This central and historic bridge is a favourite with many couples as it offers both beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower and a backup option in case of rain.
The charm of this bridge stands in its visible metallic girders which make it original and photogenic.
Perhaps the most poular choice of all.
We get lots of enquiries for ceremonies on (I have to disappoint you here: you can’t have a wedding ON the Eiffel Tower) and around the Eiffel Tower. So, what are your best options?
Depending on your personal preference:
The Champ de Mars is a big garden that stretches from the Eiffel Tower to the Ecole Militaire, on the left bank of the Seine river. You can get lovely shots of the tower in the background from the central lawn.
Champ de Mars -central lawn with tower in the background (photo courtesy of Haigh Tcherkezian).
On the opposite side of the river, slightly elevated, there is the Esplanade du Trocadero. This is a lovely spot for photos but very crowded as it offers those classic “postcard views” of the Eiffel Tower and is very popular with tourists.
The Eiffel Tower viewed from the esplanade du Trocadero. Classic.
If you’re looking at having your ceremony around the Eiffel Tower, I’d personally recommend the Champ de Mars, as it’s quite big and it’s easy to find a quiet spot. You can then walk to Trocadero after the ceremony (taking pictures along the way) or stop there during your photo tour.
P.S. Select an early time in the morning if you’d like a wedding around the Eiffel Tower !
Do you like the idea of having your wedding on the tip of an island but in the middle of Paris?
Then consider having your ceremony at Square du Vert Galant – a lovely garden on the west-end of the Ile de la Cité (City Island). It’s small and quiet, and the waters of the Seine provide privacy and intimacy.
In addition, the Pont des Arts, a sort disctance away (pictured below) offers a lovely background for pictures (you can walk ot take the car to this bridge after the ceremony). Mornings are the best time to have your ceremony here as it can be crowded with tourists in the afternoon.
M Line 7 – Pont Neuf.
Square du Vert Galant seen from Pont des Arts.
The Chapelle Expiatoire: an enchanted setting for a reasonable price.
The Chapelle Expiatoire is one of Paris’s favoutire wedding venues for at least three good reasons:
1) Price and privacy – It’s a private venue in central Paris and it costs only 700 euros*;
2) Location – a short walk from the Gare St. Lazare it’s conveniently located in the heart of the Rive Droite.
3) Charme and Beauty – the marble interior and the rose garden at the front are romantic and beautiful. Plus, if you decide to have music, the acustic is good.
Walking to the Chapelle surrounded by white roses.
To make an enquiry in regards to this location contact the Monuments Nationaux through their website.
*Price is a guide only – please check with the Monuments Nationaux their current price schedule.
The newlyweds in front of the Eiffel Tower, after the sunset ceremony in Place du Trocadero.
It was cold and rainy in Paris, on Valentine’s Day. But the enthusiasm and love of Kenny and Ashley, was apparently powerful enough to bring the sun, and a beautiful sunset, out – just in time to have their ceremony in Place Du Trocadero.
A small crowd gathered around us and the bride and groom sealed their love in front of an improvised audience. It was a fun, relaxed moment, which I’m sure Kenny and Ashley will trasure forever!
Day and night shots of the happiest couple.
After the ceremony the couple went off with the photographer, Haig Tcherkezian, to have more pictures taken. As they opted for a sunset wedding they now have both day and night shots to remember their Paris wedding.
Champagne celebration in front of the world’s most famous Tower.
Thank you to Ash and Kenny for being so easy to work with and so enthusiastic and thanks to Haig Tcherkezian (weddingdayphotographerparis.com), for the great pictures.
Located in the VIII arrondissement, on the right bank of the Seine, Parc Monceau is a truly Parisian experience. Less frequented by tourists than its bigger, more famous cousins, it’s a spot favoured by the locals for picnics, jogging and relaxing on the laws. It’s a romantic and quiet location for wedding ceremonies in all seasons.
Designed and built in the 18th century, with “folies” such as a Roman colonnade, a small scale Egyptian pyramid, a Venetian bridge and other exotic features it was conceived by its architect to be a “fantasy” and to amuse and surprise the visitor at every step.
The Venetian bridge surrounded by plants.
M: Monceau (line 2)
Avoid school days (4.30 to 6.00 pm) as there is a primary school just off the gardens and it can get noisy.
The Sénat, in the Luxembourg Gardens, viewed from the octagonal fountain.
I’m not a fan of the Luxembourg gardens. In fact, in spite of their great location and classic style, I find them very crowded and dusty. However, this Saturday afternoon, I had second thoughts…
The light, late in the afternoon, was splendid, and the autumn leaves were the perfect frame for the Medici fountain. The atmosphere was a quiet and romantic in this secluded corner of the gardens and I felt miles away from the crowds of the central square.
The Medici Fountain on a fine autumn day.
The fountain is located near the Odéon entrance (just left of the Senate) and was originally commissioned in 1634 by Marie de Medici for her palace on the Left Bank of the Seine. Modified extensively during the years the fountain was relocated to its present spot around 1860. The central sculpture that ornates the fountain is based upon the Greek Myth “Acis and Galatea”.
The marble statue of Acis and Galatea, de Medici Fountain, detail.
According to the myth, Galatea’s jealous suitor, the Cyclops Polyphemus, killed Acis with a boulder. Galatea, devastated by the death of her lover, turned the blood of Acis into a river – the river Aci, which runs to this day near mount Etna, in Sicily.
Location: Luxembourg gardens – Medici Fountain
M: Odéon
Best time: Early morning or evenings (check gate opening times). Avoid weekend afternoons.
