Louisiana Marriage License

If you're getting married in Louisiana, you must first apply for a marriage license.
It'll cost you about $27.50, and you'll have to use it within 30 days.

See FAQ Offices

Where to Apply

Where can I get a marriage license?

Before getting married in Louisiana, you must first apply for a marriage license at any parish-level clerk of court office. However, in Orleans Parish it's handled by the state registrar of vital records or any city court judge.

Residency

Does my residency affect the application process?

Your residency doesn't have any impact on getting a marriage license.

Costs

How much will a marriage license cost me?

The Louisiana marriage license fee is between $25 and $40. It differs from parish to parish.

Usage

Where can I use my marriage license?

Your marriage license can be used anywhere in Louisiana. It can only be used in Louisiana.

Application

What information will the application require?

The application will request your name, birth name, birthdate, birthplace, residence, race, sex, marital history, highest education completed, social security number, parents' birth names and birthplaces, and if this is a covenant marriage.

Attendance

What if I can't apply in person?

If you're a member of the armed forces, your co-applicant can complete the application on your behalf. A photocopy of your military ID must be presented. Everyone else can apply absentee with a notarized application. However, at least one must apply in person.

Age Requirements

How old do I have to be to get married?

Aged 18 and over?

Eighteen year olds and older can marry without parental consent.

Aged 16 and 17?

If you're 16 or 17 years old, you can marry with the written consent of your custodial parents, a guardian, or a juvenile court judge.

Aged 15 and under?

If you're 15 years old or younger, you can marry with authorization from a juvenile court judge, assuming your custodial parents or guardian agrees. The judge must be from your parish of residence or the parish where the ceremony will occur.

How can parents grant consent?

The parents or guardians consenting to their child's marriage must sign a consent form in the presence of the clerk of court.

Might 18 become the new minimum age to marry?

On March 14, 2018, Louisiana State Senator Karen Carter Peterson introduced Senate Bill 463, which would outlaw marriage below age 18. However, it's not expected to progress any further for consideration.

Waiting Period

When will I get my license?

You'll get your marriage license immediately, but you'll have to wait 24 hours to use it.

Can the waiting period be waived?

The 24-hour waiting period can be waived by a judge or justice of the peace. In Orleans Parish, anyone authorized to solemnize marriages can waive it for nonresidents of Louisiana who opt to marry in Orleans Parish.

Expiration

How long will my license remain valid?

Your marriage license will expire 30 days after issuance at midnight.

Identification

What forms of ID must I show?

You'll need to bring your birth certificate and photo identification.

Birth certificate requirements?

Bring a certified copy of your birth certificate with a stamp or raised seal. A short-form certification card is okay for Louisiana residents. Non-English certificates must have a sworn translation that's notarized.

Photo ID requirements?

Bring unexpired photo ID, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID card, federal-issued ID card, passport, or visa with form I-94.

Blood Test

Do I need to get a blood test?

The premarital blood test and medical certificate requirement hasn't been in effect since July 18, 1988.

Divorced

What if I'm divorced?

If your last marriage ended in divorce, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree.

Widowed

What if my previous spouse died?

If your last marriage ended with the death of your spouse, bring a certified copy of their death certificate.

Name Change

What are my marriage name change options?

Name change after marriage isn't automatic. You can use a marriage name change kit to help get it done. You can take your spouse's last name, hyphenate, or return to any previous surname. You can also replace your middle name with your maiden name.

Witnesses

Are witnesses required?

Two competent witnesses aged 18 or over must attend your marriage ceremony. Afterward, they'll sign the certificate portion of your license.

The Ceremony

Who can preside over my marriage?

Your marriage can be solemnized by a judge, justice of the peace, or parish-registered clergyperson of any religious sect or society, including Quakers.

License Return

When must my license be returned?

Your marriage license must be returned to the office that issued it for recording no later than 10 days after marriage.

Marriage Certificate

Where can I get a copy of my marriage certificate?

You can buy a certified copy of your marriage certificate (a.k.a. marriage record) from the office where you got your marriage license. It'll cost about $5.

Will I automatically get a certified copy?

In some parishes, the marriage license fee includes one complimentary certified copy of your marriage certificate. It's up to you to inquire.

Proxy Marriage

Can I married by proxy?

You can't get married by proxy, which is when you have a surrogate take your place at the marriage ceremony.

Prohibited Marriage

Can I marry my first cousin?

