Rhiannon Hendricks
France is a popular destination for weddings, with its romantic venues, delicious cuisine, and ethereal locations. Since June 2021, wedding ceremonies and parties have been allowed to take place in France, with certain COVID-19 restrictions in place. For those dreaming of a destination wedding in France, it is important to note that there are specific legal requirements and paperwork for non-residents and foreigners, which can be quite strict and bureaucratic. Here is an introduction to the topic of weddings in France, exploring the key considerations for couples planning their special day in this enchanting country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding ceremonies allowed? | Yes |
| Wedding parties allowed? | Yes |
| Sanitary pass required for guests? | Yes |
| Vaccination pass required for guests? | Likely |
| Civil weddings legally binding? | Yes |
| Religious weddings legally binding? | No |
| Residency requirement | At least one partner must reside in France for 30-40 days before the wedding |
| Proof of residency | Rental lease, rent receipt, utility bill, tax or non-tax notice, France Travail certificate, employer certificate |
| Marriage application | Must be posted at the town hall at least 10 days prior to the wedding |
| Marriage certificate | Issued by the Mairie where the marriage took place |
| Same-sex marriage | Allowed |
| Minor marriage | Allowed under exceptional circumstances |
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What You'll Learn
- France banned weddings during the Covid-19 state of emergency
- Civil ceremonies are the only legally recognised form of marriage
- Two-day celebrations are common, with all-night festivities
- French weddings blend legal formality with heartfelt tradition
- The bride and groom's fashion choices are usually understated
France banned weddings during the Covid-19 state of emergency
France implemented strict measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country. On October 15, 2020, a day after French President Emmanuel Macron announced a nighttime curfew in Paris and eight other cities, the government announced a nationwide ban on private festivities such as weddings. This was part of a series of tough new measures to tackle the surge in COVID-19 cases. The ban on weddings was implemented during the COVID-19 state of emergency in France.
The French Prime Minister, Jean Castex, announced that shops and public places would be shut down in nine COVID-19 hotspots after 9 pm local time starting that weekend. However, establishments providing essential services, such as healthcare or restaurants offering deliveries, were exempted from this rule. The curfew restrictions applied to residents in several regions, including Paris, Lille, Grenoble, Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Montpellier, Rouen, Toulouse, and Saint-Etienne. These residents were allowed to go outdoors after curfew only for work or pre-booked journeys, provided they had the necessary authorisation documents.
The French government also recognised the financial strain that these restrictions would cause for companies in the hotel, restaurant, and events industries. As a result, the Finance Minister requested that banks delay interest payments on state-guaranteed loans provided to businesses in these sectors. These measures were implemented to balance the need to protect public health and support the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since June 2021, wedding ceremonies and parties have been allowed to take place in France, albeit with certain restrictions. Guests attending weddings in hotels, restaurants, or venues classified as "Etablissement recevant du public" (ERP) must present a sanitary pass or "pass sanitaire" at the entrance. The French government has also expressed its intention to transform the sanitary pass into a vaccination pass. As of summer 2022, couples planning to get married in France may need to provide proof of vaccination when crossing the border and during their wedding ceremony. However, it is important to stay updated with the latest government guidelines as travel rules are subject to change.
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Civil ceremonies are the only legally recognised form of marriage
France has a relatively strict set of legal requirements for weddings, especially for non-residents. Civil ceremonies are the only legally recognised form of marriage in France. Religious weddings such as Catholic and Protestant ceremonies are not legally binding and are considered purely symbolic.
To have a civil wedding in France, couples must prepare a set of documents to submit to the French authorities. These include a birth certificate, which must be no older than six months if issued outside of France and must be accompanied by an apostille showing the certification of the issuing country.
Couples must also meet residency requirements. French law requires that at least one member of the couple has a "long-lasting bond" with the town or local area where the civil ceremony will take place. This condition is usually met if one of the partners or their parents owns or rents a house in France. The couple or their parents must have lived in the town for at least 30 days before the civil ceremony application is submitted to the local town hall. This requirement can be waived at the discretion of the Mayor if the couple complies with either the property or resident parent requirement.
The marriage application, or marriage banns, must be posted at the appropriate Mairie (town hall) no less than 10 days before the wedding. The wedding must be celebrated within one year of the expiration of the 10-day period. The ceremony must take place at the Mairie or Town Hall and must be open to the public. The mayor may also choose to celebrate the marriage in any communal building within the territory of the commune.
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Two-day celebrations are common, with all-night festivities
France is a popular destination for weddings, with its romantic venues and elegant cuisine. French weddings are known for their vibrant and lengthy celebrations, often lasting two days and blending ceremony, fine dining, and all-night festivities.
The first day typically includes a civil ceremony, which is a legal requirement in France and is held at the town hall or "mairie". This is followed by symbolic or religious celebrations, such as a church wedding, which hold personal meaning for the couple. The civil ceremony is usually a more intimate affair with only close family and witnesses in attendance. The witnesses play an important role in French weddings, as there are no bridesmaids or groomsmen.
