Planning a wedding in France is an exciting dream for many American couples. With its enchanting châteaux, breathtaking landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine, France is one of the most romantic wedding destinations in the world. But one key question many U.S. couples ask is: Can we legally get married in France?
The short answer is yes — but the process is complex, and most opt for a symbolic ceremony. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about legal and symbolic weddings in France as an American couple.
What Are the Legal Requirements to Marry in France?
France has very specific legal criteria for getting married within its borders. If you wish to hold a legally recognized civil wedding in France, here are the main requirements:
1. Residency Requirement
At least one of the partners must reside in France for a minimum of 30 consecutive days prior to the civil ceremony.
This residency must be in the municipality (commune) where the marriage will take place.
This rule makes it impractical for most American couples unless one already lives in France.
2. Documentation
To get married legally in France, you’ll need to provide:
Valid passports for both parties
Certified birth certificates (issued within the last 6 months), translated into French by an approved translator
Certificate of Celibacy (« Certificat de Célibat ») to prove you’re not already married
Proof of residency in France (utility bill, lease, etc.)
Marriage application (to be submitted at the local mairie)
The mairie (town hall) where the ceremony will take place will review and validate your documentation. All documents must be officially translated and sometimes notarized.
3. Civil Ceremony First
The civil ceremony at the town hall is the only legally recognized form of marriage in France.
Religious or symbolic ceremonies can only take place after the civil service.
French law does not recognize church-only weddings.
Why Most American Couples Choose a Symbolic Ceremony
Because of the residency requirements and administrative complexity, most U.S. couples choose to legally marry in the United States before traveling to France for a symbolic wedding ceremony. This allows for:
Greater flexibility in location (château, vineyard, beach, etc.)
No legal paperwork or translations
No delays due to bureaucracy
More control over your ceremony (personal vows, celebrant, etc.)
Symbolic ceremonies are emotionally just as powerful and visually indistinguishable from legal weddings. You still walk down the aisle, exchange rings, and celebrate with friends and family — just without the legal component.
Working With a Wedding Planner
A France-based wedding planner is your best asset if you’re considering either a legal or symbolic ceremony. They can:
Help you understand which path is best for you
Assist with document translation and legal filings
Recommend trusted celebrants for symbolic weddings
Coordinate with venues, officiants, and local authorities
Handle bilingual communication with French vendors
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we legally marry in France if neither of us lives there?
A: Only if you can fulfill the 30-day residency requirement in the commune where you plan to marry. Otherwise, choose a symbolic ceremony.
Q: Will our symbolic ceremony look like a real wedding?
A: Absolutely! Most couples and guests would never know it’s not legally binding — the ceremony feels just as meaningful.
Q: Can we sign documents in the U.S. and have them count in France?
A: No. French authorities require local civil procedures and documentation.
Q: Do we need a translator at the ceremony?
A: For symbolic weddings, no. For civil ceremonies, a translator may be required if either party doesn’t speak French.
Final Thoughts
While legal weddings in France are possible, they’re often impractical for Americans. A symbolic ceremony offers the same emotional impact without the paperwork headache.
At French Wedding Planner, we guide U.S. couples through every step — helping you choose the right type of ceremony, location, and structure for a celebration that feels effortless, elegant, and entirely you.
👉 Contact us today to start planning your dream wedding in France — legal or symbolic!