Where To Get A Marriage License In Louisiana best elopement ideas

Marriage License Guide

Estimated Cost $27.50 – $45.00
The Wait 24 Hours (Waivers Avail.)
The Lifespan Valid for 30 Days
The Rule Both Must Appear

Louisiana Marriage License Guide

In Louisiana, marriage license rules can vary slightly by parish. We recommend calling the clerk’s office directly before your visit to confirm their current fees and accepted payment methods.

1. Essential Identification

  • Primary ID: Current Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport.
  • Birth Proof: Certified Birth Certificate or Birth Card. (You must have BOTH ID and Birth Certificate).
  • Social Security: Know your number if born in the US.

2. Previous Marriages

  • Certified copy of the Final Divorce Decree (if previously married).
  • Certified copy of the Death Certificate (if widowed).
  • Bring the originals with the raised seal; photocopies are not accepted.

3. Orleans Parish Details

  • Address: 1450 Poydras St. (Suite 407), New Orleans.
  • Phone: (504) 593-5100
  • Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM.
  • Pro-Tip: Use a rideshare to avoid the complex Poydras parking situation.

4. International Applicants

  • Valid Passport OR Visa with attached I-94 form.
  • Foreign birth certificates must be translated into English, notarized, and certified.
  • Naturalization documentation is required if a US citizen born abroad.
The 24-Hour Waiting Period: Louisiana law requires a 24hr wait between getting the license and getting married. Your Officiant will guide you through the Judicial Waiver process, allowing you to marry the same day you arrive if necessary. This only applies to out of state couples. Those with Louisiana residency must comply with 24hr waiting period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we pay?

Payment methods vary by parish and can change without notice. When you call to confirm the price, be sure to ask if they take credit cards or if they require cash/money orders.

Do we need witnesses?

Yes, Louisiana requires two adult witnesses to sign the license. If you are eloping “just the two of you,” don’t worry—we can provide witnesses for your ceremony.

Ready to skip the stress?

Our all-inclusive packages handle the logistics, the officiant, the photography and the timeline so you can focus on each other.

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Marcia Ibay, founder and lead New Orleans elopement photographer of Ibay Photography. Marcia is a local expert specializing in French Quarter, City Park and Tree of Life elopements with over 11 years of experience.

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Hi, I’m Marcia. Born and raised in New Orleans, I know this city better than most. I know about all the hidden courtyards, the best time of year to elope, and the instagram-worthy photography locations that bring it all to life.
As a New Orleans elopement wedding photographer, I’ve photographed over 350 elopements. From spontaneous street parades to private vows in quiet gardens, I’ve seen what makes a wedding unforgettable and I make sure you feel that ease every step of the way.

I’ve fixed timelines, pinned boutonnières, and even found a last-minute bowtie when a groom needed one. You can count on me to bring experience, a friendly attitude, and intention to your day.

I started this work after Hurricane Katrina destroyed our family’s photo albums. That loss taught me how powerful one image can be. So I document every elopement like it’s the most important story I’ll ever tell because for you, it is.

I’ll be your calm in the storm, your guide through the process, and your hype woman when you need it. Also, I’m a Scorpio, so yes—I will have a backup plan for your backup plan 🙂

At Elope to NOLA, we’re all about ditching the stress and dialing up the fun. Whether you’re dreaming of a ceremony under ancient oaks or sneaking away to a hidden courtyard in the French Quarter, we’ve got you covered. Permits? Handled. Photos? Gorgeous. Flowers? Oh yeah. All those little New Orleans details that give your day actual character—we take care of it all.
Just fill out the form below, and one of our elopement-wrangling humans will be in touch within 24 hours. Let’s do this right!

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    couple exchanging vows at tree of life in new Orleans
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