Franklin Dean
French weddings are a blend of heartfelt traditions and legal formalities. The marriage ceremony must be performed by the mayor at the town hall, followed by a religious ceremony if desired. The bridal procession reflects the importance of family, with the groom walking down the aisle with his mother, followed by flower girls and ring bearers, and finally, the bride with her father. The focus is on the two families coming together, with witnesses playing an important role instead of bridesmaids and groomsmen. The celebration often spans multiple days, with a Vin d'Honneur, a formal dinner, drinks, and dancing. Local French food and wine are highlights, with a traditional wedding cake called croquembouche.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage rate | 3.5 marriages per 1,000 people |
| Average age at marriage | Men: 38.6 years, Women: 36.1 years |
| Percentage of people marrying who have already been divorced | 18% |
| Number of same-sex weddings in 2019 | 6,000 |
| Civil partnerships | Pactes civils de solidarité (Pacs) |
| Legal representatives' acceptance of organizing civil ceremonies | Not allowed inside wedding venues or hotels |
| Ceremony performed by | Mayor or one of their delegates at the town hall |
| Witnesses | 2-4 in total |
| Dress code | Bride: White or off-white fancy dress, Groom: Suit or tux |
| Food | Local wine, hors d'oeuvres, beef bourguignon, potatoes au gratin, coq au vin, onion soup |
| Cake | Croquembouche |
| Gifts | Candied almonds (dragée) |
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What You'll Learn
French wedding traditions and customs
French weddings are a blend of legal formality and heartfelt tradition, with a focus on family, heritage, and celebration. The marriage rate in France is relatively low, with most people choosing to marry later in life. Civil partnerships, or Pacs, have been increasingly popular since their creation in 1999, and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2013.
French weddings often span multiple days, blending ceremony, fine dining, and all-night festivities. The celebrations usually begin with a civil ceremony at the local town hall, which is the only legally recognized part of the marriage. This is followed by symbolic or religious celebrations for personal meaning. The civil ceremony is performed by the local mayor or one of their delegates and is typically attended by close family members and official witnesses.
Family ties are at the heart of French wedding traditions and customs. Engagement gatherings, or "fiançailles", are a traditional way to unite the families and celebrate the upcoming union. It is customary for the groom to collect the bride from her home before the ceremony, with musicians leading the procession. Another family-centered custom is the "trousseau", a curated collection of wedding and household items, including the bride's dress, lingerie, linens, and other essentials, often embroidered with her new initials.
French weddings are also known for their elegant décor, local French food and wine, and hour-long "cocktail hours". The reception or "wedding meal" is called "repas de noces" and typically includes hors d'oeuvres such as pâté, mini vegetable tarts, and French cheeses, followed by a late dinner with dishes like beef bourguignon, potatoes au gratin, and coq au vin. The wedding cake is usually a croquembouche, a pyramid of small glazed cream puffs, and guests are often treated to a champagne tower. Late-night French onion soup is served at the end of the reception, which usually wraps up around 4 or 5 am.
Other French wedding traditions and customs include the exchange of gifts between the couple, with the bride typically giving the groom a watch, and the groom presenting the bride with a bouquet of flowers. The bridal fashion is generally simple and understated, with gowns without embellishments and minimal accessories. The "cortège" refers to the act of the groom and his mother escorting each other down the aisle, followed by the bridal party and the bride with her father.
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The legal requirements for marriage
France is a popular destination for a romantic wedding, but the legal requirements can be complex, especially for foreigners. Here is a detailed breakdown of the legal requirements for marriage in France:
Age and Consent:
To marry in France, both parties must be at least 18 years old. In certain exceptional cases, minors may be allowed to marry with parental consent and judicial approval. Each party must give their clear and free consent to the union. Coercion is not permitted, and the wedding can be canceled if consent is not freely given.
