Paris is the most romantic city in the world. This makes it the perfect place for a surprise paris proposal.

Steeped in rich history and unparalleled beauty, Paris is custom made for lovers. From cruising along the Seine River at night, stealing a kiss under a sparkling Eiffel Tower, strolling the Tuileries Gardens, getting lost in the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, ducking into one of the intimate, candlelit restaurants that just seem to beckon lovers, it is a city that delights the senses … and is perfect for love!

What's A Paris Elopement?

An Elopement, in a strict sense, usually refers to a couple slipping away, sometimes in secret to get married. Perhaps there are a handful of friends or family to come along for support. When it comes to an elopement, there really are no rules about location, attire, the program of the day, food ... You literally can create what you want at whatever time you want.

An Intimate Wedding, on the other hand, is similar to a typical wedding ...but generally, with a smaller guest list. The sweet spot is about 25 people. They tend to be less traditional than regular weddings, but include modern elements, such as invitations, ceremony, florist, reception, music, planning, etc. But it is more flexible than a standard wedding. It is perfect for couples that have a tight group of family and friends that they want to share a special day or weekend with.

The Best Times of Year to Elope in Paris

The first thing to do is check on the exact dates for Paris Fashion Week (February and September) … and cross those dates off the list! The city will be crawling with top models, fashion elites, and party-goers. Accommodations will be more expensive, the good restaurants will be booked out, transportation will be more challenging, and your favorite iconic Parisian backdrops may be transformed into catwalks for high profile fashion shows.

Second, look into local holidays or events, where it could be super busy or which could affect the cost of your day. For instance, flowers and restaurants may be almost double the price during Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Bastille Day (July 14th) will bring lots of people into the City and onto the streets to celebrate and watch the fireworks. Christmas and New Years will be beautiful with the city lights. Still, restaurants will be busy and more expensive with unique menus.

In August, some vendors and venues may be closed. Saturdays are when the French generally hold protests, which can often result in train, store and street closures and severely limit your ability to get around.

Excluding these dates, when are the best times of year to Elope to Paris?

January through March

Pros:

● It’s the low season, so airfare and accommodations are a bit cheaper, and it’s easier to get reservations for your favorite restaurants.

● Expect fewer tourists, so there are more outdoor options available for a more intimate elopement ceremony.

● January marks the first of France’s two sales seasons where amazing deals abound! So consider a side shopping trip in between elopement festivities!

Cons:

● The skies are grey, the trees are bare, and it’s usually pretty rainy and cold, which doesn’t bode well for either the ceremony or the photos afterward. But if you like the winter, consider jazzing up your wedding dress with a fur stole (fake, of course) and a fashion umbrella if needed OR consider an indoor ceremony.

● This is the time when vendors head out of Paris to get away from the dull weather, so your favorite vendor may not be available.

April through June; September through November

Pros:

● These months offer the best of Paris! The weather is lovely, the city is green, and the parks are flush with colorful flowers.

● The days are just getting longer, which means more daylight for your elopement celebration and photos. It also means more photo options - such as a ceremony outdoors, horse and carriage ride, or a vintage convertible Rolls Royce.

● Spring in Paris (April) is heralded in with beautiful cherry blossoms blooming all over the city - Trocadero Gardens, Palais Royale, Notre Dame, Champ Du Mars, Montmatre. The lovely pink flowers offer a delightful backdrop for your ceremony and photos afterward.

● The second of Paris’ two sales seasons is in June … expect amazing deals on all brands, including Chanel, Dior, and other premium brands that never go on sale abroad.

● There are fewer tourists in the city, as kids are still in school, which means shorter lines for museums and tours, a bit more reasonable rates for accommodations and flights, and an easier time getting into your favorite restaurants.

Cons:

● Early April and late November - the weather may be a bit unpredictable, so best to have a Plan B for an outdoor ceremony.

July and August

Pros:

● In August, the French officially go on Holiday and head for the coast, which means offices are closed, and there are fewer business travelers in the City and more opportunities for prime restaurant reservations.

● Paris is full of luscious parks - which are generally most beautiful in this period - the colors are perfect for capturing amazing photos.

● Low probability for rain

Cons:

● It’s HOT!

● Schools are out, and the city is overrun with tourists. Expect to wait in lines for the main attractions and book your favorite restaurants ahead of time (except in August when locals head out of the city).

● Be willing to get up early (sunrise) to secure your outdoor elopement spot before the crowds arrive.

● As locals head for the beaches, many small businesses will close in August, which means desired vendors (florists, musicians, etc.) may have fled the city for the month.

● Tourist travel is highest in August - so expect peak airfare and accommodation costs.

December

Pros:

● The City of Love becomes the City of Lights with seasonal displays all around - Champs Elysées, Place Vendome, Concorde, Trocadéro become adorned with Christmas lights and decorated trees - beautiful for your outdoor ceremony and Instagram-worthy photos!

Cons

● It’s the wettest month of the year, though it’s more likely to drizzle than a downpour. That being said, opt for a cute designed umbrella if needed for your outdoor elopement ceremony… or get an indoor venue!