France has specific laws concerning marriage, which must be adhered to by both French citizens and foreign nationals. A marriage in France is recognised as valid in most other countries.
French law recognises only the civil marriage.
The civil marriage must take place in that commune. In all cases only original documents or authenticated photocopies will be accepted. French law requires the publication of Banns at the mairie of the commune of residence 10 days prior to the civil marriage. Certain documents must be received and approved by the mairie before Banns may be posted. A mairie may require a complete marriage file 10 or more days prior to the publication of Banns.