So, you’re dreaming of a romantic wedding in France—champagne toasts under the Eiffel Tower, vows whispered in a lavender field, or a sunset kiss by the Riviera? Magnifique! But before you clink glasses, let’s talk about the one thing that stands between you and your legally recognized “oui”: French bureaucracy.
Fear not! This guide will take you through everything you need to know to have a fully legal wedding in France as a UK or US citizen—without drowning in paperwork. Plus, I’ll share some insider tips and stunning French wedding destinations that might just steal your heart.
1. Can Foreigners Legally Get Married in France?
The short answer? Yes—but it’s complicated. Unlike many European countries, France requires at least one of the spouses to have a strong connection to the country.
Here’s what qualifies:
✔️ You (or one of your parents) must have lived in the town where you’re getting married for at least 30 days before applying.
✔️ If you own property in France, some town halls might accept this as a residency qualification (though it’s not guaranteed).
✔️ No residency? No problem! Many couples handle the legalities at home and have a symbolic wedding in France instead.
🔹 Best solution: If you don’t meet the residency requirement, consider getting legally married in the UK/US and hosting a symbolic ceremony in France—same romance, no headaches!
2. The French Paperwork You’ll Need
Think of this part as gathering ingredients for a gourmet French meal—without the right ones, you’re not getting served! Here’s what you’ll need:
📜 Valid Passports – Because love may be universal, but border control isn’t.
📜 Birth Certificates – Must be issued within 3 months of your application and translated into French by a certified translator.
📜 Certificate of Celibacy (Certificat de Célibat) – A document confirming you’re not already married (because France takes monogamy seriously).
📜 Affidavit of Law (Certificat de Coutume) – Confirms you are legally free to marry under your home country’s laws. UK citizens can use a self-declaration form.
📜 Proof of Residency (if applicable) – Utility bills, rental agreements, or property deeds.
📜 Prenuptial Agreement (optional) – If you want one, it must be signed before the wedding.
💡 Pro Tip: French bureaucracy moves at its own pace—start at least 3–6 months in advance to avoid last-minute surprises!
3. How to Get Married in France: The Step-by-Step Process
Once you have your paperwork ready, here’s how it all unfolds:
Step 1: Submit Your Marriage Application
Go to the local Mairie (town hall) where you plan to marry and submit your paperwork. They’ll check everything and confirm if you meet the legal requirements.
Step 2: The Publication of Banns
French law requires a public notice of your wedding (aka “the banns”) to be posted at the town hall for at least 10 days before the ceremony. If no one objects, you’re good to go!
Step 3: Civil Ceremony at the Town Hall
In France, only civil ceremonies conducted at the town hall are legally recognized. A mayor or official will lead the ceremony in French (if you don’t speak French, bring a translator). Afterward, you’ll receive your livret de famille—the official marriage record.
🔹 Fun fact: Even if you’re planning a lavish vineyard or château wedding, the legal part must happen at the town hall first!
4. The Best Wedding Destinations in France
Now for the fun part—where will you say “I do”?
🌿 Provence: Lavender Fields & Rustic Charm
Picture this: golden light, endless fields of lavender, and a cozy vineyard reception. Provence is THE place for an intimate countryside wedding.
📍 Top venue: Château de Berne (Website)
🌊 French Riviera: Glamour by the Sea
Dreaming of a luxurious beach wedding? The Côte d’Azur has it all—Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez—where the sea meets elegance.
📍 Top venue: Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (Website)
🏰 Loire Valley: A Fairytale Castle Wedding
Why not tie the knot in a real castle? The Loire Valley is home to some of the most breathtaking châteaux in France.
📍 Top venue: Château de Chambord (Website)
🏙️ Paris: The Ultimate Romantic Destination
An intimate elopement by the Seine or a grand ceremony under the Eiffel Tower? Paris never goes out of style.
📍 Top venue: Shangri-La Paris (Website)
5. The Alternative: Symbolic Weddings in France
If you’re not up for the legal hassle, just have a symbolic wedding in France!
✔️ No residency requirements
✔️ Choose ANY location (beach, castle, vineyard—you name it!)
✔️ 100% personalized
Many couples legally marry at home and then fly to France for a dream wedding. It looks and feels exactly the same—without the paperwork stress!
Final Thoughts: Love, Laughter & French Bureaucracy
Getting married in France is totally possible, but the process is a little more complex than a spontaneous Parisian love story. If you qualify for the legal requirements, fantastic! If not, a symbolic ceremony can give you the same magic—without the red tape.
💡 One last tip? Hire a photographer who truly understands destination weddings!
Your wedding in France deserves to be captured beautifully—every golden sunset, every champagne toast, every stolen glance. I specialize in destination wedding photography that tells YOUR unique love story, effortlessly and artistically.
📸 See my portfolio here: Your Happy Moments Blog
💰 Check out my photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s chat and make magic happen: Contact Me
So, are you ready to say oui to forever in France? 🥂✨
