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When we talk about marriage, we often imagine a beautiful white dress, a three-tiered cake, and an uncle who dances a little too much to Claude François. But beyond the clichés and Instagram photos, there are actually three main types of marriage that can be entered into in France. Three official ways to say “I do” (or sign for life, depending on your level of enthusiasm).
So, civil, religious, or customary? Spoiler: it's not just a question of the dress or the blessing. Each type of wedding has its rules, its implications, and its little secrets that we'll explore together, always with humor, without taking ourselves too seriously.
Before thinking about an outdoor ceremony under a flower arch, in your wedding dress , with an officiant who talks about your love story, you must first go to the town hall. Yes, even if it's not glamorous. A civil marriage is one recognized by the State, one that gives rights (and duties) to the spouses.
A civil marriage is a union contracted before a civil registrar , usually the mayor or one of his deputies. This is where everything legally begins. Without this mandatory step, the marriage has no legal value . So even if you get married on a beach in Bali with flowers in your hair, if it is not validated at the town hall in France, the law doesn't care.
Because it is this marriage that gives you all the rights you expect: inheritance, advantageous tax regime (or not), social protection, survivor's pension, parental authority... In short, everything concerning paperwork and life as a couple on the administrative side goes through there.
And good news: you can get married in a civil ceremony even without a big ceremony . Some couples even choose an express wedding, a “sign it and go to the restaurant” kind of way.
No surprises here, the rules are clear:
You must be of legal age
Consent freely
Not already married (yes, bigamy = no)
Not being too closely related (sorry Game of Thrones fans)
Oh, and of course, you have to provide a small file with supporting documents. Yes, more paperwork, but that's part of the French charm.
Civil marriage is secular , so no religious speeches here. But you can personalize the ceremony a little: choose your witnesses, write a little note, play a nice song... As long as it stays within the framework, it's possible.
Once you've signed at the town hall, you can move on to the more spiritual, emotional, or familial stage: the religious wedding. It's not mandatory, but for many, it's the real highlight, often enhanced by a bohemian wedding dress that reflects all the sweetness and freedom of this union.
It is a ceremony held in a place of worship , according to the traditions and rituals of a particular religion. Whether it is a mass in a church, a ceremony in a synagogue, a mosque or a temple, the aim is to give a sacred dimension to the union.
And this is important: no religion can marry you if you have not gone through the town hall . French law is clear on this: first the town hall, then the blessings.
It's often a grand ceremony, with a white gown, an organ, and blessed wedding rings. The couple undergoes a marriage preparation program with a priest to discuss commitment, children, faith... and life together.
This is the Nikah , a marriage contract established according to Islamic law. It can be celebrated in the mosque or elsewhere, with the presence of an imam and witnesses. The dowry (mahr) is mentioned, and the contract can be very personalized.
It is a ceremony under the chuppah , a kind of canopy symbolizing the couple's home. There are many rites, such as the reading of the ketubah (marriage contract), the breaking of the glass, and of course, singing and dancing.
The ceremony is more sober, often focused on words and exchange. It can be very personalized, with readings, speeches, music... The idea is to put love and faith at the heart of the event.
Because for many, marriage is more than just a legal contract . It's also a union before God, a sacred promise. And let's be honest: religious ceremonies can be very moving , even spectacular.
Little known to the general public, customary marriage is nevertheless a reality in many territories and communities. It is a marriage based on cultural traditions, often oral, passed down from generation to generation, where the outfits, whether traditional or inspired by a Princess Wedding Dress , play an important symbolic role.
Customary marriage is based on rites specific to a culture or ethnic group , often in addition to civil marriage. It does not always have legal value in metropolitan France, but in certain overseas departments and territories (such as New Caledonia or Wallis and Futuna), it is fully recognized .
In many African cultures, customary marriage is a crucial step. It can include:
The delivery of the dowry to the bride's family
Symbolic rites (such as the union of families)
Celebrations sometimes lasting several days, with dancing, music, traditional outfits
In some French overseas territories, local customs are highly respected. In Wallis and Futuna, for example, customary marriage includes the exchange of mats, ritual speeches, and the strong involvement of village chiefs.
In mainland France, customary marriage has no legal value unless accompanied by a civil marriage. However, in some regions, it may have local legal effects. But in any case, if you want your marriage to be recognized throughout France, you will have to go through the town hall .
To honor one's origins, involve the extended family, and respect ancestral traditions. It is also a way of showing that marriage is not just about two people, but two families, or even two communities, as we can see here .
| Type of marriage | Mandatory ? | Legally recognized? | Place | Who administers it? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | Yes | Yes | City hall | Civil registrar |
| Religious | No | No (except after the civil) | Place of worship | Religious representative |
| Customary | No | Not in mainland France (except in exceptional circumstances) | Traditional place | Customary representatives |