Notre-Dame Cathedral hosts first wedding in 30 years — for carpenter who helped rebuild it
Notre-Dame, the iconic French landmark that suffered a devastating fire five years ago, recently hosted its first wedding in three decades. The ceremony took place on October 25th and featured Martin Lorentz, a carpenter who played a significant role in rebuilding the cathedral, exchanging vows with his fiancée, Jade, beneath the newly restored Gothic vaults.
The news of this rare wedding at Notre-Dame was reported by the National Catholic Register and France 24 TV. It marked a special occasion as weddings at the cathedral are exceptionally rare due to its primary role as a site for major religious and state ceremonies rather than private events. Only the Archbishop of Paris can authorize weddings at Notre-Dame, and such permissions have been granted only a few times in its long history.
The ceremony, approved as a one-time exception by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris, was attended by around 500 guests, including fellow artisans, engineers, and restorers who contributed to the reconstruction efforts following the 2019 blaze that destroyed the cathedral’s roof and spire.
Martin Lorentz, who spent three years meticulously reconstructing the cathedral’s medieval wooden framework, had expressed his desire to wed in the iconic church he helped save. The couple’s joy was palpable as they exchanged vows, with Lorentz describing it as the happiest day of his life.
Monsignor Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, the cathedral’s rector, officiated the Mass and welcomed the couple with a personal touch, acknowledging Lorentz’s dedication to the restoration process. The newlyweds were greeted by a guard of honor formed by carpenters as they emerged from the cathedral, symbolizing Notre-Dame’s gradual return to life after years of painstaking restoration.
The rebuilding of Notre-Dame, completed in December 2024, was a momentous occasion attended by dignitaries, including French President Emmanuel Macron and then-President-elect Donald Trump. Macron hailed the reconstruction as an immense source of pride for the nation.
For Lorentz, the wedding at Notre-Dame was a culmination of years of hard work and personal dedication to a monument that holds deep significance for him both professionally and spiritually. As he reflected on his late nights spent crafting oak beams using centuries-old techniques, Lorentz expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the restoration of Notre-Dame and to mark his love for Jade in this historic setting.
