In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Monaco.
Weddings in Monaco: What You Need To Know
A destination wedding is a special event that allows you to celebrate your nuptials in a truly unique setting.
If you’ve always dreamed of getting married in a glamorous setting, then Monaco is the perfect place to tie the knot.
This Mediterranean country offers a wealth of beautiful scenery, from the rolling hills of the French Riviera to the dramatic cliffs of the coastline.
In addition, Monaco is home to a number of world-famous landmarks, including the Prince’s Palace and the Monte Carlo Casino.
Whether you’re looking for a stunning natural setting or a glamorous cityscape, Monaco has the perfect backdrop for your destination wedding.
But first: you need to know where in the world Monaco is…
Where is Monaco?
Monaco is a city-state/microstate located in southern Europe, on the Mediterranean Sea on the French Riviera. It borders France to the west, north and east. Mediterranean Sea is to the south.
Area: 0.8 sq mi (2.1 sq km). Population: (2022 est.) 38,400, Capital: Monaco.
Monaco Facts To Know:
- Language: French
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Airports: No airports, but there is a heliport in Fontvieille. The closest airport is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France (NCE).
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.visitmonaco.com/en
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Monaco for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Monaco
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Monaco:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Monaco or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Monaco wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Monaco:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Monaco
Monaco Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Monaco:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Monaco?
- What are the marriage requirements for Monaco?
- What is the weather like in Monaco?
- What should you pack for a trip to Monaco?
- What things are there to do in Monaco?
- What are the best Monaco wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Monaco Cost?
For more information on the fees please contact the Citizen Services Center at the Monaco Town Hall:
Service de l’État Civil – Nationalité (Citizen Services Center)
Mairie de Monaco
Place de la Mairie, 98000 Monaco
Tel: (+377) 93 15 28 51 / 93 15 29 64
Fax : (+377) 93 15 61 77
Email: etatcivil@mairie.mc
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Monaco
An appointment needs to be made at the Service de l’État Civil of the Monaco Town Hall (Mairie) to put together the marriage file.
All documents must be handed in to the Town Hall at least two months before the marriage takes place.
The couple must post their intent to marry on the door of the Monaco Town Hall for a period of at least 10 days, which includes two Sundays.
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Residence certificate (Certificat de Résidence) of at least one of the partners.
- Birth certificate (Acte de Naissance Intégral): Unabridged birth certificate less than three months old.
- Valid passport.
- Certificate of matrimonial capacity issued by the country of origin (if it is not Monegasque).
- If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
- Name change document – generally all names on all documents need to match (including your parents’ names), otherwise proof of name change needs to be shown.
- Certificate of the ‘marriage banns’ – proof of a public announcement of the upcoming marriage.
Other legal requirements are:
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- You should apply for the marriage license at least 2 months prior to the ceremony.
- 2 witnesses over the age of 18 are required. They need to bring proof of their identities.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Monaco, although at least one partner has to be a resident of Monaco for a minimum of 30 days directly before the wedding ceremony.
- All international paperwork has to be translated into French by an official translator. It is mandatory that they be authenticated with an Apostille stamp from your home country first.
- All civil ceremonies take place at “La Mairie” (Town Hall) in Monaco, and Monégasque law only recognises civil marriage.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
If you have your heart set on getting married in Monaco but are unable to meet the residence requirements, we advise you ‘secretly’ get married in your home country and then have a Wedding Blessing or so called Humanist wedding ceremony in France.
What Is The Weather Like in Monaco?
In Monaco, the summer (mid-June to August), is the best time to go for a beach holiday.
On the other hand, if you just want to visit the city, you should go in May or early June, or September, but keep in mind that it can rain sometimes during those months.
What should you pack for your trip?
Your best bet is to bring light layers that can be shed throughout the day, depending on the activity you’re participating in and the weather. Monaco is famous for their coastline packed with beautiful beaches so don’t forget your swimwear.
It is recommended that you combine your stylish pieces with items that are practical for long days of sightseeing and traveling. Expect to spend a significant amount of time outdoors and walking while visiting local tourist sites and going casino hopping.
In May and October it is best to pack both spring and summer clothes. It’s best to wear both spring and summer clothes in May and October.
If you plan on visiting Monaco between the months of November and April, be sure to pack warm winter clothing appropriate for the temperature of the region. However, avoid packing clothing that is too warm – a sweater and a jacket will do.
In the casinos a strict dress code is enforced, however, some casinos permit casual attire from the morning to the early afternoons.
