The Ultimate 2025 Paris Elopement Guide: Tips and Advice for Non-French Residents

Best Places to Elope in Paris

Paris, the city of love, is a dream destination for couples looking to elope. With its beautiful architecture, charming streets, and picturesque parks, there are endless possibilities for a romantic elopement in Paris. The iconic Eiffel Tower, the stunning Palace of Versailles, and the breathtaking Notre-Dame Cathedral are just a few of the popular spots for elopements.

For a more intimate experience, consider exchanging vows in the Luxembourg Gardens or the hidden courtyards of Le Marais. Montmartre’s narrow streets and cozy cafés also provide a romantic and authentic Parisian backdrop. With its enchanting atmosphere and endless possibilities, Paris is undoubtedly one of the best places to elope in the world.

Public Locations (Free)

Public means just that – you are in a community space – a park, in front of a monument, at the end of a street. The biggest benefit is that it is usually free, but of course, there are drawbacks. You have less flexibility on when you can hold your ceremony depending on the location and the crowds, there may be onlookers or people passing by, and there isn’t usually a rain option, and you cannot decorate or set up chairs in a public space.

If you don’t mind a few onlookers, and you don’t mind being constrained to particular hours, then a public option is great for the pocketbook. If it happens to rain, with an elopement, you have some flexibility to delay the ceremony just a bit until conditions improve … OR you can channel your inner adventurer and go along with a rainy celebration. Think of the stories you can tell …and of course, the photo ops! 

• Most public spaces will be good only for the ceremony, not the reception.  Unless you plan for a fun picnic reception in a public park – then you can host both in one place.

• Otherwise a public ceremony can be followed by a photo shoot and a celebratory lunch or dinner in a restaurant.

NOTE – with small elopements or vow renewals, you have more flexibility for a ceremony in a public space. The larger your party, the bigger will be your need for a paid space.

Private Locations (Paid)

A private location will generally be able to provide an alternative space or at least covered in case of rain. It will usually require a fee, which can be minimal or substantial.

As well, most private options would be able to provide full service elopement – meaning that you host both your ceremony and reception there.

6 private paris elopement location

1. Your hotel terrace or courtyard
2. A Chateau close to Paris
3. A chapel
4. A private event room
5. A museum
6. A botanical garden

If you are more private and need more control over your event and if you have a larger party, and would like a more luxurious set up, then a private venue will be a wonderful investment.

Public or Private

Which do we recommend? It depends on your budget and your style. Are you going for luxury or chicer… perhaps Boheme?

Look through the location options in our guide, think about the vision that you have for your elopement, think about your budget and then make a decision. 

Either way, this is where a planner would come in very handy. They know the city and the locations well. They know where to find the value … and present the best options for your needs and your budget!

Elope at the Eiffel Tower – 5 Free Elopement Ceremony Locations with an Eiffel Tower View

Eloping at the Eiffel Tower is a dream come true for many couples. The iconic landmark is a symbol of love and romance, making it the perfect location for an intimate elopement. You can exchange vows in front of the tower, with its stunning metalwork and sparkling lights providing the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Whether you choose to have a small ceremony or a private photoshoot, eloping at the Eiffel Tower is an unforgettable experience. With the help of a professional elopement planner, you can easily arrange all the details, from legal requirements to photography and flowers, making your elopement at the Eiffel Tower a stress-free and memorable experience.

Plan a dreamy elopement with Eiffel Tower views

Ask your elopement planner to break out the trusty blanket and treat your soulmate to a wishful elopement along the Seine River with picture-perfect Eiffel Tower views.

Get the details

Incorporate a street performer

Hiring a skillful Parisian street performer is a terrific way to sensitize your partner to what’s about to happen. You can have the performer creatively reveal clues as to what comes next while keeping your sweetheart guessing.

Get the details

Elope at the Eiffel Tower: 5 Paid Elopement Locations with Eiffel Tower View

The biggest difference between a private and public location will be the cost and control. With public locations, you do not have much control over what is happening – or whether one location may be open or closed. This can throw a monkey wrench in your otherwise well-devised plans!

The alternative is a paid private location, which gives you a tremendous amount of flexibility over the way things unfold … as well as a rain option. 

Consider the fee the price to pay for convenience to execute your vision without worrying about situations that are outside of your control.

What’s great is that these locations usually afford you the option for your ceremony and your reception.

When it’s important, write it down!

Looking for a smart way to shake your partner out of bed in time for a sunrise proposal? Tell her you’d like to beat the crowds to a “street art exhibition,” which in reality is a series of canvases displaying touching promises of devotion. The final canvas ends with a call to action for her to turn around. Meanwhile, you’ll quickly step back and drop to your knee …

Get the details

Take your partner on a trip down memory lane.

