Getting married at the town hall of Boulogne-Billancourt, Issy-les-Moulineaux, Meudon or Versailles, and wondering where to take your couple photos right after? Good news: the west of Paris has beautiful backdrops, often calmer than the ones in Paris.
Here are six spots I recommend, with the best time to go. Some estates require permission for a professional photo session: we always check together before the day.
1. Île Saint-Germain park, Issy-les-Moulineaux
Practical Perfect right after the Issy town hall
Parc de l'île Saint-Germain, 92130 Issy-les-MoulineauxOpen in Maps
An island in the Seine, wide lawns, tree-lined paths and Jean Dubuffet's Tour aux figures, a monumental black and white sculpture that makes a very graphic background.
It is a local park, so no tourist crowds: we can take our time, pose without pressure and take lovely photos by the water.
2. The Observatory terrace, Meudon
Practical The best view of Paris, especially at sunset
Terrasse de l'Observatoire, 92190 MeudonOpen in Maps
A long, tree-lined terrace up on the hill, with all of Paris at your feet and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It is the perfect backdrop for a couple photo with the city behind you, without crossing the ring road.
Go at the end of the day: the golden light comes from the front and the sky turns pink above Paris.
3. Domaine national de Saint-Cloud
Practical For wide open spaces and French formal gardens
Domaine national de Saint-Cloud, 92210 Saint-CloudOpen in Maps
A huge park with the Grande Cascade, endless avenues and viewpoints over Paris. It feels like a château, without going far.
It is a national estate: permission may be required for a professional session. I will help you check before you book.
4. Parc de Sceaux
Practical In spring, the cherry blossoms
Domaine départemental de Sceaux, 92330 SceauxOpen in Maps
The château, the Grand Canal and gardens designed by Le Nôtre: it is one of the most beautiful parks in the Île-de-France. In April, the park's Japanese cherry trees draw big crowds, so we go early in the morning.
The rest of the year, the avenues and pools make for very elegant photos, perfect for a wedding.
5. Boulogne-Billancourt: the town hall and Île Seguin
Practical Art deco and modern architecture
La Seine Musicale, île Seguin, 92100 Boulogne-BillancourtOpen in Maps
Boulogne-Billancourt's town hall, designed by Tony Garnier in the 1930s, has an art deco façade that instantly gives character to your photos as you walk out.
For a more modern look, Île Seguin and La Seine Musicale offer contemporary lines with the Seine all around, just a few minutes away.
6. Versailles, beyond the château
Practical Plan the permission for the estate
Quartier Notre-Dame, 78000 VersaillesOpen in Maps
Getting married in Versailles is a dream, and the château park is a unique backdrop. A professional session inside the estate usually requires permission: plan it well before the wedding.
If you want to keep it simple, the streets of the Notre-Dame quarter, with their old façades and squares, already have a very royal feel, close to the town hall.