Residency Requirements:
Foreigners must meet specific residency requirements to marry in France. At least one of the parties must have resided in the French municipality where the wedding will take place for at least 30 days before applying to marry. This requirement can vary slightly depending on the municipality, so it is essential to check with the local Town Hall (Mairie). Alternatively, if one of the parent's lives in France, you may be exempt from this rule.
Documentation:
Proper documentation is crucial for getting married in France. Here is a list of the typical documents needed:
- Birth Certificates: These must be issued by the competent authority (not a hospital) and be less than three months old (for French certificates) or six months old if foreign. They must be translated into French by a sworn translator.
- Proof of Domicile or Residence: Utility bills or proof from a parent or spouse's residence are accepted.
- Valid Passport or ID Card: Originals and photocopies are required.
- Certificate of Celibacy (Certificat de Célibat): This confirms that neither party is already married and must be obtained from a civil registry, embassy, or notary.
- Certificate of Custom Law (Certificat de Coutume): This verifies that both parties are legally free to marry under their country's laws.
- Divorce or Death Certificate: If applicable, this must be provided in the case of previous marriages.
- Medical Certificate: Issued by a qualified physician practicing in France and less than three months old.
- Prenuptial Agreement: If the couple chooses to have one.
- Witness Information: A list of at least two witnesses, including their personal details and a copy of their ID.
- Affidavit of Law: For foreign couples, this must be notarized, drawn up in the home country, and recognized in France.
Ceremony Location and Officiant:
Legal marriages in France must take place at the local Town Hall (Mairie), conducted by the mayor or their appointed representative. Civil ceremonies are the only legally recognized form of marriage in France. Religious ceremonies can be organized separately, but they must take place after the civil ceremony.
Public Notice:
A public notice of the marriage (banns) must be displayed at the Mairie for at least 10 days before the wedding.
Same-Sex Marriage:
Same-sex marriage has been legal in France since 2013. The process and legal requirements are the same as for heterosexual couples. However, it is important to note that the main religion in France, Catholicism, does not perform religious weddings for same-sex couples in their churches.
Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS):
Partners who choose not to marry can sign a PACS, a contractual form of civil union that protects individual rights and entitles partners to share property rights. The PACS ceremony can take place at the Town Hall, similar to a civil marriage ceremony.
It is important to note that these requirements may not be exhaustive, and specific cases may have additional considerations. It is always advisable to consult official government sources or seek legal advice for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Wedding venues and planning
France offers diverse venues to suit every wedding vision. From grand chateaus to rustic countryside manors and chic coastal villas, France provides a stunning backdrop for every wedding dream.
If you envision a ceremony in a historic chateau, Chateau Challain in the Loire Valley is a magnificent neo-Gothic chateau with breathtaking architecture, lush gardens, and exclusive use of the entire estate. Chateau Villarlong, located in the southern region of Villarzel, Aude, offers a mix of centuries-old architecture and contemporary luxuries, with exquisite French gardens and expansive countryside views. Chateau Bee Selection also offers a range of handpicked chateau wedding venues across France, from Calais to Cannes.
For those seeking a more intimate setting, there are also rustic manors and seaside villas available. Vineyard weddings and boho-chic styles are also popular choices for couples.
When it comes to wedding planning in France, it is worth noting that wedding planners are more commonly used by foreigners marrying in the country than by locals. Local families typically take on the bulk of the wedding organization, drawing on their community connections. Wedding planners who cater to foreigners will often emphasise stereotypical French elements, such as faux chateaux settings and accordion music.
If you are planning to marry in France, it is important to be aware of the legal requirements. A civil ceremony at the town hall is the only legal way to wed in France, and there are specific documents that must be submitted. Additionally, at least one member of the couple must have "a long-lasting bond" with the town or local area where the ceremony will take place. This typically means that either the couple or their parents must have been living in the town for at least 30 days before the civil ceremony application is submitted.
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Food and drink
Pre-Wedding Meal
Before the wedding meal, there is often an apéritif with drinks and finger food. This is a chance for distant relatives and colleagues to offer their well wishes to the newlyweds. Drinks typically include wine, champagne, and juices, and are paired with canapés, hors d'oeuvres, or small bites like pâté, mini vegetable tarts, and regional cheeses.
