Wedding

My sister in law was married in France because apparently she thought it sounded cool and she was living there at the time but it was a lot of work.

I don't think pastors usually have rights or interests in officiating a wedding in a Roman Catholic church so if you're looking for a pastor I'd check Protestant churches and US and French law. I think it's a lot of hassle when you could just get married at home then vacation in Paris.

The only marriages that are legal in France are civil ones. And those require a lot of hoops to be jumped through for non citizens, including proof of residency.

You could have a wedding ceremony in a church, but it would not be a legal marriage. Also, a church ceremony is conducted by the priest or minister who presides over that church in most cases. A Protestant pastor would most certainly not be permitted to conduct a service in a Catholic Church. (Although I've seen both a Catholic Priest and a Protestant Minister co-officiate at a mixed marriage). If you still wish to proceed, you can Google the churches in central Paris for their contact information to find out more about their requirements for a wedding ceremony. Note that most Catholic churches require at least one of you to be Catholic, and supply the necessary paperwork to confirm.

Thanks to all who have responded. Additional insights welcome. It’s looking like a neat idea that may be too complicated to easily execute. Hope to read a few more opinions!

I'm sure it wouldn't be easy even if it's possible. Why do you want to do it ?

Opinions don't matter.
As mentioned above, there are lots of hurdles. Most people marry at home, then have a symbolic ceremony in Europe.
https://www.frenchweddingstyle.com/how-to-get-married-in-france-as-a-foreigner/#:~:text=To%20legally%20marry%20in%20France%2C%20the%20following%20rules,Both%20individuals%20must%20consent%20freely%20and%20without%20coercion.

https://fr.usembassy.gov/services/marriage-and-civil-partnerships-pacs-in-france/

Assuming you are an American, the State Department offers information about the process if you want an official French marriage. If you have a religious affiliation in the US your church may be able to provide a contact overseas, but as noted you will probably need proof of church membership and have completed any pre-marriage requirements (like counseling).

If you're set on the idea, you probably would want to engage the services of a professional wedding planner in Paris. That won't be inexpensive but they can definitely help with the necessary language, legal, and cultural interpretation.

Try contacting the American Church in Paris. It's on the Left Bank near the Eiffel Tower. https://www.acparis.org.

It is a lovely idea, and congratulations.

It may be non-trivial though - all the hoops will give you lots of stories to regale each other with over the decades!

A couple of months ago a young family member got married in Italy. The civil part was so difficult that they ended up having a quiet civil ceremony in the US first and a second religious ceremony in Italy.

Thanks to Twister. I have sent an inquiry to the American Church in Paris for information. Jim

I know I will sound like a curmudgeon, but, getting married in a church is not like going to a Las Vegas chapel. Why would anyone want to be married in a church if you have no affiliation with it? Is it the setting? It seems disrespectful to me to want a church wedding if the church doesn't mean anything to you. If you are a member of a church in the US, I would go to them to see what is possible for an overseas ceremony in a church of your faith. Please do not think of a place of faith as a backdrop. I sincerely hope I have misread your request for information. My two cents.

Yes, Judy. You do sound like a curmudgeon. To answer your question, I am very active in the Methodist Church and a church environment is important to both of us. No luck finding a Methodist Church as yet so looking at all options.

Another idea- a lot of people take pictures in Paris in their wedding clothes. I saw a couple get sent away from Opera Garnier because they don't allow suitcases so I'm not necessarily advocating it but outdoors there would be a place somewhere.

My apologies. I guess I have just seen too many instances of poorly behaved people in churches, synagogues and mosques so I am a bit jaded. And maybe too sensitive about what I perceive as lack of respect for these places of faith. My best wishes to you and your finances for a lovely wedding, wherever it may take place.

fiancee, not finances...autocorrect...sorry.