How to Marry in France
Getting legally married in France is only possible through a civil ceremony which takes place at the council offices (mairie). To get married legally in France you need to follow specific legal requirements.
To apply for a legal marriage in France you need to provide the following documents:
Proof of residency in France for at least 30 days prior to the application, for at least one of the parties
A valid passport for both parties
Original birth certificate for both parties
Certificate of celibacy, stating that you’re not already married
Affidavit of law, stating that you’re free to marry and your marriage will be recognized in your home country
Prenuptial agreement, with a notary’s certificate, if you plan to have one
Divorce decree, if you were married previously and divorced.
Because of the residency restrictions and other legal requirements involved in getting legally married in France, most foreign couples choose to have a legal wedding in their own country and only have a religious or symbolic wedding in France.
These are mainly the couples I work with for their flowers. Couples I meet have married privately then invited their families to their destination wedding for the reception. Their celebration is with family and friends and the bride sometimes chooses another dress for this occasion.
