Jan 7, 2025

Intimate Beach and Villa Weddings In The South of France

There’s just something about villa weddings in the South of France. Maybe it’s the Mediterranean breeze or the effortlessly timeless vibe that makes me feel like the star of a classical movie. Whatever it is, it’s where romance meets refinement, timelessness, and vintage vogue. This is the kind of quiet luxury offered by French villa wedding venues.

Whether you’re after private villas for South of France destination weddings, the relaxed glamour of a beachside wedding or the retro charm of a historic venue, the South of France is the kind of place where your wedding day turns into a story you’ll be telling forever.

The Intimacy of Weddings in the South of France

When it comes to planning destination weddings in the South of France, intimacy is key for many. While the region is known for its glamorous venues and breathtaking landscapes, the challenge lies in finding a location that feels personal and private, rather than overwhelming or too grand.

Size of the Venue

Most of these French Riviera wedding venues are BIG, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be intimate. Find the right villa (or even hotel!) for your vision, add some personal touches to the spaces, and you’ll get your cosy, personable big day. 

Be on the hunt for places with private gardens, secluded terraces, cobbled streets, or character-filled indoor spaces. If you’re set on an outdoor wedding, couple the golden hues of the falling sun with a candle-lit table, and you’ll soon find that place you’re looking for.

Privacy

If you’re planning a South of France beach wedding, you’ll know it’s a popular place — that means privacy is paramount. Ideally, choose a venue that’s secluded enough to be away from the public eye but still has all the amenities you’re after. 

If that beachside villa seems a little too tourist-heavy, consider an equally beautiful venue further up in the hills (I’ve got a few great suggestions further down the page!).

However, on the whole, most villas offer private access and gated entrances only accessible by foot and private roads — the perfect way to ensure your day remains among you and your guests.

Personalized Service

Intimate villa weddings in the south of France often rely on high levels of personalization, from custom catering to bespoke décor. Smaller venues tend to offer more flexibility but this differs drastically from venue to venue. I’d highly recommend grabbing a wedding planner if you’re after something really special!

Logistics and Accommodation

Fancy having all your family and friends stay with you? Villa weddings in the south of France make this dream a reality — often with more bedrooms than you can count. I’ve seen the disappointment on guests’ faces when they have to leave halfway through the night, and having onsite accommodation in so many of these villas is a complete game-changer — more drinks, more partying, and more memories. 

Keep in mind that not all villas have abundant accommodation, and some of the older ones may lack modern amenities or accessibility for elderly guests or those with mobility issues. 

Weather and Seasons

Great weather is one of the main reasons you want a villa wedding in The South of France, right?! The summer months can get very hot and conversely, off-season months can be rainy or cooler. May to September is often a good time to tie the knot–just ensure your venue has indoor options on the off chance it rains! 

Beach Wedding Venues in the South of France

Below are a few south of France wedding villas and beachside wedding venues in the South of France for destination weddings that are truly elegant. If you’re looking for South of France wedding villas for intimate ceremonies — you’re in the right place.

Domaine de Canaille

Nestled in the bay of Cassis, Domaine de Canaille offers breathtaking unfiltered views of the Mediterranean, making it a perfect venue for an intimate beach wedding in the south of France. Immaculate lawns, a rustic main villa, and an intimate outdoor area with stone walls for your ceremony — undeniable yet understated old-time luxury.

Enjoy your meal with a breathtaking ocean view, bathed in the warm glow of overhead lights and the soft pink-orange tones as the sun sets. With just 12 rooms, the villa maintains an intimate atmosphere. Inside, the house is filled with modern amenities, while the exterior retains its timeless, historic charm, ensuring your photos capture the perfect balance of past and present.

Wedding prices start at €40,000 (up to €125,000) depending on dates and length. Only 2 weddings are accepted per year to retain exclusivity. So, your wedding will truly be one of a kind.

Villa La Vigie

Built in 1902 Villa La Vigie was the ‘haute coutre’ residence of designer Karl Lagerfiled — now it’s waiting to be yours. 

