Legal Requirements for weddings Abroad
FRANCE
Documentation;
- A valid 10-year passport (not due to expire within the next six months).
- A full, original birth certificate.
- An affidavits / statutory declaration confirming single status (also know as a Certificate of Celibacy, stamped and signed by a solicitor.)
- Decree Absolute (the final divorce paper, if applicable), and if Catholic, a copy of the marriage annulment. A valid 10-year passport (not due to expire within the next six months).
- An full birth certificate.
- An affidavits / statutory declaration confirming single status also know as a Certificate of Celibacy, stamped and signed by a solicitor.
- Decree Absolute (the final divorce paper, if applicable), and if Catholic, a copy of the marriage annulment.
- Death Certificate (if you are a widow or widower).
- Change of Name Deed (required if you have changed your name), stamped and signed by a solicitor.
- Adoption certificate (if you have been adopted).
- Written consent from your parents or guardians (if either of you are under 18 years of age), stamped and signed by a solicitor.
Fees Required: Marriage License CY£165: Special License CY&75: Certified copy of marriage certificate CY£8
United Kingdom residents wishing to marry in France can either;
Civil Ceremony –A couple can have a legal Civil Wedding Ceremony held at the City Hall.
Religious Ceremony – This can only be preformed after a legal Civil Ceremony has taken place. After which they can present the minister with a Certificate of Civil Marriage. The Civil Ceremony can be held either in France or in the couple’s home country.
Exchange of Vows - In this ceremony a couple will exchange their vows. The ceremony is not legally recognised and is without any religious connotations. With this option the civil legal ceremony can be done in the UK and then the reception and blessing can be held in a romantic private venue.
Baptism Certificates – For an Anglican wedding al least one of the participants must provide a baptism certificate. For a catholic wedding both must produce baptism certificates.
Divorce certificates: Only original certificates or court certified copies are permitted. No photocopies. Divorce papers will not be returned as they are kept by the Registrar Generals Office.
Language: Civil ceremonies are conducted in English. Religious ceremonies are conducted in English.
Blood Test: None
Residency Requirements and Marriage Licenses:
Special Lenience – If a special license is granted then a 3 day residency is required.
Normal License – For a normal License a 15 day residency is required after the submission of Notice of Marriage
Licenses cannot be obtained by mail. Both partied must be in the country at the time of application.
Licenses obtained in foreign countries are not permitted.
Flowers: Fresh flowers cannot be flown in from abroad due to customs regulations. Silk or artificial flowers are permitted.
Foreign Pesters, Priests, Vicars, JP's: Only officials registered in the Cyprus can perform the ceremony.
Legality: Weddings performed in the Cyprus are legal in all other countries.
It is essential that bride and groom check that all the necessary certificates and documents are obtained.
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