Getting Married in Louisiana

The Marriage License

Here's what you need to know to make the marriage legal in Louisiana.

ID Requirement: Picture ID such as a driver's license along with
a certified copy of your birth certificates. You should know your Social Security numbers. You should both also know your parent's full name, mother's maiden name, and the states in which you were born.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Louisiana.

Waiting Period: 72 hours. The waiting period can be waived by
a judge.

Covenant Marriage: Both parties must apply in person for this license, and premarital counseling is required.

If Divorced: If previously married, you will need to show proof of how the marriage ended, I.E.; a divorce judgment or a death certificate. These must be certified copies.

Fees: $25+ They vary from parish to parish. Some will only take cash.

Other Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: If either party to the marriage is between the ages of 16 and 18, the presence and signatures of both parents are required. If a parent has legal custody in a divorce, a certified copy of the judgement must be presented. If either party is under the age of 16, a court order is required in order to obtain a license.

Proxy Marriages: Both parties need not be present (unless contracting a covenant marriage), but one of the parties must be present to apply for a marriage license. That party must present identification, for the absent party, in the form of a certified birth certificate.

Miscellaneous: Louisiana has passed a Covenant Marriage Act.

Officiants: Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination in regular communion with any religious society may perform marriages. Ministers must register with the clerk of the district court of the parish or with the health department if in New Orleans. After performing a marriage, the minister must complete a marriage certificate and return it to the clerk of the district court.

Valid: License is valid for 30 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Louisiana.

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