Are you dreaming of a destination wedding in the sun-dappled South of France? Perhaps in a majestic historic chateau, amongst rolling vineyards, or overlooking the ultramarine ocean? If you’ve said yes to any of these, then France has the perfect destination wedding venue for you!
So, if you are planning your destination wedding in France and want to infuse a few authentic French wedding traditions into your celebration, then this is the blog for you! In this guide, we will look at the traditional timings of a French wedding, quaint customs, French wedding aesthetics, and a few venues that provide the perfect backdrop for it all.
Grab a pen and paper, and let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
What Are French Weddings Like?
French weddings are immersive multi-hour celebrations that seamlessly blend romance, gastronomy, and late-night dancing. Typical wedding festivities in France emphasise long meals shared among family and friends rather than rushed itineraries. Here at Chateau Bee, we frequently notice that couples love the relaxed yet refined pacing of a traditional French celebration.
- The Ceremony: Official civil ceremonies take place at the local mairie, followed by a symbolic or religious ceremony in the afternoon.
- Le Vin d’Honneur: Guests enjoy an extended cocktail reception featuring regional wines and hors d’oeuvres.
- The Dinner: A slow-paced, multi-course feast featuring fine regional cuisine begins late in the evening.
- The Party: The dance floor officially opens at midnight, keeping energy high into the early hours.
- Next-Day Brunch: Many couples host a relaxed recovery brunch by the pool the following day.
What Are the Classic French Wedding Traditions?
Traditional French weddings incorporate distinctive customs like the champagne pyramid and the legendary late-night onion soup. In France, only the civil ceremony at the local mairie is legally recognised, meaning international couples often complete legalities at home before traveling for a symbolic ceremony.
What sets a French wedding apart from the norm? Let’s take a look at the unique customs that make these celebrations so special:
Le Mariage Civil
In France, only the civil ceremony at the local mairie (town hall) is legally recognised. Religious or symbolic weddings are optional and usually take place afterwards, but they do not replace the civil requirement.
At Chateau Bee, our top tip is this: for most international couples, the best approach is to complete the legal marriage at home before travelling, and then enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime symbolic wedding in France. To help you navigate this, we’ve written a comprehensive guide on how to get married in France as a foreigner.
La Coulée de Champagne
Forget a simple toast; the French opt for the “Champagne Pyramid.” It’s a spectacular visual where champagne is poured into the top glass and overflows gracefully down the tiers below.
What Is the Croquembouche and How Is It Served?
While many are used to tiered sponge cakes, the traditional French wedding cake is the Croquembouche. This is a towering cone of cream-filled choux pastry puffs, bound together with delicate golden threads of caramelised sugar. The French pastry masterpiece often makes a grand, pyrotechnic entrance around midnight before the dancing begins.
The Modern Twist: Can’t choose between tradition and modern trends? Do both! Offer a “Dessert Bar” featuring a smaller Croquembouche as the centrepiece, surrounded by towers of colourful macarons, artisanal éclairs, and petit fours.
La Soupe à l’Oignon
French weddings are famous for lasting until 4:00 or 5:00 AM. To “revive” guests after a night of dancing, it is a long-standing tradition to serve hot onion soup in the early hours of the morning.
The Modern Twist: If onion soup feels a bit heavy for a summer wedding, try a gourmet crêpe station. Sweet and savoury crêpes made-to-order provide that same needed energy with a festive, French street-food feel.
The “Cortège”
The Cortège is the charming procession of the bride and groom through the village streets or chateau grounds, often led by local musicians. In traditional village weddings, the entire wedding party would walk together from the town hall to the church.
The Modern Twist: Embrace the French village aesthetic! If your chateau is near a local commune, arrange for a vintage car or a parade led by a live jazz band to escort your guests from the ceremony to the reception. It makes for incredible photo opportunities!
| Custom Name | Description | Traditional Timing |
| Le Mariage Civil | The legally binding marriage ceremony conducted at the local town hall. | Prior to the symbolic wedding day. |
| Le Vin d’Honneur | Extended cocktail hour with local wine and canapés. | Late afternoon after the ceremony. |
| La Coulée de Champagne | The spectacular champagne tower poured from the top tier. | During the reception drinks. |
| Le Croquembouche | The traditional French wedding cake made of cream-filled choux pastry puffs. | Midnight before the dancing begins. |
| Le Cortège | The traditional procession of the wedding party through village streets. | Between the civil ceremony and the reception. |
| La Soupe à l’Oignon | Hot onion soup served to revive late-night dancers. | Around 4:00 AM or 5:00 AM. |
French Wedding Songs
Music is the heartbeat of any French chateau wedding style. Whether you want a romantic walk down the aisle or a packed dance floor, these classics are absolute staples in France:
- “La Vie en Rose” by Édith Piaf: The ultimate cliché, but for a reason – it is the sonic embodiment of romance.
