SECOND SHOT FOR: Jaden Sonive Photography
A Romantic Paris Wedding at a French Château & Private Seine River Cruise
There are weddings, and then there are experiences that feel like they’ve been pulled from the pages of a history book. This Paris wedding was the latter—an intimate, artful, and unforgettable celebration of love in the French countryside and the heart of the city itself. As a destination wedding photographer, I live for these kinds of celebrations: where travel, family, and artistry all come together to create magic.
From the château in the rolling hills of France to a private boat tour down the Seine River, this wedding truly had it all.
The Night Before the Wedding: Rehearsal Dinner in the French Countryside
Before the wedding day even began, we gathered for a rehearsal dinner at the château where the couple and their families were staying. There’s something about the French countryside that makes time feel slower, sweeter, and more intentional. The château itself was a masterpiece—grand stone staircases, towering windows, and hallways filled with the weight of history.
The couple hired private chefs who prepared a proper family-style dinner, and we all sat together around a long wooden table as the sun began to dip below the rolling fields. After dinner, we chased the sunset through the gardens and vineyards surrounding the château. It was the perfect prelude to the wedding—a chance to connect, laugh, and savor the joy that was about to unfold.
The Wedding Day at the Château
The morning of the wedding felt electric but calm. Everyone was staying together in the château, so the air buzzed with excitement in every corner—bridesmaids peeking into rooms, groomsmen sharing quiet laughs, family members lingering over coffee before slipping into their wedding attire.
The ceremony itself was beautifully simple, yet incredibly moving. The couple chose to hold it in the garden, using mismatched wooden chairs borrowed straight from the château’s kitchen. A French violinist played softly as the bride walked down the aisle, her gown trailing across the cobblestones, the moment set against the backdrop of timeless architecture and centuries-old walls.
It wasn’t about grandeur or spectacle—it was about intimacy, presence, and love.
A Private Seine River Cruise in Paris
After the vows, we made our way into the city for an experience that none of us will ever forget. The couple had arranged a private boat tour along the Seine River—one of the most iconic ways to see Paris.
As we floated past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre III, the Louvre, and the Grand Palais, it felt like the city itself was part of the celebration. The violinist continued to play during cocktail hour aboard the boat, filling the evening with soft, romantic music as the lights of Paris reflected off the water.
It was pure poetry—Paris at its finest.
Dinner, Toasts, and Dancing
The celebration continued with a five-course French meal, paired with wine and champagne that flowed all evening long. Each course was savored slowly, the kind of meal that makes you linger at the table because you never want it to end.
Stories were told, heartfelt toasts were shared, and laughter filled the air. Once the plates were cleared, the dancing began—joyful, carefree, and full of life. The couple twirled under twinkling lights, surrounded by the people who mattered most, before we made our way back to the château late into the night.
Why Choose Paris & France for Your Destination Wedding
Paris is known as the City of Love for good reason, and this wedding was the perfect example of why so many couples dream of saying “I do” here. From historic châteaux in the countryside to intimate boat tours along the Seine, France offers a mix of elegance, romance, and timeless beauty that is unmatched.
As a destination wedding photographer specializing in fine art and vintage-inspired candid photography, I bring not only my eye for detail and emotion, but also my love for storytelling. I believe every couple deserves to have their wedding captured in a way that feels as rich, emotive, and timeless as the moments themselves.
Whether you’re planning a Paris elopement, a château wedding in the French countryside, or a celebration anywhere in Europe, I’d love to be there to document it all.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Wedding in Paris?
If you’re dreaming of a Paris wedding—or any destination celebration across Europe—I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. From guiding you through the best locations, to capturing your love in a way that blends fine art with candid authenticity, I’ll be by your side to make sure your wedding is documented beautifully, honestly, and timelessly.
✨ Inquire about your destination wedding photography here
