Applying For A Marriage License
BEFORE APPLYING, READ instructions 1-7 below. Not following all instructions may cause your application to be delayed.
- Must be within 30 days of the date of the wedding.
- Do not use punctuation
- Party A is the Groom or Party not changing their last name.
- Party B is the Bride or Party who may be changing their last name.
- Be sure to enter your phone numbers in the block after the Social Security Number.
- After submitting the application, DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR DOCUMENTS THROUGH THE LCRAA APPLICATION SITE.
- Manually e-mail your Citizenship/Birth Records, Driver’s Licenses/ID cards, and any other required documents to: [email protected] and request we contact you to schedule an appointment for your marriage license.
Justices of the Peace – Use this link to access the Louisiana Secretary of State Elected Officials Database. Search by Parish to obtain Justice of the Peace contact information.
Documentation required for applicants born or naturalized in the US or territories:
- Certified copy of Birth Certificate for both parties. (If not in English, must also have a translated duly authorized copy.)
- Certificate of Naturalization by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Authority, in lieu of birth certificate.
- Social Security Number
- Valid & Unexpired Driver’s License or government issued identification card
- Proof of Termination of prior marriage. (Judgment of Divorce or Death Certificate)
- Proof of name change, if different from birth certificate
Documentation required for applicants not born in the US or territories:
- Certified copy of Birth Certificate for both parties. (If not in English, must also have a translated duly authorized copy)
- Valid unexpired Passport OR Valid unexpired Visa with I-94 Form attached.
- Proof of Termination of prior marriage (Judgment of Divorce or Death Certificate)
- Proof of name change, if different from birth certificate
Application for a Marriage License must be sworn to and signed before a Deputy Clerk or Notary. Both parties do not have to be present for the license to be issued.
A Louisiana marriage license is valid in any parish in the State of Louisiana. After the ceremony the Marriage License is filed in the Clerk of Court office in which it was purchased.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be 18 years of age. Applicants 16 or 17 years of age must have judicial authorization and written consent of parent(s), Tutor or Legal guardian pursuant to CHC 1545. Applicants 16 and 17 years of age cannot marry someone three (3) years or more older then them. Marriage under the age of 16 is prohibited by law.
Time Requirement
Applicants must obtain the marriage license at least 24 hours (1 day) prior to the ceremony. This can be waived by a judge or justice of the peace authorized to perform the ceremony. The marriage license expires 30 days from date and time of issuance, if not used.
Covenant Marriage
To apply for a marriage license under the Covenant Marriage Act, the couple must comply with all of the above-stated requirements in addition to receiving premarital counseling and provide the original signed Declaration of Intent Form and the original signed Affidavit and Attestation Form. For a full description of the Covenant Marriage Act, please refer to the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals’ website. Click Here.
Fee
The fee to obtain a marriage license is $35.00 payable by cash, check, money order or credit/debit card. This fee includes two certified copies of the marriage license, which will be forwarded to the couple’s correct mailing address once it is returned to us from the officiant.