A Winter Paris Elopement: Chad & Lisa

There are some wedding days you feel in your bones long after they’re over, and Lisa and Chad’s winter Paris elopement is one of those days for me—quite literally. It was freezing. I don’t think I’ll ever forget just how cold it was, or how beautifully these two leaned into the magic of the city anyway.
The wind chill that day was intense. The kind of cold that sneaks into your gloves and makes your nose and fingertips sting. Lisa was absolutely freezing, but you would never know it from how radiant she looked and how present she stayed with Chad. They had traveled all the way to France for their winter Paris elopement to promise forever to each other, and no amount of icy wind was going to change that.

For their ceremony, they chose the sweetest little garden tucked just across from Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even in winter, with bare branches and crisp air, it felt intimate and romantic. You could see the towers of Notre Dame rising above the trees, a quiet, powerful backdrop to their vows. There were no crowds of guests, no elaborate aisle—just the two of them, their officiant, and the soft sounds of the city around us. It felt like Paris itself was quietly witnessing their marriage.
One of my favorite details of their day was Lisa’s dress. Instead of a traditional white gown, she chose an incredible black dress—sleek, elegant, and completely unforgettable. She wanted to do something different and unique, something that still felt as stunning and special as any classic wedding dress, and she absolutely nailed it. The contrast of the black dress against the pale winter light, the stone architecture, and the soft tones of the city was breathtaking. It felt fashion-forward but still deeply romantic, and so her.

Choosing a winter Paris elopement in such a beautiful location highlights the couple’s love story and showcases the romantic atmosphere of Paris.

After their ceremony in the garden, we spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through Paris for portraits. We walked along quiet streets and over bridges, chasing little pockets of light and shelter when the wind picked up. We made our way toward the Eiffel Tower, pausing along the way whenever we found a beautiful corner, a classic Parisian façade, or a glimpse of the Seine that felt like it belonged in their story. Even with the cold, the city had this dreamy, cinematic quality—soft grey skies, bundled-up Parisians, and that timeless architecture everywhere you look.

The charm of a winter Paris elopement is evident in every corner you explore, making it perfect for intimate portraits.

Some of my favorite images from their day were taken when we were all half-frozen but laughing together. Lisa would tuck her hands into Chad’s coat or wrap her arms around him between shots, and you could see how much they genuinely enjoyed just being together, no matter the weather. There’s something incredibly romantic about braving the elements for love—cheeks pink from the cold, hair tousled by the wind, eyes sparkling anyway.

Every moment of their winter Paris elopement was filled with joy, from the ceremony to the breathtaking portraits in iconic locations.

As an international wedding photographer, it’s always such a gift to be invited into a couple’s dream destination, and Paris is one of those places that never, ever loses its magic. You can photograph a hundred love stories there, and each one will still feel completely its own. Lisa and Chad’s day was no exception. Their choice to elope, to wear something bold and unexpected, to say their vows in a little garden across from an iconic cathedral, and then wander hand-in-hand through the city on a freezing winter day—it all fit them perfectly.

For those considering a winter Paris elopement, the beauty of Paris in winter is unparalleled. It’s one of my favorite seasons in Paris!

By the time we finished near the Eiffel Tower, we were thoroughly chilled, but my heart was so full. Watching them hold onto each other, laugh through the shivers, and soak in the reality that they were married—in Paris, of all places—was incredibly special. It wasn’t the kind of day where everything was warm and easy, but it was the kind of day that felt real, raw, romantic, and completely unforgettable.

This winter Paris elopement was a testament to love that flourishes even in the cold.

When I think back on Lisa and Chad’s elopement, I don’t just remember how cold it was (though my fingers definitely do). I remember a stunning black dress swirling through Parisian streets, vows spoken in a quiet garden near Notre-Dame, the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, and two people choosing each other fully—wind, chill, and all. It was a very cold winter day, but it’s one I’ll carry with me forever.