Ah, France! The land of romance, world-class wine, and weddings straight out of a fairy tale. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunset ceremony in the lavender fields of Provence or exchanging vows under the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, one thing’s for sure—France knows how to set the mood for love.
But before you say je le veux (“I do”), there’s a tiny detail to sort out: French marriage laws. If you’ve ever heard that bureaucracy in France is as intricate as its pastries, well… you heard right.
No worries! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to legally get married in France as a foreigner—without losing your sanity. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, I’ll also tell you why a symbolic wedding might be your best option.
So, grab a café au lait, and let’s dive in!
1. Can Foreigners Get Legally Married in France?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Yes, but only if you meet certain conditions.
Unlike some wedding destinations that roll out the red carpet for international couples, France has strict residency requirements.
Who can legally marry in France?
✅ At least one of you must have lived in France for at least 30 days before applying for a marriage license.
✅ If neither of you is a resident, a legal wedding in France is not possible.
✅ Many international couples choose to legally marry in their home country first and then have a symbolic wedding in France.
If you’re set on a French civil wedding, be prepared for a lot of paperwork.
2. The Paperwork: What You’ll Need to Get Married in France
France takes marriage paperwork very seriously. Here’s your ultimate checklist to avoid last-minute stress:
| Document |
Details |
| Birth Certificates |
Must be issued within the last 3-6 months and translated into French. |
| Passports |
For both partners. |
| Proof of Residence |
Utility bill, rental agreement, or residency permit. |
| Certificat de Coutume |
A document proving you can legally marry under your home country’s laws. |
| Certificat de Célibat |
A sworn statement confirming you’re not already married. |
| Publication of Banns |
Your intent to marry must be announced at the local Mairie (town hall) at least 10 days in advance. |
| Translator (if needed) |
If one of you doesn’t speak French, an official translator must be present at the ceremony. |
💡 Pro tip: Start gathering your documents at least 3-6 months in advance—some embassies take weeks to process these requests!
👉 France Diplomatie has more details on the legal process.
3. Civil vs. Religious Weddings in France
Civil Weddings: The Only Legally Recognized Option
- All marriages in France must take place at the local Mairie (town hall) to be legally valid.
- The ceremony is performed by the mayor or a local official.
- At least two witnesses must be present.
- The ceremony is conducted in French (so practice your je le veux).
Religious & Symbolic Ceremonies
- A church, château, or beach ceremony is possible, but it’s not legally binding.
- Many couples do a legal wedding at home and then a symbolic ceremony in France.
💡 Reality Check: If you picture yourself saying I do in a Parisian cathedral without dealing with French bureaucracy, a symbolic wedding is your best option.
4. Best Wedding Locations in France (No Paperwork Required!)
If a legal wedding in France is too complicated, why not have a dreamy symbolic ceremony instead? Here are the best wedding locations in France:
✨ Paris – The City of Love
A rooftop wedding overlooking the Eiffel Tower? Oui, s’il vous plaît!
🌍 Paris Official Website
🍷 Bordeaux – Château & Vineyard Weddings
Picture a fairytale château surrounded by vineyards.
🌍 Bordeaux Tourist Office
🌊 French Riviera – Glamorous & Beachy
Say I do in Nice, Cannes, or Saint-Tropez with the Mediterranean as your backdrop.
🌍 Nice Tourism
💜 Provence – Lavender Fields & Rustic Romance
Nothing screams “French countryside wedding” more than Provence in the summer.
🌍 Provence Tourism
5. Same-Sex Marriage in France
💖 Great news! France legalized same-sex marriage in 2013.
All couples—regardless of gender—follow the same marriage procedures.
6. What If You Don’t Qualify for a Legal Wedding in France?
If you don’t meet the residency requirements, don’t stress! Here’s your Plan B:
✅ Legally marry in your home country and then have a symbolic wedding in France.
✅ Consider other European destinations with easier laws (like Italy or Denmark).
✅ Elope to Monaco! Unlike France, Monaco has simpler marriage requirements for foreigners.
💡 Remember: A symbolic wedding in France lets you skip the paperwork and focus on love, romance, and celebration.
7. FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
❓ Can tourists get legally married in France?
No. At least one partner must have lived in France for 30 days before applying.
❓ How long does the French marriage process take?
At least 6 weeks, but start 3-6 months in advance to be safe.
❓ What’s the easiest way to have a French wedding?
Legally marry at home, then have a symbolic ceremony in France—zero paperwork, 100% romance!
Ready to Capture Your Love Story in France?
Planning your wedding in France? Let’s make sure every moment is captured beautifully! As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in turning love stories into timeless memories.
📷 See the magic: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Explore wedding photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s talk about your dream wedding: Contact Me
Whether it’s a Parisian elopement, a vineyard wedding in Bordeaux, or a beachside affair on the Riviera, I’ll be there to capture the magic. Because your love story deserves nothing less than perfection. 💕
