Marriage in France

Verified 16 September 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister), Ministry of Justice

You want to get married? Whether you are a couple of different sex or same sex, you must meet certain conditions. You must choose your wedding venue and file a file with the town hall. We guide you in your approach, depending on your situation.

What applies to you ?

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You are single or divorced or widowed

Two people, of different or same sex, must meet certain conditions to get married.

Please note

If you are a foreigner, certain rules specific to your nationality may apply, in compliance with thepublic order French.

Age

You must be major to get married, that is, at least 18 years old.

If you are a minor, you may exceptionally be allowed to marry.

You must obtain the following permissions:

  • Age waiver granted by public prosecutor for serious reasons
  • Agreement from at least one of your parents.

Consent

Each of you 2 must give his free and informed consent at the wedding.

If consent is not free and informed, the marriage can be canceled at the request of any of the following:

  • You or your future husband
  • Prosecutor of the Republic.

The request for cancelation must be made in a maximum period of 5 years.

The announcement of the marriage is made by the publication of the bans.

These are notices posted at the door of the town hall by the registrar.

The purpose of opposing marriage is to prevent the solemnization of a marriage that does not meet the requirements.

This is a serious act, so it is strictly regulated.

Persons who may object

The persons who may oppose a marriage are:

  • Current spouse of one of the persons wishing to marry
  • Ascendant
  • Guardian or curator
  • Prosecutor of the Republic.

Please note

In case ofimpairment of personal faculties of a future spouse, other family members (brother, sister, uncle, aunt...) may oppose the marriage in the absence of ascendant.

Reasons for opposition

The person who opposes a marriage must justify his intervention by an impediment provided for by law (for example, simulated marriage, impairment of the personal faculties of the future spouse).

The reasons are strictly framed according to the opponents:

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Current spouse or current wife

The current spouse of one of the persons wishing to marry may act because of the risk of bigamy.

Ascendant

An ascendant (mother, father, etc.) may oppose marriage if one of the conditions laid down by law is not met.

He must provide proof of the reasons for his action.

The ground for opposition may be one of the following:

  • Minimum age required
  • Relationship or covenant between the future spouses
  • Impairment of personal abilities of a future husband
  • Simulated marriage (white wedding contracted solely for the purpose of obtaining a benefit without the intention of living together, or gray wedding when only one of the future spouses is sincere).

Warning  

Reasons of moral, religious, family or personal convenience are not allowed.

Guardian or Trustee

The guardian (or trustee) of one of the bride and groom may oppose the marriage if one of the conditions provided for by law is not met.

The ground for opposition may be one of the following:

  • Minimum age required
  • Relationship or covenant between the future spouses
  • Impairment of personal abilities of a future husband
  • Simulated marriage (white wedding contracted solely for the purpose of obtaining a benefit without the intention of living together, or gray wedding when only one of the future spouses is sincere).

Please note

The guardian (or trustee) must be informed of the marriage. Proof of this information must be attached to the marriage file and handed over to theregistrar.

Prosecutor of the Republic

The public prosecutor may oppose the marriage if one of the conditions imposed by law is not respected.

The ground for opposition may be one of the following:

  • Minimum age required
  • Relationship or covenant between the future spouses
  • Impairment of personal abilities of a future husband
  • Simulated marriage (white wedding contracted solely for the purpose of obtaining a benefit without the intention of living together, or gray wedding when only one of the future spouses is sincere).

The public prosecutor is informed by the registrar in the event of proven non-compliance or serious indications of an irregularity.

Opposition procedure

The opposition must be in writing.

The notice of opposition must contain the following elements:

  • Identity of the opponent
  • Relationship with the future groom
  • Reason for opposition
  • The law on which the opposition is based (reproduced in full).

The opponent must also have an address (we speak ofelection of domicile) in the commune where the marriage is to be celebrated.

The opposition must be served the future spouse and the registrar by a commissioner of justice.

The notice of opposition shall be signed by the opponent and by the Commissioner of Justice.

Lifting of the opposition

The opposition prevents the celebration of marriage.

To obtain the celebration of the marriage, the opposition must be lifted (we speak of release opposition).

If the opponent withdraws (we are talking about voluntary release), marriage is possible without additional steps.

Otherwise, you have to request judicial release.

Release must be requested by the future spouse concerned at the court of justice.

The competent court is either that of the marriage commune (domicile elected by the opponent in the notice of opposition) or that of the real domicile of the opponent.

The use of a lawyer is mandatory.

Please note

If the court rejects the opposition, the opponent (other than an ascendant) may be sentenced to damages and interest.

The wedding is celebrated in a commune with which at least one of you 2 has a enduring bond.

The lasting link may be with one of the following municipalities:

  • That of the domicile or residence of one of you 2
  • The home or residence of a parent (father/mother) of one of you 2.

