As well as I try to articulate my search on this topic, the web just isn't giving up the kind of information tailored to my query, which is - what are the steps necessary both before and after departure to France, for an American citizen marrying a French citizen living in France? I have asked him to cull information at his local mairie (he is currently living in France, I will join him in July) but I would also like to research on my own.

At the moment, I am departing for France in July on a tourist visa - does this further complicate things? Or is the legal process still doable, if nothing but time-consuming and taxing (we're more than prepared for it to be a long, uphill battle).

I'd love a general website or something with this information, or is this sort of thing privy only to the actual embassies/consulates thereof? If it's the latter, then I'm at a loss of sorts, since the closest consulate general of France is in San Francisco - quite far from my residence in Hawaii. Calling for information isn't impossible, I suppose.

I apologize if I sound bewildered and a bit naive about this entire situation; I assure you I'm the type who more than enjoys reading up on these matters, if they'd help me in assuring my future living in France, with someone I adore.

-C