Getting married in Montpellier: between sea and scrubland

A wedding in Montpellier is the promise of sunshine: more than 300 days a year, the Mediterranean 15 minutes away and wine estates as far as the eye can see. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Montpellier scenery

• Farmhouses and wine estates: from Saint-Georges-d'Orques to the Grés de Montpellier, the star formula — ceremony in the vineyards, dinner in the farmhouse courtyard.
• The beach: cocktail with your feet in the sand at Carnon, Palavas or La Grande-Motte (check permits and a plan B in case of wind).
• The historic center: private mansions in the Écusson for an elegant city-center wedding.
• The scrubland and Pic Saint-Loup: wild panoramas 30 minutes away, very photogenic at golden hour.

Working with the Mediterranean climate

The sun is (almost) guaranteed from May to October, but two points to watch out for:

1. The heat of July-August: late-afternoon ceremony, shaded areas and a cold water station.
2. The tramontane and the mistral: secure canopies, decorations and hairstyles; on the beach, plan a fallback.

Budget and local ideas

The value for money of Languedoc estates remains among the best in the South. Showcase local products: oysters from the Thau lagoon at the cocktail, local wines at the table — your guests will remember, and so will your budget.

The timeline

1. 12 months before: venue and caterer (summer Saturdays go first).
2. 9 to 10 months before: photographer, videographer, DJ.
3. 6 months before: florist, beauty, shuttles for guests.

On DreamWeds, find wedding vendors in Montpellier, Nîmes and Béziers — estates, caterers, photographers — with reviews and online quotes.