We get many email requests each week about how to legally get married in France when visiting from abroad. Even though we’ve already covered the topic of having a symbolic wedding ceremony before on the blog, I felt it necessary to do again.
Here are some facts and tips to keep in mind when preparing your wedding in Paris or even the South of France.
The legal requirements for getting married in France can be very bureaucratic and difficult for many couples who are foreigners or visiting from abroad.
- French law only recognizes Civil ceremonies.
- Church ceremonies are optional.
- There is a residency requirement of 40 days to get married in France.
- One of you must have lived in France at least 30 days before the wedding date.
- There are many original documents that must be furnished to the Mairie in the town you wish to marry.
The issue that arises with the abundance of paperwork, time requirements and having to deal with the Mairie ( French town hall) in French leave many visiting couples overwhelmed.
As a solution the majority of couples visiting France to get married bypass this tedious process by first getting married in their home country before doing a humanist, symbolic wedding ceremony in France.
A symbolic ceremony is one that can be performed in a church, chapel, garden, museum, hotel or any other location after you’ve legally married ( either at the Mairie in France, or in your own home country).
N.B. We’ve had some couples who’s done the reverse; did a smaller symbolic wedding ceremony here first then a bigger celebratory wedding back home. But this depends heavily on the location you choose for your wedding. If using a church, they require you to show documents such as membership in your own country and that you’re already married. Other locations ask for little of no paper proof of marriage.
Tip. Check with your Consulate or Embassy first for more information if you are set on having a legal wedding in France.
by olalin
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