Louisiana law does not permit marriage between first cousins.

Can I marry any family relation?

Louisiana law forbids marriage among blood relations within the fourth degree, which casts a very wide net of exclusion, all the way to great aunts and uncles.

Can I get married if I'm already married?

If your spouse has abandoned you the previous five years and their whereabouts is unknown, you can actually remarry without first divorcing.

Common-law Marriage

Is common-law marriage recognized?

Louisiana does not and has never legally recognized common-law marriage.

Office Locations

Where will you apply?

Comments

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161 Comments

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    1. Hi Dominique. What are you asking? What problem are you facing?

  1. If I'm married in Texas can I go get married in Louisiana to a different man

    1. I'm married in Texas can I go get married in Louisiana to a different man

      The simple answer is no, because that's bigamy. However, your subsequent marriage wouldn't be considered bigamous if your Texas spouse has abandoned you for the past five years and his whereabouts are unknown. Or he's been presumed dead by a court of law.

  2. If I live in a different state and get a divorce from a spouse, is there a waiting period to get married to someone else?

    1. is there a waiting period to get married to someone else?

      Louisiana doesn't have a waiting period between divorce and remarriage. There's no need to wait. Even if you live in one of the few states that impose divorce waiting periods, those laws don't apply in Louisiana.

  3. Hi! I’m a US citizen looking to marry my Spanish boyfriend while on holiday in New Orleans. We both live in Spain and aren’t looking for a green card. What documents/procedural changes, if any, are there for him?

    1. Hi Emily. Both of you need to bring photo ID and your birth certificates. Nearly any government-issued photo ID is good, such as a passport. If your boyfriend's birth certificate is not in English, attach a certified and notarized translation.

  4. Hi! Where can I find information on a courthouse ceremony? I am having a wedding in another country and need to have a legal ceremony in Louisiana beforehand.

  5. My fiance lives in Akron, OH. She’s gonna travel to Louisiana to get married. We only have 2 day in a week to get the license and get married. Can we do that in two days?

    1. We only have 2 day in a week to get the license and get married. Can we do that in two days?

      You'll have to navigate around the 24-hour waiting period. You've got a few options:

      1. She may complete the application in Ohio, get it notarized, then mail it to you. Then you go in alone to apply. This will kick off the waiting period.
      2. Wait until she arrives, apply together, then get a justice of the peace to waive the waiting period.
  6. My boyfriend is on probation and technically we can't be together. If we marry in a different state can this be detected by the state we're in now? How does this waiting period thing work because I read above that there isn't a wait period then on a different comment there was a 72 hour waiting period mentioned.

    1. If we marry in a different state can this be detected by the state we're in now?

      No, there's no automatic alert. States don't notify or monitor other state's marriage occurrences.

      How does this waiting period thing work

      Let's say you apply on Monday. You'll get your marriage license Monday, but it'll contain wording to the officiant not to solemnize your marriage until Thursday. Consider it a cooling off period.

      I read above that there isn't a wait period

      The 24-hour wait time may be waived by a judge or justice of the peace. Some folks are able to kill two birds with one stone by getting married in a civil ceremony and having that same judge apply the waiver.

  7. I want to marry my fiance which is in the nursing home due to a stroke which caused him to be disabled,he's 70,and I'm 37.

    He's a Vietnam veteran,can I apply for both of us to get married without him being present?

    1. can I apply for both of us to get married without him being present?

      Yes, you may apply on his behalf. Bring his military ID card.

  8. Hi, I'm Jessica,

    I want to get married to my EVERYTHING!! In August of this year ,but he has an estranged wife that he has to deal with first and he doesn't where she is exactly.

    It's only been a year n a half since they split and they don't have any children together. What would be the steps he need to take in order to finally divorce her,so me n him can get married.

    What will (WE) need to get married once they are divorce? Any waiting period before we marry?

    1. Sorry for the typo. I meant he doesn't (know) where she is.

    2. What would be the steps he need to take in order to finally divorce her

      He'll have to serve his spouse with divorce papers. If he can't track her down, he'll have to ask the court to assign a lawyer to his missing spouse. The lawyer will act as a sort of proxy so that divorce proceedings can commence without the absent spouse.

      What will (WE) need to get married once they are divorce?

      Other than the typical requirements listed on this page, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.

      Any waiting period before we marry?

      After you get your marriage license, you must wait 24 hours before getting married.

