To say it out loud is not an obligation and yet, almost all mayors do so by addressing the spouses and guests. In question: two articles of law confusing. We explain to you.
In civilian weddings, the mayor is often expected as the master of solemn ceremonies, guarantor of the civil code and official emotions. Its role seems clear: to welcome the bride and groom, to recall the articles of law, to collect consent, and to proclaim the union of the couple. But over time, mayors have taken a habit that has gone unnoticed during civil weddings, as it has settled in uses, but which in reality should not take place.
Because in the midst of the exchanges of consents and tender smiles, some mayors start to publicly announce information that the spouses did not necessarily plan to share with the whole room. And this custom, however widespread, is based on confusion between two articles of the Civil Code. In other words, it is not as obvious as you might think.
The revelation concerns… the bride and groom professions. Yes, it is not uncommon for the civil status officer to read the profession of everyone in front of the assembly. And this can sometimes create small moments of discomfort: the husband who boasted of being comfortable financially or to be an ace of real estate with step-papa is heard “in search of jobs” in front of his dumbfounded guests. Another case: the future bride, “engineer in biology”, could shade her husband’s profession … But in reality, nothing obliges the mayor to this public reading. Article 34 of the Civil Code imposes that the professions appear in the written marriage certificate. On the other hand, article 75, which supervises the ceremony itself, does not provide that this information is pronounced before the audience. Hence the confusion and the possible discomfort for couples who prefer to remain discreet.
Some municipalities now choose to ignore this stage in silence, to avoid transforming the solemn moment in the moment of discomfort. As often, the Civil Code offers a framework, but it is the local practice, and the sensitivity of the mayor, which decide the atmosphere of the ceremony. The bride and groom who do not want to exhibit their private life or remain discreet on their profession can also specify this to the mayor beforehand, in their file.
