Normandy · France

Elope in Normandy.
Just the two of you.

An intimate wedding for two, in front of the sea, a château or a thousand-year-old abbey — photographed by a Norman who knows every cliff, every tide, every hour of light.

World TOP 2 — ISPWP 2022 · Fearless Photographers · International wedding judge
Couple standing between sea rocks in Normandy — elopement photography by Arnaud Chapelle
Where

Normandy is a cathedral
with the sea for a floor

I was born here and I photograph here all year round. I don't discover these places with you — I bring you to them at the exact hour they are at their best.

Mont-Saint-Michel

The abbey rising from the bay. Timing is everything here — the tide decides, and I know its schedule by heart.

Étretat cliffs

White chalk arches above a green sea. At first light, you will have them almost to yourselves.

D-Day beaches

Omaha, Utah, Gold — wide, quiet, deeply moving. A meaningful place to say the words that matter.

Norman châteaux

Manors and castles in every style, many happy to host a ceremony for two. I know which doors to knock on.

Honfleur & the coast

The old harbour, timbered façades, fishing villages — for couples who want France looking exactly like France.

How it works

Three steps, no stress

1

We plan — together, in English

A video call to hear your story, then I build the photographic day : the location, the hour of light, the tide, the flow. You receive my Normandy Elopement Guide with my favourite spots and trusted local addresses.

2

Your day, at your pace

No guest list to manage, no schedule to run after. Your vows, a walk through the landscape, real moments — I direct gently when needed and disappear when the moment is yours.

3

Your photographs

A sneak peek within 48 hours — because you will want to show them. Then the full story, retouched image by image, delivered in a private online gallery in high resolution.

Packages

Two ways to tell it

The Elopement
1 900 €
3 hours of coverage

Your ceremony and a session in one or two locations. The essential, beautifully told — vows, rings, the landscape and the two of you.

Most complete
The Full Story
2 900 €
8 hours — from getting ready to dinner

The whole day as a documentary : getting ready, first look, ceremony, a golden-hour session, dinner for two. Nothing staged, nothing missed.

Included in both packages
  • Location advice and timing built around the light and the tide — by a local
  • Planning of your photographic day, together, by video call
  • The Normandy Elopement Guide — my favourite locations with the right season and hour, plus trusted addresses : hair & make-up, florist, English-speaking celebrant, restaurants
  • All retouched photographs in high resolution — private online gallery
  • A sneak peek within 48 hours
  • Travel included anywhere in Normandy

Options : day-after session in another location — 650 € · additional hour — 350 € · fine-art albums from 160 € · a cinematic city session? See Urban Love

I'm your photographer, not your planner — for full planning (accommodation, transport, paperwork), I will happily connect you with a trusted local wedding planner.

The look

Lyrical, cinematic,
and true

Double exposure of a couple among wild flowers — creative wedding photography in Normandy Bride and groom among sailing boats on the Normandy coast Couple silhouette at sunset in Normandy, France Intimate embrace of newlyweds — documentary wedding photography by Arnaud Chapelle
Questions

Before you ask

Is an elopement in France legally binding?
Most international couples handle the legal paperwork in their home country and celebrate a symbolic ceremony here — it is by far the simplest route, and the ceremony feels exactly the same. If you wish to legally marry in France, ask a French town hall about residency requirements well in advance.
Do you speak English?
Yes — simple, honest English. I direct sessions in English every season. Speak a little slowly and we will get along wonderfully ; couples usually find the French accent part of the experience.
Do you help plan the elopement?
Everything photographic, yes : location, light, tide, timeline — plus the Normandy Elopement Guide with my trusted local addresses. For accommodation, transport and paperwork, I connect you with a trusted local wedding planner : I'm your photographer, not your planner.
Are travel fees included?
Travel is included anywhere in Normandy — Mont-Saint-Michel, Étretat, the D-Day beaches, châteaux. For elopements elsewhere in France, ask me for a simple all-inclusive quote.
How far in advance should we book?
Six to twelve months ahead for a choice of dates, especially from May to September. Weekday elopements often leave more flexibility — and quieter locations.
When will we see the photographs?
A sneak peek within 48 hours, and the full gallery — every image individually retouched — within three weeks, in a private online gallery in high resolution.
Your date

One elopement per date.
Tell me yours.

Write to me with your dream, your dates and the place you have in mind — I answer within 48 hours, in English.