Perched on the cape of Monte-Carlo Beach is one of the best South of France wedding villas with Mediterranean views — the Principality of Monaco, and the bay of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. With 890 square metres of space spread over three levels, the villa provides ample room for both the wedding ceremony and reception, yet the spaces are small enough to keep things intimate. 

The interior boasts a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, with white marble, columns, and high ceilings. Think neoclassical architecture, exotic gardens, panoramic views, and fireplaces. The large terrace extends the villa’s beauty outdoors, making it the perfect setting for cocktails or an alfresco dinner while guests enjoy stunning sunset views.

The venue offerings include six elegant bedrooms, a billiards room/library, and a large dining area that opens out onto the terrace, creating a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. 

With a capacity for up to 220 guests for sit-down dinners and 300 for cocktail receptions, Villa La Vigie is perfect for larger gatherings while still maintaining an intimate and refined ambience. The villa’s wedding packages also include catering by Monte-Carlo Beach for groups of over 15.

Château de La Chèvre d’Or

Set high above the Mediterranean, Château de la Chèvre d’Or offers an unforgettable wedding experience, blending breathtaking views with timeless elegance. While not a villa, the hotel features several incredible locations for your ceremony, each providing a stunning backdrop of the Côte d’Azur. 

Choose between the intimate Gardens, the panoramic terraces, or the Rose Terrace for a symbolic ceremony, where lush gardens, tranquil fountains, and cascading waterfalls create a magical atmosphere for up to 80 guests. As you walk along the cobbled streets of its grounds, the scent of jasmine and bougainvillea fills the air. It’s this attention to detail that keeps your event as personal and intimate as any villa on the coast would.

For your reception, Château de la Chèvre d’Or offers a range of dining options. Celebrate your marriage in the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, La Chèvre d’Or, with its refined cuisine and panoramic views, or host a lively reception at the Les Remparts restaurant, where music and dancing are highly encouraged. 

Whether you choose an intimate gathering or a grand event, the venue provides first-class dining, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that reflects the charm and elegance of the French Riviera.

Villa Wedding Venues in the South of France

While the following venues aren’t directly next to the ocean, they still offer the very best of what the South of France has to offer for weddings. The gorgeous period architecture, timelessness, and golden light — it’s all here.


wedding in a villa in the south of france

Le Mas des Poiriers

Nestled on a private island in the Rhône River, Le Mas des Poiriers is a luxurious 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by pear orchards and sunflower fields. The manicured gardens stretch out over 65 acres, offering countless spots for wedding photos, from the fragrant rose-lined pathways to the sweeping views of the Rhône. The property can host up to 250 guests, with plenty of space for both intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations.

The main house features nine spacious bedrooms, each with views over the gardens, and a charming cottage with two more bedrooms. Guests can wander from the dining room to the expansive terrace, shaded by century-old cypresses, or relax by the sparkling swimming pool, its stone surrounds reflecting the soft Provencal light.

Domaine de Lamanon

Domaine de Lamanon offers a magical setting for a romantic wedding in Provence. Picture exchanging vows beneath the canopy of ancient plane trees, or in the intimate rose garden, where the scent of blooms fills the air. The 500m² esplanade and lavender-lined alley provide stunning backdrops, each softly lit to create a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere as day turns to night.

The estate’s seven bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, comfortably host up to 15 guests in a refined yet homely space. Inside, a grand hall, royal salon, and vaulted billiard room offer elegant settings for both quiet moments and celebration. The cinematic charm of the property stretches across its expansive gardens, inviting couples to savour every little intimate detail.

With flexibility in planning and no corkage fees, Domaine de Lamanon is a great place for a wedding that feels both timeless and personal, where every corner of the venue contributes to the romance. 

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Still looking for a destination wedding photographer in the south of France? Get in touch and I’ll show you exactly how to plan a romantic beach wedding in the French Riviera.



beach wedding in france
road to an intimate beach villa in the south of france

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