First Name: Last Name: Louisiana Wedding Officiants Louisiana Name Change! Background Screening Services!

Marriage Laws Louisiana How to get a Marriage License

How to get a Marriage License in Louisiana

ID Requirement in Louisiana:

In applying for a marriage license, at least one party must appear in person; and he/she must have all the necessary information and documents, outlined below.

La. R.S. 9:225 requires that applicants provide a certified copy of each applicant's birth certificate. If either party cannot produce a certified copy of their birth certificate due to extenuating circumstances, a waiver issued by a justice of the peace or district judge MUST be provided.

Residency Requirement:

You do not have to be a resident of Louisiana.

If either applicant was born out-of-the country and IS a naturalized citizen, they must present their original citizenship or naturalization papers with a valid state ID or Drivers License along with a waiver issued by a justice of the peace or district judge. 

If either applicant was born out-of-the country and IS NOT a naturalized citizen, they must present an original foreign birth certificate in English or with a translation into English by a certified translator on official letterhead.  If either party cannot satisfy the birth certificate requirement, we will accept a valid passport along with a waiver issued by a justice of the peace or district judge. 

Previous Marriages:

If either party is divorced or widowed, applicant must provide a certified copy of divorce judgment or death certificate which provides applicants name as surviving spouse.  If the documents originated outside the United States, they must present an original with a translation into English by a certified translator on official letterhead.  Foreign language originals must be submitted along with original translations.

Louisiana Covenant Marriage Option:

Yes. Both of you must apply in person for this license, attend premarital counseling, and you both must sign a declaration of intent witnessed by a notary. Covenant Marriage Law Text Covenant Marriage Pamphlet provided by Louisiana Attorney General
Louisiana Covenant Marriage Forms.

Waiting Period in Louisiana:

There is a 72-hour waiting period between the time of issuance of the license and the ceremony. If the 72 hours have been exceeded you may apply for a 72 hour waiver which must be signed by a district Judge or Justice of the Peace in the parish in which the license is issued.

Fees in Louisiana:

The fee for obtaining a marriage license is $31.25. A copy of a marriage license is $5.00. If a waiver is required there will be an additional fee of $2.50 per waiver. Cash, money order, personal checks, or certified or cashiers checks are accepted. We are planning to provide for payment by credit card or check card in the very near future. By Louisiana law, the clerk of court transfers over forty percent of the above fees to the program for the Program of Victims of Family Violence.

Other Tests:

Louisiana does not have a blood test requirement.

Proxy Marriages:

No. However, when applying for the license, both parties need not be present unless they want to sign up for a covenant marriage. Either the bride or groom must be present to apply for a marriage license. A certified birth certificate must be presented for the absent partner.

Cousin Marriages:

State law prohibits the marriage of persons who are related by blood or adoption within the fourth degree collateral (first cousins).

Common Law Marriages:

No.

Same Sex Marriages:

No.

Under 18:

Applicants must be 18 years of age to obtain a marriage license without parental consent. If an applicant is under 18 years of age both parents must appear in person with applicant. If either applicant is under 16 years of age applicant and parents must appear before a juvenile judge for permission to marry and must present state ID or Drivers License before a marriage license can be issued. If one parent has sole custody certified documents must be presented showing sole custody. No temporary orders are acceptable.

Officiants in Louisiana:

Any ordained or licensed clergymen who have registered with the clerk of the district court of the parish or with the health department if in New Orleans, and justices of the peace.

The original marriage license is given to the married couple by the minister and both certificates of marriage are mailed to the Clerk's Office for recording.

Ministers are required to register with the Clerk of Court according to Act 229 of 1952.

Miscellaneous:

A Louisiana marriage license is valid in any parish in Louisiana for a period of 30 days from issuance. There is a 72-hour waiting period between the time of issuance of the license and the ceremony. If the 72 hours have been exceeded you may apply for a 72 hour waiver which must be signed by a district Judge or Justice of the Peace in the parish in which the license is issued.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage:

Vital Records Registry
P.O. Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160
fax: (504) 568-5391

Save Time! Bring a completed application with you.

Ask a Lawyer Online Now! 24 Lawyers Are Online. Ask a Question, Get an Answer ASAP.

PLEASE NOTE:

State and parish marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or parish clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Ask Questions, Get Answers from Experts ASAP | JustAnswer Ask questions and get answers from verified Experts online. Get an answer when you ask a lawyer, wedding planner, or other Expert on JustAnswer.com.

To notify us of corrections or additions send an email to update@usmarriagelaws.com.  Please include the state and county information.