  9. I have friends coming in from the UK to visit and they wish to get married in the States, aka Louisiana, other than their birth certificate and passport what else do they need?

    1. other than their birth certificate and passport what else do they need?

      That's sufficient.

  10. I can’t find information on courthouse weddings. Can you give me a website or information on a courthouse wedding in Orleans Parish or St. Bernard parish?

  11. Me and my gf don't want some big ceremony we're just looking to get married we don't have the money to spend on anything like that but we just want it to be official how do we go about just getting married in the courthouse

  12. I got married in Mt. Hermon LA on June 8th, we pre-paid the mailing fee to get a marriage certificate mailed to us in TX. How long will that take?

    1. Hi Rodney. It could take 8 to 10 weeks for your Louisiana marriage certificate to arrive by mail. That's not necessarily the case for all parishes. You'll have to contact yours to find out for certain.

  13. How do I go about getting married in a courthouse? Is that the same thing as just applying for a marriage license?

    1. How do I go about getting married in a courthouse?

      Get in touch with a local justice of the peace.

      Is that the same thing as just applying for a marriage license?

      No, a courthouse marriage is optional, costs extra, and is typically by appointment only.

  14. Is there someone that can marry my fiancé and I at New Orleans City Hall?

    1. Hi Collette. The public justices of the peace listing doesn't show anyone for Orleans Parish, but there's nothing stopping you from hiring someone from any other parish. Justices can operate throughout Louisiana.

      If you're looking for another civil celebrant, you can contact Orleans Parish clerk of court office. They may be able to provide you with a referral.

  15. We’re getting married in NOLA soon. I Have dual Nationality with two passports (USA/UK) - was born in USA (American birth certificate) but have lived all my life in the UK. I don’t have a social security number. Is that going to cause problems? Thank you so much

    1. Sorry, more questions! My fiancé is English. What documents will he need to show for our Orleans marriage licence? Do they keep any of the documents? Can we have copies of the marriage certificate mailed to us in England? Many many thanks!

      1. What documents will he need to show for our Orleans marriage licence?

        Birth certificate (original or certified copy) and photo ID, such as a passport.

        Do they keep any of the documents?

        Your documents won't be kept, just inspected.

        Can we have copies of the marriage certificate mailed to us in England?

        Yes, you can order certified copies at the same time you apply and have them mailed to wherever you need.

    2. I don’t have a social security number. Is that going to cause problems?

      If you don't have a social security number, it's not required.

  16. Hi I’m getting married August 17 2019 I was wondering when should I go get my marriage license

    1. I’m getting married August 17 2019 I was wondering when should I go get my marriage license

      August 18, 2019, at the latest. You have to factor in the 24-hour waiting period.

      For instance, if your marriage license is issued on August 14 at 1pm, the earliest you may marry is August 18 at 1pm.

      The date and time your marriage license becomes ready for use will be written on the license.

    1. We getting married on July 27 2019 when should we get our license

      1. Hi Lee. There's a 24-hour waiting period to marry after getting your marriage license. Since your marriage date is a few days away, you're getting close to the edge. You may want to seek a waiver of the waiting period from a justice of the peace or judge.

    2. Hi Lee. Yes, same-sex marriage is legal in Louisiana.

  17. Do I sign my maiden name or my married name on my marriage license and certificate?

  18. Around January is when my boyfriend gets back from South Carolina (army basic training and airborne school) and we need to get married so i can live with him on base.

    How exactly do we get married and what do i do with the license and everything when i get it. Im just confused on how this works and what everything is and what it does

    1. How exactly do we get married

      Apply for a marriage license at the clerk of court office. To save time, you may apply alone, but you'll need a photocopy of your boyfriend's military ID. Bring a certified copy of your birth certificate and photo ID.

      what do i do with the license and everything when i get it.

      You'll get your marriage license the day you apply, but there's a 24-hour waiting period to use it. It expires after 30 days.

      After your marriage ceremony is over, your officiant must return your marriage license to the issuing clerk of court for recording. Once your marriage is recorded, you're married in the eyes of the state.

      If you need proof of marriage, you'll have to buy a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Some parishes include this in the marriage license fee, some don't. You'll have to ask when you apply. You can pay in advance and have them mail out your copy after they've recorded it.

