skip to Main Content
(504) 598-6808 info@frenchquarterweddingchapel.com

LICENSING HISTORY AND INFORMATION

New Orleans has a unique story in regards to its history of marriage and scandal.

Between 1897 and 1917, New Orleans had a notoriously legal section of the city called Storyville, in which prostitution was legal. Because New Orleans was a major dock for the Navy at the time, the sailors would come to storyville to gain their creature comforts after long stints at sea.

While drunk, many officers were convinced to marry the lady of the night they were visiting. This was all in an attempt to gain the rights to the officer’s worldly belongings, in the event that he had died. Often times the officer would not even recall marrying the woman in question.

As a result of this scandalous behavior (and many other reasons) Storyville was legally prohibited, and a new ordinance came into effect—and has been in effect ever since. If one wishes to marry in New Orleans, you must apply for the marriage license 72 hours before the legal ceremony.

Reverend Talavera has worked tirelessly to change this outdated ordinance, so that traveling couples and local elopers alike can act upon their romantic spontaneity and budgets, and marry with ease.

Just a few years ago Talavera was able to create an 2 optional waiver for couples that applied for their licenses. If a judge or wedding officiant deems it appropriate, he may waive the 72 hour waiting period for a couple, and allow them to get married at their own behest, from the time of marriage of application.

However, if you are not performing a ceremony with an officiante, it is still restricted to the limitation of being able to visit the First or Second City Court of New Orleans during the business hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding major holidays).

To this day, Reverend Talavera strives to change this inconvenient process with the Orleans Parish, and every bit of support couples and wedding industry professionals can offer him helps.

In the mean time Reverend Talavera and the team at the French Quarter Wedding Chapel will do everything in their power to assist you in gaining your marriage license as quickly and painlessly as possible. Contact us if you require any assistance or consultation.

On the next page you’ll find the guidelines for obtaining your New Orleans Marriage License, to get you started.

Get a Free Wedding Consultation Via Phone

click-to-call

Back To Top