Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mariage | /ma.ʁjaʒ/ | masculine |
| noces | /nɔs/ | feminine, plural |
The term mariage is used to describe both the legal act of marriage and the wedding ceremony itself. To specifically refer to the ceremony, you can use la cérémonie de mariage. In France, the legally binding part of the wedding is known as le mariage civil, which is conducted at a town hall by a mayor or deputy. Any religious ceremony is considered purely ceremonial.
Which one should you use?
While mariage is the standard term for the legal or general concept of a wedding, noces is a more formal or literary term. Noces is often used to refer to the wedding feast, the nuptials or the state of being newlyweds.
How does it change in a sentence?
Mariage is a masculine noun. Noces is a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ma.ʁjaʒ/
When do people say it?
When attending a wedding, a common phrase to use to wish congratulations to the newlyweds is Félicitations aux mariés!
Did you know?
- The term mariage blanc refers to a 'white marriage', which is a marriage of convenience entered into for legal or immigration reasons rather than love.
- While 'wedding' can refer to the event, the French mariage can also describe a blending of flavors, such as a 'mariage de vins' or a marriage of cheeses.
- While mariage refers to the union, French uses the word mariés to describe the couple. Calling the newlyweds les jeunes mariés is a standard cultural practice regardless of their actual age.
Examples in context
- J'étais à ton mariage.I was at your wedding.This sentence uses mariage to show attendance at a wedding.Tatoeba #7046953 by Aiji, translation #2646585 by CK
- J'ai annulé mon mariage.I called off my wedding.This sentence uses mariage to describe the cancellation of a wedding.Tatoeba #7090023 by Micsmithel, translation #2610579 by Amastan
- Elle approuva le mariage.She approved of the wedding.This sentence uses mariage to describe the approval of a wedding.Tatoeba #901979 by U2FS, translation #901966 by U2FS
- Nous avons assisté à un mariage magnifiqueWe attended a beautiful wedding
- La cérémonie de mariage était émouvanteThe wedding ceremony was touching
- Ils ont célébré leur union matrimoniale en grande pompeThey celebrated their matrimonial union in great style
- Ils se marient demainThey are getting married tomorrow
- Nous avons assisté à un mariage civil très simpleWe attended a very simple civil wedding
- Les noces étaient fantastiques, une soirée inoubliable!The wedding celebration was fantastic, an unforgettable evening!
- Un mariage romantiqueA romantic wedding
- Un beau mariageA beautiful wedding
- Que votre mariage soit rempli de joie et de bonheurMay your marriage be filled with joy and happiness
- Ils ont organisé une magnifique cérémonie de mariageThey organized a beautiful wedding ceremony
- Nous avons assisté aux noces de notre ami procheWe attended the wedding celebrations of our close friend
- Le mariage civil était simple et émouvantThe civil wedding was simple and touching
- Un grand mariage était prévu, mais ils ont opté pour une union matrimoniale intimeA grand wedding was planned, but they opted for an intimate matrimonial union
- 182 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing an upcoming event.
- ManonTu viens à mon mariage ?Are you coming to my wedding?
- GabrielOui, je ne raterais ça pour rien au monde.Yes, I wouldn't miss it for the world.
- ManonC'est gentil, Gabriel.That's kind of you, Gabriel.
- GabrielJe suis très heureux pour toi, Manon.I am very happy for you, Manon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wedding” translations and entries mariage, noces, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
