An Elegant and intimate elopement at the Ritz Paris with Jessica and Garren

A bride and groom in formal wedding attire walk hand in hand outside a grand building with arched doorways and white awnings.
A bride and groom stand facing each other in a well-lit room, the bride holding a piece of paper, both dressed in formal wedding attire.

Jessica and Garren’s intimate elopement took place at the iconic Ritz Paris, right in the heart of the city. With only their parents present, the celebration felt elegant, personal, and quietly meaningful from start to finish.

Holding everything within the hotel allowed the day to unfold at an easy pace, moving seamlessly between spaces without ever feeling rushed. It was a beautiful example of how considered and special a small Paris elopement can be.

From private vows to relaxed portraits and an intimate ceremony, the day balanced classic Parisian elegance with a modern, understated feel.

Elegant building entrance with ornate iron gates, two potted trees, white awnings labeled Ritz, and French and European Union flags above. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A grand staircase with ornate black and gold railing and red patterned carpet ascends in an elegant room with white walls, chandeliers, and classic furnishings. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A pair of cream-colored pointed-toe heels with pearl embellishments rests on a light fabric surface under soft lighting. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A marble mantel with a floral arrangement and ribbon sits beneath a large gold-trimmed mirror, next to a wall sconce and framed artwork.

the couples Vision for their ritz paris elopement

Jessica and Garren envisioned an elopement that felt refined and modern, while still embracing the timeless elegance of Paris. Their black-tie outfits set a classic tone, balanced by clean lines and a contemporary feel

The florals were kept minimal but impactful. Modern arrangements in white and soft purple complemented the warm yellow tones of the ceremony room perfectly. Designed by a local Parisian florist, they added a high-end finish without overwhelming the space.

Every choice felt intentional. Nothing was overdone, yet every detail had presence.

A woman helps another woman adjust her dress near a window in a well-decorated bedroom with elegant curtains and a chandelier.
A woman in a white dress stands in a softly lit room by a bed, with someone behind her adjusting the dress.
A woman in a dress looking at a mirror.
A bride in a white gown holding a bouquet stands next to a woman in a mauve dress, both smiling in a well-decorated room.

First Look and Private Vows

The day began quietly in their suite at the Ritz. Jessica and Garren shared a first look there, followed by fully private vows, just the two of them. This moment felt incredibly personal. Reading their vows in private gave them space to slow down and be fully present together before the rest of the day unfolded. They chose not to repeat their vows during the ceremony, allowing this moment to remain theirs alone.

A bride in a wedding gown stands behind a groom in a suit inside a decorated room, both appearing to prepare for their wedding.
A bride and groom stand facing each other indoors, holding hands and smiling. The bride wears a white dress and veil; the groom wears a black tuxedo.
A bride and groom stand indoors, holding hands. The groom reads from a small blue notebook while the bride, wearing a veil and white dress, listens.
A bride and groom stand facing each other in a well-lit room, holding papers, with formal attire and elegant decor visible. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A man in a tuxedo reads from a blue book while holding hands with a person in a wedding dress.
A bride in a white dress and veil reads from a card while holding hands with a groom in a black tuxedo in an elegant, well-lit room. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A woman in a white dress holding a white card.
A man in a suit holding a womans hand. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride in a white dress reads vows from a booklet while holding hands with a groom in a suit during a wedding ceremony.
A bride in a white dress and veil hugs a man in a black suit indoors, both appearing emotional. The background shows ornate, light-colored paneling and a doorway.
A bride and groom kiss in a well-lit room, with the bride wearing a veil and the groom in a suit. The scene is captured in black and white.

portraits at the ritz

Afterwards, we explored the hotel for portraits. We photographed in their suite, along the corridors, on the staircase, and out in the gardens, as well as in front of the hotel itself. The Ritz offers so much variety without ever needing to leave. Moving between spaces was easy and seamless, which kept the experience calm and enjoyable. The portraits felt relaxed and natural, with a mix of soft natural light and a little flash to create a more dynamic set of images.