Monaco Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Monaco:
Average Temperatures in Monaco
The table below shows the average temperatures in Monaco each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 3.9 | 13.4 | 8.6 | 39 | 56 | 47.6 |
| February | 3.9 | 13.7 | 8.8 | 39 | 57 | 47.8 |
| March | 6.3 | 15.8 | 11 | 43 | 60 | 51.9 |
| April | 8.9 | 18.1 | 13.5 | 48 | 65 | 56.3 |
| May | 12.9 | 21.7 | 17.3 | 55 | 71 | 63.1 |
| June | 16.7 | 25.3 | 21 | 62 | 78 | 69.8 |
| July | 19 | 28 | 23.5 | 66 | 82 | 74.3 |
| August | 19 | 28.4 | 23.7 | 66 | 83 | 74.7 |
| September | 15.5 | 25.1 | 20.3 | 60 | 77 | 68.5 |
| October | 12.3 | 21.2 | 16.8 | 54 | 70 | 62.2 |
| November | 8.1 | 17 | 12.6 | 47 | 63 | 54.6 |
| December | 4.8 | 14.1 | 9.4 | 41 | 57 | 49 |
| Year | 11 | 20.2 | 15.55 | 51.8 | 68.3 | 60 |
Average Rainfall in Monaco
The table below shows the average rainfall in Monaco each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 75 | 3 | 6 |
| February | 40 | 1.6 | 5 |
| March | 40 | 1.6 | 5 |
| April | 70 | 2.8 | 7 |
| May | 50 | 2 | 5 |
| June | 30 | 1.2 | 4 |
| July | 15 | 0.6 | 2 |
| August | 25 | 1 | 3 |
| September | 80 | 3.1 | 4 |
| October | 120 | 4.7 | 7 |
| November | 105 | 4.1 | 7 |
| December | 95 | 3.7 | 7 |
| Year | 755 | 29.7 | 61 |
Sunshine Hours in Monaco
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Monaco each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 5 | 150 |
| February | 6 | 175 |
| March | 7.5 | 225 |
| April | 7.5 | 225 |
| May | 8.5 | 265 |
| June | 10.5 | 310 |
| July | 11 | 345 |
| August | 10 | 315 |
| September | 8.5 | 255 |
| October | 6 | 195 |
| November | 5 | 150 |
| December | 4.5 | 135 |
| Year | 7.5 | 2745 |
Sea Temperatures in Monaco
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Monaco each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 13 | 55 |
| February | 13 | 55 |
| March | 13 | 55 |
| April | 14 | 57 |
| May | 16 | 61 |
| June | 18 | 64 |
| July | 21 | 70 |
| August | 22 | 72 |
| September | 21 | 70 |
| October | 18 | 64 |
| November | 16 | 61 |
| December | 14 | 57 |
| Year | 16.6 | 61.9 |
What To Wear in Monaco? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Monaco so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Monaco is a glamorous destination, so you’ll want to make sure you pack everything you need to look and feel your best: For ladies, that means packing a selection of stylish dresses and heels. Gentlemen will need to pack a suit or two, as well as some smart shoes.
- Beachwear: Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit! Monaco has some nice beaches, and you will likely be lounging at the pool of your hotel in the summer as well.
- Sunscreen: The sun can be quite intense in Monaco, especially during the summer months.
- Hat and sunglasses: A hat and sunglasses will help you in the hot Mediterranean sunshine.
- Comfortable shoes: You should also pack nice comfortable walking shoes, since you will likely be walking everywhere.
- Camera: Don’t forget to pack your camera!
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in Monaco
There are many different things to do in Monaco, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
- Monte Carlo Harbor
- Casino of Monte-Carlo
- Cathedrale Notre-Dame-Immaculee
- Japanese Gardens
- Vieux Monaco
- Jardin Exotique de Monaco
- Les Jardins Saint Martin et Sainte Barbe
- Opera de Monte-Carlo
- The Private Collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III
- Fairmont Hairpin curve
Best Monaco Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Monaco?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Monaco
- Hôtel de Paris
- Hôtel Hermitage
- Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Beach
- Salle des Etoiles
- Salon Bellevue – Café de Paris
- Cap Estel Hotel
- Villa La Vigie
Hotels in Monaco
- Boutique Hotel Miramar
- Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
- Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
- Novotel Monte-Carlo
- Fairmont Monte Carlo
- Port Palace
- Ambassador-Monaco
- Hôtel de France
