Getting Married in France
Welcome to our guide to getting married in France. Before you go into depth about the specifics for your wedding in France we have a couple of articles that we suggest you read first.
UK residents wishing to marry in France have three options available.
Civil Ceremony
A couple can have a legal Civil Wedding Ceremony held at the City Hall also known as the “Mairie”.
Religious Ceremony
A religious ceremony can only be preformed after a couple have been legally married through a Civil Ceremony. Upon which they should be able to present the minister with a Certificate of Civil Marriage. The Civil Ceremony can be held either in France or in the couple’s home country.
Exchange of Vows
This is a ceremony in which a couple will exchange their vows. The ceremony although not legally recognised and is without any religious connotations is still a highly symbolic demonstration of a couples love for one another.
Most couples choose the third option, to complete all the legal requirements in the UK and then hold their reception / marriage blessing in a romantic private venue.
Basic Documentation
There is a great deal of paperwork to be organised if you still intend to marry in France, as most Mairies will require these basic documents:
- A valid 10 year passport
- A birth certificate
- An affidavits / statutory declaration confirming single status also know as a Certificate of Celibacy
- Certificate of Law (Custom)
- Decree Absolute (the final divorce paper, if applicable)
- Death Certificate (if you are a widow or widower)
- Change of Name Deed (required if you have changed your name)
- Written consent from your parents or guardians (if either of you are under 18 years of age)
Residency Stay
One of the parties wishing to be married must have been resident for more than 40 days prior to the wedding. Evidence of residency must be shown for example through a utility bill or a rent payment.
This period of 40 days is the absolute minimum required and is comprised of 30 days residency followed by a futher 10 days for the marriage banns to have been posted. The banns can't be posted until the 30 day period is over.
Marriage Certificate
Once you have obtained your Marriage Certificate you will need to have it translated into English. Visit your nearest British Embassy and have the certificate translated. Whilst you are there you can request the certificate then be forwarded by the British Consular to the General Register Office in the UK where it can be deposited.
For further information contact:
French Embassy in UK
58 Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7JT
Tel: 0870 005 6717
Consular Section
1 Cromwell Road
London
SW7 2DQ
Useful website:
French Consulate General >>
IMPORTANT
Whilst every effort to ensure that the above information is correct, it may be subject to change at any time. Please always check with the official authorities before proceeding. If you notice some outdated information please let us know.