- “Les Champs-Élysées” by Joe Dassin: A feel-good singalong that guests from every country will recognise.
If you’re looking to incorporate more French songs into your day, check out this blog we compiled featuring our favourite traditional French wedding songs.
Key Vocabulary for your French Wedding
| French Term | English Meaning |
| Le Mariage | The Wedding |
| Le Vin d’Honneur | The Cocktail Hour |
| Les Mariés | The Newlyweds |
| Santé ! | Cheers! |
Useful links:
French Wedding Timeline
The French definitely know how to pace a celebration – it’s less of a sprint and more of a glamorous, food and wine fuelled marathon.
| Phase of Day | Typical Timing | What Happens |
| Getting Ready | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm | Hair, makeup, and quiet preparation in the bridal suite |
| Ceremony | 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm | Symbolic or religious vows in the château gardens |
| Vin d’Honneur | 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm | Extended champagne and canapé cocktail reception |
| Dinner | 8:30 pm to midnight | Multi-course seated meal with wine pairings and speeches |
| Croquembouche & Dessert | Just before midnight | The traditional French wedding cake makes its grand, often pyrotechnic, entrance. |
| Dancing | Midnight to dawn | Late-night party, music, and celebratory brunch the next day |
| Onion Soup | Early morning | A quirky tradition where onion soup is served in the early hours to revive the remaining dancers! |
The Multi-Day Affair (The Wedding Weekend)
In many French regions, the wedding isn’t just a day; it’s a weekend. Check out our blog all about the Wedding Weekend.
- Friday night ~ Le Dîner de bienvenue – Casual welcome drinks and/or meal
- Saturday ~ Le Grand Jour – The main event and the late-night party
- Sunday ~ Le Retour de Noces – A relaxed “recovery” brunch by the chateau pool
What is French Wedding Style?
If there is one thing the French have mastered, it is the art of nonchalance. In the world of weddings, this translates to an aesthetic that is incredibly refined but never looks like it’s “trying too hard.” It’s a balance of historic grandeur and organic simplicity.
The Look
Wedding style will always come down to the preference of the couple, but we can offer a few tips on typical French wedding style.
The Fabrics: Consider light, breathable materials that catch the breeze. Silk chiffons, linen, and fine French lace not only keep you cool but look ethereal against the backdrop of a vineyard or a sun-baked terrace.
The Palette:The most beautiful French weddings often pull their colour cues directly from the chateau grounds.
- Look at the “tawny” or “honey” hues of the chateau’s limestone. Incorporating these sandy, neutral tones into your bridesmaids’ palettes or stationery creates a seamless, high-end look.
- If you are marrying in a vineyard, sage greens and dusty olives are timeless. In Provence, hints of muted purple and silver-leaf greenery pay homage to the local flora.
Chateau Bee Tip: When choosing your attire, keep the “ground” in mind! If your ceremony is on a lawn or a gravel courtyard (very common in France!), you may want to opt for a block heel or a wedge to ensure you can glide across the chateau grounds with ease.
The Wedding Reception: Table Style
In France, the table is where the magic happens. The goal is to make the reception feel like a luxurious family dinner party. We’ve written a whole blog on how to plan your wedding reception.
- The Layout: Long wooden banquet tables (often left uncovered to show off the rustic grain) create a sense of community and conviviality.
- The Decor: Opt for low-profile, seasonal local florals that look as though they were plucked from the chateau’s own gardens that morning.
- The Ambiance: Tall, slender taper candles in mismatched vintage holders provide a flickering, romantic glow that dances off the wine glasses as the sun sets over the estate.
Chateau Bee Tip: To achieve that authentic French look, embrace the unique features of the venue. For instance a climbing rose bush is often the perfect backdrop for a stunning photo.
The Venue Showcase
Now that you’re inspired by the traditions and the French wedding aesthetic, it’s time to find the place where you’ll say your “Oui.” Here are a few of our favourite venues that perfectly embody these French styles:
The Renaissance Classics
For the couple who wants the quintessential fairytale experience with historic architecture and sweeping lawns.
Chateau de Bourron
Just an hour from Paris, Chateau de Bourron, near Fontainebleau, is a luxurious 16th century Renaissance château that lends itself perfectly to a chateau wedding and reception.
We love the sheer elegance of the place, with its moats, large gardens, opulent rooms and rich features. With 42 hectares of ground, you will have an abundance of choice for your ceremony outside. For the dinner, we appreciate the fact that you’ll be able to eat inside the château, in the magnificent lounges.
- 140 guests
- Sleeps 37
- From € 15,000 for 1 night, 1 day
Chateau de Pennautier
Chateau de Pennautier, often referred to as the “Petit Versailles” of Southern France, is an extraordinary venue for a wedding. Nestled amidst vineyards and just 10 minutes from the Citadel of Carcassonne, this chateau, which has remained in the same family for four centuries, is a listed Historical Monument.