The second day is often when the "real" wedding celebration takes place. This includes a cocktail hour, or "Le Vin d'Honneur", which is a beloved French wedding tradition. This typically lasts 2-3 hours and features a spread of appetizers and regional wines or champagne. The newlyweds make their entrance at the end of the cocktail hour, kicking off the main celebration.
The wedding reception is an unforgettable blend of food, wine, and celebration. From the first toast to the final dance, French weddings are steeped in tradition, with a focus on savouring the experience. Dancing often starts around midnight and lasts until dawn, accompanied by live bands, DJs, surprise performances, and games. Late-night treats such as onion soup are served to revive guests before they part ways as the sun rises.
French weddings are all about infusing contemporary style with long-held customs. While some older traditions have been left behind, such as the "pot de chambre" ritual, modern couples still incorporate elegant décor, local French food and wine, and heartfelt customs into their celebrations.
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French weddings blend legal formality with heartfelt tradition
French weddings are a beautiful blend of legal formality and heartfelt tradition. The civil ceremony, held at the local town hall, is the only legally recognised part of the marriage and is therefore an important aspect of French weddings. This is followed by a symbolic ceremony, which may be religious or secular, where couples can celebrate in a more personalised way. These two ceremonies honour family, heritage, and the uniquely French way of saying "I do".
The civil ceremony is typically a formal and relatively short affair, led by the mayor or an authorised official. Close family members and official witnesses attend, and the public is also allowed to be present. Standardised vows are exchanged, confirming the couple's understanding of the responsibilities and rights of marriage under French law. After the ceremony, the couple receives the Livret de Famille, an official family record book used to register important family events such as births and adoptions.
The symbolic ceremony allows couples to add their own personal touches and cultural significance to their wedding celebration. It can be held in a church, a château, or even a garden, depending on the couple's preferences. This ceremony is an opportunity for the couple to exchange personalised vows and incorporate traditions that reflect their heritage and values.
French weddings often span multiple days, blending ceremony, fine dining, and all-night festivities. The reception is a grand affair, showcasing France's rich culinary heritage with multi-course meals, wines, and traditional desserts like the Croquembouche, a pyramid of small glazed cream puffs. The "vin d'honneur", or cocktail hour, is also an important part of the celebration, lasting two to three hours and featuring an abundance of local wine and gourmet food.
French bridal fashion blends elegance with practicality, adapting to the region and season. Brides may choose lightweight fabrics for outdoor celebrations in warmer climates, while northern brides might opt for heavier fabrics more suitable for cooler temperatures and grander venues. The emphasis is on understated, timeless designs with refined details rather than overly elaborate embellishments. Wedding guests are expected to dress with a sense of formality and sophistication, particularly for church ceremonies, with female guests often wearing fascinators or elegant hats as a mark of respect for tradition.
French weddings are a wonderful blend of legal requirements and heartfelt traditions. By honouring the legal formalities and adding their own personal touches, couples can create a wedding that is not only legally recognised but also deeply meaningful and reflective of their heritage and culture.
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The bride and groom's fashion choices are usually understated
Weddings in France are known for their elegance and sophistication. The attire you wear to a wedding in France depends on several factors, such as the dress code, the location, the season, and the style of the wedding. It is customary for men to wear suits to a French wedding. Dark grey or navy suits are always a good choice, although for a summer wedding, a lighter-coloured suit is more suitable. A linen suit is a great option for a summer wedding in the south of France, paired with a white shirt, brown shoes, and a colourful tie or pocket square. For a more casual look, a linen shirt and trousers can also work.
For women, a French wedding dress code typically means a chic and elegant ensemble. A nice cocktail dress, a fancy sundress, or a feminine pantsuit are all excellent choices. French weddings are considered slightly less formal than English or other Western weddings in terms of dress codes. There is no need to wear long formal gowns, and hats or fascinators are becoming less common. French women tend to be more conservative with their dresses, so it is best to avoid anything too short, revealing, or tight-fitting.
It is becoming increasingly common for guests and the happy couple to undergo outfit changes as the day and evening progress, especially since French weddings can span more than 24 hours. Guests may wear something relatively casual for the civil ceremony at the town hall, before changing into more formal attire for the church ceremony and cocktail hour. For the wedding meal and reception, smart but less restrictive formal wear is often preferred.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, weddings are allowed in France. However, there are some legal requirements and restrictions.
France has a strict set of legal requirements for weddings, especially for non-residents. Only civil weddings are legally binding, and there are residency requirements to consider. At least one of the parties must have been a resident in the area where the marriage takes place for at least 30-40 days before the wedding.
Yes, the residency requirement can be waived at the Mayor's discretion if you or your family owns property in France.
You will need to provide proof of residency, as well as a birth certificate that is no older than six months and accompanied by an apostille. For a full list of required documents, it is recommended to consult the French government website and your local prefecture website.