The registrar ensure that at least one of the persons concerned has lasting links with the municipality.

Please note

Being born in a municipality, without residing there, is not enough to be able to marry there.

The choice of the wedding venue depends on your situation:

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Municipality of the domicile

The wedding can be celebrated in the municipality where one of you 2 has his home.

Your home is the place where you are established.

FYI  

It is up to you to justify your home. You must provide proof of your name in your municipality (energy bill, home insurance certificate, rent receipt, etc.).

Municipality of residence

The wedding can be celebrated in the commune where one of you 2 has his residence.

Your residence is the place where you live at any given time, on a temporary basis.

It can be, for example, a second home.

Residence must be established by at least 1 month of continuous living on the date of publication of the bans.

FYI  

It is up to you to prove your residence. You must provide proof of your name in your municipality (energy bill, home insurance certificate, rent receipt, etc.). A date must be used to verify that you meet the residency requirement.

Commune of a parent (father or mother)

Municipality of the domicile of a parent (father or mother)

The marriage can be celebrated in the commune of the home of one of the parents (father or mother only) of one of you 2.

The domicile is the place where this person is established.

FYI  

It is up to you to justify your parent's home. You must provide proof on behalf of your parent (energy bill, home insurance certificate, rent receipt, etc.) in the municipality concerned.

Municipality of residence of a parent (father or mother)

The marriage can be celebrated in the commune of the residence of one of the parents (father or mother only) of one of you 2.

It can be, for example, a second home.

Residence must be established by at least 1 month of continuous living on the date of publication of the bans.

Please note

It is up to you to prove your parent's residence. You must provide proof on behalf of your parent (energy bill, home insurance certificate, rent receipt, etc.) in the municipality concerned.

Special rules are provided for in certain situations:

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You are a same-sex couple and you live abroad

If you are future same-sex spouses and you reside in a country that does not allow your marriage, you can marry in one of the following municipalities:

  • French municipality of your birth or last residence
  • French commune in which one of your parents (father or mother) has his home or residence.

If no municipality meets these criteria, you can get married in the French municipality of your choice.

You are all 2 foreigners and you do not live in France

Whether you are a couple of different sex or of the same sex, if you are all 2 foreigners and you do not live in France, know that the marriage in France of a foreigners couple is possible only in the following locations:

  • Consulate of your country of origin
  • Municipality of a overseas collectivity (Com) or New Caledonia.

Documents to be provided by the future spouses

Check what documents you need to provide to build your marriage record.

For this, you must use the simulator next:

Check the documents to provide to get married

FYI  

You must provide the original of each document requested.

Each of you 2 must provide the following documents:

  • Proof of identity (original and photocopy). Depending on your situation, this can be an identity card, passport, driver's license, resident card, residence card or any other document with photograph issued by a public authority.
  • Proof of address or residence dated more than 1 month (rental lease, rent receipt, water, electricity or gas bill, tax or non-tax notice, France Travail certificate (formerly Job center), employer certificate, etc.).

Please note

Mobile phone bills and RIBS: titleContent are not allowed.

In some situations, other documents may be accepted:

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One of you two is homeless

You must present a certificate of election of domicile valid.

One of you two is incarcerated

If you do not have proof of address, you can, exceptionally, make yourself domiciled at the prison where you are detained.

FYI  

The marriage of a detainee is celebrated in the penitentiary, upon request of the public prosecutor.

You or your future spouse do not have to providebirth certificate if your marriage municipality can directly access your civil status data from your birth municipality.

In practice, before any meeting at the town hall, you must contact your marriage municipality to provide the following information:

  • Your surname, first name(s), sex, date and common birth
  • The first and last names of your parents.

This information allows your marriage municipality to verify your civil status data with your birth municipality.

Please note

Your marriage municipality does not have immediate access to your civil status data.

The procedure depends on where your birth certificate was drawn up:

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Birth certificate established in France

General scenario

If your marriage municipality does not have access to your civil status data at your birth town hall, you must provide a birth certificate extract with indication of the filiation of less than 3 months.

The starting point for the period of validity of the birth certificate shall be calculated in relation to on the day of filing of the marriage fileand not on the day of the celebration.

It is this deposit that determines the publication of the banns.

You can use the following teleservice:

Application for birth certificate: full copy or extract (birth in France) - Free service

Please note

If your marital status or that of your future spouse was changed before the marriage was celebrated (for example, change of first name), you must give a copy of the updated deed to the registrar in charge of celebrating the marriage.

You are French born abroad

You must provide a birth certificate with indication of the filiation of less than 3 months.

The starting point for the period of validity of the birth certificate shall be calculated in relation to on the day of filing of the marriage fileand not on the day of the celebration.

It is this deposit that determines the publication of the banns.

You must apply for your birth certificate from the Central Civil Registry.

