• State law requires that a certified copy of each party's birth certificate or birth card be presented with correct spelling of names. If either party was born out-of-country, a translated notarized birth certificate along with a valid state ID card or driver's license must be presented to our office.
• If either party is divorced, he/she must present a certified copy of the final divorce decree.
• If either party is widowed, he/she must present a certified copy of a death certificate.
• Each party must have proof of his/her social security number. Examples: Social Security Card, Drivers License with social security number on it, Military ID, W2.
• If either party was born outside the United States, he/she must present a valid passport or naturalization certificate or residency card (green card).
• Know address for bride and groom. (Street, city, state, parish/county, and also know if the residence is in the city limits).
• Know father's full name and mother's full maiden name for bride and groom and the state in which each parent was born.
• Know the highest grade completed in school for bride and groom.
• Either bride or groom or both must apply in person.

Applicants under 18 years of age must also bring:
• Both parents to sign consent forms. Both parents must bring their driver's license.
• If one parent has full custody, that parent must come in to sign consent forms with his/her driver's license and custody papers showing full custody. Joint custody requires both parent's consent.

Applicants under 16 years of age also require a judge's consent.

• If applying for a covenant marriage, applicants must also bring the original notarized Declaration of Intent and Affidavit with Attestation from their counselor.

• The fee for obtaining a marriage license is $27.50, cash only non-refundable. Certified copies of marriage license cost $6.00 each and regular copies are $1.00 each. (Cash, check, or money order)

• A Louisiana marriage license is valid in any parish in Louisiana for a period of 30 days from issuance. There is a 72-hour waiting period between the time of issuance of the license and the ceremony. The waiting period can be waived by a district judge or justice of the peace in the parish where the license was issued. For your convenience a Marriage License Application can be filled out and printed here. Present this form to speed the processing of your marriage license.
• At least 10 days after the wedding one party must bring in their white copy to be recorded and sealed. The bride may use this copy to make appropriate name changes (from maiden to married name) on all legal documents such as social security documents and drivers' licenses. A form to obtain a copy or copies by mail is available here.
• R. S. 9:202. Authority to perform marriage ceremony -
A marriage ceremony may be performed by:
(1) A priest, minister, rabbi, clerk of the Religious Society of Friends, or any clergyman of any religious sect, who is authorized by the authorities of his religion to perform marriages, and who is registered to perform marriages;
(2) A state judge or justice of the peace.
Acts 1987, No. 886, §3, eff. Jan. 1, 1988; Acts 1997, No. 73, §1.