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Writer's pictureKlara Mike

All you need to know about getting married in France officially

Updated: Jan 26


In this post I will explain all the legal requirements of getting married in France. If you are both reside and hold passports of another country with no family connection to France, my first recommendation is always to get married in your home country legally. But let's see it in a little more detail:


To legally marry in France, here are some key rules and regulations:

1. Legal Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent.

2. Documentation: You will need valid passports, birth certificates, and proof of residency (such as utility bills) in France.

3. Marriage License: Obtain a “Certificat de Coutume” from your consulate or embassy, which states that you are legally free to marry according to the laws of your home country.

4. Civil Ceremony: In France, a civil ceremony at the town hall (mairie) is required for the marriage to be legally recognized.

5. Witnesses: You will need at least two witnesses at the ceremony who are over 18 years old.

6. Waiting Period: There is a mandatory waiting period of at least 30 days between the time of submitting your paperwork and the wedding ceremony. Photo: Meryem Cherblanc

7. Officiant: The ceremony must be conducted by a mayor or a designated deputy.

8. Language: All documents must be translated into French by an official translator if they are in another language.



9. Residency Requirement: At least one of the parties must have been a resident in the commune where the marriage takes place for at least 40 days prior to the wedding.

10. Civil Registration: After the ceremony, your marriage will be recorded in the French civil registry.

It’s advisable to check with your local French embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements based on your situation.




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