You can use the following teleservice:

Application for birth certificate: full copy or extract (birth abroad) - Free service

Please note

If your marital status or that of your future spouse was changed before the marriage was celebrated (for example, change of first name), you must give a copy of the updated deed to the registrar in charge of celebrating the marriage.

You are a refugee or stateless person

If you are a refugee or stateless, you must provide a birth certificate with indication of the filiation of less than 3 months.

The period of 3 months is calculated in relation to on the day of filing of the marriage file, and not on the day of its celebration.

It is this deposit that determines the publication of the banns.

You must request the document fromOfpra: titleContent, which has drawn up the certificate which serves as your birth certificate.

You can use the following teleservice:

Request a copy or extract of a civil status document from the Ofpra if you are a refugee, stateless person or under subsidiary protection

Please note

If your marital status or that of your future spouse was changed before the marriage was celebrated (for example, change of first name), you must give a copy of the updated deed to the registrar in charge of celebrating the marriage.

Birth certificate issued abroad

Act drawn up in a Member State

You must provide a birth certificate with indication of the filiation of 6 months maximum.

The starting point for the period of validity of the birth certificate shall be calculated in relation to on the day of filing of the marriage file, and not on the day of its celebration. It is this deposit that determines the publication of the banns.

You must ask for your birth certificate (with indication of parentage) at the embassy or consulate of your country of origin:

No time limit shall be imposed if the birth certificate has been issued in a country which does not provide for the updating of the birth certificate.

In this case, you must provide a attestation established by your embassy or consulate (or other authorized authority in your country of origin) and specifying this lack of update.

If the document is in foreign language, you must have a sworn translator translate.

It is possible to provide a plurilingual birth certificate extract.

Please note

If your marital status or that of your future spouse was changed before the marriage was celebrated, you must give a copy of the updated deed to the registrar in charge of celebrating the marriage.

Act issued in another country

You must provide a birth certificate with indication of the filiation of 6 months maximum.

The starting point for the period of validity of the birth certificate shall be calculated in relation to on the day of filing of the marriage file, and not on the day of its celebration.

It is this deposit that determines the publication of the banns.

No time limit shall be imposed if the birth certificate has been issued in a country which does not provide for the updating of the birth certificate.

In this case, you must provide a attestation established by your embassy or consulate (or other authorized authority in your country of origin) and specifying this lack of update.

If the document is in a foreign language, you must have a sworn translator translate.

It is possible to provide a plurilingual birth certificate extract.

Depending on the country of origin, the following formalities may also be necessary:

Nationals of certain countries are exempted from these additional formalities (e.g. Switzerland).

Please note

If your marital status or that of your future spouse was changed before the marriage was celebrated, you must give a copy of the updated deed to the registrar in charge of celebrating the marriage.

Depending on your situation, you must provide additional documents :

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You or your future husband are a foreigner

General scenario

The town hall may ask you to provide documents specific to your nationality.

These documents are as follows:

  • Certificate of custom
  • Certificate of celibacy (or marital capacity).

The certificate of custom is usually provided by your embassy or consulate.

It specifies the following:

  • Foreign rules applicable to marriage
  • Document that proves your marital status
  • Document that proves you are not already married.

Certificate of celibacy (or marital capacity) is requested when your country cannot provide you with up-to-date documents.

It is usually provided by your embassy or consulate. It proves you're not already married.

If your country of origin does not issue a certificate of custom, you must provide a certificate from the competent authorities of the foreigner country that specifies it.

You must also provide a certificate from a lawyer or lawyer specifying the rules applicable to marriage in your country of origin.

If this is not possible, you must provide a certificate of honor stating that you are of full age, single and legally capable.

If a document is in a foreign language, you must have a sworn translator translate.

You can inquire at the town hall and the consulate.

Who shall I contact

Please note

If you cannot provide the necessary information, the registrar must inform you that your marriage may not be recognized in your country of origin.

You are a refugee or stateless person

You do not have to provide a certificate of custom.

FYI  

The registrar must not approach or invite you to approach the authorities of the State of your origin.

You sign a marriage contract

If a marriage contract is concluded, you must provide the notary's certificate.

Who shall I contact

You or your future husband are divorced

If your divorce is not mentioned on your birth certificate, you must provide one of the following documents:

  • Final divorce decision
  • Family booklet corresponding to the old union with mention of divorce.

If the final divorce decision has been pronounced abroad, you must attach your translation by a sworn translator.

You or your future spouse are a widow or widower

You must provide additional documents, for example, the death certificate or the birth certificate (with mention of death) of the deceased spouse.

If a document is in a foreign language, you must have a sworn translator translate.

Depending on the country of origin, the following formalities may also be necessary:

Nationals of certain countries are exempted from these additional formalities (e.g. Switzerland).

