Getting Married in Monaco: Civil Marriage Procedures and Requirements

Civil Marriage in Monaco

Civil marriage in Monaco is the only legally binding form of union. It is conducted by the Service de l'Etat Civil at the Mairie de Monaco (Town Hall), located at Place de la Mairie in Monaco-Ville. Religious ceremonies may be held separately but carry no legal effect unless preceded by a civil marriage.

Both spouses must be at least 18 years old. If either spouse is a minor, parental consent signed before a notary is required.

Residency Requirement

At least one of the two future spouses must be either a Monegasque national or have been continuously domiciled in Monaco for more than one month at the date of publication of banns (Article 139 of the Civil Code). Non-residents who do not meet this condition cannot marry in Monaco.

Required Documents

Both spouses must provide the following to the Service de l'Etat Civil:

• Valid passport or national identity card
• Original birth certificate issued within the last three months
• Proof of residence in Monaco (for the spouse meeting the residency requirement)
• Certificate of celibacy (attestation de celibat) confirming the person is not currently married
• Marriage capacity certificate (certificat de capacite matrimoniale or certificat de coutume), obtained from the home country's consulate, certifying the person is free to marry under their national law
• If previously married: original divorce decree (jugement de divorce) or death certificate of the former spouse

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into French by a sworn translator and either apostilled or legalised by the country of origin. Medical certificates are not required in Monaco, unlike some other European countries.

Filing the Application

Submit all documents to the Service de l'Etat Civil at least two months before the intended wedding date. Officials will verify the documentation and confirm there are no legal impediments to the marriage.

Contact details for the Mairie:

• Address: Place de la Mairie, MC-98000 Monaco
• Phone: +377 93 15 28 51 or +377 93 15 29 64
• Email: etatcivil@mairie.mc
• Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 to 16:00, Saturday 9:00 to 12:00
• Website: mairie.mc

Publication of Banns

Once the application is accepted, the Mairie publishes the banns — a public notice of intent to marry — for a minimum period of ten days (Article 52 of the Civil Code). This notice is posted at the Mairie and allows anyone to raise objections. The marriage cannot be celebrated until this period has expired.

The Ceremony

Civil ceremonies take place at the Mairie de Monaco and are conducted in French by an authorised municipal officer. Ceremonies are available on weekdays from 10:00 to 16:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:30. Marriages are not performed on Sundays or public holidays.

Two to four witnesses are required, all of whom must be at least 18 years old. The ceremony is a brief, formal proceeding. Religious elements are not included.

Marriage Certificate

The official marriage certificate (acte de mariage) is issued immediately after the ceremony. It is advisable to request multiple certified copies at the time of the marriage for use in passport updates, name changes, and international recognition. Some countries require the apostille or legalisation of the marriage certificate for it to be valid abroad.

Certified copies cost 2.55 EUR for one copy, 4.05 EUR for two, and 6.60 EUR for three.

Name Changes

Married couples may retain their individual surnames, adopt the spouse's surname, or use a double-barrelled combination. These choices should be specified before or at the time of the ceremony. Name change rules follow applicable national law and personal preference.

See also: Birth Registration, Postal Services