The papers to prepare for the town hall

Mandatory wedding file content

Future spouses must, prior to the ceremony, provide the town hall with a marriage file which contains the following documents:

• the original and a photocopy of their identity document (the original being returned immediately after control);
• proof of domicile or residence (electricity, gas, telephone bills, title deed);
• The full copy of their birth certificate dating from less than three months (six months if the service delivering the act is a service located outside France). The birth certificate is issued by the respective municipality of the birthplace of future spouses. This act is provided for free;
• The list of witnesses including their names, first names, postal address, date and place of birth, profession and a copy of their identity document.

Additional documents to the wedding file

Depending on the situation of the bride and groom, additional papers are likely to be requested by the town hall. This is the case for example:

• When future spouses have taken out a marriage contract. In this case, a notary certificate must be attached to the marriage file;
• If the bride and groom had, together, had children before marriage, a full copy of the birth certificate of the child (s) must be attached;
• If either of the future spouses is a minor or placed under a protective measure, a consent certificate must be provided to the town hall. This certificate must be written by the tutor in the event of supervision or by the legal representatives of the minor child;
• If one or the other of the spouses is widower, a death certificate of the deceased spouse must be annexed to the marriage file;
• If one or the other of the bride and groom is divorced, a copy of the divorce judgment is necessary to complete the marriage file with the town hall.