Cocktail Hour
The "vin d'honneur" or cocktail hour is a beloved French wedding tradition. It is a time for guests to mingle and socialize, lasting around 2-3 hours. During this time, a variety of appetizers and drinks are served, including local wines and champagne.
Wedding Meal
The wedding meal, or "repas de noce", is an extravagant affair, featuring multiple courses of gourmet cuisine. It usually consists of three or four courses, with a focus on local French food and wine. The meal is served late, typically starting around 9 pm.
The menu often includes dishes such as beef bourguignon, potatoes au gratin, and coq au vin. It is important to note that the French cook their meat differently, preferring it rare or 'pink'. Vegetarian and vegan options are also usually available and clearly marked on the menu.
Wedding Cake
The traditional French wedding dessert is the croquembouche, a tall, cone-shaped "cake" made of choux pastry balls filled with cream and held together with caramel. The bride and groom feed each other a few bites of the croquembouche as part of the cake-cutting ceremony.
Other dessert options include a pièce montée, which is a pyramid of custard-filled puff pastries with honey and nuts (nougatine), or a wedding cake made of macarons.
Late-Night Snacks
French weddings often span multiple days, with all-night festivities. To keep guests energized, late-night snacks like onion soup are provided.
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Wedding attire
French weddings today blend contemporary style with long-held customs. Wedding attire in France is similar to that in the US, with a few unique touches.
The bridal party in France does not include bridesmaids or groomsmen. Instead, the couple chooses a mix of male and female "witnesses" who stand with them during the ceremony and sign the wedding registry. These witnesses can be any age or gender and usually wear whatever they please. The bride typically wears a white or off-white dress, often princess-like, with a veil and holding a bouquet. She may also incorporate the old English tradition of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue". The groom usually wears a suit or a tuxedo.
French weddings tend to be less gendered, and when the bride receives her engagement ring, she typically gives the groom a nice watch. On the wedding day, it is customary for the groom to collect his bride from her home before the ceremony. Their procession to the chapel is led by musicians, with the bride accompanied by her father.
French weddings are known for their elegant décor, local French food and wine, and all-night entertainment. The reception or ""wedding meal" is called "repas de noces", and it is a very important part of the celebration. Guests are treated to a variety of hors d'oeuvres, followed by a seated dinner with dishes such as beef bourguignon, potatoes au gratin, and coq au vin. The wedding cake, or "pièce montée", is a pyramid of custard-filled puff pastries with honey and nuts, known as "nougatine".
French weddings often include a "champagne tower", a pyramid of flutes with flowing champagne. The guests of honour are usually offered local specialties such as small bottles of olive oil or dried lavender as favours. Another unique tradition is the gifting of "les dragées", candy-coated almonds, with each guest receiving five to symbolise health, happiness, longevity, fertility, and wealth.
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Frequently asked questions
Before the wedding, the couple makes a wedding list in a shop, and guests can choose gifts from the list. The couple also chooses witnesses for the official ceremony, who are called 'témoins'.
A civil ceremony at the local town hall, or 'Mairie', is required and is the only legally recognised part of the marriage. This is a relatively short ceremony led by the mayor or an authorised official. It is followed by a symbolic or religious ceremony at a church, château, or garden.
Wedding guests in France are expected to dress formally and sophisticatedly. Female guests often wear fascinators or elegant hats, especially for church ceremonies. Men typically wear tailored suits, with darker colours for formal evening weddings and lighter tones for daytime celebrations.
The groom walks down the aisle with his mother, followed by flower girls and ring bearers. Finally, the bride makes her entrance with her father. Unlike in many other countries, there are no bridesmaids or groomsmen.
After the ceremony, there is a Vin d’honneur, where people toast the couple and celebrate their union. This is followed by a formal dinner, drinks, and dancing. French weddings often span multiple days, with all-night festivities.