  19. Hallo i have a good friend she live in Louisiana and we planning on getting married and i live in germany what we i do to be with her over there and what do she have to do to get me over there and how much is the marriage cost in church and in court does she have to have a job or me to get marries or meet her over there

    1. we planning on getting married and i live in germany

      You can apply together in person or she can apply for both of you using a notarized application.

      how much is the marriage cost in church

      The cost of a religious ceremony can only be answered by the church. That's not priced by state law or clerk of court offices.

      does she have to have a job or me to get marries or meet her over there

      No, employment status doesn't matter.

  20. Can my friend still get married in Louisiana if they have a warrant in Texas?

    1. Hi Sunny. Your friend's out-of-state warrant will not prevent issuance of a marriage license.

  21. What process would we have to go threw to get married????

    1. Hi Mustafa. Apply for a marriage license, wait for the waiting period to pass, then hold the ceremony. Your marriage is official when your officiant returns your marriage license for recording. Are you referring to something else not detailed on this page?

  22. is there any way i can get married on the weekend

    1. Hi Valencia. You'll have to arrange a weekend ceremony with your officiant, as courthouses are closed on weekends.

  23. My son went to a country in south america and found "his other half". They are planning to marry in the US because they say it takes 6 to 18 mo of paperwork to marry there.

    I already explained them the process to get Marriage license and 72 hrs waiting (and they are bubbling happy!!). She had a previous marriage in her country but hubby abandoned her and 2 kiddos and came to the US (I do not have details on how he did it).

    That's 11 yrs ago! Husband never contributed a penny and she was the sole provider for she and her kids. She has lost track of him and even the kids (15-18 y.o.) lost contact too.

    Before returning to the country my kid want to know:

    1. can she (foreign national) get divorced here "in absentia" of her husband. What she has do to?
    2. after divorcing her previous husband, is there any other requirement she has to comply with to marry my kid?
    3. if possible, any estimate on cost of all different steps.

    THanks for your help

    1. sorry but need a correction: her kids are now 24 and 27 one married and both on their on.

    2. can she (foreign national) get divorced here "in absentia" of her husband. What she has do to?

      She'll have to consult with an attorney regarding an international divorce.

      However, Louisiana allows marriage without divorce in cases of spousal abandonment exceeding five years. Her case might apply.

      after divorcing her previous husband, is there any other requirement she has to comply with to marry my kid?

      Bring certified proof of the divorce.

      if possible, any estimate on cost of all different steps.

      The only applicable cost is the marriage license fee. How much it'll cost to hire a lawyer or complete divorce proceedings varies.

  24. How many people are allowed in the courtroom to witness the ceremony? If there is a limit do children count as a seat?

    1. How many people are allowed in the courtroom

      You'll have to get in touch with the judge or justice to determine that. They may have a dedicated room for such ceremonies.

  25. Hi! If I live in one parish and want to get married in another, will a license from either parish work?

    Also, a friend who has been ordained is officiating– will they need to register in the parish where the ceremony is actually happening?

    1. If I live in one parish and want to get married in another, will a license from either parish work?

      Yes, it would work in any parish.

      will they need to register in the parish where the ceremony is actually happening?

      No, any parish would do.

  26. Hello. are the same fees and procedures if im getting married to a foreign person? she's coming to the US with a fiancé visa.

    thank you

    1. are the same fees and procedures if im getting married to a foreign person?

      Yes, the fees are universal.

  27. I need to know what me and my fiance need to do to get married we both live and were born in same parish.

    1. we both live and were born in same parish

      Residency doesn't matter. Just fulfill the payment, age, waiting period, etc, requirements as laid out on this page.

  28. Can the couple return the completed marriage license to the office that issued it or does the officiant have to be the one handing it in?

    Thanks!

  29. Hi, I did not realize that the paperwork needed to be returned within 10 days for recording. What happens if I did not return it within the 10 days and submit it late?

    We signed the certificate along with the officiant at the ceremony. Was there something else that I needed to do before submitting it?

    1. What happens if I did not return it within the 10 days and submit it late?

      It'll still be accepted.

      Was there something else that I needed to do before submitting it?

      No.

  30. Hi, i have a question we are both divorced and are divorced paper are in Spanish. What we need to do? . We are planning to get married dec, 2019.

    1. we are both divorced and are divorced paper are in Spanish. What we need to do?

      Contact the clerk of court in advance to determine if your divorce decree must be translated into English and notarized.

  31. My fiancé and I are visiting New Orleans Dec. 27. What would we have to do to get married there that day? We live in Alabama.