You or your future spouse are under guardianship or guardianship

If you or your future spouse are subject to legal protection (guardianship or curatorship), you must, before the marriage, inform the person in charge of the protection measure (your guardian if you are in guardianship or your curator if you are in guardianship).

You must provide a supporting document of this information and the decision of the judge who put in place the protective measure.

FYI  

The authorization of the judge or the person in charge of the protection measure is not necessary to marry you.

Neither you nor your future husband are residents of your marriage commune

Your wedding can be celebrated in the municipality the home or residence (primary or secondary) from a relative of one of you 2.

You must provide a proof of such domicile or residence dated more than 1 month (rental lease, rent receipt, water, electricity or gas bill, tax or non-tax notice, France Travail certificate (formerly Job center), employer certificate, etc.).

Please note

Mobile phone bills and RIBS: titleContent are not allowed.

Other information to be provided by the future spouses

You must also specify the following:

  • Profession (there is no reference system, but mandatory indication in French)
  • Identity, address and occupation (and possibly date of death) of each of your parents
  • Existence of children in common with your future husband
  • Telephone/email to be contacted again.

Usually, this information is included in a form to be attached to your file.

Documents to be provided by witnesses

For each of your witnesses, you must provide the following information:

  • Name
  • First name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Profession
  • Home
  • Copy of identity document.

You must submit the file to the town hall of the chosen municipality for the ceremony.

Check with the town hall if necessary make an appointment.

Who shall I contact

FYI  

You and your future spouse choose the order in which you will be appointed at the wedding celebration. The registrar must address this issue when compiling your file.

The registrar auditioning all 2 of you together.

If it considers it necessary, it may request also individual interviews with both of them.

This hearing is mandatory.

However, the hearing shall not take place in the following cases:

  • Impossibility (for example, due to illness)
  • The registrar does not consider it necessary.

The registrar may request the presence of a translator or interpreter (at your expense, if paid) if you or your future spouse are:

  • Deaf, mute
  • Does not understand the French language.

If you or your future spouse reside abroad, the hearing may be conducted by the competent diplomatic or consular authority.

Before and after the hearing, the registrar cannot refuse a marriage file.

But he has to alert the public prosecutor if there are serious indications of marriage fraud (fictitious or forced marriage), in particular in the following situations:

  • Absence of consent of one of the future spouses
  • Marriage contracted for a purpose other than matrimonial union (obtaining a residence permit for example).

The prosecutor has 15 days to allow the marriage to proceed or to oppose it. It may also decide on a time limit (maximum 1 month renewable), if it considers that an investigation is necessary.

The prosecutor's decision must be reasoned and communicated to you.

In case of opposition to your marriage, you must go to the court (we speak of request for release).

The use of a lawyer is mandatory.

Who shall I contact

The court must make its decision within 10 days.

The announcement of the marriage is made by the publication of the bans.

These are notices posted at the door of the town hall by the registrar.

They shall contain the following information:

  • First names, surname, profession, domicile or residence of each of you 2
  • Place where the wedding is to be celebrated.

They are displayed for 10 days at the door of the following town halls:

  • Town hall of marriage
  • Town hall where you or your future husband have your home.

Please note

You can apply for a publication waiver at public prosecutor in case of serious motive.

Marriage can not be celebrated before the 10the the day after the bans are published.

Example :

If the bans are published on August 4, 2026, the marriage can be celebrated from August 14, 2026.

The day of the celebration of the wedding is fixed in agreement with the town hall and future spouses, provided that the marriage record is complete and up to date.

The marriage must be celebrated within one year of the expiry of the 10-day period.

FYI  

It is forbidden to celebrate a religious marriage before the civil marriage.

Location

Marriage must be celebrated at the town hall, in a room open to public.

The mayor can celebrate the wedding in any communal building (for example, a party hall), provided that the building is located on the territory of the commune. But the public prosecutor may oppose it.

In case ofsevere impediment of you or your future spouse, the registrar may move on request of the public prosecutor, in one of the following places:

  • Your home or residence
  • A hospital or care facility.

In case of vital risk, the registrar may travel without a request from the public prosecutor.

Please note

Marriage can also be celebrated in a prison.

Unfolding

The celebration must be done by the mayor or a deputy, in the presence of you 2 and your witnesses.

During the celebration, each of you 2 confirms his commitment to respect the obligations of marriage.

A translator/interpreter may be present (at your expense if paid).

One family booklet is delivered to you.

In the days that follow, you can ask the town hall for a extract or a full copy of the marriage certificate.

Please note

If you and your future spouse had children together before your marriage and already have a family booklet, this booklet will be updated with the marriage certificate.

Once married, you can use your spouse's name as your usual name.

You are currently entered into a civil partnership

If you are hired by a Civil partnerships: titleContent, you can get married.

