The former Director of Football is also joining the Board of Directors as a new member.
Since Tuesday 2 October, Thiago Scuro has been overseeing all of AS Monaco’s activities, reporting directly to President Dmitry Rybolovlev, whose involvement in the renewal of AS Monaco has already enabled the team to play a leading role in Ligue 1 once more.
Thiago Scuro will have both a business and sports remit, working alongside Carlos Aviña, Technical Director, and Olga Dementeva, Deputy CEO.
The Brazilian succeeds Ben Lambrecht, who after a spell with Cercle Bruges (March 2021-December 2022) and then AS Monaco (since December 2022), stepped down as CEO and director by mutual agreement with the club.
Meanwhile, Paul Mitchell, who has held the post of sporting director since 2020, and told us in June that he would “be there as long as they need me,” has handed over the reins to Thiago Scuro for good, as the club has also announced his departure.
Successful first steps at AS Monaco
And Thiago Scuro has already made a major splash in just a few weeks, thanks to a targeted recruitment drive that favoured quality over quantity, with the full backing of president Dmitry Rybolovlev, who helped the club financially at the start of the transfer window.
“Many of the players were scarred after the end of last season. Nobody was happy with what happened, he said. “From day one, this could be felt very strongly on the training ground.”
Everyone wanted to show that we could do better, do more, work together differently. (…) The game is the main thing. It’s all about the type of football we want to display.”
After seven match days, AS Monaco are currently top of the league.
AS Monaco’s new organisation chart :
Chairman : Dmitry RYBOLOVLEV
Vice-President: Juan SARTORI
Vice-President : Ekaterina SARTORI RYBOLOVLEVA
CEO: Thiago SCURO
Deputy CEO: Olga DEMENTEVA
President of the Association: Michel AUBERY
Technical Director: Carlos AVIÑA
Performance Director: James BUNCE
Head coach: Adi HÜTTER
Director of Youth Development: Pascal DE MAESSCHALCK
The aim of these trips, first to Brussels in June, then to London, is to coordinate representation of the Principality’s interests abroad, in partnership with public and private players.
The Principality presented itself “as a team” at Monaco’s Embassy in London. The Monaco Government’s Attractiveness Unit was joined by Monaco Private Label, the Monaco Economic Board, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer group and the Monaco Association for Financial Activities.
“The United Kingdom is a strategic location for Monaco, with 3,000 residents, an exceptional financial centre and a wealth of talent …(…) The aim is to present the Principality to investors, entrepreneurs and professionals such as tax specialists and bankers who can bring us the residents, investors and investment funds we would like to have in the Principality,” says Frédéric Genta, Inter-ministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition, speaking to Monaco Info.
It is an opportunity to showcase the Principality’s assets and to strengthen the links between the Monegasque and British diplomatic networks.
Attracting future residents and talents
The Monegasque delegation knows how to present Monaco in its best light. “London has become quite dangerous, so safety is the Principality’s primary appeal. Of course, the tax system is a factor in our attractiveness, as is quite simply living in Monaco,” says Monaco’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Evelyne Genta, speaking to Monaco Info.
The aim is clear: to stimulate interest among influential local figures. “A certain measure of Monaco’s development is thanks to its talents, talents from all over the world who choose us,” says Frédéric Genta.
Over the two days of the trip, the Inter-ministerial Delegate, his team and all the partners were able to meet with around thirty entrepreneurs, investors and legal and tax experts from London who are keen to build a relationship with the Principality.
With almost 7% of the Principality’s total resident population (Monaco Statistics 2023 report), the British community is one of the 3 largest in Monaco.
London, a major economic player
The British capital is a priority destination for the coordinated actions of the attractiveness policy. “London remains one of the most active cities in terms of relocating new residents to the Principality, but there’s much more to it than that. The British capital is an international platform through which we can reach a much wider audience. From India to South America, via the Middle East, all nationalities go through London and we are continuously striving to grow the network that this global centre of finance and commerce provides for us,” says Evelyne Genta in conclusion.
Built in 2002, the 97.2-metre superyacht recently underwent a refit, which will be on display for the first time at MYS 2023.
You’ll need to walk for a few minutes to see it. Right at the end of Quai Rainier III, the Carinthia VII is hogging the limelight and the space! This is not the first time that the giant of the seas has taken part in the Monaco Yacht Show.