    1. Hi Lanie. The fact that you're from Alabama doesn't affect the licensing process, as there are no residency requirements. Follow the requirements as laid out on this page, especially the 24-hour waiting period.

  32. How do I find an officiant or someone to complete the elopement ceremony?

  33. Fiancé is from Honduras and I being from Louisiana are looking to get married here in Louisiana. Do we need to present any previous divorce decrees along with photo id’s and birth certificates.

    1. Hi Corey. Yes, to all three. Foreign language documents should be have a sworn notarized translation.

  34. I'm registered as an officiant in St Tammany Parish.

    Do I have to register in all parishes I'm asked to officiate?

    Or is it only necessary to register in the parish where I live or perform most ceremonies?

    Thanks

    1. Hi Sid. Yes, you have to register in each parish you want to officiate.

  35. Hello, I am wanting to elope and get married in New Orleans. Me and my Fiancé will be there 8/14/21. Can the application be completed on line?

    1. Can the application be completed on line?

      No, you must apply in person.

  36. I don’t have a birth certificate. My hippie parents delivered me at home themselves in the 1960s. They were anti-govt so they didn’t go to the city, county or state to register me.

    I do have a USA passport (they accepted my church baptismal certificate and other records).

    What would I need? We were planning to elope to Louisiana and may need to change our plans.

    1. they accepted my church baptismal certificate and other records

      Who is "they?" The parish clerk of court?

      What would I need?

      Have you already gotten your marriage license? Or are you asking what you'll need to do after getting your license?

  37. I am looking for information about the process someone has to go threw to get married to someone who is incarcerated in Louisiana in Bossier Parish Meduim Security Facility.

    1. Hi Nicki. Contact the warden to arrange your marriage.

  38. I am looking to marry my partner who is currently in prison, will this hinder the chance of getting a marriage certificate by any chance?

    1. Hi Georgia. Marrying someone in prison won't prevent you from getting your marriage certificate.

  39. How do I get married to a prisoner if we both don't want the marriage license to be from Louisiana but from California?

    1. Hi Trippin. Is the prisoner in Louisiana or California? Same question to you.

  40. The Louisiana State Dept. of Health Website is saying there is a 24 waiting period to get a marriage license, but I see in this thread and some other places that it takes 72 hours? I tried calling to the Marriage License Office in New Orleans, and can't get a straight answer.

    Is the 72 hours a waiting period after the original 24 to get the license? My fiancé and I are eloping from out of state this fall, so just wondering how much lead up time we will need to have all the correct documentation ready on our wedding day.

    1. Hi Meg. The wait time is now 24 hours after you get your license.

  41. Hi, I was wondering if you had any information on planning the ceremony at the courthouse? I don't really know what to do or what the whole process is.

    1. Hi Taylor. The ceremony is limited and follows a standard template. Depending on the courthouse, your vows may be exchanged in a regular office setting. Or they may have a room set aside with a bit of pomp. You'll have to contact the courthouse to determine how elaborate it'll be when you schedule it.

  42. Hello! My fiancé and I live in TN and we are getting married in NOLA in a few weeks. Does our marriage license have to be from NOLA? Or TN?

    1. Does our marriage license have to be from NOLA? Or TN?

      NOLA. Specifically one of two offices within Orleans Parish.

  43. Is a souvenir copy a certify marriage license. How can I know if license was registered @ court house. If not am I legally married?

    1. Is a souvenir copy a certify marriage license.

      No, souvenir copies aren't an official thing in Louisiana.

      How can I know if license was registered @ court house.

      You can contact the parish clerk of court to find out if your license was returned and date it was recorded. Your marriage isn't recognized until it's been recorded.

  44. Hi we planned on getting married Nov 5th but the person who was going to do marriage can not preform it anymore. So we are wanting to just go to justice of peace or something.

    Do we have to make appointments bc we also need to get marriage license but need to know if we have to be there together or can we go separate times.

    I’m coming to town that Wednesday he will not be there till Thursday. We just don’t want anything messed up bc it says 24 hours. We want to be married on Friday Please let me know my best options here. Thanks

    1. Hi Brandi. If you get married in Oreleans Parish, they can waive the 24-hour wait. You'll want to call ahead and make an appointment to reserve your spot.

  45. Hi My fiancé and I live in Texas and are wanting to come get married in New Orleans in January. What all do we need to do? And which courthouse and Judge can marry us on Friday, January 28th, 2022?

