Wedding Legal Material #Pt.3 : Wedding specificity in France


What about the French Kiss ?  


In France, there are several different types of weddings that couples can choose from, each with its own unique requirements and legal implications. These include:

  1. A civil ceremony: This is the most common type of wedding in France and is performed by a government official, such as a mayor or town hall official. A civil ceremony must take place at the town hall or another government-approved location.

  2. A religious ceremony: This type of wedding can be performed by a religious official, such as a priest, and can take place at a church or other religious building. Couples must also have a civil ceremony before or after the religious ceremony.

  3. A secular ceremony: This is a non-religious ceremony, performed by a secular official, such as a humanist celebrant.

  4. A destination wedding: This type of wedding is held outside of France, which can be on a beach, in a castle, on a boat etc.

It is important to note that in France, a wedding ceremony can only be legally binding if it is preceded by a civil ceremony.

Couples must also provide proof of their legal status in France, such as valid passport or ID card, proof of residence, and proof of any previous marriages (if applicable). Additionally, couples are required to complete a marriage preparation course and wait for a certain period of time before getting married.

It's important to check with the local authorities or your wedding planner for specific requirements for your type of wedding, as laws and regulations can vary depending on the region and the type of ceremony you choose.

Here are some specifics to take under consideration as well


In France, "Pacs" stands for "Pacte Civil de Solidarité" which is a legal agreement that allows couples to formalize their relationship.

A Pacs is similar to a civil union or domestic partnership in other countries. It is a legal contract that gives couples certain rights and responsibilities, but it is not considered a marriage.

Couples who enter into a Pacs can enjoy certain legal benefits, such as:

  • Inheritance rights,
  • Tax benefits,
  • Social security benefits
  • Make medical decisions for one another.

However, a Pacs does not confer all of the rights and responsibilities of marriage, such as the right to adopt children or the right to take on a spouse's last name.

To enter into a Pacs, couples must be at least 18 years of age, not be currently married or in a registered partnership, and not be closely related by blood or marriage. Both parties must also provide proof of their legal status in France and be able to understand the legal implications of the Pacs.

The Pacs is dissolved by a joint statement, by one of the partners or by a judge.

It's important to note that laws and regulations regarding Pacs can vary depending on the region and it's best to consult with a legal professional before entering into a Pacs to ensure that you understand all of the rights and responsibilities involved.


Now you know, most of legal aspects of marrying in France !


image from Leonard Cotte on Unsplash



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