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MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

You do not have to be a resident of the state of Louisiana in order to obtain a Louisiana marriage license. 

In order to apply for a marriage license, both parties must be present and present all required documents. If a party is absent, the application will only be accepted if their signature on the application has been separately notarized. If the absent party is a member of the US armed forces, a copy of a military ID can be accepted in lieu of a signature, but at least one party’s in-person signature is required to submit an application.

Please note, we DO NOT sell marriage license. Contact us if you require any assistance. 

The fee for the license is usually around $28-$35, but it varies from parish to parish. We recommend taking $38.00 even cash, personal check is OK, this will pay for the license and two certified copies that will mailed to you within 6-8 weeks. From State office only.

Applicants Must Present the Following

  1. A current state issue driver’s license, state ID, military ID or passport.
  2. A certified copy of a birth certificate or a certified birth card for both parties. Foreign documents require certified translation.
  3. Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers if born in the United States. If not born in the US or a US territory, the applicant(s) must present a valid passport from their country of birth or a visa with attached I-94 form.
  4. If either party has been divorced, the individual must provide a certified copy of the final divorce decree. A widow or widower must provide a certified copy the death certificate of the former spouse when they apply for a license to marry. Because divorce and death certificates are public records The State office at Benson Towers will accept a FAX from agency (clerk of court to marriage agency office ONLY!) FAX Number (504) 568-8761

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT REQUIREMENT:
A notarized translation must be attached for documents that are not in english. Applicants must also present a valid passport or a visa with attached I-94 form.

Fees of $27.50 payable by cash, check, or money order only (non-refundable), plus $5 for each certified copy of the marriage certificate desired by the customer. CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED FOR PAYMENT.

An Application to obtain an Orleans Parish Marriage License is available and may be completed by the parties prior to applying in person. 

We also offer expedited marriage licenses with minimum documentation. Please call for more information.

72-Hour Waiting Period
A 72-hour waiting period is required by law between the time of issuance of the license and the ceremony.

Judges of the First or Second City Courts are authorized by law to waive the waiting period for Louisiana residents and they can do this during their Monday-Friday hours of operation ONLY.

If both parties reside outside of Louisiana and the services will occur in Orleans parish AND be performed by a registered Orleans officiant, that officiant can waive this waiting period. The waiver must be attached to the completed marriage certificate when it is returned to Vital Records.

If you are married outside of Orleans Parish only a Judge can sign that waiver. Please be aware that judges do take off about three to four Fridays a year. Note holiday closings, as we have many holidays that you may not be aware of.

Marriage under the age of 18
Marriage under the age of eighteen (18) is prohibited by law, except as follows: Applicants over the age of sixteen (16) but less than eighteen (18) must have the signed consent of both parents, or an order from a Judge of Juvenile Court. Females under sixteen (16) will be issued a license ONLY upon the written order of the Juvenile Court Judge.

You should contact the parish where you plan to be married for any additional information — the following includes general information for Orleans parish in greater New Orleans area.

ORLEANS PARISH

Benson Towers
1450 Poydras Street,  Suite 407
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 593-5100
Open 8:15 to 3:30 M-F

Court House
421 Loyola Avenue, Suite 201
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 592-9159

Click here to download application form and additional information.

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