Guide · Weddings in Paris

Getting married in Paris as a foreigner: requirements and timeline

The question we hear most: can we legally marry in Paris even if we live outside France? It depends on residency. Here is what is usually required; each town hall (mairie) decides, so confirm it with yours.

The key requirement: residency

For a civil wedding that is legally valid in France, at least one of you must have a verifiable link to the commune, usually 30 days of continuous residence before the banns are published. Some sources say 30 to 40 days: the exact figure is confirmed by the mairie.

There can be exceptions — a parent’s residence, owning or renting property in the commune — but each mairie assesses them on its own.

Usual documents

Recent birth certificates (issued within the last three months; some mairies accept six), with a sworn translation if they are not in French. A certificate of legal capacity to marry, requested from your embassy or consulate. Proof of address, passport or ID, a certificate of celibacy and, where relevant, divorce or death certificates. Also details and documents for your witnesses and, if your country requires it, an apostille.

Both of you must attend in person: marriage by proxy is not allowed in France.

Couple embracing on the gravel at Château de Nandy, editorial shoot near Paris — Wedding Editorial Project · Château de Nandy

Realistic timeline

Preparing documents and translations takes about 4 to 6 weeks. The banns are displayed at the town hall for at least 10 days, and the review plus scheduling takes 3 to 6 weeks in total. The safe approach is to start 3 to 6 months ahead, and earlier still for a wedding between May and September, which is peak season.

The option most couples choose

Many foreign couples marry legally in their home country and hold a symbolic or religious ceremony in Paris. It has no legal status in France, but it requires no residency either, and the day feels the same: same places, same light, same photographs.

Where to start

First decide whether you want a legal or a symbolic ceremony. Then write to the mairie of your chosen place, find a local planner who knows the paperwork, and set the date and ceremony time with the daylight in mind. Once that is settled, the photography can be planned calmly.

This guide is informational, not legal advice. Requirements vary by town hall and change over time: confirm them with the mairie before booking anything.