To obtain a marriage license in Louisiana, including in New Orleans, there are specific steps and requirements that a couple must follow. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a marriage license in Louisiana:

1. Visit the Clerk of Court Office: Both individuals should go to the Clerk of Court Office in any parish in Louisiana to apply for a marriage license. You do not have to apply in the parish where you plan to get married; you can apply in any Louisiana parish.

2. Bring Required Documents: You will need to provide the following documents:

a. Identification: Both parties must present valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card, if born in the United States. If not born in the US or territories, you must bring a valid passport from your country of birth or a visa with an attached I-94 form.

b. Social Security Number: Both parties must provide their Social Security numbers. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be required to provide additional documentation.

c. Birth Certificate: You will be asked to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate for each of you.

d. Proof of Dissolution of Previous Marriage (if applicable): If either party has been previously married, you must provide documentation of the dissolution of the previous marriage, such as a divorce decree or death certificate if the former spouse is deceased.

3. Pay the Marriage License Fee: There is a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license in Louisiana. The fee amount may vary by parish, so it’s a good idea to check with the Clerk of Court Office for the specific fee in the parish you plan to apply. Please be prepared to pay with cash.

4. Complete the Marriage License Application: You will be required to complete a marriage license application at the Clerk of Court Office. Both parties will need to provide personal information, including your full names, addresses, and parents’ names. By visiting the designated website, you can sometimes obtain the application to print, fill-out and bring with you.

5. Wait for the License: After submitting your application and required documents, you will need to wait for a mandatory waiting period. In Louisiana, there is a 24-hour waiting period from the time the license is issued before you can have a marriage ceremony. However, in some cases, you may be eligible for a waiver. Sandy’s Ceremonies can help you should this be your only option due to time constraints. We can discuss your travel plans and what the next steps will be.

6. Get Married: Once the waiting period is over, you are free to have your marriage ceremony. The license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Sandy’s Ceremonies will be sure that your certificate is signed and dated accordingly after your ceremony.

7. Return the License: After the ceremony, Sandy’s Ceremonies takes the hassle and stress from you both and returns the signed marriage license to the Clerk of Court office in the parish where you obtained it by certified mail and shares the tracking information with you. The office will process the license and provide you with a certified copy for your records.

It’s important to note that marriage license requirements and fees may vary from one parish to another in Louisiana, so it’s a good idea to contact the specific Clerk of Court office where you plan to apply for the most up-to-date information. Also, keep in mind that marriage laws can change, so it’s a good idea to check with the Clerk of Court or the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals for any recent updates or changes to the process.

You will need to be at least 16 years old to get a marriage license in Louisiana. If you are under 18 years old, you need to have both written consent from both of your parents and judicial authorization. However, if you are under 18, you will not be issued a marriage license if you have an age difference of more than 2 years.

Clerk of Court office hours vary by parish, but they are typically open Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 3:30 pm except for Federal and State holidays. It’s best to get your marriage license a few days before your wedding ceremony for two reasons: Marriage licenses are only valid for 30 days and there is a 24-hour waiting period. In some instances the waiting period can be waived, reach out to Sandy’s Ceremonies if you need this waiver.

Resources and Contact Info for offices in New Orleans:

Orleans Parish Marriage Office (Appointment Only)

1450 Poydras Street “Benson Tower”, 4th floor, New Orleans, LA 70112

Phone Number: 504-593-5100 Hours: 8:30am to 3:00pm Monday – Friday except state holidays

Click here to go to New Orleans Clerk of Court

Jefferson Parish Marriage Office (Accepts walk-ins)

1221 Elmwood Park Blvd #603 Jefferson, LA 70121

Phone Number: 504-736-6390

Click here to go to Jefferson Clerk of Court