You’re newly engaged and dream of getting married in Europe’s most romantic capital: Paris! But you’re a little confused about where to get married. You’re wondering which venue to choose, between a château on the outskirts of Paris and a palace in the heart of the capital. You’re inviting family and friends from all over the world, so you’ve decided to opt for one of the Parisian palaces, which not only makes it easier for all your guests because it’s right in the middle of the city, but also offers all the appeal of a luxury establishment. But which one to choose? As a Paris wedding photographer specializing in this kind of luxurious event, I’d like to introduce you to 6 of them, through my photos!

Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel: A Top-Tier Parisian Palace to Get Married

Settled majestically on the Place de la Concorde, the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, is much more than just a Parisian palace: it’s a living monument to French history, revisited with the elegance of contemporary luxury.

This jewel of the global hotel industry embodies the French art of living, between tradition and modernity. Commissioned in 1758 by King Louis XV and designed by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the building was initially intended to enhance the architecture of the Place Royale. It was not until 1909 that it was transformed into a prestigious hotel, after having been a private residence, notably occupied by the family of the Counts de Crillon. Since then, the place has never ceased to fascinate royalty, artists and travelers in search of the exceptional.

Closed in 2013 for a spectacular restoration, the hotel reopened in 2017 under the flag of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts group. The renovation project, entrusted to architect Richard Martinet and art director Aline Asmar of Amman, brought together a quartet of renowned decorators – Tristan Auer, Chahan Minassian, Cyril Vergniol and Karl Lagerfeld – who each signed unique spaces. In particular, Lagerfeld designed the sumptuous “Grands Appartements”, combining modern lines, bespoke furnishings and references to French decorative arts.

The hotel boasts 78 rooms and 46 suites, all designed as cocoons of hushed elegance. Noble materials, marble, delicate woodwork and works of art interact with views of the emblematic monuments of Paris. Extremely refined service includes a dedicated butler for the most prestigious suites.

On the gastronomic front, the Crillon is home to L’Écrin, a Michelin-starred restaurant where chef Boris Campanella offers high-precision cuisine in an intimate setting. The culinary offering is complemented by the Jardin d’Hiver for sweet breaks, and Les Ambassadeurs, a legendary bar where contemporary cocktails rub shoulders with a rich musical program, in a sublimely historic setting.

For well-being, the Sense, A Rosewood Spa, is a veritable sanctuary. Its indoor pool, covered in thousands of golden scales, is a jewel in itself. Hammam, sauna, made-to-measure treatments and fitness area complete this place designed for rejuvenation.

The Hôtel de Crillon doesn’t just offer sumptuous surroundings: it also cultivates a deeply human approach to hospitality. Its “relationship hospitality” approach, unique to Rosewood, places customer care at the heart of the experience. Here, every stay becomes a personalized story.

Combining heritage, art, well-being and service excellence, the Hôtel de Crillon remains a must for those seeking to experience Paris at its noblest and most inspiring.

For your wedding, the first-floor salons, offering breathtaking views of Place de la Concorde, are the perfect setting for a wedding celebration unlike any other. Imagine exchanging vows in a space steeped in history and luxury. The “Marie-Antoinette” salon, named after the Queen herself, was once the site where she practiced her piano lessons. And then there’s the “Salon des Aigles”-a true feast for the eyes with its gleaming moldings and regal charm, making it a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. From grand moments like the ceremony to intimate portraits, these rooms offer a classic yet luxurious setting for memories that will last a lifetime.

From Intimate to Grand Weddings: The Four Season Hotel George V

The Four Season Hotel George V, built in 1928 in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, is a temple of elegance and refinement. It has the advantage of numerous privatizable lounges of all sizes, making it possible to imagine intimate weddings for less than 30 people, as well as very large celebrations for 500 guests.

The story of the George V began with American businessman Joel Hillman, who commissioned its construction in the late 1920s. It soon became a haunt for royalty, artists and world leaders. After several changes of ownership, it was bought in 1997 by Saudi prince Al Walid ben Talal, who entrusted it to the Four Seasons group. Since then, the hotel has undergone major renovations while retaining its original charm. The hotel boasts 244 rooms, including 59 suites, decorated in classic Louis XVI style with meticulous attention to detail: refined fabrics, period furniture, works of art and discreet technology.

Some suites offer breathtaking views over the rooftops of Paris, or even the Eiffel Tower, through large bay windows or from vast private terraces. The Penthouse Suite, the jewel in the hotel’s crown, perfectly illustrates this alliance of luxury, space and intimacy.

The George V is also an exceptional gastronomic destination. It is the only hotel in Europe to boast three Michelin-starred restaurants, with a total of five stars. Le Cinq, led by chef Christian Le Squer, offers French cuisine of rare finesse and holds three stars. The Mediterranean-style Le George is led by Italian chef Simone Zanoni, while the more intimate L’Orangerie is orchestrated by Alan Taudon and features creative, plant-based cuisine.

