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Weddings Abroad Guide

Weddings Abroad Guide - How to Get Married Abroad

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France Wedding Ceremony

In France a civil ceremony is the only legally recognised marriage ceremony.

It is still possible to have a religious ceremony in France however this must take place after your civil ceremony. Your wedding ceremony will be conducted in French and your marriage licence and all paperwork will be issued in French.

France Wedding Ceremony Options | Et Voila Weddings | Astrid Templier Photography | Weddings Aboard Guide

Stephanie & Benoit’s wedding in France

Civil Ceremony

In France a civil ceremony will take place at the Mairie (Town Hall) of the town in which you are staying and will be performed by the Mayor or his legally authorised replacement.

The ceremony will be conducted in French and you are not required to have a translator present. However if you do wish to have your ceremony translated into English I would advise speaking with the Mayor to make the necessary arrangements.

Religious ceremony

In France a religious wedding ceremony is not legally binding.If you would like to have a religious ceremony you must first have a civil ceremony.

The religious official performing your ceremony must be given your marriage certificate as proof that your civil ceremony has taken place before they can conduct your ceremony.

Many couples choose to have their civil ceremony the day before their religious ceremony or have their civil ceremony in their home country of residence prior to arriving in France.

Alternative Ceremony

Because of the France’s residency requirements many couples choose to get legally married in their home country and have a blessing in France.

A very popular type of blessing is a Humanist Wedding Ceremony. The advantage of this type of ceremony is that you can have it in any location of your choice, taking advantage of the many beautiful France wedding ceremony settings on offer.

Recommended Celebrants

Looking for a wedding celebrant who can perform a wedding blessing in France? The following are independent celebrants who can help you write and conduct your wedding ceremony.

  • Unique Ceremonies – Wedding Celebrants France are a team of professional celebrants who will help you create a unique symbolic ceremony in France and Corsica.
  • Gaynor McKernan from Ceremonies in France is an English celebrant based in SW France.

Additional information

For information on the legal requirements for getting married in France click here.

Hot Tips!

Get Help from a Wedding PlannerIf you are planning your own destination wedding in France but do not feel comfortable arranging the legalities then the perfect option may be a combination of organising it yourself and using a wedding planner.

Many wedding planners in France will happily sort out the paperwork to ensure your marriage is legal and charge you a one-off fee for doing this. You will not be under any obligation to use their services for organising any other part of your wedding.

You will then have the confidence that your marriage will be legal and you can organise the rest of your wedding however you desire.

Let me help you find the perfect wedding planner in France
FIND OUT MORE

Getting Married in France – First Steps

Information on getting married in France Jo & Marc's wedding in France by Marry Me in France

Browse the France Wedding Guide which contains guidelines on the legal requirements and wedding ceremony options, French wedding suppliers, real wedding reviews, related inspiration and hot tips.

France Wedding Guide

step by step guide to planning a wedding abroad

My step by step guide will guide you through the all different stages of planning a wedding abroad.

Step by Step Planning Guide

Wedding Planning Checklist

My Wedding Planning Checklist has been designed specifically for getting married abroad. It will help bring some order and structure to your planning.

Wedding Planning Checklist

What’s Next?

Are you ready to take your wedding planning to the next level? Check out my FREE 

PLANNING TOOLS

Note: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the above information is current and accurate, please check with the local authorities to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.

Welcome to Weddings Abroad Guide a website dedicated to those planning a destination wedding providing independent information & advice for those planning a wedding abroad.

French Wedding Suppliers

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
WEDDING CEREMONIES
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WEDDING INSPIRATION

Digital Wedding Planning Tool Kit - The Essential must have Easy to Follow Checklists, Spreadsheets & Workbooks Guide for a Destination Wedding Abroad by Weddings Abroad Guide

Create Your Destination Wedding Website & App with Appy CoupleHoneymoon & Wedding Gift List by Holidaysplease

The Ultimate Destination Wedding Planning Checklist download your Free Planning Tools Today  // weddingsabroadguide.com

Mix & Match Bridesmaids Dresses by Dessy Group

Let us hep you Grow your Wedding Business with our Destination Wedding Directory Membership // weddingsabroadguide

Weddings Abroad Guide

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Digital Wedding Planning Tool Kit - The Essential must have Easy to Follow Checklists, Spreadsheets & Workbooks Guide for a Destination Wedding Abroad by Weddings Abroad Guide

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