photographing your Paris elopement
Elopements can include just you two, or also a celebrant and some close family/friends. There’s one person that’s always present though – the photographer! That’s because no matter how small and simple the elopement, it’s important to capture the moment so that you can share it with those that couldn’t be there and look back at the images for years to come. That’s why working with a Paris elopement photographer is a big part of your day!
The Details
Your Photographer
As I mentioned earlier, the photographer is a big part of your day. If you’re on my website, you’re considering me (yay!) but let’s make sure that I’m a good fit. How do you know if you’ve found the right photographer for you? You’ll want to make sure that the style fits your vision. Look over their portfolio and if you can picture yourself in those photos, then go for it! Don’t forget the most important point – availability! As a Paris elopement photographer, I’m often booked many months in advance, so try to plan ahead (but if this was a last-minute idea, don’t worry, it never hurts to ask about availability).
Communication is key. Ask lots of questions, share your ideas and tell me aaaall about your details: the dress, the jewelry, and anything else you’re planning.
Location
You’re in Paris for a reason – the architecture, the cafés, the famous monuments, the historical streets – this is one photogenic city! But wait, have you thought about where in Paris you want to do it? The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre, Tuileries Gardens, Palais Royale…the list goes on. We can work together to find the perfect place for your ceremony with the right amount of privacy. After (or before) the ceremony we can continue the photo session around different sites in the city.
The time of day is another important factor you’ll need to consider. I highly recommend early morning sessions soon after sunrise for 2 reasons. First, the light is soft and beautiful compared to harsh midday sun. Secondly, the city is fairly empty of tourists in the early morning, giving you more privacy and better photos (no one likes a random photo bomber with a bright orange sweater in the background).
Hair & Makeup
Elopements are the perfect opportunity to pamper yourself! I can recommend several English-speaking hair & makeup artists that are experts at creating a variety of looks – from natural to dramatic – that are always photogenic.
The Organization
If you’re interested in having a celebrant marry you, I can recommend several wonderful people (English speakers with a real gift for creating a personalized ceremony, either religious or non-religious, depending on your preference).
While elopements are small affairs, they can be challenging to plan from far away and when you don’t speak French. I can also recommend several excellent wedding planners that can take care of the entire organization part for you.
Ready to book?
If you’re ready to book me as your Paris elopement photographer, or you have some questions, just send me a message on my contact form or directly by email. We’ll figure out a time, place and date as well as any other details that are relevant to the big day. Feel free to throw all your ideas at me!
Let’s get in touch
What exactly is an elopement session?
An elopement is a small, intimate wedding, usually just the two of you, sometimes with a handful of close family or friends. It skips the big production and focuses entirely on the moments that matter most. Paris is one of the most popular elopement destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It makes for something personal, romantic, and completely unforgettable.
Do you help plan elopements in Paris?
I can point you in the right direction when it comes to locations, timing, and logistics. I know Paris well and can suggest spots that fit your vision, whether that’s Sacre Coeur at sunrise, a quiet garden in the Marais, or somewhere along the Seine. For legal requirements and officiant recommendations, I can connect you with planners who specialise in Paris elopements.
How many guests can attend an elopement?
There’s no strict rule. Some elopements are truly just the two of you, while others include a small group, anywhere from five to twenty people. The spirit of an elopement is keeping it intimate and personal rather than following a traditional wedding format. Whatever size feels right for you is what we’ll plan around. It’s entirely your call.
Where are the best locations for a Paris elopement?
Sunrise at Trocadero or Bir-Hakeim bridge is breathtaking and crowd-free. Palais Royal gardens, Parc Monceau, and Luxembourg Gardens offer something greener and more private. If you want an iconic Paris feel without the tourist chaos, I’ll help you find the sweet spot between beautiful and accessible. Your elopement should feel like Paris at its most magical and unhurried.
How long does an elopement session take?
A typical elopement session runs two to three hours, which covers the ceremony, portraits, and a bit of wandering together through Paris. If you’d like more locations or a relaxed champagne moment along the way, we can extend to a half-day. I’ll work around your timeline and the pace that feels most comfortable and enjoyable for the two of you.