Get married in France — France Administrative Helper

What is it

A civil marriage celebrated by the officier d'état civil at a mairie, after the couple files a dossier and the mairie publishes the bans.

Do I need it

Only if you are choosing to marry. Both partners must be at least 18, consent freely and not be closely related.

When

File the dossier at the mairie well ahead: the bans are posted for 10 days and the wedding cannot be held before the 10th day after publication.

Where · in person

At the mairie of a commune where one of you has a durable link — your home, a residence of at least a month, or a parent's home there.

Documents

Photo ID for each partner, original plus a copy Proof of your address or residence in the commune A birth certificate for each partner — issued within 3 months if French, 6 months if foreign For foreign nationals, papers the mairie asks for such as a certificat de célibat or certificat de coutume The witnesses' details and a copy of their ID

How long

The bans are published for 10 days. The marriage can be celebrated from the 10th day after publication and must take place within the year that follows.

What happens next

The registrar holds a joint interview with both partners, and may see each of you separately.
The mairie publishes the bans on its notice board for 10 days.
After the ceremony you are given a livret de famille and can ask for copies of the acte de mariage.

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