Section 2: Formalities prior to marriage celebrated abroad by a foreign authority

When celebrated by a foreign authority, the marriage of a French national must be preceded by the issue of a certificate of capacity to marry drawn up after completion, with the diplomatic or consular authority competent with regard to the place of celebration of the marriage, of the requirements set out in article 63. Subject to the exemptions provided for in Article 169, the publication provided for in Article 63…

At the request of the diplomatic or consular authority with jurisdiction over the place of celebration of the marriage, the hearing and individual interviews with the future spouses referred to in article 63 are performed by the civil registrar of the place of domicile or residence in France of the future spouse(s), or by the territorially competent diplomatic or consular authority in the event of domicile or residence abroad.

Where there are serious indications that the intended marriage is null and void under articles 144, 146, 146-1, 147, 161, 162, 163, 180 or 191, the diplomatic or consular authority shall immediately refer the matter to the competent public prosecutor and inform the interested parties. The Public Prosecutor may, within two months of the referral, inform the diplomatic or consular authority of the place where the celebration of the marriage…