Suzanne McClure

My fiance and I are planning to get married while in Paris next May. Does anyone know of a small, elegant church or chapel in the city? Also, if anyone knows of a photographer (or how we might go about finding one) - that would be great. Thanks in advance.

Donna

It's a good thing you're planning this far in advance. Unless you or your fiance is resident of France, you will have to have the "legal" ceremony stateside (even John Travolta had to do this). To marry in Europe, you must fulfill a residency requirement (of a least six months, depending on the country) and there's a mountain of paperwork to be processed. Also, you must be a member of the particular parish in which you wish to marry in order to have your vows consecrated in a church. And, then there's the prenuptial requirements of the church. But, Paris is a splendid honeymoon destination! Now is not too early to book for the best selection of reasonably priced, but charming and comfortable, hotel rooms. <BR>

Christina

Well, I think the church on St-Louis-en-Ile is <BR>smaller than most, and quite beautiful (Renaissance <BR>style, I think) and kept up quite well. I forget the name <BR>of it, but it's the only one there and is right on the <BR>street that goes down the middle of the island. <BR>However, you can't just "rent" a church like a city hall. For one thing, <BR>you'd have to be Catholic, and that isn't your parish. <BR>If you plan to get married in Paris, I presume you or <BR>your fiance is at least a French resident, otherwise <BR>you can't get married there anyway, so your relatives/ <BR>acquaintances in Paris or France would be better able <BR>to help you with a photographer. If not, there's <BR>always the phone book, of course. The French <BR>phone book (Paris, at least) is now available on the <BR>internet--you can easily find it in Yahoo-France; <BR>I've used it, so I know it's there--residences and <BR>businesses. <BR>

Sharon

If you are able to fulfill the residency requirements, etc., you might contact the American Church in Paris (65, quai d'Orsay, 7ème; tel. 01-40-62-05-00). They provide assistance to Americans in Paris and they hold inter-demoninational services. They may or may not be able to assist you. If nothing else, they may be able to direct you to someone who can help you. A second phone number is listed for them: counseling service (tel. 01-45-50-26-49). I'm not sure which would be the best to call. Good luck to you both!

cornell

Hey <BR>My wife and I did get married in Paris! However, the other emails were correct in that the legal ceremony must be done beforehand unless you are a French resident. As well, I'm Catholic which made things a little easier. If you're Catholic, you need to fill out the paper work with your local priest including all the church papers. Its pretty straightforward. Then you need to liaise with the church in Paris to select dates. Book well in advance. <BR> <BR>We were married in St. Joseph's (BTW u also need some witnesses !) which is at Avenue Hoche, one of the main streets leading to L'Arc de Triomphe (parallel to Champs Elysees). The church is modern unfortunately but its the only English speaking Catholic church in the city. Anyway, the park at the end of the street is gorgeous and makes a brilliant setting for your wedding photos especially in the mid to late afternoon with the sunshine streaming through the trees. As well, the military academy is only a hop and a skip away where you can use the Eiffel Tower as a background (not the Academy!) for your wedding shots - just hop into a taxi (our taxi driver turned into goo when he saw my wife in her wedding gown). <BR> <BR>Also make sure you see the priest at least 3 days before to arrange hymns, prayers, etc. <BR> <BR>Best of luck. Its a rare and beautiful experience outside the ordinary !

Larry

Sure sounds romantic!