Marriage is possible in the following situations:

  • With your entered into a civil partnership partner
  • With another person.

Marriage automatically dissolves the Civil partnership.

To get married, you and your future spouse must meet certain conditions.

These conditions are the same whether you are a couple of different sex or same sex.

Please note

If you are a foreigner, certain rules specific to your nationality may apply, in compliance with thepublic order French.

Age

You must be major to get married, that is, at least 18 years old.

If you are a minor, you may exceptionally be allowed to marry.

You must obtain the following permissions:

  • Age waiver granted by public prosecutor for serious reasons
  • Agreement from at least one of your parents.

Consent

Each of you 2 must give his free and informed consent at the wedding.

If consent is not free and informed, the marriage can be canceled at the request of any of the following:

  • You or your future husband
  • Prosecutor of the Republic.

The request for cancelation must be made in a maximum period of 5 years.

The announcement of the marriage is made by the publication of the bans.

These are notices posted at the door of the town hall by the registrar.

The purpose of opposing marriage is to prevent the solemnization of a marriage that does not meet the requirements.

This is a serious act, so it is strictly regulated.

Persons who may object

The persons who may oppose a marriage are:

  • Current spouse of one of the persons wishing to marry
  • Ascendant
  • Guardian or curator
  • Prosecutor of the Republic.

Please note

In case ofimpairment of personal faculties of a future spouse, other family members (brother, sister, uncle, aunt...) may oppose the marriage in the absence of ascendant.

Reasons for opposition

The person who opposes a marriage must justify his intervention by an impediment provided for by law (for example, simulated marriage, impairment of the personal faculties of the future spouse).

The reasons are strictly framed according to the opponents:

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Current spouse or current wife

The current spouse of one of the persons wishing to marry may act because of the risk of bigamy.

Ascendant

An ascendant (mother, father, etc.) may oppose marriage if one of the conditions laid down by law is not met.

He must provide proof of the reasons for his action.

The ground for opposition may be one of the following:

  • Minimum age required
  • Relationship or covenant between the future spouses
  • Impairment of personal abilities of a future husband
  • Simulated marriage (white wedding contracted solely for the purpose of obtaining a benefit without the intention of living together, or gray wedding when only one of the future spouses is sincere).

Warning  

Reasons of moral, religious, family or personal convenience are not allowed.

Guardian or Trustee

The guardian (or trustee) of one of the bride and groom may oppose the marriage if one of the conditions provided for by law is not met.

The ground for opposition may be one of the following:

  • Minimum age required
  • Relationship or covenant between the future spouses
  • Impairment of personal abilities of a future husband
  • Simulated marriage (white wedding contracted solely for the purpose of obtaining a benefit without the intention of living together, or gray wedding when only one of the future spouses is sincere).

Please note

The guardian (or trustee) must be informed of the marriage. Proof of this information must be attached to the marriage file and handed over to theregistrar.

Prosecutor of the Republic

The public prosecutor may oppose the marriage if one of the conditions imposed by law is not respected.

The ground for opposition may be one of the following:

  • Minimum age required
  • Relationship or covenant between the future spouses
  • Impairment of personal abilities of a future husband
  • Simulated marriage (white wedding contracted solely for the purpose of obtaining a benefit without the intention of living together, or gray wedding when only one of the future spouses is sincere).

The public prosecutor is informed by the registrar in the event of proven non-compliance or serious indications of an irregularity.

Opposition procedure

The opposition must be in writing.

The notice of opposition must contain the following elements:

  • Identity of the opponent
  • Relationship with the future groom
  • Reason for opposition
  • The law on which the opposition is based (reproduced in full).

The opponent must also have an address (we speak ofelection of domicile) in the commune where the marriage is to be celebrated.

The opposition must be served the future spouse and the registrar by a commissioner of justice.

The notice of opposition shall be signed by the opponent and by the Commissioner of Justice.

Lifting of the opposition

The opposition prevents the celebration of marriage.

To obtain the celebration of the marriage, the opposition must be lifted (we speak of release opposition).

If the opponent withdraws (we are talking about voluntary release), marriage is possible without additional steps.

Otherwise, you have to request judicial release.

Release must be requested by the future spouse concerned at the court of justice.

The competent court is either that of the marriage commune (domicile elected by the opponent in the notice of opposition) or that of the real domicile of the opponent.

The use of a lawyer is mandatory.

Please note

If the court rejects the opposition, the opponent (other than an ascendant) may be sentenced to damages and interest.

The wedding is celebrated in a commune with which at least one of you 2 has a enduring bond.

The lasting link may be with one of the following municipalities:

  • That of the domicile or residence of one of you 2
  • The home or residence of a parent (father/mother) of one of you 2.

The registrar ensure that at least one of the persons concerned has lasting links with the municipality.

