Marriages and the French ‘regimes’

Marriages in France are civil

In France a marriage is first and foremost a civil matter, with the key legal part of the ceremony taking place at the mairie (a religious ceremony is optional). All marriages, including those contracted abroad, are considered to fall under a certain ‘marriage regime’, which affects matters such as how property is owned and what happens to it after a divorce or death. 

With regard to most US marriages (though this varies by state), the regime is similar to the French séparation de biens, whereby each person owns property they paid for or were given. A lawyer can advise on these considerations, with a notaire usually being the main port of call (see the directory here, which can be searched using languages spoken). 

How US marriages are recognized 

A US marriage is recognized in France. To show proof of marriage for administrative procedures, you need to present your marriage certificate as a certified copy – it must be apostilled by the US authorities and translated by a traducteur assermenté (sworn translator). 

How a US marriage affects life in France 

A legally recognized marriage in France can provide some benefits (ie. inheritance protections, or tax benefits if you file as a couple and are French tax residents), though when it comes to healthcare it is your residency that will determine access to the system. 

With regard to immigration, remember you must each apply individually for your own visa, though these can be grouped in the application system to be processed at the same time.