A Venue Review and Photos
If you are looking for a venue that is elegant and unforgettable, then a destination wedding at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild may be exactly what you are looking for.
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is one of my favorite venues on the French Riviera. Not only is it full of history and art, but it also affords some of the best views from any venue in the area. It is the perfect place to host a destination soiree to celebrate your vows.
Where Is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Located in the heart of the French Riviera, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a seaside villa located in the small town of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, located on a lovely peninsula halfway between Nice and Monaco, is widely considered one of the most beautiful places on the Mediterranean coast.
Apart from the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, there are many sites to see when traveling in the area. From beaches to walking trails to awe-inspiring mansions that are hidden away in tropical foliage, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is the perfect location to escape and be mesmerized in this fairytale landscape.
What Is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild — established in 1905 — is the most widely-known place in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, and perhaps one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the south of France.
This rose-colored landmark was registered as a historic place in 1996 and is a statement piece for the tranquil region. It was commissioned by the Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, an heiress and esteemed art collector, and was built by the French architect Aaron Messiah. The Baroness spent her time traveling and collecting art, the majority of which found its home at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Besides the extensive art collection and the equally extensive views, the Villa is known for its nine themed gardens: French, Spanish, Japanese, Florentine, Provençal, exotic, a stone garden, a rose garden and a garden of Sèvres.
Inspired by a sea voyage, the gardens were designed to be seen from the loggia — or porch — of the house, with the sea visible on all three sides. To keep with the sea theme, the 30 gardeners who were responsible for the sizable upkeep, were all dressed as sailors.
Today, the villa is no longer a private residence and is a public museum and wedding venue.
Having a Wedding at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Having a wedding at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is the absolute definition of luxury and is one of the most sought-after venues on the French Riviera.
Whimsical with its Mediterranean pink and elegant with its lush, meticulously crafted gardens, a wedding here is a true fairytale. There is nothing more magical than the temperate Mediterranean nights, dancing under the stars in the shadow of this pink beauty, and celebrating with all of your favorite people.
Your Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Wedding Questions Answered
How many guests can you host at the villa?
You can host up to 230 people for inside dining and up to 300 for an outside reception.
Where can you have the ceremony?
There are several locations around the property where you can have your ceremony. You can choose from expansive sea views or elegant and enchanting garden scenarios. There is even a replica of Versaille’s famous Temple of Love that you can get married at.
A lot depends on how large your wedding is but you absolutely should be able to find your dream location to say your vows.
One of the unique and memorable attributes of a wedding at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is that you can have the fountains synchronized to your music as you walk down the aisle. … I can’t think of another venue that offers this distinctive quality.
Where can you have the reception?
Like the ceremony options, there are multiple options around the property for the perfect reception. One of the most popular options is to host an alfresco dining experience under the stars in the French gardens. It is also very common to host dancing on the terrace overlooking the sea.
If you prefer an indoor reception, you do have the option to host inside one of the larger ballrooms.
When is the best time of year to get married at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild?
The spring or fall are the best times for a wedding at the Villa Ephrussi. The temperature is mild and the crowds are minimal.
Can you stay on the property?
No, unfortunately, the villa is not open to the public for overnight stays. However, lucky for you, you are mere kilometers from some world-class, 5-star lodging. See below for some suggestions.
Where to Stay Around the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
There is no shortage of luxury hotels to continue your fairytale wedding experience.
My top two favorite hotels in the area — which are also great for getting ready images — are Le Méridien and the Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat.
Best Advice for a Wedding at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
My top three pieces of advice for hosting your dream wedding at the luxury estates are:
1 – Hire a planner. Planning a destination wedding at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a job for a professional. I’d be happy to recommend some of my favorite planners to help you out. Just email me.
2 – Create an experience. Look beyond just your wedding day and create an experience for your guests that allows them to really enjoy the beauty of the French Riviera. Hire a yacht for your guests to experience the sunset at sea or take another tour.
3 – Hire a photographer who knows the area well. Hiring a photographer who knows the area well is imperative to creating the elevated, luxury wedding images you desire. Understanding the Mediterranean light, knowing the hidden areas, and speaking the local language (along with English) can make a huge difference in your overall experience.
Please reach out with any questions you have about hosting a wedding at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Want to read more? Check out my blog on the most romantic locations in France for a wedding.
