Getting married is a significant step in one’s life. For UK nationals who dream of saying “I do” in the romantic country of France, the process may seem a bit daunting. However, with the right information and proper preparation, it is entirely possible to tie the knot in this beautiful nation. Let’s explore the steps and requirements for a British citizen to get married in France.
Understanding legal requirements
Before starting the planning process, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the legal requirements for getting married in France. As a UK national, you must first ensure that you have the legal capacity to marry. This includes being of legal age, generally 18 years or older. If you are a minor, you may exceptionally be allowed to marry. You must have the following permissions: Age exemption granted by the public prosecutor for serious reasons or at least one of your parents agreed. You must not be married or in a civil partnership with someone else. You need to provide certain documents, such as a passport, birth certificate, and a certificate of celibacy. These documents need to be translated into French and legalised by an official translator or the French consulate. It is advisable to start this process well in advance, as document preparation can sometimes be time-consuming.
Choosing the type of ceremony
France offers various options for wedding ceremonies, allowing couples to personalise their special day. The two main types of ceremonies are civil and religious. Same-sex marriage has been legal in France since 18 May 2013. The rules for same-sex couples and opposite-sex are the same.
Civil ceremony
Civil ceremonies are legally recognised and conducted by a local mayor or his/her representative at a town hall. These ceremonies are typically simple and formal, focusing on the legal aspect of marriage. To get married at the Mairie, at least one of you has to have a lasting bond. This could be the place one or both of you live. It could also be the place one of your parents has lived for at least 40 days before the ceremony.
Due to these conditions to get legally married in France, a lot of couples, if they live in another country will get married in their home country for the legal part. They then come to France for the wedding ceremony in front of family and friends.
My cousin did this with her future spouse. They married in a register office in New Zealand as her husband is from New Zealand. Then they had a symbolic ceremony in the United Kingdom where they could celebrate and say their vows in front of friends and family. They didn’t tell anyone that they had already got married legally as they both considered the religious wedding to be their real wedding day.
Dan and I had a civil wedding in our local town hall as we had bought a house in France already and lived here for a year before getting married.
Religious ceremony or humanist ceremony
Religious ceremonies, such as a church wedding, can be arranged for those who wish to incorporate their faith into their marriage ceremony. It is important to note that religious ceremonies may have additional requirements, such as attending pre-marriage courses or meeting specific religious criteria. You also need to remember that French law only recognises a civil ceremony so even if you want a religious or humanist wedding ceremony, you need to do the civil ceremony first.
What documents do you need to get married in France?
Documents for a civil ceremony
Before submitting any documents to the local Mairie, it is necessary for them to be certified by the British Consulate and translated by a sworn translator. You can obtain a list of authorised translators from the Mairie. Here is a brief summary of the required items. I recommend you check the French government website here and the UK government website here too.
- Two documents like a phone or electricity bill are required as proof of address. They should demonstrate that the individual has met the 40-day residency requirement. You could also show your residence permit if you live in France permanently or on a long-stay visa.
- To demonstrate that you are single, non-French individuals are required to provide a certificate of celibacy (attestation de célibat).
- Law certificates for individuals who are not citizens of France but reside in the United Kingdom. This includes the certificat de coutume.
- Passport
- Original birth certificate issued within the past three months, you can order these from the British government website here.
- In the event that either you or your partner have been previously married, it is required to provide official documentation such as a Death or Divorce certificate.
- The wedding announcement called ‘marriage banns’ are posted for about 10 days prior to the official civil ceremony.
Your witnesses also need to provide documents. These show their name, date and place of birth, occupation and where they live.
What happens at the civil ceremony?
The mayor or a deputy, along with you and your witnesses, must be present for the celebration of a legal wedding. At the celebration, both of you will affirm your dedication to honouring the responsibilities of marriage. You may have an authorised translator present. After the marriage, you will receive the livret de famille. This acts as a wedding certificate in France and is often asked when you need paperwork. If you have a child in France, the baby will be added to the livret de famille too. A few days after you get married, you can ask the Mairie for an extract or full copy of the marriage certificate.
Documents for a religious or humanist ceremony
For this, it is very simple as no additional documents are needed. All that will be required is your marriage certificate to prove that the legal part of the marriage has been done. If you don’t live in France, this is by far the easiest route to go down.
Planning the wedding in France
Once you have fulfilled the necessary legal requirements and decided on the type of ceremony, it’s time to start planning your dream wedding in France. Planning a destination wedding can be exciting but challenging. It’s useful to enlist the help of wedding planners or professionals who are experienced in organising weddings for international couples. These experts can guide you through the process, assist with paperwork, suggest venues, and handle all the logistics involved. They can also help you navigate cultural differences and ensure a smooth and memorable event. Research and choose a suitable venue that complies with your desires. Whether that be a picturesque chateau in the French countryside or a charming coastal villa.
If you’re spending a lot of money for your special day, don’t let unfair bank fees or higher exchange rates take more of your money. Instead, consider opening a Wise multi-currency account online. With this account, you can receive money in the local currency without any charges. It allows you to handle more than 50 currencies simultaneously and offers fast and secure transfers.
As a UK national, getting married in France can be a truly enchanting experience. By understanding the legal requirements, choosing the type of ceremony, and planning accordingly, you can fulfil your dream of tying the knot in one of the most romantic countries in the world. Whether you opt for a simple civil ceremony or an elaborate religious celebration, the charm and beauty of France will undoubtedly add an extra touch of magic to your special day. Start gathering your documents, exploring wedding venues, and get ready to say “oui” to a lifetime of love and happiness in the breathtaking land of France.