Estate

The White Whale

75013 Paris, France, France20–150 guests$$$

Type:Estate

Capacity:20–150 guests

Budget:$$$

Airport:Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), 25–35 minutes by car

The White Whale stands apart as Paris's only waterfront estate venue located directly on the Seine, offering industrial-chic architecture with unobstructed river views that eliminate the need for additional décor. This converted 19th-century port building in the 13th arrondissement provides raw, authentic Parisian character without the typical chateau formality. The venue's 2,500 square meters of flexible space accommodates intimate ceremonies and expansive receptions within a single location.

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Highlights

Direct Seine riverfront access with floor-to-ceiling windows framing water views
Accommodates up to 150 guests across multiple interconnected spaces without requiring off-site locations
Original exposed brick, timber beams, and industrial elements dating to 1887 require minimal styling
Private boat dock available for guest arrival by water or photo opportunities
Outdoor terrace spans 400 square meters with weather protection systems

Quick facts

Capacity20–150 guests

Venue typeEstate

Price range$$$

LocationFrance

Nearest airportORY

Visit venue website

Plan your wedding at The White Whale

Getting there

Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)

25–35 minutes by car to venue

Private car transfer

€60–€90 one-way

25–30 minutes · From Orly via A6 autoroute to Port de la Gare

RER B + Metro Line 6

€12.50

45 minutes total · Orly → Denfert-Rochereau → Quai de la Gare station (2-minute walk)

Taxi/Uber

€50–€120 depending on demand

30–40 minutes from CDG; 25–30 from Orly · Direct service from either CDG or Orly to venue

Cost estimate

Ceremony / venue fee

€2,000–€3,500

Reception (per guest)

€95–€180 (food + beverage packages vary by caterer)

Accommodation (per night)

€110–€280 (nearby 3–4 star hotels)

Estimated total

€18,000–€35,000 for 75 guests

Venue rental is separate from catering. External catering incurs 15% facility fee. Pricing excludes florals, photography, and entertainment. Deposit of 30% required to secure date.

Sample wedding weekend

Thursday (arrival day)

3:00 PM–6:00 PMGuest arrival; check-in at nearby hotels; welcome dinner option at venue terrace

Friday

9:00 AM–12:00 PMRehearsal; ceremony staging and lighting check

4:00 PMGuest arrival; cocktails on riverside terrace

5:30 PMCeremony in gallery space (30–45 minutes)

6:15 PMReception in main hall; dinner and dancing until midnight

Saturday

10:00 AMFarewell brunch (optional)

This is a sample itinerary. Your wedding weekend can be fully customized.

Frequently asked questions

Can we have both ceremony and reception at The White Whale?

Yes. The venue's layout allows the ceremony in the riverside gallery and reception in the main hall, with guests flowing naturally between spaces.

What is the guest capacity range?

The White Whale accommodates 20–150 guests depending on configuration. Smaller ceremonies use the gallery; larger receptions use the main hall.

Are there nearby accommodations for out-of-town guests?

The 13th arrondissement has 12+ hotels within walking distance, ranging from boutique properties to 4-star hotels, most within 10 minutes of the venue.

What time restrictions apply?

Events may run until midnight; late-night extensions available upon request and subject to local noise ordinances.

Is outside catering permitted?

The venue offers an approved vendor list but allows external caterers with a 15% facility fee applied to their invoice.