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A romantic wedding in France… the stuff that dreams are made of! If you are planning on getting married in France, there are several legal hoops to jump through. The key to success, as always, is good research and preparation then help from a professional wedding planner.
Always check with your embassy well in advance for up-to-date requirements. 
The following documents will be required:
– Passports
– Birth certificates
– Proof of domicile (utility bills, etc.)
– Evidence of termination of all previous marriages – original or certified copies of final divorce decrees, annulment decrees or death certificates
– Certificates of marital status/celibacy (provided by the embassy in France)
– Affidavit of law
– Medical certificate
Affidavit of Law – Notarized statement, by an attorney licensed to practice in both France and the home country, certifying that the parties are free to contract marriage and that the marriage will be recognized in the country of residence.
Medical Certificates – Issued less than two months prior to the date of the marriage by a doctor in France or by a doctor approved by your local French Embassy or Consulate.
All civil documents must be originals endorsed with an Apostille Stamp with official translations verified by the French Consulate.
Residence Requirements and Publications of Bans.
At least one of the parties must have resided in the town in which the wedding is to take place for 30 days. Following these 30 days of residence, the couple must post the marriage banns at the city hall for 10 days before the wedding. Therefore, 40 days is the minimum period of residence before a civil ceremony can take place. This residency requirement cannot be waived.
Check with the local mairie for details. The documents may be presented 10 days or more before the publication of the bans.
Only civil weddings are legally recognized. A religious ceremony may only be performed after a civil ceremony. Marriages are performed at the city hall in the town in which at least one of the parties has met the residency requirement. 
In a way, it is not such an easy task to comply to all of the paperwork needed to legally get married in France. Wedding couple may decide to simply get married in their country of residence before the wedding day and celebrate in style with friends and family in France. WeddingLight can suggest a destination wedding ceremony in Paris and thoughout France. We have English speaking, non-religious Officiants / Celebrants who create unique and personal wedding ceremonies, blessings and renewal of vows ceremonies. If you are looking to save a fortune on your wedding look at our small Paris weddings, if you are looking for a stunning ceremoy in French Chateau … we do it all.
All photographs Olivier Lalin @ weddingLight
