Civil wedding at the town hall, then a reception on a boat

Combining a civil wedding with a boat reception is mostly a matter of synchronising timings and the journey. Ideally, allow 45 minutes to an hour between the end of the ceremony at the town hall and boarding, and choose a mooring just a few minutes from the district mairie. Everything else then runs smoothly and without stress.

Many couples choose this format: the official part in the morning or early afternoon, then the celebration out on the water.

Getting the timing right

A civil ceremony lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, but the welcome, the signing of the register and the photos outside the town hall often stretch things out. Allow a comfortable buffer before boarding so that nobody has to rush. A welcome cocktail at the quayside helps absorb any small delays.

Transporting the wedding party

There are several options, depending on the number of guests:

• the couple's cars, followed by a convoy of private vehicles;
• a shuttle or minibus for larger groups;
• a walk, if the mooring is very close.

Let guests know the exact boarding address in advance, along with parking and public transport options. Our guide to access, parking and transport will help you prepare this part.

Choosing a mooring close to the town hall

The choice of mooring shapes the whole day. The closer it is to the town hall, the smoother the transition. Also check access for older guests and those with reduced mobility. To compare the options, read our article on choosing your boarding point.

Going further

A detailed look at how a wedding on board unfolds is set out in our planning guide, and all the options are covered in the guide to getting married on a boat.