An Elegant Wedding in One of the Most Iconic Parisian Hotels

Last June, I had the chance to shoot my first wedding in one of the most iconic hotels in Paris – the Ritz. When S. & A. told me they were getting married in this historical hotel, I could only but be thrilled about their big day. This was the first opportunity for me to enter the doors of this historic building located at 15, place Vendome, Paris.

Built by Swiss hotelkeeper Cesar Ritz in 1898, the hotel is a luxury establishment that welcomed numerous distinguished guests, including which politicians, world-renowned artists, celebrities, royals… Among the most famous figures who stayed at the Ritz, one may mention Coco Chanel – who lived at the hotel for several decades –, Ernest Hemingway – whose name today serves to name the bar of the hotel –, and world-famous French writer Marcel Proust.

The Paris Ritz is roughly divided between two sides: its main entrance and aisle are on Place Vendome, while the backside aisle gives on the smaller street Cambon.

For intimate events, the hotel offers several salons that open on an inner garden – the “Grand Jardin”. Once in this garden, one can hear nothing of the outside turmoil of Parisian streets. It is a quiet haven where birds sing, and where the air is full with jasmin perfume – because in June the hotel’s wall is towering the garden all covered with blooming jasmine.

Another very beautiful part of the Ritz Paris is the covered gallery that connects the two parts of the hotel – the Vendome side and the Cambon side – together. It was imaged by its builder are a convenient passage to ensure that ladies would not suffer from the rain when going from one part of the hotel to the other. Later, this gallery acquired an even larger purpose, as it now shelters numerous boutiques, featuring 95 displays of luxury brands. It is a hugely photogenic spot to shoot pictures of a modern bride.

For their big day, S. & A. decided to rent the “Salon d’été” (“Summer Salon”), which terrace continues the Grand Garden.

After their wedding ceremony facing the exquisite garden of the Ritz, S. & A. celebrated their love through a festive lunch in the Summer Salon. But a June wedding is always best outdoor, so the lovebirds went back to the terrace for the father/daughter dance and to cut their wedding cake.

Ritz Paris offers a panel of various settings, from grand, classical galleries and staircases to a luxuriant, intimate garden, through a Belle Epoque corridor with bronze lanterns. It is a unique venue to celebrate a wedding, and I, as a wedding photographer, can only praise how its luxury spots are perfect to capture the love of brides and grooms.

On this event, I had the pleasure to work with Pierre Froger who shot a gorgeous video about this wedding at Ritz Paris.