Muriel Saldalamacchia
For more than 10 years in the destination wedding business, travelling the world for weddings, Muriel is France based, but has also rocked in Italy few years ago.
Asides her travels with her clients, Muriel is also an International Speaker, dealing with her peers onto the Luxury and destination Wedding Market.
Muriel is also a French author, dealing with business methods to international peers accros the globe, while having the clients in the focus of attention. Her first book "The Anti-Ghosting-Method" is available on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles.
If you are getting married in Provence, congratulations: you chose one of the most charming regions of France. I promise you won’t regret it for a second. There, you’ll find properties to privatize for the whole weekend, so you and your guests can spend more time together. Wondering what a 3-day destination wedding in Provence looks like? Check out this guide and learn all about this region!
3-day destination wedding in Provence
Above all, to create this guide for a destination wedding in Provence, I have considered that on the first day, you’ll want to give the best impression of the region to your guests. This might include a tour around the region or a wine tasting. Then, on the wedding day, my suggestion is to let the guests enjoy the activities available on the properties while the couple prep. Finally, on the third day, you can choose between some laid-back activities on your wedding property or offering a tour for your guests.
Day 1: Welcome day and getting to know Provence
Welcome drinks
Firstly, to make a great impression on your guests, you can offer them some welcome drinks in the gardens, facing a vineyard or a lavender field – especially if you are getting married during summer or spring. Or, if you prefer, you can start the activities by offering them a wine tasting – one of France’s specialties.
Getting to know Provence
Once in Provence, you should get to know at least one of its main attractions. If you are getting married between mid-June to mid-July, you should take your guests to visit the lavender fields. Located between the valley of Durance and the Gorges of Verdon, Plateau de Valensole is one of the places where you can admire the vast field of flowers. Luberon is also a great option, as well as the Senanque Abbey, Gordes.
If your guests are really into contemplating nature, you can’t escape the Parc National des Calanques. You can take them on a boat tour to see the rocky limestone coastline, which plunges to the sea from great heights.
Another option is taking your guests to the charming Aix-en-Provence. There, they can walk through Cours Mirabeau, an avenue with lush plane trees full of restaurants and boutiques.
And my favorite? As a native from St. Rémy de Provence, I strongly recommend to have morning // late afternoon wanderings in the unmistakable villages, known as St Rémy itself, but also Les Baux de Provence, Fontvieille and Maussane les Alpilles. Small artisan boutiques, luxury shops, genuine local restaurants. You have everything you could find on a postcard, but in real life! Insiders are keen to share and welcome you as tourists.
Rehearsal dinner
On the day before the wedding, it is a must-do for couples to host a rehearsal dinner. If you are getting married in one of the luxurious properties or boutique hotels of Provence, we can arrange everything there – so you don’t have to worry about transfers. Some of them have starred chefs, who prepare incredible meals with local fresh ingredients. And, of course, accompanied by great French wines.
What I love most about the pre-wedding format? an intimate rehearsal dinner, followed by a welcoming cocktail party with all the guests who finally arrived at their places. Ending around 11pm to keep good hours of sleep before the big day.
Day 2: Relax and get ready for the big day
Breakfast
On the wedding day, we like to provide more relaxing experiences – so everyone can save energy for the ceremony and reception. To start the day in the best way possible, I suggest breakfast with friends and family. Above all, it is a great opportunity to spend more time with them.
While the couple preps, the guests can enjoy the day
Well, we all know that after brunch, the couple should be dedicated to the getting ready moment. While they prep, guests can enjoy some activities offered by the properties. Some of them have art galleries, a swimming pool, vineyards, sports courts, and beautiful gardens to have a walk. Depending on the chosen venue, it is possible to schedule a tour in the nearest town – but it is important to check with the wedding planner the time available for that. We really don’t want to mess with the wedding schedule!
Day 3: Pool party, picnic, barbecue, or tour? You choose!
So, you had the time of your life on your wedding day – and I guess you might be feeling a little bit tired. A great option for the day after (to help you recover from the hangover sensation) is throwing a laid-back pool party for family and friends.
There are also some interesting experiences offered by the venues. At Château d’Estoublon, for example, it is possible to try Japanese barbecue. On the other hand, Domaine de Fontenille can prepare a picnic or a brunch in the shade of the plane trees on the terrace of La Cuisine d’Amélie.
Get a tour!
If you and your guests still have some energy, we might include a tour of some of the nearby towns.
7 must-dos when you are in Provence
When you think about Provence, you probably think about Lavender fields and idyllic scenarios. Well, you are right about that! However, there are also some other enchanting attractions in the region that you can suggest to your guests.
1. Authentic Villages tour
St-Rémy-de-Provence | Fontvieille | Maussane-les-Alpilles | Gordes and Roussilon are definitely the villages you cannot miss when traveling to Provence. Boutiques, artisans, restaurants… You’ll love them all. Curious to have your feedback by the way if you ever dreamt to visit one of them. 🙂
2. Palace of the Popes
Located in Avignon, it has been the residence of six Popes throughout history. As one of the world’s largest and most important gothic buildings, its opulent architecture will enchant you.
3. Visiting Lavender Fields
As we mentioned before, this is one of the main attractions in the region. You can either visit the lavender fields in Plateau de Valensole, Luberon, or Senanque Abbey.
4. Old Port of Marseille
One of the biggest cities of the region, its Old Port offers lots of restaurants and cafés. If you have time, get a boat, and go to Château d’If – the scenario of the famous book The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas.
5. Parc National des Calanques
If you and your guests are the adventurous types, you should definitely go to Parc National des Calanques. There, you will see the rocky limestone coastline. Also, you can access it by boat.
6. Carrières de Lumières
Are you an art lover? Then you should include this attraction on your list. In this audiovisual experience, 100 ultra -HD projectors project images totaling 6000 square meters. Usually, the projections are always art related.
7. Aix-en-Provence
This charming city in the heart of Provence can not go unnoticed. There, you can just wander around Cours Mirabel or sit in a café. If you are an art fan, you must visit the Atelier de Cézanne.
Most common questions about destination weddings in Provence
What should I expect at a destination wedding?
Above all, a destination wedding is a complete experience where you celebrate your wedding while you travel with family and friends. With this, it is possible to strengthen bonds with the guests – you’ll probably live many fun moments together during the trip. Instead of celebrating just one day, you’ll have at least three days to commemorate with them. It will surely be an unforgettable experience.
What is included in a destination wedding package?
First, if you are looking to have a unique experience, you should consider hiring a wedding planner that works in a more personalized way. Above all, this professional must create a destination wedding that fits your tastes and needs and choose the most appropriate vendors.
How can I make my destination wedding unique?
In the first place, you must understand what you wish for your wedding. Then, you must hire a local wedding planner that understands it and can transform your dream and needs into reality.
How much does a wedding in the South of France cost?
The cost average of a destination wedding in Provence could range from 70.000 euros for a 2 days wedding celebration with 80 guests to 200.000 euros and more for a 3 days wedding with 120 guests.
Do couples pay for guests at the destination wedding?
Usually, each guest is responsible for their own travel costs. However, some hotels and properties offer special conditions for group reservations.
What is the best month to get married in Provence?
Due to the weather, May to October is usually the best time to visit Provence and plan your wedding.
