As your wedding day draws near, the excitement can be overwhelming. You’ve found the perfect dress, a picturesque venue, a talented photographer (Hi! ) and it’s starting to all come together.

Planning your perfect day is nothing short of exciting. However, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about the legal side of a marriage. Sure, you’ve found your officiant, but do you know the ins and outs of getting a marriage license?

If you don’t, don’t panic. Getting a license in Louisiana is actually quite easy! Before you walk down the aisle, here are a few questions you need answered on how to elope legally in our unique state!

Where can I get a marriage license in Louisiana?

You can go to any Clerk of Court office in Louisiana. There are clerk of court offices in every parish in the state and, depending on the size of the parish, there may be multiple office locations where you can obtain your paperwork.

Licenses obtained in any Clerk of Court office are valid throughout the entire state- meaning even if you get your license in another city, you can still get married in NoLA! More details from the clerk of courts office is HERE.

Do I need to make an appointment?

Most offices are accepting walk-ins. Call your parish of choice before arriving. If marrying in New Orleans, I recommend going to get a license in nearby Jefferson Parish in Jefferson, LA. Address and phone number are at the bottom of this article. 

What documents will I need to bring?

Both you and your fiancé need to bring the following documents when applying for your marriage license:

• A current driver’s license, current state ID or passport
• A certified copy of a birth certificate or a certified birth card
• Social Security numbers if born in the United States. If not born in the US or territories, you must bring a valid passport from your country of birth or a visa with an attached I-94 form
• A certified copy of the final divorce decree (if previously married)
• A certified copy of the death certificate of the former spouse (if widowed)
•  

Are there fees?

Yes, but don’t worry! The fee is minimal. It ranges from $25-$55 depending on the parish.

Is there a minimum age to marry in Lousiana?

You need to be at least 16 years old to get a marriage license in Louisiana. If you are under 18 years old, you need to have both written consent from both of your parents and judicial authorization. However, if you are under the age of 18, you will not be issued a marriage license if you have an age difference of more than 2 years.

What are the hours?

Clerk of Court office hours vary by parish, but they are typically open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-3:30pm except for Federal and State holidays.

It’s best to get your license a few days before your wedding ceremony for two reasons:

Marriage licenses are only valid for 30 days.

There is a 24-hour waiting period between when your license is issued and when you can get married (can possibly be waived in certain circumstances – reach out to us if need waival)

If you’re ready to say “I Do,” be sure you know how to get a marriage license in Louisiana. Thankfully, the process is fairly simple and straightforward. If you need help planning your elopement- or you want a photographer for your special day- get in touch with us, we can help you with the basics on how to elope! We would love to be a part of your wedding.

Resources and Contact Info for offices in New Orleans: