How To Get Married In France If You Don’t Live There

If the charm of romantic Parisian streets and the allure of sun-drenched Provencal villages have tempted you to tie the knot in France, you’re not alone. France is a top destination for international couples looking to get hitched amidst its timeless beauty. However, marrying in a foreign country is no small feat, especially when you’re not a resident. Here’s your guide on how to get married in France even if you don’t live there.

1. Understand the Residency Requirement

France typically requires one or both parties to be residents for at least 40 days prior to getting married. This must be in the town where you wish to marry. However, there are exceptions for certain nationalities or under specific circumstances, so it’s always a good idea to check with the local town hall (mairie) for the most accurate information.

2. Choose Between a Civil or Religious Ceremony

In France, only the civil ceremony performed at the town hall is legally binding. If you desire a religious ceremony, it can be conducted after the civil ceremony, but it will not hold any legal weight.

Civil Ceremony: The local mayor or an authorised representative conducts this ceremony in the town hall. You’ll need witnesses, and they can be anyone of your choosing.

Religious Ceremony: This can be held in a church, synagogue, mosque, or any other religious institution. Note that some churches might have their residency requirements, so it’s essential to discuss your plans with the religious leader in advance.

3. Gather Necessary Documentation

This is where the bulk of the effort lies. You’ll need to submit the required documents to the mairie where you intend to marry. These documents generally include:

• – Valid passports.
• – A full birth certificate issued within the last six months.
• – Proof of domicile (like a utility bill).
• – A certificate of celibacy (sworn affidavit stating that you are single and free to marry).
• – Divorce or death certificate (if you were previously married).
• – A prenuptial agreement (if any).

Remember, any document not in French must be accompanied by a certified translation. Certified translation services in France can help ensure that your paperwork meets the necessary standards.

4. Undertake a Pre-Marriage Interview

Some local mairies may request a pre-marriage interview to ensure the validity of the union. This is mainly to prevent fraudulent marriages. The interview can be conducted either together or separately.

5. Publish Banns

Banns are an announcement of your intention to marry. They are typically published 10 days before your wedding at the town hall where the marriage is to take place and in the town(s) where each of you resides.

6. Health Check-up (if applicable)

Some regions in France require a prenuptial medical examination. If this applies to the area where you’re getting married, both parties will need to see a doctor in France for a check-up.

7. Purchase a Livret de Famille

This is an official booklet that records the family’s major events, like marriages, births, and deaths. You might receive this automatically post-wedding, but if not, request one from the Mairie.

8. Be Aware of the Post-Wedding Process

Your marriage will be recorded in the Civil Register, and you’ll receive an official marriage certificate. If you need this document recognised in another country, ensure you get several copies (as some might need to be submitted and won’t be returned).

Lastly, if you wish to change your name post-marriage, it’s not automatically done. Procedures vary based on your nationality, so it’s wise to check with your embassy or consulate.

Conclusion

Marrying in France is a dreamy experience, filled with romance and beauty. However, to ensure your big day goes off without a hitch, preparation and a thorough understanding of the process are key. With diligence, patience, and the right paperwork, your French wedding will be both memorable and legal!