Pegah and Paul married at the Capitole, the historic city hall of Toulouse, then celebrated over a sunset dinner on the Garonne with guests who had flown in from several countries. If you are planning an international or English-speaking wedding in Toulouse, this is exactly the kind of day I love to photograph, and I can guide you through it in both English and French.
Getting Married at the Capitole
The Capitole is the historic city hall of Toulouse, its long facade of pink brick and pale stone facing one of the largest squares in the south of France. A civil ceremony here is short, but it is never small.
The salle des mariages holds centuries of the city, and stepping back out onto the square in your wedding clothes, with the warm brick behind you, is a moment worth slowing down for.
Pegah arrived in a halter gown with a birdcage veil pinned by a single pearl, carrying white calla lilies, and Paul in a light grey suit with a calla at his lapel. I photographed the ceremony and the quiet in-between moments around it, the looks and the laughter a civil wedding is really made of, so a day that passes quickly leaves you with far more than the official photographs.
A Bilingual, International Celebration
Pegah and Paul’s guests had travelled from several countries to be there, and the day moved easily between languages.
Weddings like this are some of my favourite to photograph, because the room is full of people who really wanted to come. Working comfortably in both English and French means I can put everyone at ease, from the couple to the grandparents who came the furthest, and quietly guide a group portrait without anyone feeling lost.
If your own guest list spans a few passports, that ease matters more than you might expect on the day. It is the difference between feeling looked after and feeling like you are translating your own wedding.
A Sunset Dinner on the Garonne
After the ceremony the celebration continued at La Turbine du Bazacle, a restaurant set in a former mill on the river. Its terrace looks out toward the dome of La Grave and the Chapelle Saint-Joseph, and as the sun dropped the Garonne turned to gold.
We had time for a few unhurried portraits by the water while the light was at its best, then let the evening unfold. It is one of the loveliest settings in Toulouse for dinner, and the natural way to close a city wedding that began at the Capitole a few hours earlier.
Planning Your Own Wedding in Toulouse
Toulouse makes a beautiful backdrop for a wedding that is more about the two of you than about scale. The Capitole gives you grandeur for the ceremony, the old streets and the Garonne give you golden hour, and everything sits within a short walk.
Coverage can be as compact as a couple of hours at the mairie, or follow the whole day through to an evening venue, whichever suits your plans. If you are marrying in Toulouse and want photographs that feel like your day rather than a set of poses, I would love to hear about it. Tell me your date and venue, and I will let you know whether I am free.
Eugenie was incredibly nice and patient, and prompt with all our questions about availability and pricing. Ten days before the wedding she met with us to tailor the photography to exactly what we wanted, and even added ideas to our Pinterest board. Although our agreement was for two hours, she stayed longer to make sure we got every photo, and her calm manner put everyone at ease, even those who were shy in front of the camera. I highly recommend her and would choose her again.
Pegah Taheri
Planning something bigger? See my wedding photography packages, or book a short discovery call to talk it through.
More real weddings in my wedding journal, the most beautiful château wedding venues in Southwest France, or read my guide to getting married at the Capitole in Toulouse.
FAQ
Do you speak English?
Yes. I work with couples in both English and French, which keeps an international wedding relaxed for everyone, including guests who have travelled a long way.
Can you cover the ceremony and an evening venue?
Yes. Coverage can span the mairie and a restaurant or château later in the day, so your whole celebration is in one consistent set of photographs.
Do you photograph civil ceremonies at the Capitole?
Yes, regularly. I cover the ceremony in the salle des mariages and the moments around it, and I can continue through to an evening venue if you would like.
How do I check whether you are free for my date?
Send me your date and venue and I will come back to you with my availability and the next step.
WEDDING JOURNAL
Mariage au Château de Pennautier dans le Sud de la France
Wedding of Maria and Corentin at Domaine du T
Wedding photo session of Anna & Daniil
Mariage à l’Abbaye du Palais en France