    1. Hi Brittney. Apply in Orleans Parish. Out-of-state applicants don't have extra requirements. The waiting period can be waived by a judge, justice of the peace, or whoever solemnizes your marriage. Schedule your courthouse wedding ahead of time.

  46. My grandson lives in Walker. He wants me to officiate over his wedding. I am an ordained United Methodist pastor from Missouri. What don I have to do to insure my grandson’s wedding is legal?

    1. Hi Kenneth. You must register your credentials in the parish where your grandson's ceremony will occur.

  47. How can I set up a ceremony with the Justice of the Peace?

  48. What do I need to become a parish-registered clergy person, in order to preside over a friend's wedding?

    1. Hi Billy. Contact the parish clerk to register your officiating credentials.

  49. Do I need an actual social security CARD to get a marriage license in Louisiana? Or just know my social security number?

    1. Hi Robin. You don't have to bring your social security card to apply for a Louisiana marriage license. Just know your number when completing the application.

  50. My fiance works 6 days a week. He goes in before the office opens and doesn't get off till after it's closed. Is there anyway I would be able to come by myself to get our marriage license ?

    1. Hi Megan. You'll have to contact the parish clerk of court to determine if they'll make an exception and allow him to either apply absentee or accommodate his hours of availability.

  51. Hello! I'm getting married in Orleans parish this month and we do not live in New Orleans. Our officiant does not live in New Orleans either.

    After the wedding, does he have to turn in the signed marriage license or can I turn it in for him?

    1. does he have to turn in the signed marriage license or can I turn it in for him?

      You can turn in your own marriage license. It doesn't have to be your officiant.

      1. Wow thank you for the info and speedy response!!

  52. How does marrying someone in prison work? We were suppose to get married then he went to prison…. Still haven't heard back from the prison on that.

    1. HI Amanda. You'll have to keep trying the prison. They'll make the arrangements. Consider making an in-person visit if phone correspondence fails.

  53. I have never been married. My fiance claims he has never been married before. How can I find out if he has been married before he and I say I will do. I'm from Houston he's from Louisiana New Orleans that is.

  54. How can I find out if he has been married before he and I say I will do.

    There are several ways to find out if someone has been married:

    1. Contact the courthouse or vital records office in the state where one suspects their fiancé was married for a marriage records search.
    2. Search through social media history for footprints.
    3. Look into background check services.
    4. Hire a detective.
  55. I'm from Calcasieu Parish but looking to elope in Orleans Parish. Can I get my marriage license in Calcasieu Parish and bring it with me or will I have to file for one in Orleans parish and get it there?

    1. Hi Amanda. You can get your marriage license from one parish and then marry in another parish.

  56. Me and boyfriend live in to different parish.

    1. Hi Keagan. Where you live isn't a factor. There are no residency requirements to get a marriage license in Louisiana.

  57. Can my bf and I get married in Jefferson Parish where we reside, but we have a Mississippi marriage license?

    1. Hi Stormy. That won't work. You can't use a Mississippi marriage license in Louisiana. You must get a Louisiana license to marry in the state. And it doesn't have to come from the parish where you live.

  58. When my husband went to the court house to get a copy of his divorce he was told the divorce was denied because his ex never turned in the marriage license and without there being a marriage license on file they couldn't grant a divorce.

    Now his ex is saying that he committed bigamy and we aren't legally married even though we have a legal marriage license on file with the courts. Where is the truth in this?

    1. Hi Mary. You and/or your ex should consider consulting an attorney. I'm not certain how your husband could pursue a copy of divorce records without showing the court proof of marriage in the first place. Am I misinterpreting the sequence?

  59. What happens if my officiant wasn't registered in the parish I got married in? Is my marriage invalid?

    1. Hi Alisha. Your marriage is still valid. Such a technicality wouldn't nullify your marriage.

  60. We are divorced. I'm remarrying the same man do we need a certified divorce decree?

    1. Hi Julie. Louisiana statutes don't mention the conditional of remarrying the person you've just divorced. If you have a certified copy of your divorce decree, bring it. Otherwise, you'll want to contact the parish clerk to see if it's alright to skip.

  61. My bf is in jail he lost his ID, social and birth certificate before he went. I can't get a birth certificate for him. Do I actually need his birth certificate to get the marriage license?

