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Ah, the civil wedding! That moment of emotion... and paperwork. You're already imagining yourself saying "I do" in front of the Mayor, surrounded by your loved ones, in a tastefully decorated (or not so) room. But one question is nagging you: how much does it all cost? Spoiler: it could be free... or not. Come on, let's get out the calculator and take stock, without beating around the bush (and with a smile).
Before you jump for joy and shout "Honey, we're saving up for our honeymoon in the Seychelles!", there's a bit of nuance to this. Civil marriage is indeed free... under certain conditions . In France, getting married at the town hall won't cost you a penny if you do it in the municipality where one of the future spouses lives . Public service is great, isn't it?
But be careful, if you dream of saying "I do" in another city, a picturesque town, on the Côte d'Azur or at the foot of the mountain, then it can quickly add up . Some town halls charge for room rental outside of normal hours or for non-residents.
And let's be honest, even if the ceremony itself costs nothing, the rest around it can quickly pick your pockets .
Quite simply because they can. Town halls are free to charge fees for making premises available, particularly outside of normal opening hours (such as Saturday afternoons), or when you do not live in the town.
Expect to pay an average of €100 to €500 for this type of "exceptional" service, depending on the city. Paris, of course, isn't known for giving away gifts.
Good news: civil status documents are free . Birth certificates, family record book, publication of banns... all of this is offered with an administrative smile. On the other hand, if you need translations, foreign documents or to call on a notary for a marriage contract , then it can start to cost a few hundred euros.
We don't want you to end up in front of the family court judge, but it's better to plan ahead. If you don't sign any contracts , you will automatically be subject to the legal regime of community property . Don't panic, it just means that what you earn and buy after the marriage is joint.
But if you want something else – separation of property, participation in acquisitions, etc. – you need a contract before a notary. And the notary doesn't work for free, even if you offer him sweets.
On average, you should expect to pay between €300 and €500 , depending on the notary, the complexity of the contract, and the drafting fee. There's no VAT on love, but there are still fees. That said, it's a safe bet, especially if one of you is an entrepreneur or owns a family castle.
No, not at all. But it's like insurance: you hope you never need it, but when the wind turns, you're glad you have it. If you're broke and you love each other with a simple love, you can do without it.
The clothing budget for a civil wedding can vary from one to three times that... or even more . There's a world of difference between those who get married in jeans and sneakers and those who wear a designer dress and three-piece suit.
For a civil wedding, simplicity is often the order of the day , but that doesn't mean you have to skimp on style. A white dress, whether short or mid-length, can cost between €50 and €500 , depending on whether you find it online or in a specialist boutique.
Of course, if you opt for a designer dress , you can blow the budget and reach several thousand euros. But hey, at the city hall, it's not Fashion Week.
He, too, deserves his own shining suit. A decent suit can cost between €100 and €800 , depending on the brand and whether it's tailor-made. A little tip: consider renting. Yes, renting your suit isn't old-fashioned, it's smart. And no one will know it's not yours (unless you forget to remove the tag).
Shoes, hair, makeup, manicure, small bag, watch... These little things can quickly add up to several hundred euros . It's best to plan an overall budget and stick to it.
Yes, even if it's "just the town hall," we often want a little magic, pretty photos, a bouquet, and a nice atmosphere. And all of this... comes at a price.
This is probably one of the most underrated jobs . And yet, it's what you'll be left with after the big day. A professional photographer for a town hall ceremony can charge you between €200 and €800 , depending on their reputation and the time spent there.
Uncle Michel's blurry, poorly framed photos are cute, but for your wedding album, you deserve better.
Even for a civil wedding, a bouquet and a buttonhole make all the difference. A small bouquet costs around €30 to €100 , more if you want rare flowers or an elaborate arrangement. And if you want to decorate the room (if the town hall allows it), you will have to add a little more.
Some town halls allow for light decorations: a small garland, ribbons, flower petals... But don't plan on hanging a 2-meter-high floral arch. If you rent an adjoining room, you can indulge yourself with a little personalization: balloons, posters, funny signs , etc.
Even if you're only having a civil wedding, it's rare to go home with your loved ones after signing the contract. A quick drink, a restaurant with friends, or even a party in a function room—anything is possible... and it comes at a price.
A small aperitif for 20 to 30 people, with a few toasts, bubbles and chips, can cost between €150 and €500 , depending on whether you do everything yourself or use a caterer. Supermarkets often offer ready-made menus. It's not 3-star, but it does the job.
A table for 10, 20, or 30 people quickly becomes a budget. Expect to pay between €25 and €60 per person , depending on the restaurant. If you opt for a "group menu" option, you can get a great deal without breaking the bank.
Some couples like the idea of extending the moment with a real little party. Renting a community hall can cost anywhere from €200 to €1,000 , depending on the size, location, and equipment included. Here too, you have to think about music, decor, tableware, and even a DJ . And it adds up quickly.
Oh, you thought you were done? No, weddings are also full of little items that add up and can add to the bill. But rest assured, everything is flexible according to your desires and your budget .
It's impossible to miss. A simple gold wedding band can cost from €150 , and up to several thousand if you like diamonds. The most economical? Silver or even stainless steel models, which remain attractive and affordable.
Even for a small civil wedding, it's nice to let everyone know with a nice invitation. Paper version: count on €1 to €5 each , depending on the design. Digital version: free (or almost), and it's eco-friendly!
A little attention is always appreciated. An engraved flask, a personalized case, a small beauty box... Expect to pay between €10 and €30 per person .
This item is often overlooked. Whether you're looking for a rental car, a taxi, or even a horse-drawn carriage (if you're thinking big), it can cost between €50 and €300, depending on the mode of transport and the distance. The town hall isn't always right next door!
So, the grand total? It's hard to say precisely, because every couple has their own desires and means. But to give you a realistic idea :
| Expense item | Low range (€) | High range (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Town hall fees (if outside the municipality or during special hours) | 0 | 500 |
| Marriage contract | 300 | 500 |
| Outfits | 150 | 1500 |
| Photographer | 200 | 800 |
| Flowers and decoration | 50 | 300 |
| Reception / meal | 150 | 2000 |
| Alliances | 300 | 2000 |
| Miscellaneous (invitations, transport, witness gifts) | 100 | 500 |
| Estimated total | 1250 € | 9100 € |