Marriage or civil partnership in France

Check the laws in France to make sure you can get married or register a civil partnership. Your marriage or civil partnership will be recognised in the UK if:

• you follow the correct process according to the law in France
• it would be allowed under UK law

The person conducting your ceremony or relevant local authority can help you understand the processes you need to follow to get married or register a civil partnership, including what documents you’ll need.

You might be asked for a:

• certificate of celibacy (‘certificat de célibat’)
• certificate of custom (‘certificat de coutume’)

The UK government does not issue these documents. Instead, read the guidance on completing a self-declaration form.

Marriage registration

Marriages that take place abroad according to another country’s law are not added to UK records. Your marriage will be registered in France instead. The person conducting your ceremony can tell you how to get a marriage certificate. You will not be able to register at or get a certificate from a UK register office, or British embassy or consulate. Keep your marriage certificate as evidence of your marriage. You may want to get it translated, especially if you want to use it outside France. Find a qualified translator.