Paris Elopement Photographers
for Paris, FranceA Romantic Resource
Paris elopement Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an elopement photo session typically last?
Our elopement photo sessions usually range from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the package and locations chosen. We can also customize the duration based on your preferences and the coverage you desire.
How far in advance should we book our elopement photographer?
It's best to book as early as possible, ideally 6-12 months in advance, to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons. However, we can sometimes accommodate shorter notice bookings, so don’t hesitate to inquire.
What should we wear for our elopement in Paris?
Choose attire that reflects your personal style and is comfortable for moving around the city. Many couples opt for elegant but practical outfits that allow them to enjoy their day. We can provide guidance on what photographs well in different locations and weather conditions.
Otherwise, companies like Rent The Runway in the USA or Ma Bonne Amie, Le Temps d’un Soir, and C’est Ma Robe in France offer you the chance to wear expensive designer gowns at very moderate prices. We also love TB Dress, SheInside, ModCloth, Simply Dresses, and Vogue Dresses for inexpensive formalwear. In the winter, layer thick thermal leggings under your dresses and consider a fur coat or wrap that will keep you warm and photograph nicely. The most important thing to keep in mind when selecting your outfits for the session is silhouette. What makes you look best is the curves that define your body. If your outfit (this includes jackets and overcoats, if you wear them in the photos) is baggy, loose, or ill-fitting, you’re not going to look your best, so choose something that shows off your curves rather than hides them. We are experts at using lighting, posing, and retouching to make our clients look amazing, so don’t worry about looking bad – it won’t happen!
What happens if it rains on our elopement day?
It rains very often in Paris. Typically it rains for just a few minutes, then clears up to a bright beautiful sky for a few hours, then back to rain, and so on. Paris can be beautiful in the rain, offering a unique and romantic atmosphere. We plan accordingly if it can't be avoided opting for sheltered locations or incorporating umbrellas. Flexibility is key, and we can discuss backup plans to ensure your day is perfect regardless of the weather. I have several cute umbrellas I can bring for you to use (upon request). Otherwise, we can duck into a cafe for a quick drink until it passes. We can sometimes reschedule if all the logistics align with the other vendors too.
Can you edit my photos to look like _____? Can I get the RAWs or all of the unedited JPGs?
No. Before you inquire with us, we ask that you look at our previous work and view some of the sample sessions on our site. If you like what you see, then you can trust that we will use our expertise and artistic vision to choose and edit the images in a way that is consistent with our other work. Before your session, we will send you a questionnaire asking about your preferences, such as whether you prefer candid or posed images, whether you like romantic or playful images, your retouching preferences, etc. We will take your answers into consideration and do our best to accommodate them. However, if you are looking for a completely different shooting, lighting, or editing style, we suggest you seek out a different photographer whose style more closely matches your vision.
What time of day do you recommend scheduling our elopement?
We strongly recommend the early morning hours. The light is glowy and bright and soft and beautiful, there are very few people out so you don’t have to fight the crowds, you can avoid security guards who often hassle you at the Eiffel Tower or Louvre area, and once you’re done you’ve got the entire day free to sightsee or relax! Generally we can start as early as 6AM, but no later than 7:30AM at the Eiffel Tower locations, though the recommended start time changes throughout the seasons. (If you're coming in Fall or Winter you get to sleep in!) Afternoon and evening sessions usually result in substantially less photos, because we have to spend more time waiting for crowds to clear from the background.
How do we legally elope in Paris?
To legally elope in Paris, you typically need to meet certain residency requirements, which can be challenging for non-residents. Many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in Paris and handle the legal aspects in their home country. We can help guide you through the options and connect you with local officiants.
We selected multiple locations for our elopement session, what do we do for transportation?
Great question!
1. The least stressful option is to schedule a car to be with you for the duration of your session. You may do this on your own, or we can do this for you. There is a 50€ booking fee plus the rate of the driver. Their price is around 140€ for 2 hours, 210€ for 3 hours, paid in cash.
