There’s something about a Paris Elopement. Maybe it’s the way the golden morning light spills over the rooftops in Montmartre, or how the Eiffel Tower glows just a little more when you’re in love. Whatever it is, this city has a way of making love feel cinematic.
The love story of my little family happened here and it makes me so happy that Paris is at the heart of our love for each other. Every type of love is here, which makes me feel so lucky about being a portrait photographer. I get to see the best of family love, friend love, and passionate romantic love. I can go on and on about family photo sessions, but today, we’re talking about Love with a capital L. The swoonworthy, storybook type of love. I’m talking about soulmates.
I’ve photographed dozens of elopements here, and I can say without hesitation—you should absolutely hire a Paris elopement photographer. It’s the perfect way to commemorate the next step in your relationship. Paris is the city of love after all. Oh and I love being a professional third wheel!
Love Stories Are Different Here
One of my favorite things about photographing couples in Paris is how each session feels like a little love story unfolding in real-time. I still remember two hopeless romantic clients who decided to elope in Paris with nothing but a handwritten vow book and the city as their witness. We wandered through quiet gardens behind the Palais Royal before the city was awake, and as they exchanged vows, the softest Paris drizzle started falling. It was utterly magical. The kind of moment that doesn’t need a filter or a big production—just love, light, and a little bit of rain.
Why Elope in Paris?
Paris offers something so rare—a blend of intimacy and grandeur. Whether you’re saying “I do” on a Seine-side bridge or sharing a quiet kiss on the steps of Sacré-Cœur, the city becomes your backdrop, your witness, your story.
Eloping here strips away the stress. I honestly don’t think you don’t need 200 guests or a Pinterest board full of ideas. What you do need is a vision that feels true to your relationship. Maybe it’s sipping champagne in your wedding clothes on a picnic blanket in Luxembourg Gardens (one of my favorite spots ever). Maybe it’s dancing in the streets of Le Marais at sunrise.
And elopement photography is the perfect way to include friends and family who can’t be there for the “I Do” moment. It’s the best of both worlds, because you get be fully in the moment AND share the whole experience with the important people in your life afterwards. And believe me, your friends and family would so much rather look at your professional elopement portraits than quick snapshots or selfies taken on a phone. These are the moments you should document.
Creating the Vision
A question I often get from couples is: “How do we even begin to plan a Paris elopement shoot?”
Here’s what I always suggest:
Start with the vibe. Are you going for classic, old-world elegance? Think Louvre, Palais Royal, or Pont Alexandre III. Dreaming of something dreamy and natural? The gardens of Luxembourg, Tuileries, or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are perfect. Do you love flashy, expansive, and glamorous? A Trocadéro Eiffel Tower session is the one for you.
Consider the time of day. Paris is soft and quiet at sunrise (yes, it’s early—but I promise it’s worth it!). We do all of our outdoor photoshoots in the morning when there are less people and the lighting is best, so take this into consideration when you choose a spot. Do you want it to feel bright and open? Or more shadowy and intimate?
Wardrobe matters. You don’t have to wear a full ballgown (though I’ve had brides do it and rock it), but something that feels elevated and romantic always photographs beautifully here. Think flowing fabrics, timeless cuts, and rich, solid colors that complement the city’s soft tones. For a detailed guide on how to choose an outfit for your portrait session, check out our blog HERE.
Bring something personal. You can always bring a little prop or shared item, like a letter, a shared book, some memorabilia that represents your relationship or your shared passions. These details bring your story to life and make your session feel like you.
Let It Be About You
I always tell my couples: your Paris elopement is not about checking off iconic photo spots. It’s about how you felt in those places. Did your stomach flip when your partner looked at you under the arches of the Louvre? Did you laugh uncontrollably when pigeons interrupted your kiss at Place des Vosges? That’s the good stuff. All you have to do is enjoy the moment with your significant other. Hold their hand, look into their eyes, hug each other tight… Just be present.
I remember an incredible photoshoot for a bride and groom who both loved jazz music. Together they chose the jazz club where they went on their first date to be the setting for their portrait session. And it was SO fun to shoot. The bride wore a silky, red dress and I just loved the old-school shots where they posed with an old piano. Most importantly, it was so uniquely THEM.
So if you’re thinking about eloping—or even just planning a romantic couple’s shoot—do it in Paris. This city has a way of holding onto your memories, like they become part of its streets and shadows. And whether it’s just the two of you, or you bring along a few close friends, I promise: you won’t regret the decision.
In conclusion, Paris is more than a destination. It’s a feeling! I’m lucky enough to feel it every day, and I’d love to share it with you.
Ready for a memory you’ll start revisiting again and again? Let’s bring your romantic vision to life. Book your Paris portrait session with us at Katie Donnelly Photography HERE