Please note

Being born in a municipality, without residing there, is not enough to be able to marry there.

The choice of the wedding venue depends on your situation:

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Municipality of the domicile

The wedding can be celebrated in the municipality where one of you 2 has his home.

Your home is the place where you are established.

FYI  

It is up to you to justify your home. You must provide proof of your name in your municipality (energy bill, home insurance certificate, rent receipt, etc.).

Municipality of residence

The wedding can be celebrated in the commune where one of you 2 has his residence.

Your residence is the place where you live at any given time, on a temporary basis.

It can be, for example, a second home.

Residence must be established by at least 1 month of continuous living on the date of publication of the bans.

FYI  

It is up to you to prove your residence. You must provide proof of your name in your municipality (energy bill, home insurance certificate, rent receipt, etc.). A date must be used to verify that you meet the residency requirement.

Commune of a parent (father or mother)

Municipality of the domicile of a parent (father or mother)

The marriage can be celebrated in the commune of the home of one of the parents (father or mother only) of one of you 2.

The domicile is the place where this person is established.

FYI  

It is up to you to justify your parent's home. You must provide proof on behalf of your parent (energy bill, home insurance certificate, rent receipt, etc.) in the municipality concerned.

Municipality of residence of a parent (father or mother)

The marriage can be celebrated in the commune of the residence of one of the parents (father or mother only) of one of you 2.

It can be, for example, a second home.

Residence must be established by at least 1 month of continuous living on the date of publication of the bans.

Please note

It is up to you to prove your parent's residence. You must provide proof on behalf of your parent (energy bill, home insurance certificate, rent receipt, etc.) in the municipality concerned.

Special rules are provided for in certain situations:

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You are a same-sex couple and you live abroad

If you are future same-sex spouses and you reside in a country that does not allow your marriage, you can marry in one of the following municipalities:

  • French municipality of your birth or last residence
  • French commune in which one of your parents (father or mother) has his home or residence.

If no municipality meets these criteria, you can get married in the French municipality of your choice.

You are all 2 foreigners and you do not live in France

Whether you are a couple of different sex or of the same sex, if you are all 2 foreigners and you do not live in France, know that the marriage in France of a foreigners couple is possible only in the following locations:

  • Consulate of your country of origin
  • Municipality of a overseas collectivity (Com) or New Caledonia.

Documents to be provided by the future spouses

Check what documents you need to provide to build your marriage record.

For this, you must use the simulator next:

Check the documents to provide to get married

FYI  

You must provide the original of each document requested.

Each of you 2 must provide the following documents:

  • Proof of identity (original and photocopy). Depending on your situation, this can be an identity card, passport, driver's license, resident card, residence card or any other document with photograph issued by a public authority.
  • Proof of address or residence dated more than 1 month (rental lease, rent receipt, water, electricity or gas bill, tax or non-tax notice, France Travail certificate (formerly Job center), employer certificate, etc.).

Please note

Mobile phone bills and RIBS: titleContent are not allowed.

In some situations, other documents may be accepted:

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One of you two is homeless

You must present a certificate of election of domicile valid.

One of you two is incarcerated

If you do not have proof of address, you can, exceptionally, make yourself domiciled at the prison where you are detained.

FYI  

The marriage of a detainee is celebrated in the penitentiary, upon request of the public prosecutor.

You or your future spouse do not have to providebirth certificate if your marriage municipality can directly access your civil status data from your birth municipality.

In practice, before any meeting at the town hall, you must contact your marriage municipality to provide the following information:

  • Your surname, first name(s), sex, date and common birth
  • The first and last names of your parents.

This information allows your marriage municipality to verify your civil status data with your birth municipality.

Please note

Your marriage municipality does not have immediate access to your civil status data.

The procedure depends on where your birth certificate was drawn up:

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Birth certificate established in France

General scenario

If your marriage municipality does not have access to your civil status data at your birth town hall, you must provide a birth certificate extract with indication of the filiation of less than 3 months.

The starting point for the period of validity of the birth certificate shall be calculated in relation to on the day of filing of the marriage fileand not on the day of the celebration.

It is this deposit that determines the publication of the banns.

You can use the following teleservice:

Application for birth certificate: full copy or extract (birth in France) - Free service

Please note

If your marital status or that of your future spouse was changed before the marriage was celebrated (for example, change of first name), you must give a copy of the updated deed to the registrar in charge of celebrating the marriage.

You are French born abroad

You must provide a birth certificate with indication of the filiation of less than 3 months.

The starting point for the period of validity of the birth certificate shall be calculated in relation to on the day of filing of the marriage fileand not on the day of the celebration.

It is this deposit that determines the publication of the banns.

You must apply for your birth certificate from the Central Civil Registry.

