Marriage Registration in France

This service is for English-speaking individuals or couples who need legal assistance with either:

• Getting married in France, or

• Registering a marriage that took place abroad, (only if one spouse is a French citizen).

Whether you are planning a destination wedding in France or need your foreign marriage recognised by French authorities, our bilingual legal team can help ensure the entire process — from paperwork to registration — is handled correctly and efficiently.

French law requires a civil marriage ceremony to be legally recognised, whether it takes place in France or abroad. Religious ceremonies alone are not legally valid in France.

• Marriage in France: To marry in France, at least one party must have resided in the local commune for at least 30 days. The marriage is celebrated at the local mairie (town hall) and conducted by a public official. Required documents include birth certificates, proof of residence, ID, and a Certificat de Coutume (certificate of legal capacity to marry for foreign nationals). If one spouse is not fluent in French, an interpreter may be required.

• Registration of a Foreign Marriage (transcription): If a French citizen marries abroad, the marriage must be transcribed into the French civil registry to have legal effect in France. This is done by submitting the foreign marriage certificate — along with translations and supporting documents — to the Service central d’état civil or the French consulate. Only marriages valid in the country where they were performed can be transcribed.

• Key Laws: Governed by the French Civil Code (Articles 63 to 75) and, for international aspects, by Decree No. 2017-890 of May 6, 2017, which modernised the civil status process for French citizens abroad.

• Initial Consultation: We evaluate your situation, determine whether you are marrying in France or registering a foreign marriage, and outline the steps required.

• Document Preparation: We assist with gathering and verifying all required documentation, including certified translations, legalisation, and any special affidavits.

• Submission to Authorities: For marriages in France, we coordinate with the local mairie. For foreign marriages, we handle submission to the French consulate or central civil registry.

• Follow-Up and Troubleshooting: We monitor your application, handle correspondence with French authorities, and assist with any requests for additional documents or clarifications.

• Final Registration: We ensure the marriage is recorded in the French civil status system, and help obtain official livret de famille or updated family records.

• Post-Registration Advice: We advise on related legal matters, such as name changes, updating residency status, or securing rights as a spouse under French or EU law.

• Bilingual Legal Support: Ensure your application is prepared to French legal standards and communicated clearly to local or consular authorities.

• No Missed Steps: Avoid common mistakes or delays due to incomplete files, untranslated documents, or misunderstood requirements.

• Cross-Border Expertise: Our lawyers regularly handle binational marriages and understand the additional steps involved for foreign nationals or expat families.

• Stress-Free Coordination: We liaise directly with town halls, consulates, and central registries on your behalf.

• Advice Beyond the Ceremony: Get practical guidance on how your marriage affects taxes, visas, inheritance, and residency.

• Initial assessment of eligibility and necessary steps

• Assistance with marriage applications and supporting documents

• Coordination with French mairie or consular authorities

• Certified translation and legalisation of foreign documents

• Submission and tracking of marriage transcription requests

• Delivery of official French marriage certificate or livret de famille

• Follow-up for corrections or re-issues

• Advice on legal and administrative implications post-registration