The 30-hectare grounds, overlooking the vineyards, provide an idyllic setting for a ceremony with the château as a stunning backdrop. For those wishing a religious ceremony, the estate’s very own chapel is available.
- 500 guests
- Sleeps 94
- From €6,500 (excluding accommodation)
The Rustic Hamlets
Perfect for a multi-day “wedding weekend” where the atmosphere is relaxed, intimate, and authentic.
Saint Victor La Grand’ Maison
Nestled between Berry and Poitou, just 2hrs from Paris, this 16th-century property sits atop a thirty-acre estate overlooking the tranquil banks of the Anglin River.
Some places instantly feel warm and inviting, as if they were always meant to host cherished moments. Saint Victor La Grand’ Maison is one of them. More than just a chateau venue, it is a true “maison” – a place where life unfolds beautifully, where laughter lingers in the air, and where weddings are celebrated with heart. This well kept secret, a hamlet of six properties, is an ideal setting for a destination wedding in France.
- 150 guests
- Sleeps 28
- From €6,820 for 2 nights (in low season, and 35 pax)
Chateau de Sainte Croix
Nestled in the French countryside, just 30 minutes from Bergerac Airport, Chateau de Sainte Croix is a romantic Dordogne venue that offers the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding in France.
We were immediately captivated by its majestic yet homely charm, the warm glow of its golden stone, and its beautifully designed interiors. From its sweeping staircase to its extensive grounds, this is a venue that truly has that wow factor, while being a blank canvas to make your day unique to you!
- 150 guests
- Sleeps 32
- Rental from €5,500 per night
The Sun-Drenched Retreats
Embrace the light and warmth of the South with these bright, airy estates.
Chateau Hermitage de Combas
Do you dream of a wedding chateau with serious wow factor—think alleys of palm trees, surrounding vineyards, and that unmistakable South of France charm? Then let us introduce you to Chateau Hermitage de Combas, a luxurious estate nestled near Montpellier where you can sleep all your guests on site.
Exchange your vows in the stunning Jardin Méditerranéen, set in front of the chateau. Take your wedding photos in the park with millennial olive trees. Continue the celebration with a cocktail on the Orangerie’s terrace, beautifully framed by towering palm trees and Mediterranean greenery. For dinner, step into the Orangerie—an impressive space housed in a former 19th-century wine cellar, accommodating up to 300 guests.
- 300 guests
- Sleeps 32
- Rental from €17,500 for 2 nights (April rate)
Chateau Aix-en-Provence
Set in the Provençal countryside just outside Aix-en-Provence, Chateau Aix-en-Provence is a picture perfect wedding venue in Southern France. Its architecture immediately sets it apart – warm brick façades, clean lines, and a style that is instantly recognisable.
This is a château with history woven into its walls – it once welcomed Marcel Pagnol, one of Provence’s most emblematic figures – but also a clear contemporary edge shaped by thoughtful restoration and a strong creative vision. Surrounded by parkland, vineyards and olive trees, it offers a calm, private setting while remaining exceptionally well connected.
- 120 guests
- SLeeps 45
- From €18,700 for 3 days, 2 nights
The Vineyard Estates
For those who want to marry amongst the vines and celebrate the “terroir” of France.
Chateau Giscours
Just 25 minutes from Bordeaux, Chateau Giscours is perfect for wine lovers. It benefits from the prestigious wine growing “Margaux appellation” and has been producing a “Grand Cru Classé” since 1855.
We love this venue both for its impressive size and for its emphasis on sustainability. There you’ll find a farm, vines, a vegetable garden and farm animals, all working together towards a rich terroir and a balanced ecosystem.
- 350 guests
- Sleeps 7
- From €4,900 for 1 day
Chateau de Sanse
Located near the renowned village of St Emilion, is a charming chateau hotel nestled amidst serene vineyards, offering picturesque views over the French countryside. It serves as an enchanting wedding venue near Bordeaux and the Dordogne region.
With its cypress-lined pathways, lush hillsides, and golden stone architecture, Chateau de Sanse carries the ambiance of a Tuscan haven. We, at Chateau Bee, love the chateau’s inviting atmosphere and how the owners have transformed their passion for hospitality into this welcoming wedding destination.