The marriage proposal speech is about bringing your relationship full circle and sensitizing your partner to what’s about to happen. Suppose you have a tendency to choke up or get nervous. In that case, there’s nothing wrong with expressing your feelings through a heartwarming video. Narrate photos and videos taken throughout your relationship to show her why she inspires you and how much you love her. Reimagine where you’re headed together.

Get the details

1. Hotel

First, it is very important to recognize the different descriptive terms for views for Paris hotels.

Eiffel View

This means you can see the tower from your room – most likely through a window – so there is no outdoor space. Likely least expensive but not ideal for an elopement ceremony.

Balcony

You have some outdoor space, but likely very small – just enough to fit one or two chairs and/or a table for two. That’s it. The biggest drawback for hosting your ceremony on your balcony is that there may not be enough space or perspective for your photographer to get great pictures. Best to opt for a suite instead of a room…

Terrace

This is generally a much larger outdoor space with more than enough room to host a lovely elopement ceremony. What’s great is that you can share the costs of your sleeping space AND your ceremony location – even if only for one night. And while you are out for your photoshoot, consider a reception setup on the terrace – a beautiful private lunch or dinner set up for 2.

Hotels with Terraces

There are quite a few hotels in Paris that have terrace suitable for a ceremony, with views of the Eiffel Tower. Specifically – The Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Peninsula, Plaza Athenee, Le Meurice, Le Crillon, Raphael, the Pullman.

2. Residential Rooftop/Terrace

There are many private apartments with great views of the Eiffel Tower … some have balconies, some have terraces, and some even have rooftop spaces with panoramic views of the City and the Iron Lady. Perfect for your ceremony!

What’s great is that they can also serve as your living quarters for your trip to Paris. A good compromise if you are on a budget. You can expect to find them on Airbnb or any other vacation rental website. Also, most planners will have a curated list of suitable apartments. But reserve early – the better options book out months in advance.

3. Commercial Rooftop/Terrace

Consider renting a salon in a commercial or even residential building which gives you access for a period of time (usually a few hours) to a rooftop or terrace for your ceremony and a small dinner/lunch reception afterward.

Again this is where a planner would be most helpful because such spaces aren’t easily found for a foreigner. That being said, of all the rooftop/terrace options – this would likely provide the least value for a small elopement. They are generally quite expensive, and there are far better options for.

4. Restaurants

There are a few restaurants in Paris that are just perfectly set for a Paris elopement. They have outdoor spaces with amazing views of the Eiffel Tower, which can be rented for a picturesque ceremony, followed up by an exquisite gastronomique lunch or dinner. Ooh, la la!

5. Boats

Consider a ceremony setting on the Seine River with wonderful, unencumbered views of the Eiffel Tower. There are quite a few private options for boats… If you want no fuss, just easy and to the point, then the best option is to rent a space on a boat docked along the Seine for your ceremony … get some photos and be on your way! This will definitely be cheaper as you wouldn’t be cruising.

If you want to up the luxury factor, then consider starting with your photo tour, then splurging on a private yacht for a cruise up and down the Seine, optionally including a meal and champagne. Imagine sealing your vows on the deck as the sun sets over Paris – Divine!

The Final 7 Paris Elopement Checklist

1. Be sure to get prep instructions from your hair and makeup artist and be ready for them when they arrive.
2. Have your bouquet and boutonniere delivered the night before.
3. Confirm the pickup time with your driver.
4. Confirm with your officiant that she will bring your vows.
5. Confirm that your dress will be back from the laundry by the day before the latest.
6. Pack anything you need for your ceremony and photoshoot afterward (props, comfy shoes, outfit change.
7. OR have your planner do it all for you!

You’re in Paris, you’re in love, and you have a ring …

This is not a marriage proposal idea per se. And, you’d be missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity considering most women have been conditioned to expect a fairytale engagement—notably when you are in Paris. However, suppose you are already over budget. Then it’s paramount to show chivalry, effort, and romance. Perhaps serenade your sweetheart before dropping to your knee. Or record congratulatory messages from her family to play after she says “Yes.” Maybe it’s been a while since you last gave her a sensual massage. You get the point—nothing should feel ordinary.

Book your photographer

Gift her long-stemmed red roses and chilled Champagne

Re-create your first date while setting the tone for one of the most memorable nights of your lives—no lady will fault you for giving her two dozen long-stemmed roses. Then lean in to seal your love with a few not-so-innocent French kisses and a perfectly chilled Dom Pérignon.

Order roses + Champagne