The 6 mandatory documents for each future spouse
The town hall requires the same documents for both future spouses. A single missing document can block the entire application - and postpone your wedding date. Here is the official list:
☝️ The crucial point
The most problematic document is the birth certificate less than 3 months old. Request it as soon as your date is set, not at the last minute. If you were born abroad, the deadlines are much longer (up to 2 months).
Nupty includes a reminder of administrative procedures at each stage of your planning, so you never miss a deadline.
The complete step-by-step procedure
The administrative process of marriage in France follows a precise timeline. Here are the steps in order, with the deadlines to respect:
Start with the document that takes the longest. Online request on service-public.fr (free) or directly at the birth town hall. Average processing time: 3 to 15 working days. For people born abroad: contact the Central Civil Status Service in Nantes (processing time: 4 to 8 weeks).
Check that your identity cards or passports are valid beyond the wedding date. If a renewal is necessary, start the procedure immediately: 3 to 6 weeks for a CNI, 2 to 4 weeks for a passport.
To coordinate everyone's roles on D-Day, a dedicated tool like Nupty helps you assign and track the missions of your witnesses and loved ones.
Confirm your 2 to 4 witnesses and request a copy of their identification document. Tip: do it at the same time as asking them to be a witness - they will be touched and won't procrastinate.
Pick up the Cerfa form at the town hall or online. Fill it out together. Compile the complete file in a dedicated folder: birth certificates, identification documents, proofs of address, attestations, witness information.
Make an appointment with the civil status department of your town hall. Both future spouses must be present (mandatory in most town halls). The agent verifies the file and sets the date for the publication of the banns.
Mandatory (article 63 of the Civil Code). The banns are posted on the town hall door for a minimum of 10 days. In the absence of opposition, the marriage can be celebrated the day after the 10th day.
💡 Practical advice
Call your town hall before compiling the file. Each town hall may have slightly different requirements (sworn statement, notary certificate, specific form). A 5-minute call can save you an unnecessary trip.
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Publication of banns: what you need to know
The publication of banns is a legal obligation often overlooked, which can surprise unprepared future spouses.
What is the publication of banns?
It is an official announcement displayed at the town hall indicating that a marriage is going to be celebrated. It allows anyone to object to the marriage if there is a legal impediment (bigamy, prohibited family link, etc.). In practice, objections are extremely rare.
Rules to know
- Minimum duration: 10 consecutive days of display
- Location of display: at the town hall of the marriage AND at the town hall of residence of each spouse (if different)
- Validity: the banns are valid for 1 year after the end of the display period
- Total time: between filing the application and the ceremony, allow at least 3 to 4 weeks
Special cases: additional documents
Certain situations require additional documents. Anticipate these cases to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Marriage with a foreigner
- Certificate of Custom: issued by the consulate or embassy of the country of origin. It certifies that the person is able to marry according to the law of their country.
- Sworn translation: all foreign civil status documents must be translated by a sworn translator.
- Certificate of marriage capacity: required by certain countries (inquire with the consulate).
- Long-stay visa: if the foreign spouse resides outside France.
- Additional time: allow an additional 2 to 3 months to obtain these documents.
Previous divorce or widowhood
- Divorce decree: copy of the final divorce decree, or mention of the divorce on the birth certificate.
- Death certificate of the previous spouse: in case of widowhood.
- No waiting period: since 2005, the 300-day waiting period has been abolished in France. You can remarry immediately.
Marriage of a minor
- Marriage of minors is possible from 16 years old with a dispensation from the Public Prosecutor.
- The consent of the parents (or legal guardian) is mandatory.
- This situation is exceptional and requires a specific procedure with the court.
Marriage outside the municipality of residence
- The marriage can be celebrated in the municipality of residence of one of the spouses or their parents.
- A continuous and stable link with the municipality is sometimes required (minimum 1 month of residence).
- Some town halls refuse if no link exists - inquire before booking the venue.
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Process this list by priority: first identification documents (CNI, passport), then social security and employer, finally secondary organizations. Allow 2 to 4 weeks to update everything. The family record book (provided after the ceremony) is the main supporting document.
The 5 mistakes that delay the marriage application
- Requesting a birth certificate extract instead of a full copy - The extract does not contain all details. Some town halls refuse it. Always request the full copy.
- Submitting the application too late - The legal minimum is 1 month before, but with weekends and holidays, it's very tight. 2 months before is the safety rule.
- Forgetting that the birth certificate is valid for 3 months - If you request it too early, it will be expired at the time of submission. Calculate based on your submission date, not your wedding date.
- Not checking the specific requirements of YOUR town hall - Town halls may request additional documents (sworn statement, notary certificate). A call is enough to find out.
- Not anticipating special cases - Marriage with a foreigner, previous divorce, birth abroad... each case adds documents and delays. Inquire as early as possible.
Wedding administration, simplified
Nupty integrates the entire French administrative process: town hall file, publication of banns, notary contract, name change with 15 organizations, and the exact procedure for each. Everything is in your timeline, at the right time.
Discover Nupty - €14.90 for lifeFrequently asked questions about the marriage file at the town hall
What are the mandatory documents for getting married at the town hall?
For each future spouse: full copy of birth certificate less than 3 months old, valid ID, proof of address less than 3 months old. Common documents: list of 2 to 4 witnesses with copies of their IDs, Cerfa marriage application form.
How long before the wedding should the file be submitted to the town hall?
The file must be submitted at least 1 month before the desired date (for the 10-day publication of banns). In practice, 2 months beforehand is highly recommended to avoid stress and anticipate any missing documents or administrative delays.
Can you get married in any town hall in France?
No. The marriage must be celebrated in the commune of residence of one of the two future spouses, or in the commune of residence of their parents. A continuous and stable link with the commune is sometimes required (1 month minimum residence depending on the town halls).
What additional documents are needed for a marriage with a foreigner?
A certificate of custom issued by the consulate of the country of origin, a sworn translation of all civil status records, and possibly a certificate of capacity to marry. Allow 2 to 3 months of additional time to obtain these documents.
Is the publication of banns mandatory?
Yes, it is a legal obligation (article 63 of the Civil Code). The banns are displayed at the town hall for a minimum of 10 days. After this period without opposition, the marriage can be celebrated.
How many witnesses are needed for a marriage in France?
A minimum of 2 witnesses and a maximum of 4 are required for the entire wedding (not per spouse). Witnesses must be adults and present valid identification on the day of the ceremony.
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About Nupty
Nupty is the first wedding planning tool designed specifically for the French market. Our application includes automatic retroplanning, a budget with real-time alerts, step-by-step action guides, and all the administrative specifics for France (town hall file, publication of banns, name change). Administrative information verified on service-public.fr.