The first time, in 2022, the Carinthia VII, built by the Lürssen shipbuilding company, was up for sale through the leading agency in the field, Fraser Yachts. According to the latest news, the last recorded selling price for the yacht was €95,000,000. Although the amount of the actual transaction is not officially known, its sale was the highest of 2022 in this sector. The 2023 version of the Carinthia VII boasts a refit, in particular a redesign of the outer decks to create new lounges and spaces.
Built for Austrian billionaire Heidi Horten in 2002, the Carinthia VII spans six decks and can accommodate 12 guests in 8 cabins: 6 on the main deck, and a seventh and eighth on the owner’s deck, reserved for the owner and potential VIPs.
Gym, cinema, hammam, sauna, 12-metre swimming pool, heliport… And yet this extravagant vessel only ranks 57th on the list of the world’s biggest luxury yachts. It is now also available on the rental market for the first time. The starting price for a week on board is €1,400,000.
An evening “in the style of the great balls attended by Prince Rainier and Princess Grace in the 20th century.”
The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is planning a magnificent tribute to the Builder Prince on 20 October.
As part of the celebrations to mark the centenary of Prince Rainier III, SBM is organising a sumptuous ball “in the style of the great balls attended by Prince Rainier and Princess Grace in the past, in the 20th century,” as the group’s Chairman and CEO, Stéphane Valeri, explained.
The special guests will gather in the atrium of the Casino de Monte-Carlo for this magnificent, but also charitable, event.
While the ball is not open to the general public, given the size of the atrium, an exhibition in honour of the Builder Prince has been on display since 25 September in the Jardins des Boulingrins.
Open to all, it will remain in place until December 31. It contains pictures and photographs of how the Place du Casino has evolved since the birth of Prince Rainier III in 1923.
The cheque was handed over in the presence of Prince Albert II.
An exceptional amount, to say the least, was raised by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, thanks to 60 benefactors. 864,000 euros were raised on Wednesday 27 September for the Pelagos Sanctuary in the Mediterranean Sea.
The agreement between France, Italy and Monaco was signed in 1999 to protect the marine species that frequent this vast maritime area. Sir Stelios’ foundation is supporting the work that is spearheaded by the Prince Albert II Foundation and the NGO, WWF.
Donors were made aware of the work carried out by the NGO and the Foundation. 223,000 euros were raised at the 11th annual dinner organised by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, A further 170,000 euros were subsequently raised at a live auction on the night. That total of €393,000 was then supplemented by 10% by the UBS Optimus Foundation, and the total matched by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation itself.
The grand total was then split evenly between the Prince’s Foundation and WWF. “I am touched that so many friends responded to the call to save our seas! The Pelagos sanctuary is very close to our home and we have to preserve it. The sum raised is up 154% on last year and brings the grand total raised for the cause by our joint efforts since 2013 to 2.5 million euro. We are looking forward to breaking the record again next year as we are here to help for the long run!” said Sir Stelios.
Having shown glimpses of his tremendous talent last season, most notably in a cameo vs. Ferencvaros in the Europa League and against Reims in league action, Maghnes Akliouche emphatically demonstrated his class in AS Monaco’s thrilling win over Olympique de Marseille.
Handed a rare start due to the dynamic attacking midfield duo of Takumi Minamino and Aleksandr Golovin being unavailable, the gifted academy product stepped out superbly in their absence on his way to bagging a brilliant brace and supplying an assist.
His exceptional, game-changing display was about much more than the aforementioned contributions, however, even though his goals deserve special mention, with his finishing well and truly on point, especially for his masterful second, where he fired home a scintillating first-time volley.
Crafty finish for his opener
Sublime volleyed finish after his well timed run
Shining in many aspects, the man who extended his Monaco contract earlier this year and scored off the bench in ASM’s Ligue 1 opener particularly caught the eye with his intelligent movement and positional sense.
Operating in the number 10 slot, the languid 21-year-old was constantly probing, eager to find space to connect the midfield and attack. Mixing things up wisely, he’d venture all across the final third while especially targeting the strategically beneficial half spaces and central areas between the lines, which held him in good stead to impact.
Very aware of his surroundings and sharp at reading the play, plus where teammates and foes were situated, it also warranted mention how he’d drop deeper to form overloads, opened up passing lanes by dragging his marker with him and often received in forward facing postures to immediately carry his momentum goalwards.
