Ah, France—the land of romance, breathtaking landscapes, and weddings straight out of a fairy tale. Whether you’re envisioning a lavender-filled ceremony in Provence or an elegant affair at a château near Paris, one key decision awaits: civil or symbolic wedding?
Spoiler alert: they are NOT the same thing! If you’re dreaming of getting married in France, you need to understand the difference between the two, because it can make or break your wedding plans. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered—let’s break it down, with a touch of romance and a dash of reality.
Civil Wedding in France: Legal, but Not Always Romantic
What Is a Civil Wedding?
A civil wedding is the ONLY legally recognized marriage in France. If you want your wedding to be officially recorded and recognized worldwide, you must go through the French civil system.
But here’s the catch—it’s not as simple as saying “oui” and kissing. France has strict rules about who can get married in their country, and trust me, dealing with French bureaucracy is harder than choosing between a croissant and a pain au chocolat.
Who Can Have a Civil Wedding in France?
To have a civil wedding in France, at least one of you must be a French resident for at least 30 days before the wedding. Yes, you read that right. A month. In France.
If neither of you lives in France, a legal wedding here is not really an option (unless you have some very helpful French relatives). But don’t worry—there’s a way around it (more on that later!).
What’s the Process Like?
French civil weddings happen at the Mairie (town hall) in the city where one of you lives. The process includes:
✔️ Filing a dossier (a fancy French word for “a pile of paperwork”)
✔️ Submitting birth certificates, proof of residence, and other legal documents
✔️ Waiting for the publication of banns (a public announcement of your intent to marry)
✔️ Attending a brief but official ceremony conducted by the mayor
What’s the Ceremony Like?
In one word? Formal. Civil ceremonies in France are short and to the point—usually 20-30 minutes. You’ll exchange vows, sign papers, and boom—you’re legally married. No violins, no sunset views, just a practical, no-nonsense affair in a government office.
If that sounds less than magical… you’re not alone. That’s why many couples choose a symbolic wedding instead.
Symbolic Wedding in France: Romance Without the Red Tape
What Is a Symbolic Wedding?
A symbolic wedding is exactly what it sounds like: a ceremony that celebrates your love, without the legal paperwork.
This means:
💖 No residency requirements (come to France whenever you like!)
💖 No bureaucratic headaches (because who wants to stress over paperwork?)
💖 Total creative freedom (your wedding, your rules!)
Why Choose a Symbolic Wedding?
A symbolic wedding lets you skip the legal hassle while still having your dream ceremony in France. Many couples get legally married in their home country first and then have a beautiful, personalized ceremony in France.
You can exchange vows:
🌿 At a vineyard in Bordeaux – Château Smith Haut Lafitte
🌊 Overlooking the Mediterranean in the French Riviera – Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
🏰 In a fairytale château near Paris – Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
And the best part? Anyone can officiate. Your best friend, a professional celebrant, even a mime (hey, it’s France!).
What’s the Ceremony Like?
Unlike a civil wedding, a symbolic ceremony is 100% about you. You can include:
💍 Personal vows
🎶 Live music
🍷 A wine ceremony (because… France)
💐 A flower petal toss
It can be as intimate or extravagant as you want. There are no rules!
Civil vs. Symbolic Wedding: Which One Is Right for You?
| Feature |
Civil Wedding |
Symbolic Wedding |
| Legally recognized? |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
| Residency required? |
✅ Yes (30 days) |
❌ No |
| Location |
Town hall only |
Anywhere in France |
| Personalization |
Limited |
Unlimited |
| Who officiates? |
Mayor |
Anyone |
| Vows & traditions |
Standard legal text |
Fully customizable |
The best of both worlds?
💡 Get legally married at home, then have a symbolic wedding in France! That way, you can have both the paperwork and the romance.
Best Wedding Locations in France
If you’re planning a symbolic wedding, you have endless options. Here are some of my favorites:
🌿 Romantic Vineyards in Bordeaux
🏰 Fairytale Châteaux Near Paris
🌊 French Riviera Luxury
⛰️ Breathtaking Mountain Views in Chamonix
FAQs: Your Wedding Questions Answered
❓ Can foreigners legally marry in France?
Only if one of you has lived in France for at least 30 days.
❓ Do we need a civil wedding before a symbolic one?
Nope! You can have a symbolic wedding alone, but it won’t be legally recognized.
❓ How soon should we start planning?
At least 6-12 months in advance, especially for popular venues.
Final Thoughts & How I Can Help Capture Your Dream Wedding
Whether you choose a civil wedding for legal reasons or a symbolic wedding for romance, France offers a magical backdrop for your love story.
And what’s a dream wedding without breathtaking photos to remember it? 💕
📸 Let’s capture your happiest moments! Check out my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
🎞️ See my wedding photography packages: Investment
💌 Ready to plan your wedding in France? Let’s chat! Contact me here
Here’s to love, laughter, and a little French magic. 🥂🇫🇷
