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For many people, Paris, the City of Lights, is the epitome of romance. A city that oozes history, culture and unbridled luxury. It's a magical place and it's no wonder that so many couples want to have their wedding there. From the Champs Elysee to the Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower to the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, there isn't a thing about Paris that doesn't attract, n'est ce pas?

But, romance aside, getting married in Paris isn't a matter of choosing a date and booking the church. France has stringent requirements for tying the knot and it can be off-putting to all but the most determined among us. Basically, at least one of the couple needs to have lived in the district where they want to get married for 30-40 consecutive days.

Additionally, proof of residency is required along with a slew of other documents, including a birth certificate, a certificate of celibacy, and a medical certificate, all of which must be less than three months old. Furthermore, if you want a church wedding, then you must first have a civil ceremony in France. (A civil ceremony back at home doesn't count.)

If it sounds difficult, that's because it is. However, it's not impossible. You do need to be resourceful and resilient though, with a whole lot of patience thrown in for good measure.

Many couples choose to marry in their own country then hold a symbolic ceremony in Paris. But, if your heart is set on having the full works in France, then rest assured it is possible - you simply need to 'gird your loins' and be prepared to do whatever you must to fulfill all the legal requirements.

This is where a wedding planner becomes almost essential. Someone who lives in Paris and understands the ins and outs of the legal system. Someone who knows the best venues, hotels and restaurants. A Parisian wedding planner will know where to shop, where to get your cake, and which photographer to book. (Read our interview with American wedding planner in Paris, Kimberley Petyt, who runs the successful wedding and events company, Parisian Events.)

British-based wedding planner, Kathryn Lloyd, (she did Sophie Ellis Bextor's wedding) is another excellent choice.

Also, check out Weddings in France. Or, you could try Piece Montee, a French wedding consultancy with English-speaking consultants. Be aware, though, that even though a French wedding consultancy may speak English, they may not quite grasp all the needs of an American bride, as French weddings differ a lot from English and American weddings.

When to go

The best time of year to visit Paris is in the springtime, from April to May. Summer in Paris (June - August) can be unbearably hot and as it is peak tourist season everything is overcrowded and overpriced. It's best avoided at that time of year.

Things to do

If your wedding celebrations are taking place over a few days, then you'll need to arrange, or at least highlight, various activities for your guests, such as:

• A cruise on the "Bateaux Mouches" (or, even better, a dinner cruise)
• A walk on Ile Saint Louis (and an ice-cream at Berthillon...)
• A visit of the Musée Rodin and lunch in the garden
• A walk along the Canal St Martin
• A visit of the Claude Monet's gardens
  
• Visit the Louvre Musuem, the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame, The Sacre Coeur
  
• Shopping: The Galeries Lafayette: a fantastic department store with just about everything under the sun and Au Bon Marche: in the Latin Quarter, well known for it's (expensive) food department
• Eat out at: Maison Blanche: book a table near the window, for fabulous views of Paris
  

Book a walking tour of Paris: You could try Christiane at A Photographer in Paris. She will also arrange French lessons, cooking lessons and, if you're on a tight budget and can't afford an expensive photographer, then Christiane will do a day of photography for you, recording your special moments, at a charge of €400 (about $620) for a full day.

Hotels

Hotel Madeleine Opera: situated in an historically rich area, near the famous Faubourg St Honore, with it's exclusive designer shops and the Place Vendôme. A very reasonably priced hotel.

Hotel Amour: a trendy, but low-budget choice. Comes highly recommended.

Hotel Duminy Vendôme: elegant and comfortable in a great location. Rates from €225 - €330 per room. ($350 - $520)

If you want a Paris wedding that is unique, without the hiccups that are almost inevitable when doing things long-distance, then our advice is to hire a wedding planner and save yourself a whole lot of headaches and unnecessary stress.