How to Apply for a Marriage License in Louisiana

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:ApplyMarriageLicenseLouisiana

Story Highlights

Introduction Marriage is a wonderful thing, but there are some legal hurdles that you will have to

Adjust font size:
Desrease font
Enlarge font

Introduction

Marriage is a wonderful thing, but there are some legal hurdles that you will have to clear before you can wed in Louisiana. A marriage license granted by a parish or the state shows that you have fulfilled the legal requirements of marriage, giving any proper official the ability to perform the ceremony.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Determine your eligibility. If you have been in a previous marriage, you will need to show legal proof that the marriage was ended. A certificate of divorce or a death certificate will suffice. Same-sex marriages are not legal in Louisiana, but marriages between cousins are. If you are under 18, you will need to get permission from one or both parents. A court order is required for people under 16 years of age to wed.
2

Step Two

Gather your documents. You will need identification in the form of a picture ID, such as a drivera??s license or state-issued identification card. You will also need your birth certificate, or a certified copy of it, your Social Security number, and both your parentsa?? full and maiden names. You will also need any information relating to a prior marriage.
3

Step Three

Go to the Parish Clerk's office. It is usually located within a courthouse or town hall. Track down the clerka??s office by checking the phone book or the town or parisha??s Web site.
4

Step Four

Present your documents and pay the marriage licensing fee. Both parties will need to be present. In Louisiana, the fee is usually $25, although this may vary by parish. Most parishes will only accept cash.
5

Step Five

Wait 72 hours if you are a Louisiana resident, although this waiting period can be waived by a judge. Out-of-state couples can get married in New Orleans without waiting the 3 days by obtaining a waiver, Monday through Friday.
6

Step Six

Get married! A marriage license in Louisiana is only valid for 30 days, so don't get the license too early.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • Clergyman and judges can perform marriages in Louisiana.
  • Apply for your marriage license as early as possible within 30 days of your planned marriage date. This time will give you chance to rectify any issues you may encounter at the clerka??s office.
  • Bring cash to pay for the fee. It is the only form of payment that you can be certain will be accepted.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Information relating to prior marriages
  • Identification
  • Cash
Comments
Tools: |