Getting married in France: An Indo-French couple marrying in France
**Special Case: This is a case specific an Indian partner who is an Indian resident (Not Living in France) and is getting married to a French national. None of the partners were either married before or have kids. The actual marriage process is same for everyone, it just that documents required might differ.
Place of Application: France
- Ask Mairie for marriage form
- Submit the documents along with the form (the Non-French partner has to be in France for at least 30 days before filling the papers for marriage regardless of the visa they have)
- Upon acceptance of the documents, BANS will be issued and displayed outside Mairie for 10 days. They will let you know if they will be conducting an interview for the couple(Its upto them).
- After the 10 day period the couple can get married. Ofcourse depending on the availability of Mairie. You can ask them for available dates.
- On the day of the marriage once the ceremony is complete, Livret de famille(Family book) is issued.
- You can get a marriage certificate in 1-2 days (depends on Mairie)
Documents Required For Indian Spouse:
- Birth Certificate with apostille stamp and then translated in French. (Less than 6 months old on date of filing the papers). You need the original as well as translated copy
- Domicile Certificate with apostille stamp and then translated in French. (Less than 6 months old on date of filing the papers). You need the original as well as translated copy
- Certificat de celibataire or Bachelorhood Certificate (Basically a stamp paper declaration of being single) with apostille stamp and then translated in French. (Less than 6 months old on date of filing the papers). You need the original as well as translated copy
- Photo ID original & copy
- Certificat de coutume (You can get it from VFS, Paris)
Documents Required For French Spouse:
- Birth Certificate (Less than 3 months old on date of filing the papers)
- Photo ID original & copy
- Proof of domicile (If currently residing at parent’s place then a letter from them with some address proof will do)
Plus
- Fully Completed Application form
- Photo ID copy of the Temoins/Witnesses (You can have either 2 or 4 witnesses)
- Prenuptial agreement, with a notary’s certificate, if you plan to have one
Note
- If the Indian spouse doesn’t speak French then a translator is required. Some Mairie insist on an official translator, while some are ok with any one being a translator as long that person is not a direct family member. Ask your Mairie about it.
- Translator will be required during the interview (if Mairie decides to interview the couple) as well as on the day of the marriage.
- Please note even if you understand a bit of French some Mairie insist on getting a translator because they read specific laws and explain you all the technicalities of a legal marriage in france and it is important for you to understand them.
- Please check about the documents required with your mairie as sometimes mairie is less strict and may not ask for all the above documents. Before you start anything talk to your mairie!
I am happy to answer any questions you have. Bon courage!