Akliouche receiving between the lines freely as Balogun pins his marker
Dropping deep to form a 4v3
Creating a 3v2 to progress the attack as his teammates pin their foes
Masterful through ball assist for Balogun after smartly finding space between the lines
Another important weapon in his arsenal was his crafty runs into the area, as he timed his surges superbly to gain separation, took advantage of Wissam Ben Yedder and Folarin Balogun pinning their opponents and stretched the OM backline.
Brilliantly timed run in behind
Dovetailing nicely with his nearby attackers and wing-backs, all his goal involvements owed much to his movement and capacity to hurt adversaries either side of their defensive line.
Technically excellent and resistant to pressure, his wizardry with the ball at his feet enhanced his menace. Boasting a crisp first touch and tight ball control, this, in combination with his comfort under duress, ensured he weaved away from danger expertly to then find a free man or keep dribbling.
Causing many headaches with his mazy, slaloming runs, which saw him able to draw players, outfox challengers with some crafty manoeuvres and alterations in pace and win fouls in advantageous locations, Akliouche was definitely a tough man to dispossess.
Moreover, his passing was also a vital feature of his play, with his ability to thread through balls in behind, switch the angle of attacks, combine tidily in close quarters and recycle possession coherently if no viable option was present valuable.
Classy switch of play
Obviously the most high-profile piece of distribution the eagle-eyed creator supplied was his pinpoint through ball assist for Balogun, with the accuracy and precision of the delivery allowing the new signing to be ideally placed to subsequently find the back of the net.
Measured through ball in behind to oblige Balogun’s run
By the numbers, his five touches inside the area, four shots (all on target), 17 accurate passes (of 18 attempted), three dribbles, three accurate long passes (at 100%) and two fouls suffered illustrated his strong effort.
Akliouche’s Heat Map vs. OM
Putting in his best performance yet in an ASM shirt, Adi Hutter was justifiably full of praise for the youngster when speaking afterwards. “These are already his second and third goals this season. He played a fantastic match and responded despite the absences of Golo and Taki. As I said before, he had trained well in recent weeks and deserved to be in the 11. I am very happy with his double and his involvement in the third goal,” he insisted.
“He could even have scored one more. His match proves the offensive quality of my team with three quality attackers and very high level number 10s. It will be difficult for me to make choices.”
The player himself then offered his assessment of his outstanding night at the office, stating: “First of all I am very happy, for me, but especially for the team. I hope it will continue like this, with this good dynamic. I tried to prepare well, to concentrate well and to put all the chances on my side. I’m really happy this evening even if it doesn’t really show because I’m a little tired (smiles).
“I train every day for this, to be present when the coach calls on me. So I am very happy to have done this performance. I feel good, I work every day to improve because I still have things to develop. I have to refine a lot of things, so we will continue to work and try to do even better.”
While it won’t be easy to nail down a starting berth in Les Monegasques’ star-laden attacking ranks, he’s certainly done his chances a world of good and indicated he’s ready to go when called upon.
One of a host of elite prospects to come through the club’s famed youth system, Akliouche, who’s been in and around the first-team for a couple of years and has attracted interest from many top clubs, could be the latest to enjoy a proper breakout campaign.
Underlining he has what it takes to excel at the top level, his man of the match output vs. Marseille might just be the catalyst he needs to truly stamp his mark.
Only time will tell if it, in fact, is, but at least he’s provided himself and his manager with some further tangible evidence of his incredible capabilities. And this can only be a good thing both for him individually and collectively for Monaco, who are currently sitting pretty atop the Ligue 1 standings and playing some marvellous football.
Heading into their massive match against Olympique de Marseille having not won their last two matches, AS Monaco were desperate to secure victory. And that they did courtesy of their incredible performance to come from behind twice to triumph 3-2 in a thriller at the Stade Louis II.
The Match
With Adi Hutter needing to make some changes due to injury and suspension, selecting exciting talent Maghnes Akliouche proved to be an inspired, game-changing decision, as he went on to bag a brace and supply an assist.
Getting off to a horrendous start, as Iliman Ndiaye gave OM the lead within 60 seconds, ASM vitally responded and were back level by the eighth minute when Akliouche scored with a classy finish.
It wasn’t long before the visitors shot ahead again, this time through Samuel Gigot, who blasted home a fierce volley.
Folarin Balogun then made up for his missed penalties last weekend by levelling the ledger in fine style shortly after.
The remainder of the first half then saw both teams enjoy promising spells, but neither were able to convert their opportunities.
Come the second stanza, it was Les Monegasques who raced out of the blocks to power themselves ahead through Akliouche’s sensational first-time volley.