You can use the following teleservice:

Application for birth certificate: full copy or extract (birth abroad) - Free service

Please note

If your marital status or that of your future spouse was changed before the marriage was celebrated (for example, change of first name), you must give a copy of the updated deed to the registrar in charge of celebrating the marriage.

You are a refugee or stateless person

If you are a refugee or stateless, you must provide a birth certificate with indication of the filiation of less than 3 months.

The period of 3 months is calculated in relation to on the day of filing of the marriage file, and not on the day of its celebration.

It is this deposit that determines the publication of the banns.

You must request the document fromOfpra: titleContent, which has drawn up the certificate which serves as your birth certificate.

You can use the following teleservice:

Request a copy or extract of a civil status document from the Ofpra if you are a refugee, stateless person or under subsidiary protection

Please note

If your marital status or that of your future spouse was changed before the marriage was celebrated (for example, change of first name), you must give a copy of the updated deed to the registrar in charge of celebrating the marriage.

Birth certificate issued abroad

Act drawn up in a Member State

You must provide a birth certificate with indication of the filiation of 6 months maximum.

The starting point for the period of validity of the birth certificate shall be calculated in relation to on the day of filing of the marriage file, and not on the day of its celebration. It is this deposit that determines the publication of the banns.

You must request your birth certificate (with indication of parentage) from the embassy or consulate of your country of origin:

No time limit shall be imposed if the birth certificate has been issued in a country which does not provide for the updating of the birth certificate.

In this case, you must provide a attestation established by your embassy or consulate (or other authorized authority in your country of origin) and specifying this lack of update.

If the document is in foreign language, you must have a sworn translator translate.

It is possible to provide a plurilingual birth certificate extract.

Please note

If your marital status or that of your future spouse was changed before the marriage was celebrated, you must give a copy of the updated deed to the registrar in charge of celebrating the marriage.

Act issued in another country

You must provide a birth certificate with indication of the filiation of 6 months maximum.

The starting point for the period of validity of the birth certificate shall be calculated in relation to on the day of filing of the marriage file, and not on the day of its celebration.

It is this deposit that determines the publication of the banns.

No time limit shall be imposed if the birth certificate has been issued in a country which does not provide for the updating of the birth certificate.

In this case, you must provide a attestation established by your embassy or consulate (or other authorized authority in your country of origin) and specifying this lack of update.

If the document is in a foreign language, you must have a sworn translator translate.

It is possible to provide a plurilingual birth certificate extract.

Depending on the country of origin, the following formalities may also be necessary:

Nationals of certain countries are exempted from these additional formalities (e.g. Switzerland).

Please note

If your marital status or that of your future spouse was changed before the marriage was celebrated, you must give a copy of the updated deed to the registrar in charge of celebrating the marriage.

Depending on your situation, you must provide additional documents :

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You or your future husband are a foreigner

General scenario

The town hall may ask you to provide documents specific to your nationality.

These documents are as follows:

  • Certificate of custom
  • Certificate of celibacy (or marital capacity).

The certificate of custom is usually provided by your embassy or consulate.

It specifies the following:

  • Foreign rules applicable to marriage
  • Document that proves your marital status
  • Document that proves you are not already married.

Certificate of celibacy (or marital capacity) is requested when your country cannot provide you with up-to-date documents.

It is usually provided by your embassy or consulate. It proves you're not already married.

If your country of origin does not issue a certificate of custom, you must provide a certificate from the competent authorities of the foreigner country that specifies it.

You must also provide a certificate from a lawyer or lawyer specifying the rules applicable to marriage in your country of origin.

If this is not possible, you must provide a certificate of honor stating that you are of full age, single and legally capable.

If a document is in a foreign language, you must have a sworn translator translate.

You can inquire at the town hall and the consulate.

Who shall I contact

Please note

If you cannot provide the necessary information, the registrar must inform you that your marriage may not be recognized in your country of origin.

You are a refugee or stateless person

You do not have to provide a certificate of custom.

FYI  

The registrar must not approach or invite you to approach the authorities of the State of your origin.

You sign a marriage contract

If a marriage contract is concluded, you must provide the notary's certificate.

Who shall I contact

You or your future husband are divorced

If your divorce is not mentioned on your birth certificate, you must provide one of the following documents:

  • Final divorce decision
  • Family booklet corresponding to the old union with mention of divorce.

If the final divorce decision has been pronounced abroad, you must attach your translation by a sworn translator.

You or your future spouse are a widow or widower

You must provide additional documents, for example, the death certificate or the birth certificate (with mention of death) of the deceased spouse.

If a document is in a foreign language, you must have a sworn translator translate.

Depending on the country of origin, the following formalities may also be necessary:

Nationals of certain countries are exempted from these additional formalities (e.g. Switzerland).

You or your future spouse are under guardianship or guardianship

If you or your future spouse are subject to legal protection (guardianship or curatorship), you must, before the marriage, inform the person in charge of the protection measure (your guardian if you are in guardianship or your curator if you are in guardianship).

