Getting married at the Chapelle Expiatoire

The Chapelle Expiatoire is a wedding venue and French national monument in the center of Paris (8^th Arrondissement). It’s best known also as the burial place of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. The neoclassical architecture and décor will look great in your romantic Parisian portraits.  The photos are always, simply stunning.

As English speaking wedding planners in Paris, we get many couple marrying at the chapel each year and thought it about time to write a little post on one of our favorite locations, as romantic, rich with history and iconic as the Eiffel Tower! So let’s get on to it shall we…

History

Around the time of the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette was guillotined on October 16, 1793 at the age of 37 years convicted of treason and sentenced to death, to a cheering crowd of “Vive La Nation!”

She was buried in an unmarked grave here behind the church of Madeleine. There is a sculpture of the couple inside the Chapel. Their bodies were later exhumed and taken to the Basilica Saint Denis, the burial place of kings.  

This painting in the Musee Carnavalet, I took last weekend, depicts what church life was like back then in the Chapel. Interestingly, the space has survived the test of time and still looks the same today!

Architecture

The Architecture of the chapel embodies the simplicity and harmony of the Neoclassical style close to the designs of ancient Greece and Rome, as seen in other monuments such as the Pantheon. They typically have a symmetrical shape, tall columns that go all the way to the top of the buildings and a doomed roof. The style was predominant in Europe during the 18^th century to highlight the Age of Enlightenment.

Being listed as a French national monument means that it is a public location, but available for privatization.  Having a symbolic ceremony at the Chapel Expiatore is especially meaningful if you’re a history buff like myself.

New Prices

The prices for 2015 have just officially been communicated to us.  We’ve seen a whopping increase due to the popularity of the space over the last 3 years we’ve been planning. New prices are now 2250 euros for rental.

As your planners we research availability and work though all the paperwork and oral communications, down-payment and follow through the entire booking process from start to finish.

Bookings and French Administration

It’s notorious that the French administration can be less than an ease – and we’re at no exception here, many offices have to coordinate for this one location. So we ask that if you’re sure you want the Chapel and have your date let us know to get the ball rolling ASAP.

Some venues in Paris offer both the opportunity to hold a ceremony and have the reception. The Chapelle Expiatore only rents as a ceremony space.

However, if you’re looking at other ceremony venues in Paris, here are just a few questions to ask :

• Is there an on-site coordinator?
• Is décor / seating included?
• What are the parking and security information for you and your guests?
• Can you use your own caterers?

Hotels in the 8^th Arrondissement of Paris

There are many luxury hotels in the 8th district of Paris, with charming interiors and amazing views of the city and some even of the Eiffel tower.

Here are some of our favorites including boutiques hotels and well known destination wedding locations.

• Pershing Hall
• Four Seasons George V
• Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
• Relais Monceau
• Hotel Plaza Athenee
• Hotel Paris Saint Honore

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Some services a planner can arrange for your ceremony at the Chapel

• Chauffeured Transportation
• Music – Harpist, Violinist etc
• Floral décor and bouquets
• Make-up and Hairstylists
• Photographer
• Videographer
• English speaking Wedding Celebrant
• Babysitters
• Hotel and Dinner reservations
• Paris Activities and concierge services

 

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See other Paris Wedding Venues here.