The wellness area, opened in 2018, extends the luxurious experience with a 720 m² spa featuring a swimming pool, vitality pool, hammams, gym, hairdressing salon and top-of-the-range treatments with prestigious brands. It’s a sanctuary of relaxation in the heart of a bustling city. Just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées, the Golden Triangle and the major fashion houses, the George V is strategically located for those wishing to explore Paris at its most chic. Personalized services, concierge service, valet parking, private lounges and multilingual staff complete the experience. A veritable institution, the Four Seasons Hotel George V continues to embody hotel excellence. Every stay here becomes an unforgettable memory, marked by the timeless grace of Parisian art de vivre.

For weddings, the Four Season Hotel George V has the advantage of offering large-capacity lounges that can accommodate several hundred guests, as well as much more intimate salons.

The Ritz Paris, One of the Most Iconic Paris Palaces

The epitome of Parisian luxury, the Ritz Paris has stood proudly on Place Vendôme since 1898. Founded by César Ritz, this legendary hotel quickly became a must-visit address for the world’s greats, artists, writers and fashion celebrities. Coco Chanel lived here for over thirty years, Ernest Hemingway had his own bar, and high society gathered here for exceptional dinners.

After a monumental four-year renovation, the Ritz reopened its doors in 2016 with renewed lustre. The project aimed to preserve the spirit of the place – its Second Empire refinement, woodwork, moldings and gilding – while firmly anchoring it in modern comfort. The result: some one hundred sumptuously refurbished rooms and suites, combining antiques, silks, rare marble and discreet technology. Every detail has been designed to revive the soul of the Ritz, without ever lapsing into frozen nostalgia.

The most prestigious suites pay tribute to their illustrious former residents: the Coco Chanel Suite, the Windsor Suite and the F. Scott Fitzgerald Suite. In each, a unique, hushed and artistic atmosphere reigns supreme.

When it comes to gastronomy, the hotel offers a range of experiences. The Michelin-starred L’Espadon restaurant offers excellent cuisine in a refined setting. For a more relaxed ambience, the Bar Vendôme offers revisited classics in a magnificent glass roof. The Salon Proust is the ideal place for a gourmet break over a sophisticated tea time, while the Bar Hemingway, a little jewel steeped in history, remains a must for lovers of made-to-measure cocktails.

The Ritz Club & Spa, with its turquoise pool under a coffered ceiling, is a haven of well-being. Treatments by Chanel – a house that couldn’t have chosen a better location – promise a sensory experience in tune with the refinement of the surroundings.

The Ritz is not just a hotel, it’s an institution. A timeless space, where you enter as if in a novel, and leave with the impression of having come close to a certain idea of French perfection.

For weddings, the Ritz offers a variety of settings, from the Salon d’Eté to the elevated terrace with panoramic views. Photos can be taken in the classic blue-toned entrance hall, or in the covered gallery housing luxury boutiques. But my favorite place? The Grand Jardin, with its walls covered in jasmine in fine weather, exuding a haunting fragrance.

The Ritz has a very special place in my heart among Parisian palaces, as it was the first one where I had the opportunity to photograph a wedding.

A Prestigious Neighbor to Maison Dior: The Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Located at number 25 avenue Montaigne, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of Paris’s most famous palaces, emblematic of the golden triangle and the world of haute couture. Since its opening in 1913, it has been intimately linked to the history of fashion – in particular that of Christian Dior, whose house was born just across the street from the establishment.

As soon as you enter, the red geranium-covered façade and iconic red awnings set the tone: here, elegance is never ostentatious, but always spectacular. The interior blends classic French style with carefully distilled contemporary touches. In 2024, several floors of rooms and suites were entirely redesigned by the Moinard Bétaille practice, sublimating the eighteenth-century heritage with powdered hues, bespoke furnishings and controlled lighting.

The Suite Royale, with its breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, exemplifies the pinnacle of discreet luxury. Four bedrooms, ceremonial lounges, marquetry parquet floors, marble fireplaces: everything here evokes an art of living that is both sumptuous and delicate.

The Plaza Athénée also shines through its dining. Chef Jean Imbert, a Michelin-starred chef, offers a reimagined French cuisine, both rooted in tradition and looking toward the future. The dining room of the gourmet restaurant, inspired by period salons, is a work of art in itself. For a more casual experience, the Relais Plaza and the Cour Jardin offer delicious experiences in very Parisian atmospheres.
Another gem of the hotel is the Dior Spa Plaza Athénée. A unique space, it echoes the historic friendship between the fashion designer and the hotel. Recently reinvented, it offers signature treatments and an atmosphere where luxury blends with deep well-being.
But what makes the Plaza unique is its soul. It is a permanent crossroads for creators, celebrities, and loyal lovers of Paris. During Fashion Weeks, it becomes the meeting point for figures from international fashion. All year round, it remains a haven where excellent service combines with genuine warmth.
At the crossroads of glamour, culture, and intimacy, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée embodies more than anyone the refined and bold spirit of the French capital.
For weddings, the Plaza Athénée offers rather intimate salons, but privatizing its Jean Imbert restaurant allows for more guests. Have you seen Emily in Paris? The view from the Haute Couture Eiffel suite will surely be irresistible to you, with its view of the Eiffel Tower!