You must provide a supporting document of this information and the decision of the judge who put in place the protective measure.

FYI  

The authorization of the judge or the person in charge of the protection measure is not necessary to marry you.

Neither you nor your future husband are residents of your marriage commune

Your wedding can be celebrated in the municipality the home or residence (primary or secondary) from a relative of one of you 2.

You must provide a proof of such domicile or residence dated more than 1 month (rental lease, rent receipt, water, electricity or gas bill, tax or non-tax notice, France Travail certificate (formerly Job center), employer certificate, etc.).

Please note

Mobile phone bills and RIBS: titleContent are not allowed.

Other information to be provided by the future spouses

You must also specify the following:

  • Profession (there is no reference system, but mandatory indication in French)
  • Identity, address and occupation (and possibly date of death) of each of your parents
  • Existence of children in common with your future husband
  • Telephone/email to be contacted again.

Usually, this information is included in a form to be attached to your file.

Documents to be provided by witnesses

For each of your witnesses, you must provide the following information:

  • Name
  • First name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Profession
  • Home
  • Copy of identity document.

The file must be submitted to the town hall of the municipality chosen for the ceremony.

Check with the town hall if you need to make an appointment.

Who shall I contact

FYI  

You and your future spouse choose the order in which you will be appointed at the wedding celebration. The registrar must address this issue when compiling your file.

The registrar auditioning all 2 of you together.

If it considers it necessary, it may request also individual interviews with both of them.

This hearing is mandatory.

However, the hearing shall not take place in the following cases:

  • Impossibility (for example, due to illness)
  • The registrar does not consider it necessary.

The registrar may request the presence of a translator or interpreter (at your expense, if paid) if you or your future spouse are:

  • Deaf, mute
  • Does not understand the French language.

If you or your future spouse reside abroad, the hearing may be conducted by the competent diplomatic or consular authority.

Before and after the hearing, the registrar cannot refuse a marriage file.

But he has to alert the public prosecutor if there are serious indications of marriage fraud (fictitious or forced marriage), in particular in the following situations:

  • Absence of consent of one of the future spouses
  • Marriage contracted for a purpose other than matrimonial union (obtaining a residence permit for example).

The prosecutor has 15 days to allow the marriage to proceed or to oppose it. It may also decide on a time limit (maximum 1 month renewable), if it considers that an investigation is necessary.

The prosecutor's decision must be reasoned and communicated to you.

In case of opposition to your marriage, you must go to the court (we speak of request for release).

The use of a lawyer is mandatory.

Who shall I contact

The court must make its decision within 10 days.

The announcement of the marriage is made by the publication of the bans.

These are notices posted at the door of the town hall by the registrar.

They shall contain the following information:

  • First names, surname, profession, domicile or residence of each of you 2
  • Place where the wedding is to be celebrated.

They are displayed for 10 days at the door of the following town halls:

  • Town hall of marriage
  • Town hall where you or your future husband have your home.

Please note

You can apply for a publication waiver at public prosecutor in case of serious motive.

Marriage can not be celebrated before the 10the the day after the bans are published.

Example :

If the bans are published on August 4, 2026, the marriage can be celebrated from August 14, 2026.

The day of the celebration of the wedding is fixed in agreement with the town hall and future spouses, provided that the marriage record is complete and up to date.

The marriage must be celebrated within one year of the expiry of the 10-day period.

FYI  

It is forbidden to celebrate a religious marriage before the civil marriage.

Location

Marriage must be celebrated at the town hall, in a room open to public.

The mayor can celebrate the wedding in any communal building (for example, a party hall), provided that the building is located on the territory of the commune. But the public prosecutor may oppose it.

In case ofsevere impediment of you or your future spouse, the registrar may move on request of the public prosecutor, in one of the following places:

  • Your home or residence
  • A hospital or care facility.

In case of vital risk, the registrar may travel without a request from the public prosecutor.

Please note

Marriage can also be celebrated in a prison.

Unfolding

The celebration must be done by the mayor or a deputy, in the presence of you 2 and your witnesses.

During the celebration, each of you 2 confirms his commitment to respect the obligations of marriage.

A translator/interpreter may be present (at your expense if paid).

One family booklet is delivered to you.

In the days that follow, you can ask the town hall for a extract or a full copy of the marriage certificate.

Please note

If you and your future spouse had children together before your marriage and already have a family booklet, this booklet will be updated with the marriage certificate.

Once married, you can use your spouse's name as your usual name.

You're already married

If you're already married, you can't get married one 2e times.

This prohibition applies in the following two situations:

  • Married according to French law
  • Married under foreign law.

Warning  

If you are divorcing or legally separated, you are considered married.

Check the documents to provide to get married

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