Monaco were then able to hold on to their advantage for the rest of the encounter, as they defended solidly while still posing an offensive threat. Shooting back to the top of the Ligue 1 standings on a night to remember, there was certainly much to admire about their character-filled display.
Hutter’s Debrief
“What made the difference tonight was that we scored one more goal than our opponent. The first period was incredible for the spectators, because the game moved very quickly from both sides. Both teams wanted to win,” the Austrian manager explained.
“I’m very happy to have been able to come back twice and win this match in the end. I am proud of the face shown by my team because it was very important to win this match. It’s a fantastic victory.
“It’s true that during our last two outings, I was quite angry with these goals conceded at the end. Tonight, my players tried to defend well and be aggressive to keep the three points. I am happy to bounce back against a great team like Olympique de Marseille.”
Key Stats
By the numbers, the fact ASM held the ascendancy in terms of expected goals (1.12 to 0.91), total shots (10 to 8), shots on target (7 to 4), shots inside the box (8 to 4), big chances created (3 to 2), tackles won (10 to 5), interceptions (17 to 10) and overall duels won (59 to 52) illustrated they were good value for their win over Gennaro Gattuso’s men.
Reims Awaits
Up next for ASM is another difficult clash with an excellent Reims outfit away from home, where they’ll be eager for another win to keep up their momentum ahead of the next international break.
This reopening has been a long time coming! At last, the Café de Paris brasserie will be reopening after several years of refurbishment work.
“It’s an impressive war machine to turn this iconic restaurant into a magical venue that absolutely has to be visited, and is a must-do when people come to the Place du Casino. The deadlines we announced have been confirmed: the work will be completed by the end of October,” said Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and CEO of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, at a press conference on Wednesday 27 September.
Two weeks of preparation will then be needed to enable the staff to find their bearings. And with good reason: the restructuring will double the number of meals being served!
“On the ground floor, we’ll have the modern, iconic brasserie, and on the first floor, we’ll have a venue that is cosier, more chic,” said Stéphane Valeri.
The Salle Empire, which is currently home to the Café de Paris, will close at the end of October. Then in mid-November, the famous brasserie will open to the public in its new configuration.
For the upper floors, on the other hand, we’ll have to wait a little longer. According to SBM, the highly anticipated Amazónico is due to open in April 2024.
“The restaurant will bring a very festive feel to the exceptional terraces, with an incredible, breathtaking view of the Place du Casino,” says Stéphane Valeri .
The seven shops will open progressively throughout 2024. Although the building work is due to be completed in the spring, some retailers will still be able to welcome their customers from January.
Port Hercule is home to some of the world’s finest superyachts until September 30.
At the 32nd Monaco Yacht Show, which got underway on Wednesday 27 September, some 130 yachts will be on show to visitors who have paid the tidy sum of 500 euros for admission.
The free application (whose name is a play on words with App + Elles (women), and the whole in French sounding like Appel, or call), lets you alert trusted contacts and local emergency services with a single click.
“Alerter, en parler, agir” (Raise the alarm, speak out, take action). This is the byline of the App-Elles mobile app, launched in 2015 by the Nantes-based non-profit organisation Résonantes and now available in Monaco. Diariata N’Diaye and Lou Fougère, App-Elles‘ creator and regional coordinator respectively, presented the new system at the Maison du Numérique.
A new system, or rather “a new tool to help victims of violence in the Principality,” as Céline Cottalorda, Interministerial Delegate for Women’s Rights put it.
The idea is that once you have downloaded the free application onto your smartphone, all you need is an e-mail address and a password to register. You can then choose up to three people you trust, who must give their consent, to be your ‘support network’. They will be notified immediately if you run into difficulties.
With over 100,000 downloads worldwide already, the application – available in 15 countries (including the US and the UK) and six languages (including English) – features an ‘SOS’ button that triggers an alarm on the support network members’ phones. They can immediately geo-locate the victim and alert emergency services. The application also provides a comprehensive address book by geographical area, with details of hospitals, police stations and non-profit organisations.
In Monaco, the list includes the CHPG, the Sûreté Publique (Police Department), the AVIP (victim support), the Monegasque Red Cross, the DASO (social services) and the family mediation unit. Information sheets are also available with advice for family and friends or witnesses of violence.
