Frequently asked wedding ceremony questions .......
Q - Can we have a wedding blessing in France ? - We are having a legal ceremony in our own country, but want our "real" wedding to be more emotionally satisfying and have the chance to make meaningful and personal vows to each other in a beautiful setting, with all of our family and friends present.
A - Yes. Every year a large number of couples from around the world do exactly that. A civil ceremony in their own country to meet local legal requirements, and then their dream wedding set in a French chateau or other beautiful location with a personal wedding blessing ceremony tailored to their exact requirements. (It is recommend that couples consider this as their main option, as it removes all of the legal and administrative complications of the French system).
Q - What is a humanist wedding ceremony?
A - It's a unique and meaningful non-religious wedding ceremony that reflects a couple's personal values and beliefs; suitable not only for those with humanist views, agnostics and atheists, but also for those who have long lapsed from orthodox religious traditions, or those whose marriages are crossing a religious or cultural divide.
Q - What is Humanism?
A - In case you are wondering, humanism is not a religion, it's an old philosophy that represents the views of hundreds of millions of people world wide. Being a humanist simply means trying to behave decently without expectation of rewards or punishment after you are dead. Humanists believe we can live good and worthwhile lives guided by reason and compassion, rather than religion or superstition, and that there are more things that unite humanity than divide it.
Q - What is Celebrancy ?
A - It's a movement that provides professional officiants (Celebrants). A celebrant creates and officiate at weddings, funerals, and other life ceremonies for people who do not want or cannot have a traditional religious ceremony. Celebrancy began in Australia in the early 1970s. Presently there are more than 3000 Celebrants worldwide, who have presided over one million ceremonies in the last forty years.
Q - Can we have a religious legal marriage in France?
A - No, you can only have a blessing. A civil marriage is mandatory in France. Religious and non-religious ceremonies (which are optional) are not legally binding in any way.
Q - Can we have a legally recognised marriage in France?
A - Yes, But since the separation of church and state in 1905, you are only legally married if the wedding is performed by the mayor ("maire") or his authorized replacement at the mairie (town hall) of your place of residence. It is mandatory that at least one of the couple has resided in France for at least 40 days immediately preceding the marriage and the wedding must take place in the commune of residence. You must also provide a number of documents (Passport, Certificat de Celibat, Certificat de Coutume, Medical Certificate, Proof of Domicile, and if you are planning to have one, a Prenuptial agreement) - All of the above documents must be translated into French by one of the approved "official" translators, a list of which is available at your mairie. French law also requires the posting of marriage banns at the appropriate mairie no less than ten (10) days preceding the date of marriage. If a French civil wedding has taken place then a religious ceremony may only be performed after the civil ceremony. The minister, priest or rabbi will require the certificate of civil marriage (certificat de célébration civile) as proof that the civil ceremony has taken place.
Unless one of you are a French citizen, or you are French residents, take a serious look at the simple option of having a civil ceremony in your own country and have your fairytale wedding blessing in France.