The following 'unofficial' checklist outlines which documents you may need in order to marry in France if one of you is French and the other is American.  My husband and I compiled this list in 1998 while planning our own wedding.  We were greatly frustrated at the time by the lack of such information on the internet.  After hours of phone calls and many unanswered questions, we finally came to understand what we needed to do.  As always, things change, so please be sure to check with the French Embassy or Consulate in your area for more current procedures.  The following is meant as a guideline only, to get you both started.

1. Livre de Marie

The Livre de Marie translates as the "Book of Marriage".  You must obtain one from the Mayor’s office in the French city or village you wish to be married in.  It contains all of the forms you’ll need (outlined below).  If living in the United States, have the Livre de Marie mailed to you as soon as possible.  Some of the information it asks for may take weeks or even months to compile and authenticate.  In addition, you must return the completed Livre de Marie to the Mayor at least 30 days prior to the actual wedding date, so that he/she may post Le Bans (see below).

What's in the Livre de Marie:

a. Certificat de Prenuptial

The Certificat de Prenuptial is akin to the 'blood test' documents required in the USA.  If you are residing in America, these tests must be conducted by an approved French doctor.  You may phone the Consulate for a list of such doctors in your area.  The doctor will examine both of you physically and perform a simple blood test.  For the American in your couple, a rubella test will also be required. After the doctor stamps and signs the forms (one for each of you) you must take them to the Consulate and have each one 'legalized' (e.g. stamped and verified with the Consulate's official seal).  Once signed and sealed, place these forms back into your Livre de Marie. They will be collected later. Potential costs: back In 1998, our French tests cost $400.00.  Our nearest doctor happened to be in Beverly Hills, so I do not know if that amount is indicative of what other doctors charge.  The Legalization of our two forms cost $50.00.

b. Attestation sur L'Honneur a.k.a. Certificate de Celibat

These forms (one for each of you) ask you to state your current marital status and swear on your honor that you are legally free to marry.  All they require is your honesty and signature.

c. Liste de Temoins

These forms ask you to identify who your two witnesses will be (one witness for each spouse).  You will have to list their names and addresses.  Choose wisely, and make absolutely certain your witnesses can be there - in France - for the civil ceremony.  Last minute changes are not allowed.  If either of your pre-designated witnesses do not show up, your wedding will be cancelled.  Your witnesses will be asked to stand beside you during the vows, and will sign your actual Marriage certificate.

d. Renseignements Relatifs a L'Epoux

These documents ask for detailed  information about your parents (who they are, where they live and what they do).  If you list anything here that differs from your birth certificate in any way (e.g. your mother remarried) be prepared to explain it. 

All the documents in the Livre de Marie are absolutely required in order to post Le Bans (see below).  Make certain they are complete and accurate.

2. Le Bans

At some point during your wedding planning, you must schedule the actual wedding date with the Mayor. The date is important, for you must have all of your documents in order and delivered back to the Mayer at least 30 days prior to that date.  Once received, the Mayor will review them, and if approved, he/she will post 'Le Bans" in a public place outside the Mayor’s office. "Le Bans" is a printed public notice announcing your intent to marry. Its purpose is to inform the public of the pending nuptials, allowing anyone the chance to contest the union before it takes place.  If there is a single error in your documents, the announcement will be delayed - and so will your wedding. Be sure to plan early and give yourselves plenty of time.

3. Birth Certificates

You’ll need a copy of both of your birth certificates.  The copies must be less than 6 months old and recently certified.  If one is in English, it must be translated and notarized by an approved French notary (contact the French Consulate for approved French notaries and translators in your area). You must also obtain a "translation certificate" from the approved translator stating that the document is true and correct.  Finally, all documents (i.e. the birth certificates, the translation, and the translation certificate) must be "legalized" via a stamp from the French Consulate. Potential costs:  Back in 1998, our fees included $25.00 for a copy of my American birth certification, no charge for a copy of his French birth certificate, $150.00 for the translation of mine, $75.00 for the Notarization, plus $75 for the Legalization of all three documents.