Another very important feature is that once the “SOS” button is pressed, everything that follows is recorded, even in the event of an internet outage or lack of phone network. Someone who has been verbally or psychologically abused or threatened, for example, will be able to provide proof. According to Diariata N’Diaye, these recordings are admissible in court, even if the person is recorded without their knowledge.
You don’t need to be in an emergency situation to press the button, which can also be installed on a watch or other connected device. Users can choose the protection option: “When you’re walking at night, or at ‘handover time’ when you’re picking up your child from an ex-spouse’s house, you might feel anxious,” explains Lou Fougère. The application can then act as a preventive tool and can even be used by a child or teenager.
The data on the app is kept for a maximum of two weeks before being permanently deleted from the servers. The victim must therefore download the recordings before then, if required.
For the time being, the application’s emergency tool is not yet active in Monaco. But as Céline Cottalorda points out, making App-Elles available in the Principality will not only benefit Monegasques and residents. Tourists and employees, who visit the country in large numbers every day, will also be able to have this tool at their fingertips, and report any danger.
This is to enable the removal of the crane and gantry from a construction site there.
The route will be closed to traffic on the nights of 2 to 7 October from 8pm to 6am.
“These night-time operations, aimed at maintaining road and pedestrian traffic during the day, may cause some brief disturbance,” writes the Prince’s Government.
You don’t have to travel very far to find a rare gem. Monaco has everything you need in terms of what to wear on your big day, for both men and women. Ladies, let’s head to the Organza store on rue Grimaldi, where Béatrice Castelain will welcome you with her trademark graciousness.
Organza: a unique dress in one hour
Thanks to her thirteen years of experience, she is able to give you perfect advice according to your shape and size. What’s more, to make sure that the dress of your dreams is the one that’s best suited to your figure and your tastes, the wedding dress specialist offers customers the possibility of creating their entire outfit, choosing the sleeves, buttons, skirt (or trousers) and top from a range of modules.
The bride-to-be can create her own dress in just one hour. “It’s often an enjoyable experience, because everyone in the bridal party can get involved, friends, family, and the result is unique and adjustable, even after the wedding,” says the manager, who continues to train in haute-couture techniques with professionals from major Parisian fashion houses.
Tailor-made solutions are also available for those who come with a very specific idea in mind. “One client came in with a photo and a sketch, and we can make the dress in about six months.” Given the wide range of options, prices are still quite affordable, starting at €1,500.
“There’s no age limit either,” says Béatrice Castelain. “One of my most recent clients was 79 years old. She was exceptionally elegant and had travelled from London to Monaco to create her dream dress.” Many celebrities have frequented the welcoming shop, as well as some members of the Princely Family.
Swiss-born and with a very Italian style, Andreas Allenbach has worked in fashion since the age of 17. “I have always felt close to this country,” smiles the businessman behind the two Crisoni shops in the La Condamine neighbourhood. There is a strong demand for outfits for weddings and ceremonies in Monaco, particularly tuxedos, because of the number of big events and social functions. Such was his success that Andreas Allenbach opened a second shop so the first one on rue Princesse Caroline could specialise in ready-to-wear, and the second one on nearby rue Grimaldi, in made-to-measure.
“The workshop is located in the store and is visible to the customers. We can create a suit in two or three months, with a few exceptions. Last year, a client came to see us on a Friday night at 6.30 pm and told us he was getting married at the town hall at 10 am the next day. We went for a ready-to-wear option, of course, but since we have our own workshop, we were able to carry out the alterations overnight and he got changed in the shop the following morning. I dressed him myself,” recalls the Monegasque resident who recognises the convenience of having a workshop at his disposal, especially given that “many men lose weight in the weeks leading up to the wedding.”
Like Organza, Crisoni has a wide range of accessories: belts, shoes, cufflinks, ties, etc. Andreas Allenbach only works with small family-run businesses, often based in Italy, and the average budget for a suit is €1,200, an affordable price tag for many.
“The locals like to wear a Monegasque brand, as do the tourists, who are happy to go home with a souvenir from Monte Carlo in their suitcase. But overall, 90% of our customers are local,” he says. In terms of trends, electrical blue is still number 1 according to the proprietor, but colour is increasingly in demand. “Men are now daring to wear pink or green, and in particular fancy jacket linings. We also offer to personalise the suit, perhaps embroidering initials or the wedding date. There are no limits with made-to-measure, we can create completely unique pieces, and every detail is thought out.”
