What Do I Need to Bring?

Reference · Checklists

What to bring to a mairie to file a civil marriage application in France

A French civil marriage file normally includes each future spouse’s photo ID and proof of domicile or residence, plus witness details. A birth certificate extract is required in some cases. Ask the mairie whether it can access the record directly before ordering a new copy.

Sources checked

What Do I Need to Bring? Editorial Team

Check the mairie, the civil records and the witnessesFrance civil marriage documents to prepare before filing
  1. 01
    Contact the mairie

    Ask it to confirm the eligible location and what it can access from the civil registers. Source 1

  2. 02
    Prepare originals and copies

    Gather photo ID, address evidence and any required birth record or additional civil documents. Source 1

  3. 03
    Complete witness information

    Collect the details and identification evidence the mairie requires. Source 1

Confirm what the mairie can retrieve before requesting certificates. For documents with a validity period, use the filing date.

Source 1

Confirm which mairie can receive the file

Service Public explains which municipality can celebrate the marriage based on domicile or residence, including a qualifying link through a parent in some cases. Confirm the location before preparing the paperwork. The mairie’s access to civil records can also affect the birth evidence it asks you to bring. Source 1

Prepare separate identity and address evidence

The official checklist asks for an original and photocopy of each person’s accepted photo identification, plus evidence of domicile or residence. If a person is hosted by a relative or other person, the guidance lists a hosting statement and the host’s identity and address evidence. Check the document dates with the mairie. Source 1

The filing date governs the age of a required birth extract

When the mairie cannot retrieve a birth record established in France and requests an extract showing parentage, the ordinary limit is less than three months at filing. For a record issued abroad, the ordinary maximum is six months at filing, with exceptions. Country-specific rules can also require a translation or authentication. Source 1

Witness and civil-status information complete the file

Service Public lists identification and personal details for the witnesses. It also describes circumstances in which the mairie can request evidence specific to nationality, prior civil status or other individual circumstances. Use its document simulator and confirm any additional requirements before the appointment. Source 1

Sources

Mark the items you have ready

Use the list for your own preparation. Check your appointment instructions for the final requirements.

  • Bring the original and a photocopy of an accepted photo ID · Each future spouse Source 1

  • Bring original evidence such as a lease, rent receipt, utility bill or tax notice · Each future spouse, according to the mairie’s connection rules Source 1

  • Bring a hosting statement, the host’s ID copy and recent proof of their address · If relying on a host’s address Source 1

  • Extract showing parentage, less than three months old at filing · If required and the mairie cannot access the record directly Source 1

  • Normally bring an extract showing parentage, no more than six months old at filing if required · Check the country-specific exceptions and translation or authentication rules Source 1

  • Provide the requested details and identification copies for the witnesses · For the witnesses listed in the marriage file Source 1

  • Ask the mairie which documents apply to your nationality and circumstances · For example, if a foreign marriage law or prior civil-status record is relevant Source 1

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