- 100 guests
- Sleeps 42
- From €10,000 for 3 nights (weekend rate)
Quick Venue Comparison: Featured French Chateaux
| Venue Name | Region / Style | Max Guests | Sleeps | Starting Price (Approx.) |
| Chateau de Bourron | Paris (Renaissance) | 140 | 37 | €15,000 (1 night) |
| Chateau de Pennautier | Carcassonne (Grandeur) | 500 | 94 | €6,500 (Rental only) |
| Saint Victor La Grand’ Maison | Berry (Rustic Hamlet) | 150 | 28 | €6,820 (2 nights) |
| Chateau de Sainte Croix | Dordogne (Rustic Charm) | 150 | 32 | €5,500 (per night) |
| Chateau Hermitage de Combas | Montpellier (Coastal/Sun) | 300 | 32 | €17,500 (2 nights) |
| Chateau Aix-en-Provence | Provence (Sun-Drenched) | 120 | 45 | €18,700 (3 days/2 nights) |
| Chateau Giscours | Bordeaux (Vineyard) | 350 | 7 | €4,900 (1 day) |
| Chateau de Sanse | Bordeaux (Vineyard) | 100 | 42 | €10,000 (3 nights) |
Frequently Asked Questions: French Wedding Traditions
What are the most common French wedding traditions?
Common French wedding traditions include the Vin d’Honneur (a long cocktail hour), the serving of a traditional French wedding cake called a Croquembouche, and the “Champagne Pyramid.” Many weddings also feature a late-night onion soup to re-energise guests for dancing until dawn and on the day after your wedding, guests will gather again for the “Retour de noces” which is a relax brunch.
How do I legally get married in France?
To have a legal marriage in France, you must perform a civil ceremony at the local Mairie (Town Hall). Because this involves significant residency requirements and paperwork for foreigners, many international couples choose to have their legal ceremony in their home country and host a beautiful symbolic ceremony at a French chateau.
What is a traditional French wedding cake?
The traditional French wedding cake is the Croquembouche. It is a stunning conical tower made of choux pastry puffs (profiteroles) filled with pastry cream and bound together with decorative threads of caramelised sugar.
What is “French chateau wedding style”?
French chateau wedding style is defined by “effortless chic.” It emphasises the natural beauty of the venue, using local seasonal florals, long banquet tables, and breathable fabrics like French lace and linen to create a look that is sophisticated yet grounded in the landscape. To summarise: when marrying in a French chateau, because the grounds are already exceptional, you can go by the saying “less is more”.
When do French weddings typically start?
A French wedding timeline often starts later than in the UK or US, with ceremonies beginning around 4:00 PM. This allows the celebration to transition into a long dinner and a party that frequently lasts until 4:00 or 5:00 AM.
What are French weddings like?
French weddings are immersive cultural celebrations that operate on a relaxed evening schedule, transitioning smoothly from a late-afternoon ceremony into a multi-course dinner and dancing until dawn.
How does a multi-day French wedding work?
A traditional French wedding weekend typically spans three distinct events across different days. Friday features an informal welcome dinner, Saturday hosts the grand ceremony and late-night party, and Sunday concludes with a relaxed recovery brunch by the pool.
What are French wedding traditions?
French wedding traditions include unique customs such as the mandatory civil ceremony at the town hall, the grand champagne pyramid, the wedding party procession through village streets, and serving hot onion soup at dawn. These historic practices give destination weddings in France an authentic and unforgettable atmosphere for international couples.
What is a traditional French wedding like?
A traditional French wedding is an unhurried, multi-hour celebration focused on exceptional food, fine regional wine, and late-night dancing. Festivities typically begin with an afternoon ceremony followed by an extended cocktail hour, a multi-course dinner starting late in the evening, and a party that continues until sunrise.
What are the dating and marriage traditions in France?
Dating and marriage traditions in France emphasise formal civil unions conducted at the local municipal town hall before any celebratory religious or symbolic gatherings. Couples value romantic courtship traditions, shared culinary experiences, and extended family participation throughout the entire wedding weekend.
What is the Croquembouche and how is it served?
The Croquembouche is a traditional French wedding cake made of cream-filled choux pastry puffs bound together with delicate threads of caramelised sugar. This architectural dessert is typically served around midnight with a dramatic entrance, often accompanied by sparkling wine before the dancing officially commences.
Are you Ready to Embrace These French Wedding Traditions for your Destination Wedding?
Are you envisioning your perfect croquembouche, a glittering champagne tower, and dancing the night away under the starry French sky? If so, it might be time to transform those dreams into reality with a destination wedding in France!
That’s where Chateau Bee comes in. With our vetted, hand-picked collection, you can select your French wedding venue with ease, and we are here to help you narrow down your choices.
➔ Get in touch with our team — Speak directly with Ingrid and James to discuss your destination wedding plans.
➔ Explore all of our venues — Browse our handpicked collection of exclusive French chateaux and estates.
➔ How to plan a wedding reception — Read our expert guide on structuring your dream evening celebration.
➔ Need a wedding planner?— Discover professional planning support for your French celebration.
➔ Getting married in France as a foreigner — Navigate legal paperwork and symbolic ceremonies seamlessly.
The Art of the “I Do”: 5 Enchanting French Wedding Traditions by Olivia
