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Which type of marriage does the State recognise in France?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: A civil marriage. A civil marriage is the only marriage recognised in France. It is held in the town where one of the future spouses or one of their parents lives. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “La déclaration de mariage” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “La déclaration de mariage” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ A religious marriageLe mariage religieuxA religious ceremony alone is not recognised by the State.
- ✗ A marriage held within the familyLe mariage fait en familleA marriage held only within the family has no legal value.
- ✗ A marriage held among friendsLe mariage fait entre amisA marriage held among friends is not recognised by the State.
- ✓ A civil marriageLe mariage civilCorrect answer. A civil marriage is the only marriage recognised in France. It is held in the town where one of the future spouses or one of their parents lives.
What the source says
« Le mariage civil est le seul mariage reconnu en France. »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Quel type de mariage l'État reconnaît-il en France ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the resident card (CR). The Ministry's wording: “Quel mariage est reconnu par l'État ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “La déclaration de mariage” (French).
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