GENERAL
INFORMATION:
To apply for a marriage license, at least one party must appear
in person. Whoever applies must have all the necessary information
and documents.
Louisiana marriage licenses are valid in any parish in the state
for 30 days.
For Louisiana residents there is a 72-hour waiting period between
the time of issuance of the license and the ceremony. The waiting
period may be waived by a judge.
FOR DESTINATION WEDDINGS: Nonresidents of Louisiana are exempt from
the 72-hour waiting period, but the exemption is only valid for
wedding ceremonies that take place within the city of New Orleans.
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DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:
1. Proper identification is required though a driver's license is
usually adequate. State law requires that a certified copy of each
party's birth certificate or birth card be presented. (this requirement
may be waived by judges of the Orleans Parish City Court, a family
court judge, or any district court judge of a parish for those born
outside of Louisiana). The certified copies of birth certificates
shall be issued by the registration authority of the city, county,
state or registration area. The raised seal or stamp of the agency
or authority issuing the certificate must be affixed thereto. If
either party is from out-of-state, the birth certificate requirement
for that party may be waived by a judge.
2. If either party has been divorced, a certified copy of the final
divorce decree must be presented.
3. A certified copy of a death certificate must be presented if
either party has been widowed.
4. Both parties must know their Social Security numbers, but no
documentation is required.
A medical certificate is not required (no blood test).
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AGE REQUIREMENTS:
Marriage between persons under 18 years of age is prohibited by
state law, except as follows:
1. Applicants more than 16 years of age, but less than 18, will
need the signed consent of both parents or an order from a judge.
2. Females less than 16 years of age will be issued a license only
upon the written order of a judge.
FEES:
Price of License: $27.50 payable to the State of Louisiana.
