Our guide to: the legalities of getting married in France
Photo by Shevtsovy.
France is known for its romantic allure, and it's no surprise that many couples dream of getting married in this beautiful country. However, the process of getting married in France can be complicated, and there are several legal requirements that you must meet to ensure that your marriage is recognized by French law. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the legalities of getting married in France, including who can legally get married, the process of getting married, and what options are available if you can’t legally get married in France.
Who can legally get married in France?
To legally get married in France, you must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old (or have parental consent if you are between 16 and 18 years old)
Not be closely related (i.e., not first cousins or closer)
Not already be married or in a civil partnership
I am French but live abroad. Can I get married in France?
Yes, if you are a French citizen living abroad, you can get married in France. However, you must still meet the legal requirements for getting married in France. You will also need to provide the necessary documentation, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of address. Some Mairie will apply a rule whereby you need to physically be in the country for a set number of days in the run-up to your wedding, but in our experience, the application of this varies town by town.
I am not French, but I live in France. Can I get married in France?
Yes, if you are a non-French citizen living in France, you can get married in France. However, you will need to meet the same legal requirements as French citizens. You will also need to provide the necessary documentation, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of address.
My parents/friends/someone else I know live in France. Can I get married in France?
Having family or friends who live in France does not automatically entitle you to get married in France. You will still need to meet the legal requirements and provide the necessary documentation. In our experience having parents who live in France can help a Mairie waive the requirement for the couple themselves to live in France, but there are no guarantees. The best thing to do is to check with the Marie local to your contact’s French address and ask them about their policy on the matter.
Can I get married in France if I (or a relative) have a holiday home there?
Having a holiday home in France does not automatically entitle you to get married in France. You will still need to meet the legal requirements and provide the necessary documentation. Generally, the link will not be strong enough for a Mayor to waive regular requirements in our experience. But you can always ask!
What is the legal process for getting married in France?
Getting married in France involves several steps, and it can take several months to complete the process. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting married in France:
Determine your eligibility: make sure you meet the legal requirements for getting married in France.
Gather the necessary documents: you will need to provide several documents, including a valid passport, birth certificate, proof of address, and a certificate of celibacy.
Schedule an appointment: you will need to schedule an appointment with the town hall where you wish to get married.
Submit your paperwork: you will need to submit your paperwork to the town hall at least 30 days before your wedding date.
Attend the marriage interview: you will need to attend a marriage interview with a local official to verify your identity and eligibility to get married.
Get married: once your paperwork has been processed and you have attended the marriage interview, you can get married.
This is something we regularly help couples with, and our team will gladly help guide you through the process if you are eligible for a legal wedding in France.
What deadlines are there for filing paperwork to get married in France?
To get married in France, you must submit your paperwork to the town hall at least 30 days before your wedding date. However, it is recommended that you start the process several months in advance, as the paperwork requirements can be extensive, especially if you are a non-French citizen. Additionally, some town halls may have longer processing times or require additional documents, so it's best to start the process as early as possible to avoid any delays. We will generally get in touch with the Mairie of your choosing before you secure your wedding date with your venue to check you will be able to get married on the same day as your wedding (or another day in the run-up to your wedding).
What are my options if I can't get legally married in France?
If you can't legally get married in France, there are still options available to have a celebration in France. Honestly, the vast majority of our couples are not eligible to have a legal wedding on French soil. In this case, one option is to have a symbolic ceremony or a commitment ceremony, which does not have any legal status but can still be a meaningful way to celebrate your relationship with friends and family.
Another option is to have a legal wedding in your home country and then have a celebration or reception at a French wedding venue. The venues in France we work with offer ceremony areas for you to have the formal part of your wedding, and the process is so authentic that your guests needn’t even know it’s not your legal wedding ceremony.
The bottom line
Getting married in France can be a dream come true for many couples, but it's important to understand the legal requirements and process before making any plans. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, gather the necessary documents, and start the process well in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. If you can't legally get married in France, there are still options available to celebrate your love in this beautiful country.
The information in this post is not legal advice and is accurate as of March 2022. These requirements do evolve occasionally, so it’s best to check the official government website for up-to-date information.