Wedding photographer in Provence, France, and abroad
My name is Nicolas Elsen, and I've been a wedding photographer in Provence for over ten years.
Through my photographs, I strive above all to tell a story: yours. The story of a day spent surrounded by the people who matter most, filled with long-awaited moments, spontaneous emotions, and details that we sometimes only notice once the wedding is over.
My approach combines the natural feel of candid photography with a luminous, elegant, and timeless style. I’ll be there to support you discreetly throughout the day, without turning your wedding into a series of posed shots or staged scenes.
Based in Provence, I photograph weddings throughout the region, as well as elsewhere in France and abroad.
A Natural and Elegant Approach to Wedding Photography
Every wedding has its own rhythm, atmosphere, and personality.
My role isn’t to produce a series of identical photos from one wedding to the next. Instead, I strive to understand what makes you unique: your relationship, your loved ones, the venue you’ve chosen, and the atmosphere you want to create.
Throughout the day, I pay close attention to emotions, spontaneous gestures, and all the little details that bring your story to life.
The preparations, the glances exchanged during the ceremony, reunions with your loved ones, the speeches, the light at the end of the day, and the energy of the evening—all of these elements contribute to the story of your wedding.
I also take a few guided portraits, especially during the couple’s photo session. My guidance is simple and natural so that you can enjoy the moment without feeling like you’re posing for the camera.
Wedding Photographer in Provence
Provence is the region closest to my heart and where I do most of my work.
I love its light, its landscapes, its villages, and the variety of its venues. A ceremony surrounded by olive trees, a dinner in the courtyard of a farmhouse, a couple’s photo shoot among the lavender fields, or a reception in a Provençal castle—each offers a very different setting, yet all are deeply connected to the region.
I regularly travel around Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Arles, Avignon, and throughout the Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse departments.
The Alpilles and Les Baux-de-Provence
The Alpilles are among the most iconic destinations for hosting a wedding in Provence.
The estates surrounded by olive groves, the stone farmhouses, and the landscapes of Les Baux-de-Provence create an atmosphere that is at once elegant, rugged, and authentic.
There, I photograph outdoor ceremonies, welcome dinners, couple photo shoots, and receptions held at iconic venues such as the Carrières des Lumières.
The Luberon
The Luberon attracts many French and international couples thanks to its hilltop villages, secluded estates, and natural landscapes.
From Lourmarin to Gordes, via Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Saignon, and Oppède, each town has its own unique character.
Historic abbeys, fortified towns, and estates surrounded by lavender provide the perfect setting for elegant, warm weddings deeply rooted in the Provençal way of life.
Aix-en-Provence and Marseille
Aix-en-Provence and its surrounding area are home to many estates, country mansions, and castles that are ideal for weddings.
The region also makes it possible to plan a day that combines a civil ceremony in the city, a reception in the Aix countryside, and a couple’s photo shoot in a quintessentially Provençal setting.
I also regularly photograph weddings in Marseille and along the Mediterranean coast, ranging from intimate civil ceremonies to large receptions with several hundred guests.
Arles, the Camargue, and the Salonais region
Around Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Salon-de-Provence, the landscapes become wilder and more open.
The Camargue farmhouses, estates, and castles in the region are particularly well-suited for couples looking for an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
These venues often make it possible to organize the entire weekend on-site, from the welcome dinner to brunch the next day.
Weddings on the French Riviera and in the South of France
I also travel throughout the Var region, the French Riviera, and the entire South of France.
Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Antibes, and the villages of the hinterland offer a different take on Mediterranean weddings: villas with ocean views, intimate hotels, wineries, and outdoor receptions.
Depending on your project, I can also assist you in Occitanie, the Gard, Drôme Provençale, or other regions of France.
Travel is an integral part of my job. It doesn't change the way I work or the attention I give to your story.
Wedding photographer in Corsica, Italy, and abroad
Some couples choose to hold their wedding far from where they live, at a location that holds special meaning for them or that allows them to bring their loved ones together for several days.
I travel to weddings in Corsica, Italy, and abroad in general.
These weddings often take the form of a full weekend: a welcome dinner, the wedding day itself, brunch, or time spent together the next day. This structure allows for a more comprehensive photo story that captures not only the ceremony and reception, but also the experience shared with your guests.
I regularly work with an international clientele, and preparatory meetings can be conducted in French or English.
Support before, during, and after your wedding
My work begins long before the wedding day.
During our first video call, we’ll discuss your background, the location, the schedule for the day, and what you’re hoping to get out of your photos.
As the wedding approaches, we’ll go over the schedule together to plan for the highlights, travel arrangements, and key moments. This preparation allows me to work discreetly and let you fully enjoy your day.
On the wedding day, I can be there to cover the preparations, the ceremonies, the cocktail hour, the dinner, and the evening reception. For weddings that span several days, I can also photograph the welcome dinner or brunch.
After the wedding, each photograph is selected and edited individually to preserve natural, luminous colors that are consistent with the rest of the photo series.
You'll then receive your photos in a private online gallery that your loved ones can easily access.
Are you planning your wedding in Provence or somewhere else?
Whether you’re planning a wedding at a farmhouse in the Alpilles, an abbey in the Luberon, a château near Aix-en-Provence, a villa on the French Riviera, or a wedding abroad, the most important thing is how you want to experience this day.
You can tell me about your project, your venue, and your organization’s initial ideas. We’ll then take the time to talk via video conference so we can get to know each other and make sure my approach aligns with your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you based?
I am based in Provence, near Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. I travel throughout the region, as well as throughout France and abroad.
Do you charge a travel fee?
Any travel expenses depend on the location, the duration of the photo shoot, and the wedding arrangements. They are always clearly specified in the proposal to avoid any surprises.
Can you photograph a wedding that spans several days?
Yes. I can photograph the welcome dinner, the wedding day, and the brunch the next day. This package is particularly well-suited for destination weddings and weddings with guests from multiple countries.
Do you work with international couples?
Yes. I regularly work with couples living abroad or planning their weddings in Provence. Appointments and communications can be conducted in English.
How far in advance should we contact you?
I recommend contacting me as soon as your date and venue are confirmed, especially for weddings taking place between May and September. However, some dates are still available later in the season.