    1. Hi Rufus. The jail administrator should be handling this with you.

  62. Hello. I'm currently still legally married in Texas but the ex & I hadn't been together for years. I am wanting to get married to a new person in Louisiana next year. Is this possible or would I have to divorce first.

    1. Hi Lina. Louisiana has an exception for abandonment, where you can remarry without divorcing if your spouse has abandoned you for more than five years and you don't know where they are. Unless you meet this standard, you must divorce before remarrying.

  63. My fiancé has a social security card, birth certificate, but an expired state ID. Will this prevent us from getting a marriage license?

    1. Hi Shelly. You'll have to contact the parish clerk to determine if they're willing to accept expired ID.

  64. Hi, I want to get married in New Orleans, but I'm not sure if I can get a copy of my birth certificate (I'm fifty years old) however I do have a passport, real ID driver's license, and a Social Security card. Would all that suffice?

    Also, I'm divorced (in CA) and I'm not clear what a "certified" copy of my divorce decree means. I have a digital copy of the judgement and I went on the court website and they don't have one available (I'm not sure if i can get one in person but I paid on the website and it said it was not available to download - very annoying). What can I do?

    1. Would all that suffice?

      You'll want to contact the state registrar of vital records. They handle issuance of marriage licenses for the City of New Orleans and all of Orleans Parish. If they can't procure a copy of your birth certificate, ask if they can issue a marriage license with the ID set you have.

      I'm not clear what a "certified" copy of my divorce decree means

      It's an official copy of your divorce record from the court, which has the same legal weight as the original. It should be marked certified, signed, and often with a raised seal.

      I went on the court website and they don't have one available (I'm not sure if i can get one in person but I paid on the website and it said it was not available to download.

      You can contact the state-level California vital records office instead of the court.

  65. How does one go about getting married while they’re incarcerated in Louisiana?

    1. Hi Tiffany. Contact the prison to make the arrangements for you.

  66. Hi! My fiancé was born in Baton Rouge, but lost his birth certificate. My birth certificate is in Hungarian because my parents were military and we were stationed there. How can my fiancé get a replacement birth certificate, and how do I get mine translated properly?

    1. How can my fiancé get a replacement birth certificate

      Through Louisiana's vital records office.

      how do I get mine translated properly?

      You can search online for a birth certificate translation company or service. Make sure it's a notarized.

  67. You mentioned the marriage license should be returned in 10 days after the wedding for recording then I can order a certified copies as many as I want. My question is: Do I get the original copy of the marriage license or the court keep it?

    1. Do I get the original copy of the marriage license or the court keep it?

      You will get a certified copy; the court will keep the original.

  68. My daughter forgot to return her marriage license. It's been over a year. What does she need to do?

    1. Hi Heaven. Your daughter can contact the office that issued the marriage license about recording a delayed license.

  69. This is my first time applying for a marriage license. What do they mean is this a covenant marriage on the license or a non covenant marriage.

  70. Do both parents of the 17 year old have to be present for the marriage license? The other partner is 19 years old so his parents aren't required to be there.

    1. Do both parents of the 17 year old have to be present for the marriage license?

      Yes, both parents of the minor must attend the making of the application and sign the parental consent form in front of the clerk of court.

  71. Greetings,

    I know an elderly couple who are both bedridden, in hospice care who wish to get married. I understand at least one partner has to be present to obtain a license. Is there a way this can be done by proxy using Skyp or Zoom as an ADA accommodation?

    1. Hi Kim. You'll have to contact a parish clerk of court to request an exception. They do have great latitude to make case-by-case decisions.

  72. Can an inmate in Vermilion Parish jail get married while incarcerated?

    1. Hi Tammy. Yes, inmates can get married. Have the warden make preparations.

  73. Hi my partner is incarcerated in Louisiana and I’m from the UK. Am I right in thinking that in order to go ahead with our wedding we would need approval from his facility and a marriage request form from your services to send to the facility within 30 days of it being issued? Thank you.

    1. Hi Olivia. You must need the warden to make your preparations.

  74. If I got married in Louisiana and it has been 8 years since my husband were about, can I remarry someone else?

    1. Hi Annie. You can remarry without getting divorced if your current husband's whereabouts have been unknown for the last five years. But if you know where they are, it wouldn't fit the definition of abandonment.

  75. If we get married in Louisiana can we file for green card in any other state?

    1. Hi Emmanuel. You can apply for a green card in another state.

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