This store too has been patronised by many Monegasque figures, and the owner is delighted to be able to work with a number of the Principality’s institutions and non-profit organisations. Andreas Allenbach remembers with great pride the time when he dressed the Monegasque delegation, including the Sovereign, at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
If you want a dream wedding, you’ll no doubt be looking for a dream location. Monaco Tribune did some research into the most sought-after Principality wedding venues.
We obviously couldn’t write a feature on weddings without mentioning the aesthetics, the grandeur, the ambiance of the biggest day in at least two people’s lives. And the Principality certainly has some architectural gems if you are looking to create unforgettable memories. We spoke to a few specialists.
Monaco’s finest venues
There’s one place in particular that future brides and grooms who want to celebrate their union in the Principality dream of. And it was the immediate answer from Jean-Christophe Goethals, Managing Director of the JustUnlimited Monaco events agency: “La Salle des Étoiles.”
With its special, almost unique atmosphere, the Salle des Étoiles already plays host to major Monegasque events. Every year, the Bal de la Rose, the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival or the Monaco Red Cross Gala are held there, bringing together prestigious guests in an atmosphere of celebration and glamour. With 1,000m2 of floor space, a sliding roof and large bay windows, it is simply magical.
La Salle des Étoiles at the Sporting Monte-Carlo – All rights reserved
A wedding reception here has a certain price tag and the event planners must have a certain status. “We are used to having a demanding clientele. It’s a unique event; we don’t get a second chance. We need to provide the excellence and quality that is expected of us,” says the Managing Director of JustUnlimited, who suggests the Monte Carlo Bay as a second example of sought-after venues.
“This venue is considered a more informal option compared to other iconic venues in Monaco (…) It’s a popular choice for outdoor weddings,” says Sophie Daudé, the creator of the events agency that bears her name. “These places are made for hosting large-scale events,” says Jean-Christophe Goethals.
As an alternative, marriages on yachts and other large boats are very popular. “It requires more organisation, but we’re getting more and more enquiries of this nature.” It’s not unusual to see a few pictures of these events off the Principality coast, on Facebook.
It seems that in Monaco, the Monte Carlo SBM makes the most of its unique venues to host events that will be equally unique. The Salle des Étoiles, the Monte-Carlo Bay, the Hôtel de Paris, the Monte-Carlo Beach, the Belle Époque room at the Hermitage Hotel, or Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo, etc.
In addition to the stunning venues, the Monegasque institution and specialist event organisers alike make the most of the unique setting that is the French Riviera . “For people who come from abroad, especially those who are thinking about a Monaco wedding, the Hôtel de Paris provides a unique experience … the Salle Empire is particularly sought-after because of its sophistication,” says Sophie Daudé.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a climate that allows us to organise outdoor weddings and then of course, we have the sea! A huge amount of people want to get married in Monaco, or on the French Riviera, because of the extraordinary natural backdrop,” said Jean-Christophe Goethals on Monaco Info last year.
What about beyond Monaco ?
Sometimes what you are looking for is just a few kilometres away from the Principality. “The Hôtel du Cap Estel or the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild are very much in demand,” adds the specialist. Located in Eze-sur-mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat respectively, both venues reflect what future newly-weds are looking for in Monaco and on the Riviera: wonderment.
Procedures, nationality, religions.. Here’s the lowdown.
Congrats! You and your significant other are engaged! As the big day approaches, perhaps you are thinking of having your wedding in Monaco. If so, there are a few conditions you would need to meet. Let us take you through them.
Do I have to be Monegasque to have a civil wedding in Monaco?
The law is very clear. Under article 139 of the Monegasque Civil Code, you can only enter into a civil marriage in the Principality if you meet at least one of the following three conditions:
One of the future spouses is of Monegasque nationality
One of the future spouses has been domiciled in Monaco for over one month
One of the future spouses has been staying in Monaco continuously for more than a month
Article 52 of the Civil Code also stipulates that “the announcement (publication of the banns) will be displayed for ten days. The wedding may not be celebrated until this period has expired.”
As a reminder, if only one of the spouses has Monegasque nationality, his or her spouse will have to wait twenty years before acquiring Monegasque nationality through marriage.
Monaco Town Hall states that you can get married any day of the week, apart from public holidays, between 10am and 4pm.
On Saturdays, weddings are only held in the morning, between 10 and 11.30 am. So if you are planning a Saturday wedding, it is strongly recommended that you book several months in advance, particularly between May and October.
Are same-sex marriages allowed in Monaco?
