Do I need the original "attestation d'accueil"?

All -

I am appearing for a Schengen visa in the Atlanta French Consulate. I am a citizen of India, and I going to France to attend a friend's wedding. She is French and got the "attestation d'accueil" from her City Hall.

She has faxed me a copy of it. Will that work, or I do I need to take the original because I will not get the original by the time of the appointment?

Also, how long does it take to process a Schengen visa. The website says 2-4 weeks", but I know visas can be processed much sooner than that. How long does it usually take?

Thanks.

You need the original of the "attestation d'accueil" as the consulate must stamp it and send part of it back to the city hall which has issued it.

For a citizen of India, the visa process is rather short if you are a US resident (about 2 days). If you are not a US resident, it will take more time.