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Chateau d'Hallines |
Sound tempting? Of course it does but adventurous UK couples who are considering tying the knot in France face complex legal requirements. However, there is a way around the difficulties of being a non resident.
How to get married in France without all the fuss and worry
Don't. Simply do the legal bit (marriage) at your local Registry Office in the UK first and then travel across the Channel for your big day (wedding ceremony).
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The legal bit |
You will be legally married on your wedding day but no-one needs to know. Most couples regard their marriage as valid and real once they've said their vows and exchanged rings in front of family and friends anyway.
Where to find a Celebrant in France
Not a problem. Ask a UK Celebrant to travel to France to conduct your wedding but be prepared to pay travel and any accommodation expenses. These are cheaper when booked in advance. Alternatively, find a UK Celebrant who lives in France through the UK Society of Celebrants.
Not a problem. Ask a UK Celebrant to travel to France to conduct your wedding but be prepared to pay travel and any accommodation expenses. These are cheaper when booked in advance. Alternatively, find a UK Celebrant who lives in France through the UK Society of Celebrants.
I live near Dover where the ferries take just 90 minutes to reach Calais. Folkestone to Calais via the Channel Tunnel takes just 35 minutes. It's easy.
A Celebrant led wedding is much more personal and relaxed. We can conduct ceremonies virtually anywhere and at any time because we're not limited to licensed venues only, during daytime hours. There is so much more choice too in relation to what elements you can include to make your ceremony truly bespoke.
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Our perfect venue |
Once you've both said je fais and are ready to start your honeymoon touring around France, your wedding guests could enjoy a holiday or simply return home. If you live in the south of England, France is actually closer than much of the UK.
I live just over 20 miles from France but more than 80 from London. I can leave in the morning, conduct a ceremony and be back home all in the same day. Although I recommend an overnight stay in order to recce the venue and do a rehearsal.
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Croquembouche |
If you still need convincing about the idea of a wedding in France picture this.
The croquembouche is a traditional French wedding confection where puffs of choux pastry are assembled in a cone shape and bound together with threads of caramelized sugar.
Whatever you decide, bon voyage and bonne chance.