Getting Married in France: A Guide for Foreigners

France, often dubbed the “Country of Love,” is an increasingly popular destination for couples looking to tie the knot. With its romantic landscapes, chateaux, rich cultural heritage, and exquisite cuisine, it’s no surprise that foreigners are flocking to this beautiful nation to celebrate their unions.  In fact, ninety percent of the weddings I organize are foreigners looking to get married in France.   So I thought I would write an blog about how to get married in France.  I does involve navigating a unique set of legal requirements and cultural nuances, but it’s still quite easy to do.  Here’s my comprehensive guide for foreigners considering saying “I do” in France.

Legal Requirements

Before you can walk down the aisle in France, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements. Firstly, both partners must be at least 18 years old and not closely related. For foreigners, the process begins with gathering necessary documents, which typically include:

1. Valid Passport: A copy of each partner’s passport.
2. Birth Certificate: An official birth certificate, translated into French by a certified translator. This document should be issued within the last three months.
3. Proof of Residence: A document proving your residence in France, which could be a utility bill or rental agreement.
4. Certificate of Celibacy: This is a document proving that you are single and free to marry, which may vary based on your home country.

Once you’ve gathered these documents, you must submit them to the local mairie (town hall) where you wish to marry. It’s advisable to start this process several months in advance, as it can take time to obtain and translate documents.

For more information about marrying in France, here are some links for the countries that many of my clients are from: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

The Civil Ceremony

In France, marriages must be conducted through a civil ceremony at the mairie. This is the only legally recognized form of marriage in the country. Religious ceremonies can take place afterward, but they hold no legal standing unless a civil ceremony has been completed first. During the civil ceremony, a maire (mayor) or a deputy mayor will officiate the marriage, which usually takes place in a public venue.  To be eligible to do this, you, your partner or one of your parents needs to have lived in the town where you want to get married for at least 40 days before the ceremony.

Get Married in Your Own Country First

One of the easiest things to do in terms of getting married, is to hold a non-official ceremony in France to be performed by an officiant, humanist or a member of a religious order.  These weddings will not be legal, but will be ceremonial only.  Legally, you’ll need to have an official wedding ceremony in your home country, usually performed by the Registrar of your town, or an elected official.

Choosing the Right Location

France offers a multitude of stunning locales for weddings, from the romantic streets of Paris to the picturesque countryside of Provence, the glorious chateaux of the Loire Valley or the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera and Occitanie. Each location provides a unique backdrop for your special day.  When selecting a venue, consider the number of guests, accessibility, and the overall atmosphere you wish to create. 

Here is a short list of some of my favourites chateaux in France: Chateau de Vezins in the Loire Valley , Chateau de la Flaugergues in Montpellier, Occitanie, Chateau Allure du Lac, near Angers, Chateau de Seguin, near Bordeaux, Chateau de Granoupiac, near Saint-André-de-Sangonis in Occitanie. All are affordable and all but one, houses people on site. And here is an extensive list of wonderful venues where you can marry on a site called French Wedding Venues.

Language Considerations

While many French citizens speak English, especially in tourist areas, it’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of the French language. If you are not fluent, consider hiring a translator or a bilingual wedding planner, like myself, to ensure that you understand the ceremony and legal proceedings thoroughly. 

Planning Your Wedding

Planning a wedding in a foreign country can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Consider hiring someone like myself who is familiar with the French wedding industry and can help you navigate the complexities of planning a wedding abroad.  I can assist with everything from securing vendors to coordinating logistics on the big day to translating at the last minute.

Cultural Traditions

Incorporating French wedding traditions can enhance your ceremony and provide a unique cultural experience. For instance, the “vin d’honneur” is a celebratory drink served after the ceremony, allowing guests to mingle and congratulate the couple.   The vin d’honneur tends to be longer than a regular English reception and can last between 3 and 4 hours.  What I like about this, is that it really does give the bride and groom lots of time to mingle and speak with each guest.  Additionally, consider a traditional French meal, complete with a multi-course dinner, fine wine, to delight your guests.  Traditional wedding cakes are available in France, but why not try a piece montée or a croquembouche tower.  These are fantastic and sometimes are served with sparklers.  Another thing about French weddings is they can last until the wee hours of the morning, so be prepared to stay up late.

Getting married in France can be a magical experience filled with romance and unforgettable memories. By understanding the legal requirements, selecting the perfect location, and embracing local customs, you can create a beautiful wedding that reflects your love story. With careful planning and attention to detail, your dream wedding in France can become a reality, allowing you to start your journey together in one of the most enchanting countries in the world.

Happy Planning