A bride and groom stand side by side, facing an open window with sheer curtains, looking outside. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride and groom stand by an open balcony door, embracing and kissing in natural light, with the sun shining through the window behind them. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride in a white strapless gown and a groom in a black tuxedo walk hand in hand down a decorated hallway, smiling at each other. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride in a strapless gown walks down a hallway, holding her dress, while a groom in a tuxedo follows behind; their reflections are visible in the wall mirrors. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A man and woman in a wedding dress. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride and groom in formal attire walk down blue-carpeted steps inside an elegant building with columns and large wooden doors. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride and groom walk out of the Ritz Paris hotel entrance, with the bride in a white gown and veil and the groom in a black tuxedo. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride and groom stand side by side in formal wedding attire in front of an ornate entrance with Ritz on the awning. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A couple in wedding attire holds hands and walks outside a grand building with ornate gates and large awnings.
A bride and groom in formal wedding attire walk hand in hand outside a grand building with arched doorways and white awnings. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black tuxedo walk side by side outdoors, smiling and holding hands, surrounded by greenery. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride in a white dress holds a bouquet of white and dark purple flowers while standing and holding hands with a groom in a black tuxedo. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride in a strapless dress holds a bouquet of white flowers while showing her ring, with a partner’s arms wrapped around her waist. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.

Wedding Ceremony at the Ritz Paris

The ceremony took place in the breathtaking Salon Psyché. With only their parents in attendance, the room felt intimate yet wonderfully grand.

An old friend officiated the ceremony, which gave it a deeply personal touch. A string quartet played throughout, adding a classic, elegant atmosphere that suited the space beautifully.

After the ceremony, family portraits were taken in the salon before everyone sat down together for dinner, bringing the celebration to a relaxed and meaningful close.

Three people in formal attire walk arm-in-arm through an elegant, ornate room with large windows, detailed molding, and a patterned carpet.
A bride in a white dress walks down the aisle flanked by two people in formal attire inside an ornately decorated room.
A bride and groom stand before an officiant during a wedding ceremony in an elegant, ornate room, with guests seated and musicians to the side. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A man and a woman in formal attire sit side by side on chairs in an ornately decorated room with draped curtains and patterned carpet.
A woman in a formal dress and a man in a suit sit side by side on chairs in an ornate room, with a cellist seated behind them.
A wedding ceremony takes place indoors, with a couple standing before an officiant. Guests are seated around them in an ornate, chandelier-lit room with gold accents. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride and groom stand facing each other and smiling during a wedding ceremony, with an officiant reading from a folder in an elegant, decorated room. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A man in a tuxedo smiles at a woman in a wedding dress and veil inside an elegantly decorated room.
A bride in a white dress and veil holds a bouquet and reads from a card, standing opposite a groom in a formal indoor setting. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride and groom share a kiss at the altar in an ornate, elegant room with a large mirror, chandelier, and decorative fireplace. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride and groom stand holding hands, smiling as the bride gently touches the grooms face during a wedding ceremony. An officiant stands behind them, also smiling. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride in the foreground is out of focus, while two guests, a woman in a lace dress and a man in a suit, stand smiling in the background at a formal event.
Four people in formal attire stand in an elegant room, holding champagne glasses and conversing; one is wearing a wedding dress with a veil.
A round dining table with four chairs is set with glassware and napkins in an elegant, ornately decorated room with tall curtains and white walls. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
Elegant table setting with white and blue patterned plates, cutlery, wine glasses, a floral centerpiece, and a blank menu card in a formal dining room.
A bride and groom sit on a sofa with four adults standing behind them in an elegant, ornate room with a large tapestry. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A string quartet performs in an ornate, gold-accented room with a large wall tapestry and classical decor.
 Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride and groom stand together in an ornate, elegant room with tall mirrors, chandeliers, and a decorated fireplace. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A couple dressed in formal wedding attire stand close together indoors, smiling at each other in an elegantly decorated room.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black tuxedo walk hand-in-hand in an elegant, ornate room with white walls and decorative gold accents. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A couple in formal attire descends a carpeted staircase in an ornate interior with a large tapestry and decorative lighting on the wall. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.
A bride and groom walk down a curved staircase; the bride wears a strapless gown with a slit, and the groom holds a bouquet.
Elegant stone building with tall windows, ornate railings, three white awnings, potted shrubs, and a French flag displayed above the entrance. Intimate Ritz Paris Elopement.

A Ritz Paris Elopement, Captured Naturally

Jessica and Garren’s Ritz Paris elopement was a beautiful example of how effortlessly special an intimate celebration can feel when everything is thoughtfully planned in one place.

For couples dreaming of an elegant Paris elopement, the Ritz offers a calm, contained experience with incredible spaces, all under one roof. If you’re considering an elopement at the Ritz Paris, or planning a small, meaningful celebration in the city, as a Paris wedding photographer I’d love to hear from you!

VENDORS

Photographer: Frances Mary Sales
Venue: Ritz Paris
Florals: Marie du Jardin
String Quartet: Violinist Paris