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.
France is a country of many wonders – and they go far beyond the Eiffel Tower. If you are looking for romantic and idyllic landscapes to get married, you should consider Provence . Located in the southeastern part of France, it is bounded to the east by the France–Italy border, to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, and by the Principality of Monaco. From the deep blue sea to lavender fields, you and your guests will have an ultimate luxury experience there. Want to do a wedding in the South of France? I invite you to see some tips about the land I was born in and who saw me growing. Being raised in this area has definitely shaped my way of living. .
Wedding in the South of France
A destination wedding in the South of France can be a lifetime experience, where you gather family and friends for a few days while you enjoy some of the most charming regions in the world. If you choose the French Riviera, you can celebrate your ceremony with a sea view. If Provence sounds more appealing to you, you can do it among lush gardens. For your reception, you’ll have some of the best chefs to prepare your meals, with fresh ingredients and a taste of Mediterranean cuisine.
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Provence weddings
When you think about Provence, probably the lavender fields come into your mind. They certainly make the region even more special. More than that, its beautiful landscapes inspired many artists that lived in the region, such as Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Pablo Picasso.
What’s the region like?
Above all, Provence is known for its unique charm and atmosphere. There you can find coastlands, river valleys, olive trees, Calanques, the sound of cicadas chirping during the summer months, and mountainous areas with picturesque old villages. That is what Provence looks like.
Art lovers will have a blast in Provence, where they can visit Musée Granet in Aix-en-Provence – which holds a large permanent collection by French artist Paul Cézanne. The Hôtel de Caumont opened as a private art museum and gallery, but now it has a permanent exhibition on Cézanne, and also runs interesting displays on everything from Marilyn Monroe to the Italian Masters.
Gastronomy is an important part of French culture, and it is no different in Provence. Located near the Mediterranean, the local cuisine enhances different types of native herbs, olive oil, and garlic. They also use vegetables, meat, and seafood freshly harvested from their habitat.
What’s the weather like?
Provence has mild weather in the winter. On the other hand, its summers tend to be dry. The region usually has more than 300 days of sunshine every year.
Traditions from the region
Since we’re talking about Provence, many wedding traditions are related to lavender. At the end of the ceremony, guests can throw flowers at the couple. Also, a curious tradition involves putting a lavender bouquet under the newlywed’s mattress to bring luck to the marriage. However, there are many ways to use this flower at weddings: in the décor as for example sprigs of lavender in your champagne cup when welcoming your guests to the ceremony, in your hair…or whatever you want.
As a wedding favor, you can give your guests a little taste of Provence: the Calisson. This Provençal specialty candy is composed of a light paste of crystallized melon and almonds crushed together, coated with royal icing. There is even a legend that says that Roy René’s confectioner made this treat for the king’s wedding in 1454. Whether it is true or not, we don’t know – but it could surely be a good inspiration. I personally love to also recommend Maison Lilamand who’s based in my village Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: candied fruits (all local and seasonal) that are as beautiful as tasty. You can find those fruits from every place in the world where you have a Michelin-Starred Restaurant.
Provence weddings: what are they like?
If you are celebrating your wedding in Provence, it is very common to rent an entire property (which are called “villas”) for you and your guests to stay for the whole weekend (or week, if you prefer). These venues usually offer high-end accommodations, lush gardens, and great gastronomic experiences.
Frequently, weddings in these villas are celebrated outdoors, where couples can benefit from the combination of gorgeous landscapes and great architecture.
On a 3-day destination wedding in Provence, you and your guests can enjoy a tour through its picturesque hilltop villages, explore the French markets with delicious fresh food, and try one of its traditional rosé wines.
French Riviera weddings
Also known as Côte d’Azur, French Riviera is known for its deep blue sea and luxurious experiences. F. Scott Fitzgerald even described the region as the “hot sweet South of France.” Some of the most famous cities are Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
What’s the region like?
The region goes from Toulon or Saint Tropez to Menton. This luxury destination is famous for its beaches and coves, as well as some events like the Film Festival of Cannes, the Carnival of Nice, the jazz festival in Toulon, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco.
If you are into cultural activities, you can visit the Picasso Museum in Antibes, the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer, or the Matisse Museum in Nice.
What’s the weather like?
Just like in Provence, the weather on the French Riviera tends to be very mild. In the summer, temperatures rarely exceed 30 ° C, while winter temperatures are maintained between 10 ° C and 15 ° C.
French Riviera weddings: what are they like?
Be prepared to live one of the most luxurious experiences of your life. Just for you to have an idea: some celebrities like Mick Jagger and Bianca Jagger got married there. The region offers some high-end properties – some of them overlooking the deep blue sea. If you are lucky enough to rent them, be sure to host your ceremony with a view.
Here, you’ll be able to provide an out-of-this-world gastronomic experience to your guests with Provençal and Mediterranean healthy and authentic cuisine. Looking for Michelin-starred restaurants? Here you’ll find plenty of them.
Wedding planner in the South of France
Firstly, the most important step in organizing a wedding in the South of France is hiring a wedding planner, who knows the local vendors and can communicate with them properly. Also, this professional should be able to understand the couple’s wishes and needs and transform them into a unique experience.
Best wedding venues in the South of France
Looking for the best places to get married in the South of France? Check out some of our suggestions:
Provence
French Riviera
Most frequent questions about weddings in the South of France
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-day wedding celebration with 80 guests to 200.000 euros and more for a 3-day wedding with 120 guests.
Where can I get married in the South of France?
Provence and the French Riviera are the most searched regions to get married in the South of France. The first one offers a romantic atmosphere where you can privatize villas for your destination wedding. While French Riviera offers venues overlooking the sea and
How much do wedding venues cost in France?
In the South of France, a wedding venue can range from 20.000€ to 300.000€. If you decide to rent an entire property for the wedding, prices can go from 18.000€ to 45.000€.
Can foreigners get married in France?
Yes, of course. However, if you are both non-residents, you can only have a symbolic ceremony.
What is the best month to get married in France?
Due to the weather, May to October is usually the best time to visit France and plan your wedding.
