An Intimate Wedding in Paris, France.

Paris Weddings - Destination Weddings - Intimate Weddings - photo by Milla Agai www.theroseweddings.com

In terms of picking a spot for a Paris wedding, The Eiffel Tower may seem like the quintessential icon, as well a Notre Dame Cathedral.

You will have to decide what type of ceremony you would like to have in Paris.

A civil ceremony–legally binding–usually takes place at town hall and is performed by the mayor or legal representative. You can have the civil ceremony in France or your home country.

Keep in mind that France is a traditional Catholic country and many parishes are rather traditional and rooted in their communities. A symbolic ceremony is a symbolic renewal of vows after an official civil or Catholic ceremony.

To be married in a Catholic church in France you need: a letter from your home parish priest and Bishop, Baptism and Confirmation certificates and a marriage certificate from your civil ceremony.

I suggest planning 3-4 months in advance for a small elopement and 6 months to a year for a larger wedding.

A small Paris wedding with less than 20 people can cost less than an extravagant at-home wedding, but trying to make it happen for less than $1,000 is a little unrealistic.

Additional costs and taxes you may not find in North America may creep up as well.

Don’t let the process discourage you. Your consulate and wedding planner are there to help you through each step of the way.

Weddings take a bit of work no matter where you go, so if your heart is set on Paris, by all means, go for it!