If you are traveling to New Orleans to elope, navigating local bureaucracy shouldn’t dictate the rhythm of your day. For out-of-state couples, securing a Louisiana marriage license is remarkably straightforward once you cut through the standard red tape.
This guide outlines the exact documentation required, physical office locations, and the precise legal mechanism used to entirely bypass the state’s mandatory waiting period.
Louisiana Marriage License Guide
While applications can be initiated online via the eClerks LA platform, at least one party must physically appear at the clerk’s office to finalize and sign the documentation. You must present original documents with raised seals; photocopies or digital scans will not be accepted.
1. Essential Identification
- Primary ID: Current Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport.
- Birth Proof: Certified Birth Certificate or Birth Card. You must present BOTH valid photo identification and a certified birth record.
- Social Security: You must provide your full Social Security number if born within the United States. No physical card is required.
2. Previous Marriages
- Certified copy of the Final Divorce Decree bearing a raised seal (if previously married).
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate indicating you are the surviving spouse (if widowed).
- Bring original certified documents; standard photocopies are strictly rejected.
3. Office Locations & Info
- Primary Office (Orleans Parish): Benson Tower, 1450 Poydras St. (Suite 407), New Orleans, LA. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM. Phone: (504) 593-5100.
- Alternate Office (Jefferson Parish): Joseph S. Yenni Building, 1221 Elmwood Park Blvd. (Room 603), Jefferson, LA. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM. Phone: (504) 736-6390.
- Pro-Tip: Parking along Poydras Street at the Orleans office is notoriously complex and heavily monitored. We strongly advise utilizing a rideshare service directly to either building entrance to eliminate transit friction.
4. International Applicants
- Travel Documents: A valid foreign passport OR a visa with an attached, current I-94 form is mandatory.
- Foreign Certificates: Foreign birth certificates must be fully translated into English, notarized, and formally certified.
- U.S. Citizens Born Abroad: Original naturalization documentation or a Certificate of Citizenship is strictly required if you are a United States citizen born outside the country.
Logistics & Frequently Asked Questions
How do we pay for the license?
The base marriage license fee is $27.50 in both Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. Certified copies are an additional $5.00 each in Orleans and $10.00 each in Jefferson Parish. Both offices accept cash, debit, or credit cards. We highly encourage purchasing at least two certified copies upfront for legal name changes and insurance updates.
Do we need to bring our own witnesses?
Yes. Louisiana state law strictly requires two adult witnesses to sign the final marriage certificate alongside the couple and the officiant. If your elopement is intentionally designed for just the two of you, our team routinely provides vetted witnesses to ensure your marriage is fully compliant without altering the intimate nature of your ceremony.
Where is the best alternative location outside downtown?
If you prefer to bypass the downtown New Orleans core entirely, the East Bank Marriage License Department inside the Joseph S. Yenni Building in Jefferson Parish is your best option. Located at 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, this office is highly accessible, offers standard parking options, and processes applications efficiently up until 4:15 PM daily.
How long is the license valid?
A Louisiana marriage license is valid for exactly 30 days from the precise date of issuance and can be used anywhere within the state, regardless of which parish office issued it. If your ceremony is postponed beyond that window, the original license becomes invalid, and a new application must be submitted.
Cultivating Space for What Matters
Eliminating friction is simply our baseline. Our all-inclusive collections are structured to handle every moving part—from local permit procurement and verified vendor curation to editorial, color-rich photography—so you can step entirely out of the planning phase.
Connect With Our Team