At present, same-sex marriages, even civil ones, are not permitted in Monaco. However, since 2019, common-law unions – such as the PACS (civil solidarity pact) – have been legally recognised, either between two people of the opposite sex or the same sex.
I would like a church wedding. How do I go about it?
If you are Catholic and would like to celebrate your union in one of Monaco’s parishes, you will need to contact the place of worship of your choice. Although it is customary to marry in the parish where you live, it is not absolutely necessary to be a Monegasque or a Monaco resident to be married in one of the Principality’s places of worship. There can be a few exceptions, for example if the family of one of the spouses lives in Monaco, Canon Joseph di Leo explains.
It is therefore necessary to prove one’s ties with Monaco, and it is then up to the parish priest of each parish to decide whether or not the marriage should take place there. Please note that future spouses must prepare their application in their place of residence, and it is then forwarded by the Chancellery of their Diocese to the Diocese of Monaco.
That’s why it’s important to plan ahead! Especially because, once the parish has been chosen and the date and time of the ceremony have been set, the future couple will need to schedule preparation sessions with the priest. You can also enrol in Marriage Accompaniment sessions, where the future bride and groom are guided by volunteer Christian couples, under the spiritual guidance of a priest.
The dates for these sessions, organised at the Foyer paroissial de Saint-Nicolas (19 avenue des Papalins), are published on the Diocese of Monaco website.
The Diocese recommends that you start the process a year before your chosen date.
Good to know: Saint-Paul’s church is not part of the Diocese of Monaco. It serves the English-speaking Anglican community, and also performs weddings. You can contact the church directly if you wish to have your wedding there (see below).
I would like to be married in a synagogue. What do I need to do?
People of the Jewish faith can hire the Edmond J. Safra synagogue, located on avenue de la Costa, to celebrate their union. It is obviously advisable to plan ahead.
You don’t have to be a Monegasque to be married there, nor do the future spouses need to live in or near Monaco. However, Rabbi Daniel Torgmant points out that it is essential to have a civil wedding before the religious ceremony.
For those who prefer to say ‘I do’ indoors or outdoors under a chuppah, the Principality has a host of romantic and elegant venues for hire.
I would like to be married in a mosque. What is the procedure?
If you are of the Muslim faith and would like to have a religious ceremony, there are no mosques in the Principality. You will either have to opt for a ceremony at home, or get in touch with the mosques in the Alpes-Maritimes.
Practical information and useful numbers:
Monaco Town Hall civil registry office:
Service de l’Etat Civil, Mairie de Monaco, Place de la Mairie, 98000 Monaco
Telephone: (+377) 93 15 28 51 or 93 15 29 64
E-mail: etatcivil@mairie.mc
Horaires d’ouverture :
Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4 pm non-stop
Saturday from 9 am to noon (for weddings)
Diocese of Monaco:
Archevêché de Monaco,1 rue de l’Abbaye, 98000 Monaco
With autumn just around the corner, it’s time for the Tourism and Convention Authority and its Director Guy Antognelli to take stock. And the good news is that it has been a satisfactory season in 2023, with a 75% occupancy rate in July and 72% in August. These are positive results, however they are still down on 2019.
“Monaco attracts a very select clientele,” said Guy Antognelli, before stressing the notion of excellence: “Monaco is a place unlike any other. Unique because of its size, its history, the consistency of its offering and the excellence that is to be found everywhere: in shops, restaurants, and hotels. The idea is for everyone to be able to enjoy quality and excellence, regardless of the product range. This is what all the private stakeholders are trying to achieve in the Principality.”
As to where visitors come from, “the top 3 this summer, and indeed since the start of the year, is France, the United States and Great Britain. Italy comes 4th. What we are seeing overall compared to 2019 is a rise in non-European clients, including a sharp rise from the Middle East,” he continued, adding that the Asian market is only just starting to pick up again.
You are likely to come across many Australians in the coming years. They head to Monaco “in large numbers, an increase on 2019,” says the Director of Tourism and Conventions. “These are high-potential markets for the Principality. We will see a lot more of them here in 2024.”
In the meantime, it’s time for the major business tourism events: Monaco Yacht Show, Assises de la Sécurité, Luxe Pack, Sportel, etc. “All these major events are sold out, and some will attract more participants than in previous years. Applications for 2024, 2025 and 2026 are already pouring in. This proves that the Principality remains an attractive destination for business conferences and seminars,” said Guy Antognelli in conclusion.
