Is it possible to get legally married in France as a foreigner?
It's possible to get married in France as a foreigner, even if you are on a tourist visa. However, one partner must have a bond with France. This means you must own a property or be resident in France for at least 30 days.
Additionally, you will have to provide documents like valid passports, birth certificates (translated into French), proof of residence, and others to complete the civil marriage application process. There are a few things to note;
- While religious ceremonies are possible, they are not legally binding in France.
- If you can't prove residence, you can hold the wedding ceremony in your home country and a symbolic reception in France.
- If a foreigner marries a French citizen in France and plans to stay, they may need to apply for a visa and then a residency card.
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Who can get married in France?
In France, marriage is a civil contract and can be entered into by two consenting individuals regardless of sex. Here are the types of people who can marry in France:
- Individuals aged 18 and above who are marrying willingly.
- Minors (under 18) with special judicial approval and consent from at least one parent.
- People not related to their partner by blood, adoption, or alliance.
- Foreigners or non-residents with a strong connection to the local commune (e.g., through family, residency, or property).
- Individuals who are single, divorced, widowed, and not currently in a civil partnership (PACS).
Legal requirements for getting married in France
Anyone who meets the following government requirements can marry legally in France, regardless of Sex:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be legally single (unmarried, divorced, or widowed)
- Consent freely and sincerely (no duress, fraud, or sham intent)
- Not be closely related (no parent–child, grandparent, sibling, uncle/aunt–niece/nephew)
- Reside or have a legitimate tie to the commune (e.g., live there or have a parent living there for at least 30 days before banns)
- Both partners must be present, as marriage by proxy is not permitted.
- Foreign nationals may marry, provided they supply legal proof of eligibility (e.g., certificate of custom/capacity)
- Minors (16–17) require both judicial approval and parental consent for “motif grave” exceptions (e.g., pregnancy)
- Adults under legal protection (curatorship/guardianship) need approval from a guardian or court
- A marriage is invalid if consent is impaired by mental illness or intoxication.
- Posthumous marriage is possible only via a special presidential decree
What documents do I need to get married in France as a foreigner?
Documentation is crucial when you're planning to get married in France, especially as a foreigner. The list includes:
- Birth certificates should be less than six months old. This means that the issued date of the birth certificate should be within the past 6 months from the time of the marriage application. This ensures that the document is recent and up-to-date. Don't forget to get them translated through sworn translators in France, if they're not in French.
- A valid proof of domicile or residence. You can show this through utility bills like electricity, water, or phone bills. As a foreigner who may not have been living in France, you can use the proof of residence from your spouse’s house. If you are both foreigners, you can use that of your parents.
- A valid passport or ID card. Include photocopies and the originals.
- A certificate of celibacy (Certificat de Celibat) confirming that you're not already married. This can be obtained from a civil registry in your home country, your country’s embassy in France, or a Notary Public.
- Certificate of Custom Law (Certificat de Coutume).
- Divorce certificate (If you have been divorced previously).
- Death certificate (If you lost your spouse previously).
- Certificat du Notaire – Prenuptial agreement (if needed).
- A list of the names of translators you used, along with a photocopy of their proof of identity.
- Details from 2 witnesses, which are mandatory for the ceremony.
- A copy of their ID (they should bring the original on the wedding day).
- A form containing their personal information (profession, date and place of birth, and address).
Remember, when presenting foreign documents in France for official purposes, you need a sworn translation (or certified translations) to ensure that they are legally recognised.
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The civil marriage process in France
A Civil wedding, or mariage civil, is the only legally recognised form of marriage in France. The ceremony must take place at the town hall (mairie) and be officiated by the mayor or a representative. Both parties, along with their witnesses, sign the marriage register, making the union official. Here are the steps involved
Submit your application to the local mairie
The first step in the civil marriage process is contacting the local town hall (mairie) where you intend to marry. They will provide you with a list of documents and requirements for marriage in that municipality.
Once you have all the requirements, submit your marriage file (dossier) containing all the requested documents. The town hall official will often interview you and your spouse to ensure the file is complete and verify consent.
Pro tip: Submit your dossier to the mairie at least 30 days before the ceremony, as this will allow the officials enough time to process documents.
Publication of marriage banns
If the application is approved, a public notice of the marriage (banns) will be displayed at the town hall for a minimum of ten days. This public announcement allows anyone with a legal reason to object to the marriage to come forward. The wedding is scheduled if nobody comes forward within the 10 days.
Attend the civil ceremony
Once everything is in place, you and your partner must attend the civil wedding ceremony on the chosen date. This ceremony will be held at the town hall in a room open to the public ("Salle des Mariages") and is officiated by the mayor of that municipality.
If the mayor isn’t available, they appoint a representative to officiate the wedding ceremony. The officiant will read articles of the Civil Code outlining the rights and obligations of marriage (mutual respect, fidelity, support, assistance, and contribution to family expenses).
