Elopement in France, 100 km from Paris
Why Château de Vallery?
- The venue hosts weddings in all seasons for couples from all over the world. It also welcomes elopements!
- The proximity of Paris (100km), with its legendary Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and many other jewels, and the proximity of Burgundy, with its marvellous landscapes and wine route, make Château de Vallery an exceptional and strategic venue for a three-day stay for two, one of the best places to elope in France!
- Here, on the land of the Princesses and Princes de Condé, it's all about freedom
How to plan a dream elopement?
Simpler than a wedding reception, the elopement nevertheless requires a little organisation, with at least:
- A wedding planner or our highly experienced team, backed up by an exceptional directory of service providers, to define your elopement package
- A photographer and videographer to capture the stay from arrival in Paris to departure from the chateau
- Permanent hairdresser & make-up artist and a local caterer
A single formality to elope in France
Most couples from abroad prefer to have a civil marriage in their country of origin; the legal marriage certificate in France requires them to be resident there for at least 30 consecutive days. The civil wedding can therefore be organised in the country of origin one or more weeks before the couple's departure, allowing them to devote themselves fully to their stay at the chateau without any further administrative formalities.
What next?
We're already in France for the elopement; why not choose other destinations, fly over Europe and spend your honeymoon in Venice, Prague or Santorini?
Closer to the chateau: Burgundy and its beautiful destinations such as the Palais des Ducs in Dijon, the Hospices de Beaune, a jewel of medieval architecture and home to a prestigious wine, Vezelay and the route des Grands Crus (Gevrey-Chambertin, Meursault, Pommard...).
Organisation of an elopement at the Château de Vallery
1. Preparation
(6 months to 2 years ahead)
- Agree an elopement package with the team and reserve the place, entirely dedicated to this event (exclusive hire) ∗
- Use the services of a local wedding planner who specialises in elopements in France or consult the chateau team, who will also be able to coordinate everything. ∗
- The team will also be able to suggest a photographer and videographer familiar with Vallery, who will be able to optimise the reportage and shooting at the venue. The same goes for a local caterer or restaurant. ∗
- The English-speaking officiants recommended on this site will also be able to celebrate the union. The same applies to make-up artists and hairdressers who come to the chateau. ∗
- A wide range of transport services between Paris, its airports and the estate, such as private shuttles, are also recommended.
2. Arrival and settling in on D-1
- The couple takes possession of the property the day before, taking advantage of the location to relax; massage in the Palm Grove, tennis, heated swimming pool at the chateau or horse riding and golf nearby. ∗
- A meal is served around the swimming pool under the Burgundy sky or in the private lounges.
3. Elopement Day
Morning preparations
- Breakfast in room(s), by the pool or in the park. ∗
- Make-up and hairstyling for Madame in the Renaissance Grand Condé bedroom ∗
- Dressing in the bridal Dovecote suite for Monsieur (or Madame 😉 ) ∗
- Individual shots in the gardens and large rooms
Religious or secular ceremony
- The little church in Vallery is open to elopement in the same way as conventional weddings ∗
- An elopement secular ceremony can take place in the gardens or halls of the venue, officiated by an officiant. ∗
- Vows can also be exchanged at sunset in the Hanging Gardens, under the 7-trunk Sycamore, in the Rose Garden, etc. ∗
- The officiant may then suggest that a symbolic certificate be signed. ∗
- Photo shoot through the estate: the historic rooms of the chateau, its park, forest, gardens, illuminated swimming pool, etc.
4. Romantic evening and celebration
- Don't forget to ask for a visit to the medieval cellars! And why not try a tasting of great Burgundy wines? ∗
- Dinner is served! Either under the chandeliers of the Music Room, or in the yew-lined park, under the glow of a thousand torches and table-top candelabras. A personal mood playlist will be played on the sound systems in the hall or in the park. ∗
- After the meal, why not enjoy some live music with a Soprano or a small exotic band? Or a magician? ∗
- Then it's time for Grand Cru Champagne and a little wedding cake ‘à la Française’. ∗
- A night-time photo shoot by torchlight and candlelight.
5. Brunch and relaxation on D+1
- Brunch by the swimming pool overlooking the estate? On the belvedere at the foot of the medieval postern? On the edge of the forest or in the historic Grande Galerie? ∗
- To complete the day, take a romantic stroll through the chateau's park and forest, and take a final dip in the swimming pool. ∗
- Departure around 3 p.m. and return to Paris, Orly or Roissy in a chauffeur-driven car
It is said that while this reception venue can accommodate prestigious international weddings, it can obviously also host the elopement of a young American or Indian couple, or any other nationality as long as the civil marriage has been performed in the country of origin. All the ingredients are there, just a few minutes from the capital and international airports, to make your engagement a stay beyond your wildest dreams.
So, don't hesitate to ask the chateau fabulous team for more information: availability of the venue, artists and service providers, packages for elopement, etc. via the information form.
