Planning a symbolic wedding ceremony in Provence

At the estates and bastides of the Var, the symbolic ceremony is often the most moving moment of the day. It takes place at the reception venue, among the olive trees or facing the sea, and takes whatever shape you give it. Here is how to organise it.

What is a symbolic ceremony?

In France, only the civil marriage, performed at the town hall, is legally binding. The symbolic ceremony (cérémonie laïque in French) has no legal standing; you organise it freely, usually at your reception venue. It lets you tell your story, involve your loved ones and commit to each other in your own words.

The civil marriage can take place the same day, in the morning, or a few days beforehand, with a smaller number of guests.

A typical running order

A symbolic ceremony usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. A classic running order:

• guests arrive and are welcomed with music;
• the wedding party walks in, followed by the bride or the couple;
• the officiant's words of welcome;
• your story, told by the officiant or by loved ones;
• speeches and readings by loved ones, usually two to four;
• a symbolic ritual: a sand ceremony, handfasting with ribbons, planting a tree or a wine ceremony;
• the exchange of vows and rings;
• the couple's exit, under a shower of petals or lavender.

Who leads the ceremony?

There are three options:

• a loved one: a friend or family member who is comfortable speaking in public and knows you well;
• a professional officiant: they write and lead the ceremony based on conversations with you;
• the couple themselves, with several loved ones taking turns.

A professional officiant needs to be booked several months ahead, like other vendors.

Choosing the setting

Many venues in the Var have a space designed for the ceremony:

• an open-air theatre facing the Îles d'Or at Château Maravenne;
• a stage above a lake at Château de Berne;
• a 12th-century cloister at Château Sainte Roseline;
• an olive grove of more than 1,000 trees at Château Saint Ange, or of 7,000 trees at Domaine Souviou;
• a historic inner courtyard at Domaine de la Rotonde.

When you visit, check where the sun will be at the time of the ceremony: neither your guests nor you should have it in your eyes.

Timing and light

In summer, avoid the full afternoon sun. A ceremony at around 5 or 6 pm offers softer light and more bearable temperatures, and flows naturally into drinks at sunset. In spring and autumn, bring the time forward: the sun sets earlier. Our article on the best season gives month-by-month pointers.

Sound

Outdoors, voices do not carry well. Plan a sound system with at least two microphones, one for the officiant and one for the speakers, and check who supplies the equipment: the venue, the DJ or the musicians. Test it before the guests arrive.

The plan B

Even in Provence it can rain, and wind can make an outdoor ceremony uncomfortable. Agree a sheltered spot with the venue, and make the call the day before or that morning. A marquee, a wine cellar or a vaulted hall can make beautiful ceremony settings.

The details that matter

• Shade and water for guests in summer, and chairs for everyone.
• An order of service, which can double as a fan.
• Readings and vows printed on cards, rather than read from a phone.
• A designated person to look after the music and timing.

For the rest of your planning, our complete guide covers every step.