2. You can schedule an Uber or G7 taxi to pick you up and bring you to your first location. Please allow buffer time to arrive to your session on time in case your scheduled car cancels and you need to find another car. For the second location you can call uber or taxi on the spot again as well. If you are a large family, the downside is that sometimes the vans can be tricky to find, or wait times are often longer. The photographer will help guide you as to when to request it so you can keep shooting while you wait.
Can we include family or friends in our elopement?
Absolutely! While elopements are typically more intimate, including a small group of family or friends can make the occasion even more special. We can accommodate your loved ones and capture moments with them as well.
Who will be shooting my session – CheyAnne or Doug? What about the associate photographer?
We cannot guarantee any specific photographer, as each person’s availability changes throughout the year. All of our photographers are heavily trained to shoot in the same style with the same editing, and we work very hard to make sure our work is consistent across all of our team members. If you like the work you’ve seen on our website, you’ll like your photos, too!
If you will be paired with our associate photographer due to limited availability, that will be discussed in advance.
Can you suggest places for us to take our portraits?
Absolutely! When you book with us, we’ll send over our great location guide that lists our favorite locations and some sample images to give you an idea of your options. The right location(s) for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your personality, as well as the timing and weather for your elopement. There are some places that photograph better in the winter, or when it’s raining, or when it’s nighttime, or with couples who are wearing casual clothing, etc. If there’s a location that has special meaning to you, we definitely want to incorporate that as well.
Paris offers numerous iconic locations perfect for elopement photos, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Tuileries Gardens, Montmartre, the Seine River, and the Luxembourg Gardens, amongst others. We can suggest locations based on your preferences and the desired ambiance. CLICK HERE to explore some of our preferred locations.
When is the best time of year to elope in Paris?
Paris is beautiful year-round, but the most popular times for elopements are spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded. Early mornings or late afternoons can provide the best light for photography and fewer tourists.
Is there anything else we should bring for our session?
Make sure you’ve got comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Ladies, if you choose to wear heels for your session, bring a pair of easy-on-easy-off flats that you can slip into as we travel between locations. Avoid anything with snaps, buckles, or zippers, as you don’t want to waste your session time constantly changing into and out of complicated shoes. Bring a cell phone so that you can contact me if you get lost or if you’re running late. You may also want to bring a small Ziploc or clutch with makeup for touchups. Otherwise – leave everything else at the hotel! Please DO NOT bring a big bag full of passports, cameras, and other valuable items that you might keep on you. When we stop to take photos, you’ll have to set that bag down and it will be unattended, and unfortunately, some thieves do target photographers for this reason. I can keep a small sack inside my camera bag, but please leave any large bags at your hotel.
When and how will I get my photos?
Once your images are finished, we will email you with a link to view the photos in an online gallery, where you will be able to download the specified number of images included with your session. Turnaround time ranges from 2-4 weeks depending on what part of the season you visit. Summer months are the busiest! (We do have a 3 day rush fee available for sneak peeks or your full gallery rush within 7 days starting at 175€ if you need your images quickly.) Within your online gallery you'll have the option to order prints, albums, and wall portraits, as well as the full digital gallery if you simply have to have them all! Please allow us to help you breathe life into your images so you can enjoy them forever! Our new Paris Chapter Book is the perfect addition to our collections as it will live on forever, allowing you to remember this special occasion for years to follow! Also, the first 10 days your gallery is live there will be a special for you! Don’t miss out!
Anthony BourdainTravel is not a reward for working, it’s education for living.
We're looking forward to your arrival in Paris and helping make your Paris elopement an intimate wedding experience that you will cherish forever. We strive to photograph the magic of a moment, allowing you to continue to experience your cherished memories. A wedding should never feel like a business transaction.
We live the experience with you, emotions and all.
Let our photos document all the layers of your special day, to be told forever and ever again.
Your collection of images will be your most treasured souvenir from this special time spent together in Paris.
Paris elopement Photographers
in the City of Love
info@lamourdeparis.com
