From New York to Paris, My Unforgettable Journey Capturing Love Abroad
Paris is dreamy in every way you can imagine—it's the city we’ve all seen in movies, read about in books, and fantasized about experiencing firsthand. It’s packed with history, art, pastries that will ruin you for any other, and romance literally on every street. If you know, you know. And then, of course, there’s the Eiffel Tower—where people are proposed to more than anywhere else in the world. They don’t call it the City of Love for nothing!
Honestly, whenever I think of Paris, my mind immediately jumps to Disney’s Ratatouille. The music, the atmosphere, the way Remy brought dishes to life—it all fueled my excitement to go, especially for an engagement session. The city holds this timeless charm, but for those of us visiting for the first time, our ideas of it are often shaped by the media we consume. I visited in November, which meant my expectations for color and vibrance were pretty low. And while I have plans to return during bloom season, let me tell you—Paris was still every bit as magical.
Dreamy Locations for an Engagement Shoot
During my session in Paris, we visited two spots the couple specifically wanted: Petit Palais and Pont Alexandre III. We had to be up super early to beat the crowds, but it was worth every minute of lost sleep. If you want that dreamy, golden Paris without a sea of tourists in the background, the early morning call time is non-negotiable. These two locations in particular have this beautiful gold theme, and even on a cloudy day, you could still catch glimpses of the Eiffel Tower peeking through in the background. We also stopped at some side streets and cafes for those classic Parisian moments.
If you’re looking for other stunning locations for an engagement session, I’d highly recommend:
The Louvre – An iconic location with that perfect mix of history and architecture.
Trocadéro – The best place for those wide, breathtaking shots with the Eiffel Tower.
Avenue de Camoëns – The street where the Eiffel Tower peeks through the buildings like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
Tuileries Garden – Even in the off-season, the way they maintain their shrubbery and align their streets is mesmerizing.
There’s something about how Paris is structured that makes every corner feel intentional. It’s like walking through a beautifully intricate maze, where every alley leads to another charming discovery.
Best Time to Visit Paris for a Wedding or Elopement
This really depends on your vision, budget, and tolerance for weather. November was chilly, wet, and void of flowers, but it was also much more affordable. If you’re the type to romanticize dancing in misty rain and adore warm autumn tones, this might be the perfect time for you. Plus, the crowds were manageable—not too big, not too small. As a native New Yorker, avoiding congestion is a top priority for me, and November delivered the perfect balance of vibrancy without the chaos.
That being said, if you’re dreaming of lush greenery and blooming flowers, spring into summer is your best bet. Just be prepared for more tourists and higher prices.
Do You Need a Permit for Wedding Photography in Paris?
For the locations we shot at, no permits were needed because they were public spaces. However, not all locations are that simple. Some historic sites and museums require advance permission and fees for professional photography. It’s always best to check ahead of time if you have a specific venue or iconic spot in mind for your wedding, elopement or enagagement portraits.
My First Impressions of Paris
I thought I was prepared. I watched all the TikToks, read the guides, and had my expectations set. But nothing could have prepared me for how much I would fall in love with architecture in Paris.
Straight off the plane, my first thought was, This is like French NYC!—only instead of the towering steel skyscrapers, it was grand, historic buildings with intricate detailing. The pride Parisians have for their city felt familiar, like New Yorkers and their borough loyalty. It’s a walkable city, just like home, but what really stood out was how the streets intersect. Unlike NYC’s grid system, Paris creates its own organized chaos, with perpendicular streets and hidden alleyways that make you feel like you’re discovering a secret every time you turn a corner.
Oh, and the food? Different. Not in a bad way, just different. Everything felt richer, fresher, and more intentional. I made it my mission to eat where the locals ate, which meant lots of Google Translate moments—but honestly, that was part of the adventure.
Must-Do Experiences for a Newlywed Couple in Paris
Paris is undeniably romantic, but it’s also a bustling city. Here are some experiences I’d recommend for newlyweds:
Take a Seine River dinner cruise – A beautiful way to see the Eiffel Tower light up at night.
Enjoy a café date – Soak in the atmosphere with coffee and pastries at a local café. I rather enjoyed my croissants and chocolatine at Leonie Hauteville. The hot chocolate was necessary for sure. Plus the service was great.
Visit the Musée Carnavalet – A must for history and art lovers, with a stunning courtyard perfect for photos.
If you’re like me and crave adventure, leave the city for a bit. Find those hidden-gem experiences that locals love. It’s a chance to share something new with your spouse and make Paris feel like your own.
Romantic Parisian Restaurants for Couples
I dined at Le Murat, and it was absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend. The furtherst option from my hotel, but I love an adventure. The ambiance, candlelit tables, and impeccable service made it an unforgettable experience. Though I went alone, I saw many couples enjoying romantic dinners, and I can’t wait to return with my significant other. I do a terrible job at documenting for myself while in the moment, becauseI love to soak it all in. The one thing I thank Paris for is allowing me to live in every single dining moment. In NY, your bill comes shortly after dinner is served. Not in Paris. I got to sit and enjoy my food, and get up when I was ready. So have those long talks, laugh and bask in it all.
After dinner, I walked to Place du Trocadéro to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle. It was a long walk, but I felt completely safe, and I can only imagine how special that moment would be for a newlywed couple. It’s the perfect way to end a magical evening.
My Favorite Paris Moment
I had just finished an incredible meal at The Big Black Cook on Rue Tiquetonne—amazing flavors, such a vibrant atmosphere. After lunch, I decided to wander with no real destination. I walked past the Lego Store, Metro stations, small parks, and before I knew it… I stumbled upon the Louvre. By accident.
The very place I had been dying to see, the one landmark I was most excited about—right in front of me when I least expected it. And to top it off? It was drizzling, the kind of cinematic misty rain that makes everything feel surreal. I had left my camera behind that day, so I relied on my phone, but honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. That unexpected moment of awe, standing in front of a place I had admired from afar for so long—that’s what Paris is all about. Serendipitous magic.
Paris Through a Photographer’s Lens
Photographing in Paris is a dream. The lighter-toned buildings reflect and bounce natural light in the most flattering way, making it so easy to capture vibrant colors and true tones. Even though Paris is full of movement, it never feels rushed like NYC. That slow-paced energy makes a huge difference when capturing intimate, cinematic moments.
For couples planning an engagement session (or bigger like the wedding/elopement of your dreams) in Paris, my biggest piece of advice is to coordinate closely with your photographer. Make sure they understand your vision, because every detail—from location to time of day—impacts your final gallery. Plus, whether you believe it oer not, your photographs will last longer than anything else. And when it comes to outfits, go bold! Paris is a city of timeless fashion, so whether it’s a structured gown with a high slit or a classic tailored suit, lean into the elegance of your surroundings. Need styling help? I got you! Decision fatigue is real, and I love helping my clients put together looks that make them feel incredible.
Final Thoughts
Paris is the kind of place that stays with you. Whether you’re going for an engagement session, a wedding, an elopement, or just to soak in the romance, there’s a reason people fall in love here—both with the city and with each other. If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” in Paris, let’s make it happen. I’d love to capture your love story in the city where romance is literally in the air.
Forever grateful to God for this experience. Paris, I’ll be back.
