Louisiana marriage license guide
How to get a marriage license in Louisiana
Louisiana imposes a 24-hour waiting period between issuance and ceremony (waivable by a judge), and the license is valid for 30 days. Orleans Parish licenses are issued by the LDH Vital Records office; all other parishes use the Parish Clerk of Court. Fees run $25-$40 and a certified birth certificate is required in addition to photo ID. Two witnesses must sign. Louisiana does not recognize common-law marriage.
Louisiana marriage license at a glance
- Issued by
- Parish Clerk of Court (or Orleans Parish: LDH Vital Records)
- License fee
- $25–$40
- Waiting period
- 1 day
- Validity
- 30 days from issuance
- Minimum age
- 18 (without parental consent)
- Witnesses required
- 2
- ID requirement
- Government-issued photo ID; Social Security number; certified birth certificate
- Blood test?
- No (not required in any US state)
- Common-law marriage?
- Not recognized
- Statute
- La. Civ. Code arts. 86 et seq.; La. R.S. §§ 9:201 et seq.
Source: ldh.la.gov. Fees vary by county within Louisiana — check with the local clerk before applying.
Louisiana counties — where to apply
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Informational only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your local county clerk before applying.