Additionally, both partners and their witnesses must be present physically for the ceremony. Typically, you’ll need 2 to 4 witnesses, each over 18, of any nationality. They need a valid ID and must attend the ceremony to sign the act.
Note: The civil marriage ceremony in France lasts 15–30 minutes and is conducted in French. While the ceremony is performed in French, some mayors offer translation services or allow for a professional translator if you or your spouse does not understand French.
Translation requirements for foreign marriage documents in France
If you are from a foreign country that does not speak French, this means you will require certified translations for any documents submitted in the marriage process.
French law mandates that all official documents presented for legal procedures, such as marriage, must be in French or accompanied by a translation that guarantees accuracy and legal validity. You must use translation done by a sworn translator, also known as a "traducteur assermenté" or "traducteur agréé" in France. This is the only officially recognised type of translation by the French courts and other authorities.
A sworn translation in France is accompanied by a certificate of translation accuracy, the translator's or translation company's details, and a stamp. Without this information, your translation will be invalid and rejected by the French authorities.
Request a quote to get an accurate translation for the civil wedding process in France at competitive rates.
Can you get married in France without being a resident?
Under French civil marriage law, at least one of the partners must have a verifiable connection to the commune where the marriage will take place. This typically means residing in the municipality for at least 30 days before the publication of marriage banns.
Are there exceptions to the residency rule?
Yes. In some cases, you may still be able to marry legally in France without personally residing there:
- Partner or parent residency: If your fiancé(e) or one of your parents resides in the commune, their proof of residence (such as utility bills) can sometimes satisfy the requirement.
- Property ownership: Owning a property in the municipality may qualify as a legitimate tie, allowing a waiver of the residence condition. This must be approved by the local mairie.
- French overseas territories or collectivities (COM): Some areas like French Polynesia or New Caledonia have more flexible residency rules. Contact the local mairie to confirm.
What if you don’t meet any of the exceptions?
If you cannot meet the residency requirement and no waiver applies, you can still celebrate your union in France through a symbolic or religious ceremony. These ceremonies do not carry legal status under French law, but offer a meaningful way to mark your marriage:
- Get legally married in your home country, then host a destination-style celebration in France, such as a religious, cultural, or symbolic wedding.
- No legal documents or residency are required for these types of ceremonies.
Note: Only the civil ceremony performed by a French town hall official is legally binding in France. All other ceremonies are considered optional or symbolic.
French civil partnership (PACS)
France introduced the Civil Solidarity Pact (Pacte Civil de Solidarité or PACS) in 1999 as a legal alternative to marriage. It allows two adults, regardless of gender, to formalise their relationship and gain many of the same rights as married couples.
A PACS provides key benefits such as:
- Tax advantages (joint filing after one year)
- Shared property rights
- Social security and employment-related benefits
- Simplified processes for legal residence applications (for non-EU partners)
- Mutual obligation of support
Unlike marriage, entering into a PACS is a simpler and more flexible process. It requires a notarised agreement or a declaration at the local court or town hall. Couples can also dissolve a PACS easily, either jointly or unilaterally, without a court hearing.
This makes PACS an attractive option for couples who want legal recognition without the full legal and financial obligations of marriage.
What does it cost to get married in France?
The cost of getting married in France, like any other location, can vary between €30,000 and €80,000. Luxury weddings can easily exceed €100,000. The cost depends on several factors. Like legal preparations, translation rates, venue, catering, and more. Here's a breakdown of the potential costs associated with tying the knot in this romantic nation:
1. Legal cost
- Civil ceremony costs: While the civil ceremony at the town hall (Mairie) is generally free for residents, there might be some administrative charges associated with processing the necessary documentation, especially if translations by sworn translators in France are required.
- Document translation (sworn/certified): As already mentioned, you must translate all foreign documents into French. The translation rates per page range from €20 to €80, depending on the language pair. Additional services like notarization and an apostille stamp in France will incur extra costs up to €100.
2. Venue costs:
- Town Hall (Mairie): As mentioned, the actual ceremony is typically free, but if you want to reserve a specific room or have decorations, there might be extra charges.
- Private Venues: Renting a château, vineyard, or beachside location can vary greatly in price. For instance, renting a château can range from a few thousand euros to tens of thousands, depending on its prestige and location.
3. Religious ceremony costs:
- Church Donations: While churches don't typically charge a fixed fee, a donation is customary. This can range from €200 to €500, or even more, depending on the church and location.
- Officiant’s Fee: If you're having a non-religious ceremony at a location other than a church, you might need to pay the officiant's fee, which can vary based on their experience and demand.
4. Additional costs:
- Dress and Attire: Depending on your taste and preference, wedding attire can range from a few hundred euros for off-the-rack options to several thousand for designer gowns and bespoke suits.
- Photography and Videography: A professional wedding photographer in France typically charges between €1,000 and €4,000, depending on their experience and the duration of coverage.
