Hiring a Professional Photographer for Your Civil Ceremony

For many couples, hiring a photographer for a religious or symbolic ceremony feels obvious. Yet the civil ceremony, often perceived as a brief and formal administrative step, is sometimes overlooked. It’s true that the celebration is usually short, shared with a more intimate circle, and that not every city hall is equally photogenic. Many couples assume they can simply keep a few phone snapshots and save the investment for the wedding day.

But the civil ceremony deserves so much more.

It marks the beginning of your married story.
Your very first “yes.”
A moment filled with emotion, anticipation, and sincerity. One you will cherish for years to come.

Your first “Yes” – A moment worth remembering

The civil ceremony is the first official chapter of your wedding. Even if it lasts only a few minutes, it carries a deep emotional weight. It is often the first time you exchange vows in front of your loved ones, the first time you sign your union, the first time your story becomes “official.”

These moments, although sometimes quieter and more intimate, are invaluable. They deserve to be documented with the same care, finesse, and sense of timeless elegance as the rest of your celebration.

amelie labarthe photographe professionnel mariage – se marier a paris – reportage mariage civil

A couple session: The perfect warm-up before the wedding day

If your civil ceremony takes place on a different day than your main celebration, it becomes the ideal opportunity to enjoy a relaxed couple session. Just a few minutes together, away from the whirlwind of the wedding day, can make all the difference. It allows you to feel more at ease in front of the camera, connect with me and my unobtrusive way of shooting and start your wedding journey with a set of refined, elegant portraits. Whether we stay near the city hall or slip away to a meaningful location, I always aim to create a quiet, intimate moment for just the two of you – a suspended bubble in the middle of this special day.

Romantic engagement photo of a couple walking on Pont Alexandre III in Paris.

Wedding couple celebrating at the harbor with champagne at sunset.

Sharing these memories with your loved ones

Because the civil ceremony is usually more intimate, many friends and relatives will not be able to attend. Offering them the possibility to relive these moments is precious.

All images are delivered through a private online gallery that you can share easily with your loved ones, wherever they are in the world. Your families and friends will experience the ceremony through a curated, elegant visual story, far beyond simple snapshots.

Editorial Paris wedding portrait of a joyful couple celebrating on an empty street.

Editorial close-up of a woman holding a champagne coupe, showcasing luxury fashion details and jewelry at Palais de Tokyo in Paris.

A thoughtful gift idea to suggest

Your civil ceremony reportage can also be a meaningful and beautiful gift from your parents, siblings, or closest friends.
A refined present that benefits everyone and becomes part of your family’s shared memories.

amelie labarthe photography - reportage mariage civil - se marier a Paris

seance couple Paris - photographe mariage - amelie labarthe photography

A tailored offer for couples saying “Yes” in Paris

For civil ceremonies in Paris, I offer a dedicated package designed for couples who value simplicity, elegance, and heartfelt moments.

It includes the reportage of the ceremony at the city hall, group portraits with family, witnesses, and friends, and a refined couple session – either just outside the city hall or in a location that reflects your story.

If time allows, we can wander through your neighbourhood or a favourite Parisian spot for a more editorial, timeless session before you return to celebrate with your loved ones.