How to Get a Marriage License in Louisiana

Here’s what to know before tying the knot in the Pelican State.

Landscape shot of the New Orleans skyline

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With a mix of Acadian, French, and Spanish influences, Louisiana is a vibrant hub of culture, making it an electric backdrop for your wedding. Home to cajun cuisine, jazz music, and Mardi Gras, the Pelican State is one locale that’s guaranteed to infuse your big day with rich history and infectious energy. The southeastern state also boasts a diverse range of landscapes, whether it’s coastal bayous, scenic lakes, or boisterous cities, providing breathtaking scenery to frame any vow exchange. Whatever your style, Louisiana has it all—from industrial warehouses to rustic barns.

While choosing your wedding venue is an essential step, in order to legally marry in the state, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license. Wondering how to go about that process? Below, we’ve created a complete guide to getting a marriage license in Louisiana.

Types of Louisiana Marriage Licenses

There are two types of marriage licenses in Louisiana: traditional marriage licenses and covenant marriage licenses. Couples who apply for a traditional marriage license aren't required to adhere to any premarital rules (which we'll get to below) ahead of saying "I do." It is also easier for those with this marriage license to get divorced should they ever want to end their marriage.

A covenant marriage license, on the other hand, still legally binds you to marriage but has certain stipulations. With this kind of license, you are required to seek premarital counseling ahead of your big day and attend marital counseling if you experience relationship issues. When you fill out your application, you’ll also need to sign a declaration of intent witnessed by a notary public and present a signed affidavit. What's more, having a covenant marriage license makes the process of getting a divorce a bit more challenging. To end your marriage, you must prove one of the following: adultery, felony, abuse, or separated living conditions for at least two years.

Where to Apply for a Louisiana Marriage License

Regardless of what type of marriage license you’re applying for, you and your partner will have to visit any parish county clerk’s office in the state to start the process. The exception, however, is if you’re getting married in New Orleans. In that case, you’ll need to get your license from the Orleans parish. 

Both you and your significant other must also be present at the court office when getting your license (that's because you're both required to fill out the application in person). If one of you cannot attend the meeting in person, you’ll need to apply as an absentee, which requires supplying a notarized signature. But for those who are a member of the armed forces, a photocopy of your military ID will suffice.

When to Get a Louisiana Marriage License

Louisiana requires you to wait 24 hours before getting married, so make sure to visit the county clerk at least a day ahead of your wedding. If you’re a Louisiana resident, however, the waiting period can be waived by a judge. For out-of-town couples, your officiant can waive that window of time if they’re a registered Orleans parish officiant and you’re tying the knot in the Orleans parish (in New Orleans).

For those who are planning to get married after the 24-hour waiting period, keep in mind that your license is only valid for 30 days.

Legal Documents Needed for a Marriage License in Louisiana

To apply for a marriage license in Louisiana, you’ll need to bring the below documents in person to your appointment:

  • Proof of Identity and Age: You’ll need to present a valid form of identification with your photo, legal name, date of birth, and dates of issue and expiration to apply for a marriage license. A driver’s license, current state ID, or passport are some of the accepted IDs. Keep in mind that you must be at least 16 years old to get married in Louisiana, and those who are 16 or 17 years old cannot marry someone three years older than them. Additionally, those under 18 are also required to submit their legal guardian’s written consent and an order form from a judge of juvenile court.
  • A Certified Birth Certificate: You and your future spouse must bring a certified birth certificate or a copy of your certified birth card—and according to the Louisiana Department of Health, photocopies aren’t sufficient. If your birth certificate is not in English, make sure to attach a translation. If you cannot bring a birth certificate, you’ll need to present a waiver.
  • Social Security Number: If you were born in the United States, you’ll also have to give the county clerk's office your Social Security number. If you were born outside of the U.S. or a U.S. territory, the government requires that you bring your passport and visa with the I-94 form.
  • Proof of Divorce: If either you or your partner has been divorced, a certified copy of the final divorce decree is a prerequisite. If your former spouse is deceased, you’ll have to show proof by presenting a copy of the death certificate. 
  • Money: The base fee for a Louisiana marriage certificate varies from $25 to $40, depending on the county. For copies of the marriage certificate, each will add $5 to the total bill. To cover the costs, the county clerk’s office accepts cash (it must be the exact amount), a check, or a credit card.
  • Miscellaneous: You will be asked to jot down your current residence, your highest degree of education completed, and both of your parents’ birth names and birthplaces in order to get your license. 

How to Get Married in Louisiana

Once you obtain your Louisiana marriage license, bring it with you to your wedding venue. Either during or after your ceremony, your officiant will fill out and sign the license, and gather signatures from you, your partner, and two ceremony witnesses. In Louisiana, a valid officiant is either a judge, justice of the peace, or clergy person from any religion or society.  

After you’re pronounced newlyweds, your officiant will return the license to the clerk of court’s office no later than 10 days after you say “I do.” After processing the document, the office will mail the original to you and your spouse. You can also request that the clerk of court make additional copies of your marriage license—which will cost $5 for each copy. Copies are helpful to change your name and marital status for legal documents, like a new social security card, passport, bank records, and medical records.

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