- Food and Drinks: If you're hosting a reception, the cost of catering can be one of your most significant expenses. Depending on the menu and the number of guests, the price can range from €50 to over €150 per person.
- Entertainment: Hiring a DJ or live band, along with other entertainers such as magicians or dancers, will add to your costs. Prices can range from €500 to several thousand euros.
- Decorations and Flowers: Depending on your theme and venue, the cost of decorations and floral arrangements can add up. Expect to budget anywhere from €500 to over €2,000.
- Miscellaneous: Don't forget other costs, such as transportation, hair and makeup, wedding favors, and any pre-wedding events like rehearsals or dinners.
5. Potential savings:
While the above might seem overwhelming, remember that there are ways to save. Off-peak season weddings, weekday ceremonies, or choosing less touristy regions of France can all help in reducing costs.
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Post-marriage documentation
After the civil marriage ceremony, the couple receives a "Livret de Famille" (family record book) and Acte de Mariage (Marriage Certificate).
Livret de Famille
The "Livret de famille" is a distinctive French family record book that is issued by the French government when you get married. This legal document serves as an official record of your new family's major life events.
Upon marriage, it contains the names, birth dates, and birthplaces of the spouses, as well as the date of their union. As the family grows and evolves, the book is updated. For instance, when you have a child, their birth details are inscribed in the book. Similarly, if you adopt a child, that information is added. The "Livret de famille" also captures sombre events; the death of a spouse or child is recorded with the date of passing.
If the couple decides to part ways through divorce or legal separation, this is also noted in the book. In France, this document holds significant importance, especially for administrative tasks. It might be needed to enrol children in school or to establish family ties in various legal contexts. Essentially, it chronicles the pivotal moments of a family's life journey.
French marriage certificate
A French marriage certificate, known in France as "Acte de Mariage," is an official document that attests to the union between you and your spouse in a legal marriage within the jurisdiction of France. When a couple marries in France, this certificate is issued by the local city hall or "mairie" where the marriage took place.
The certificate contains vital details, including the names of the spouses, their birth details, the date and location of the marriage, and often the names of their parents. It's an essential document, not just as a record of marriage, but also for various administrative and legal purposes within France.
For instance, it might be required for procedures related to citizenship, immigration, or name changes. Like other official documents in France, it can be requested in multiple formats, such as a full copy or an extract, depending on the level of detail required. However, the marriage certificate is not the same as the Livret de famille.
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Wedding traditions in France
France has rich wedding customs, from joyful ceremonies to celebratory feasts, that blend family, elegance, and enduring symbolism. Here are some traditions you might encounter:
Two-step ceremony
French weddings often consist of two parts:
- A civil ceremony at the mairie, which is legally binding
- A symbolic or religious ceremony afterwards (often held the next day)
Le cortège & Ribbon-cutting
Rather than the groom waiting at the venue, he usually collects the bride from her home. A festive procession follows, sometimes accompanied by musicians. Children stretch white ribbons across the road, which the bride (or couple) cuts or passes through, a charming symbol of overcoming future challenges together.
Witnesses, not bridesmaids
France doesn’t have “bridesmaids or groomsmen.” Instead, there are témoins (witnesses), usually adults chosen by the couple to sign the marriage register. However, flower girls and ring-bearers (les enfants d’honneur) often appear in modern ceremonies.
A toast in style
- Le vin d’honneur: A generous cocktail hour featuring champagne and finger food, a social interlude where guests offer congratulations.
- Champagne tower: Newlyweds pour champagne into a tower of glasses for a striking and festive flourish.
- Coupe de mariage: A two-handled cup used in a shared toast between the couple.
Local delicacies
Expect regional culinary treats:
- A croquembouche (tower of caramel-glazed cream puffs) often substitutes for traditional cake.
- In rustic areas, the reception may feature roast wild boar and end with hearty onion or cheese soup to fuel late-night festivities.
Post-wedding whimsy
Some regions embrace playful antics such as a charivari; guests clatter pots and pans outside the newlyweds’ window to raucous applause. In places like Auvergne, traditions like la rôtie (a communal champagne-chocolate concoction served in a chamber pot) continue well into the night.
Nuptial tokens & Stylish ease
- Guests may receive dragées, five sugar-coated almonds representing hope, health, wealth, fertility, and happiness.
- French bridal fashion emphasizes understated elegance: slip-style silhouettes, fine lace or silk, minimal adornment, chic, effortless, and timeless.
Conclusion
Embracing the romance and elegance of a French wedding is a dream many aspire to. From understanding the rich tapestry of traditions to navigating the logistical intricacies, getting married in France is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. With its breathtaking landscapes, world-renowned cuisine, and the allure of its culture, France offers an unparalleled backdrop for your special day. However, following the legal requirements and process ensures you have a memorable experience. One of such requirements is document translation by a professional translator for validity and acceptance.
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