You want to get married in France?
A special note for foreigners wanting to get married in France
Most couples choose to legally marry in their home country and then have a symbolic ceremony or celebration in France. This simplifies the legal procedures and paperwork. It’s a common choice among many of my clients and foreigners coming to France for their wedding.
As a general rule, unless you are a resident in France, you cannot get legally married here.
Having a symbolic wedding in France?
Incorporate French Traditions
Incorporating French traditions into your symbolic wedding can make the celebration even more meaningful and memorable.
Moreover, these customs add a touch of local culture and create unique, heartfelt moments. From blending wines to symbolise unity, to hand-fasting with French elements, and lighting Laetare candles to signify love and commitment, each tradition enriches your special day.
have a hand-fasting
A hand-fasting ceremony, an ancient Celtic tradition, symbolises the binding of two lives. To add a French touch, use local textiles like French lace for the binding cords. Have a French officiant conduct the ceremony and incorporate French vows, creating a unique fusion of Celtic and French wedding traditions that beautifully symbolize unity and love.
include a wine ceremony
A wine ceremony, featuring a wine-blending ritual, beautifully symbolizes unity in your wedding. During the ceremony, you pour wines from two separate vessels into one, representing the joining of your lives and families. This meaningful tradition, rooted in both symbolism and celebration, adds a unique and memorable touch to your special day.
light Laetare candles
Laetare candles, lit during your ceremony, represent your love and commitment. Each candle symbolizes your individual lives, and the flame ignited together signifies your unified journey ahead. Moreover, this beautiful tradition adds a warm, symbolic touch to your wedding, further illuminating the promise and hope of your shared future.
celebrate in style
hire a chateau
Renting a historic French château provides a fairytale-like setting for your wedding. These grand estates, with their stunning architecture, lush gardens, and rich history, offer a romantic and elegant backdrop. Furthermore, you can hire some châteaux for 3 to 7 days, allowing friends and family to stay and enjoy a holiday feel, often with a swimming pool included.
HAVE A vineyard wedding
Hiring a domaine for your wedding offers a picturesque and romantic setting. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and scenic landscapes, this venue provides a serene and enchanting backdrop. Moreover, the region’s excellent wines and gourmet cuisine enhance the celebration, while the charming, rustic atmosphere further creates an intimate and memorable experience for you and your guests.
Go Historic
Historic venues offer a timeless and enchanting setting for weddings. For instance, Abbey de Valmagne near Pézenas is a prime example (shown here), with its stunning Gothic architecture and serene cloisters. Additionally, other remarkable options in Occitanie include Château de Pennautier, a grand 17th-century estate, and the medieval Château de Puissalicon. Overall, these venues provide romantic backdrops steeped in history and elegance.
Choose an epic setting
You can get married anywhere; therefore, why not choose a venue with an epic natural backdrop? Imagine exchanging vows by the tranquil shores of Lake Salagou (shown here), amidst the majestic Pyrenees mountains, or in the stunning Gorges du Tarn. Additionally, other breathtaking options include the sunflower fields of Gers or the beautiful beaches of the Côte Vermeille.
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