Louisiana Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

License fee

$27.50 (La. R.S. 13:841)

Orleans, Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes all charge $27.50; certified copies cost extra.

Source: jeffparishclerk.gov

Premarital course discount

No discount

Jefferson Parish lists one license fee with no premarital-course discount.

Source: jeffparishclerk.gov

Waiting period

24 hours (1 day)

The ceremony cannot happen until 24 hours after the license is issued. A judge or justice of the peace can waive it for serious reasons, and in Orleans Parish an officiant can waive it for out-of-state couples.

Source: legis.la.gov

How long the license is valid

30 days

The license is valid for 30 days from issuance.

Source: legis.la.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

16 with consent; 18 without

No one under 16 may marry. At 16 or 17 you need both a judge's authorization and written consent from parents, a tutor or legal custodian.

Source: jeffparishclerk.gov

What to bring

Each applicant files a certified birth certificate plus a driver's license, government ID or passport. Social Security numbers are required for people born in the U.S.; others may show a passport or visa with Form I-94.

Source: legis.la.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

No

Both should appear, but one party may sign before a notary instead; at least one party must appear in person.

Source: ldh.la.gov

Applying online

Varies by county

Some parishes, such as Jefferson, let you start the application online, but you still finish it at the courthouse.

Official online application

Source: jeffparishclerk.gov

Who can officiate

Registered clergy (priest, minister, rabbi, Quaker clerk or other clergy) of age of majority, state judges, and justices of the peace.

Source: legis.la.gov

Witnesses

2 required

Two adult witnesses must be present at the ceremony.

Source: legis.la.gov

Out-of-state couples

Out-of-state couples can marry in Louisiana; in Orleans Parish an officiant may waive the 24-hour wait for nonresidents.

Source: legis.la.gov

Who issues the license

Parish clerk of court (Orleans Parish: state Vital Records marriage license office)

District court clerks issue licenses in each parish; in New Orleans the Orleans Parish Marriage License Office issues them.

Source: legis.la.gov