A Luxury Parisian Palace Facing The Tuileries: Hôtel Le Meurice

Since its inauguration in 1835, Le Meurice has established itself as one of the jewels of Parisian palaces. Ideally located at 228 Rue de Rivoli, facing the Tuileries Garden, this five-star establishment offers breathtaking views of some of the capital’s most iconic monuments, such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

From its early days, Le Meurice was designed to welcome a demanding international clientele, particularly British, seeking luxury and comfort during their stays in Paris. Over the decades, the hotel has attracted many illustrious personalities, including Queen Victoria, Franklin Roosevelt, Elizabeth Taylor, and especially Salvador Dalí, who stayed there every year for a month for more than thirty years.
The hotel’s 160 rooms and suites, decorated in a reimagined Louis XVI style, harmoniously blend the charm of the past with modern comfort. The cream, bronze, and blue tones create a soothing atmosphere, while some suites offer a panoramic 180-degree view of the rooftops of Paris.

When it comes to gastronomy, Le Meurice houses two exceptional restaurants. The eponymous restaurant, led by chef Alain Ducasse, who has been awarded two Michelin stars, offers refined cuisine that highlights the flavors of French terroir. The restaurant Le Dalí, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors.

For wellness enthusiasts, La Maison Valmont for Le Meurice offers a full range of treatments in an elegant and soothing setting. This exclusive spa, the only Valmont establishment in Paris, is a true sanctuary dedicated to beauty and relaxation.

The hotel’s privileged location provides easy access to the city’s main cultural and artistic attractions, such as the Musée d’Orsay, the Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde. Whether for business or leisure, Le Meurice offers an unparalleled experience, combining history, luxury, and the French art of living.

Are you a fan of gilded moldings and 19th-century style? The Salon Pompadour is very spacious and will allow you to welcome all your guests around a large table, or to host a more intimate wedding, where both the ceremony and the seated dinner will take place in this incredible setting.

Just Like at Home: A Bespoken Wedding at Le Bristol

Located at 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, in the heart of the 8th arrondissement, Le Bristol Paris has been synonymous with luxury and refinement since its opening in 1925. This five-star Parisian palace, a member of the Oetker Collection, embodies French elegance and has attracted a prestigious clientele over the decades.

The hotel’s history is rich and fascinating. Named in homage to Bishop Frederick Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol, famous for his taste for luxury during his travels in the 18th century, Le Bristol quickly gained a reputation for excellence. During World War II, it served as a refuge for the American embassy and various American nationals living in Paris.

Le Bristol offers 188 spacious rooms and suites, decorated with exceptional attention to detail. Precious fabrics, period furniture, and works of art create a warm and elegant atmosphere. Some suites, such as the Paris Suite, even feature a private hammam, offering the ultimate comfort to guests.

Gastronomy plays a central role at Le Bristol. With a total of four Michelin stars, the hotel is a true culinary reference. The restaurant Epicure, led by chef Arnaud Faye, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, offers refined French cuisine in an elegant setting. The 114 Faubourg, a Michelin-starred chic brasserie, provides a convivial atmosphere and delicious cuisine. The Bar du Bristol is also renowned for its creative cocktails and intimate atmosphere.

Well-being is also a priority with the Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie. Bathed in natural light and opening onto an inner garden, it features eight treatment rooms, including a suite for couples. Expert therapists offer a full range of treatments, combining innovative techniques with high-quality products.
The hotel also has a pool located on the sixth floor, offering stunning views of the rooftops of Paris and the Sacré-Cœur. Its design resembles that of a yacht’s deck, adding a touch of originality to this relaxation space.

Le Bristol Paris stands out for its commitment to art and culture. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists are regularly held in the hotel’s public spaces, providing guests with an enriching cultural experience without even leaving the premises.

The salons at Le Bristol vary in size and can accommodate both large weddings with many guests and more intimate events. With the palace’s attention to client experience, you can be assured of a tailor-made stay, where all your wishes will be fulfilled!

Ready to Book One Among the Parisian Palaces to Get Married?

No matter which palace you choose for your wedding, you can rest assured that you’ll experience the luxury and impeccable service of a historic, world-class establishment. These extraordinary venues offer more than just prestige; they provide the perfect setting to capture the most beautiful day of your life. As a wedding photographer based in Paris, it would be an absolute joy to accompany you on this journey, capturing every magical, timeless moment. So, shall we go for it? I’m ready to immortalize your love story in some of the most iconic places in the heart of the French capital!

Credits:

Photographs: Aude Lucas • Wedding Photography

Le Meurice Red Event: Organization by Amanda Novena Weddings / Design by Veronique Lorre

Palace Visits: Justine Huette Wedding Planner