In order to get married, you need to apply and
receive a marriage license. This is the document
in your state that allows you to officially tie
the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring
your marriage license varies from state to state,
so you should check with your city's marriage
bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out
what your local rules are.
You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
ID Requirement:
Picture ID such as a driver's license along
with
a certified copy of your birth certificates. You
should know your Social Security numbers. You
should both also know your parent's full name,
mother's maiden name, and the states in which you
were born.
Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.
Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Louisiana.
Waiting Period:
72 hours. The waiting period can be waived
by
a judge.
Covenant Marriage: Both parties must apply in person for this license, and premarital counseling is required.
If Divorced: If previously married, you will need to show proof of how the marriage ended, I.E.; a divorce judgment or a death certificate. These must be certified copies.
Fees: $25+ They vary from parish to parish. Some will only take cash.
Other Tests: No blood test requirement.
Under 18: If either party to the marriage is between the ages of 16 and 18, the presence and signatures of both parents are required. If a parent has legal custody in a divorce, a certified copy of the judgment must be presented. If either party is under the age of 16, a court order is required in order to obtain a license.
Proxy Marriages: Both parties need not be present (unless contracting a covenant marriage), but one of the parties must be present to apply for a marriage license. That party must present identification, for the absent party, in the form of a certified birth certificate.
Miscellaneous: Louisiana has passed a Covenant Marriage Act.
Officiants: Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination in regular communion with any religious society may perform marriages. Ministers must register with the clerk of the district court of the parish or with the health department if in New Orleans. After performing a marriage, the minister must complete a marriage certificate and return it to the clerk of the district court.
Valid:
License is valid for 30 days.
The license can only be used within the State of
Louisiana.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.
Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
Caddo Parish
Shreveport, LA
318.226.6780
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