REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE
**The license is valid in any parish in the State of Louisiana**
An application for a marriage license may be made by either party; only one party needs to be present, but must present all required documents for both parties. Due to the processing time of the application, please arrive at our office no later than 4:00 p.m.
AGE REQUIREMENT
Applicants must be 18 years of age. If an applicant is 16 or 17 years of age, both parents must appear with photo identification to sign a consent form. If under the age of 16, in addition to parents written consent, you must have written consent from a judge. Applicants 16 or 17 years of age may not contract marriage with a person of the age of majority where there is an age difference of three years or greater between them. A minor under the age of 16 may not contract marriage.
BIRTH CERTIFICATES/BIRTH CARDS
**THIS CAN NOT BE WAIVED UNLESS A LETTER IS RECEIVED FROM THE STATE REGISTRAR (WHERE THE PARTY WAS BORN) THAT THEY CAN NOT FIND THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE**
Applicants must present an original or certified copy of their birth certificate. If either party was born outside the United States, he/she must present the original birth certificate. If the birth certificate is not in English, applicant(s) must also provide a notarized translation and it must include a sworn declaration of translator. No other translations are acceptable. Also, if with party was born outside the United States, he/she must present his/her passport, naturalization papers or green card. If a birth certificate cannot be provided, the applicant shall obtain an Order signed by a Judge waiving the birth certificater requirement.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS/IDENTIFICATION
Applicants must provide both Social Security Numbers. Social Security cards do not have to be produced. Appliicants must also provide a valid and unexpired driver's license or government issued ID. Applicants born outside the of the country and do not have Social Security Numbers must present: 1) A valid & unexpired passport from the country of birth or 2) unexpired Visa accompanied by Form I-94 issued by the U.S. If no number has been issued, that person must appear in person and sign a statement to that effect.
PRIOR MARRIAGES **WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT A FAX COPY FROM ANOTHER CLERK’S OFFICE**
If either party has been married before, he/she must provide a certified copy of the judgment of divorce or the month, day, and year of death of the previous spouse and the number of this marriage. If the former spouse is deceased, a dated copy of the death certificate must be provided.
TIME REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must obtain marriage license 24 hours prior to the ceremony. A judge can waive this or justice of the peace authorized to perform the ceremony. A marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
COVENANT MARRIAGE
A Covenant Marriage requires the same information stated above in addition to premarital counseling. Applicants wanting to obtain a Covenant Marriage must submit a declaration of intent and affidavit and attestation. The Clerk of Court’s Office provides these forms. Also, the minister or counselor must be present for completion of these documents.
OTHER INFORMATION
The following information for both parties is also required:
Highest grade of education completed; father’s full name and state of birth; mother’s full name (maiden name) and state of birth.
The law prohibits the marriage of collaterals within the fourth degree. In other words, we cannot issue a license to a brother or sister, first cousins, uncle and niece, aunt and nephew. (L.R.S. Title 9, Sec. 211 Relations of the fourth degree)
FEES
The fee for obtaining a marriage license is $35.00 (no bills larger than a $20, please). A certified copy of the marriage license is $5.00 and it is available upon request.
ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
IF ONLY ONE PARTY IS PRESENT, HE/SHE MUST KNOW THE OTHER PARTY’S INFORMATION FOR THE QUESTIONNAIRE AND HAVE THEIR DOCUMENTS.
