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Louisiana marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Louisiana's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished November 12, 2026

Editorial standards

Louisiana marriage license at a glance

Fee: $27.50 for a license from the Orleans Parish Marriage Office, run by the Louisiana Department of Health. Cash, check, money order and credit or debit cards are accepted; fees are nonrefundable. Waiting period: 24 hours must pass between issuance of the license and the ceremony, unless a Justice of the Peace grants a waiver. How long it is valid: Valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

The fee shown is from Orleans Parish. Ask the clerk of court whether the amount differs where you apply.

Louisiana marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 12, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $27.50 for a license from the Orleans Parish Marriage Office, run by the Louisiana Department of Health. Cash, check, money order and credit or debit cards are accepted; fees are nonrefundable. (Source: ldh.la.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: 24 hours must pass between issuance of the license and the ceremony, unless a Justice of the Peace grants a waiver. (Source: ebrclerkofcourt.org, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: Valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. (Source: ebrclerkofcourt.org, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Valid only for ceremonies performed in Louisiana. Applicants do not need to be Louisiana residents. (Source: ebrclerkofcourt.org, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Who may officiate: Registered clergy of any religion who are adults and authorized by their religion, plus state judges and justices of the peace. Non-judge officiants must register with the clerk of court. (Source: legis.la.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: 18 or older without judicial consent. Under 18 requires a court order plus written parental concurrence, and a limited age gap between the applicants. (Source: ebrclerkofcourt.org, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Certified birth certificate plus valid government photo ID or passport. Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married. Non-citizens need a passport or visa. (Source: ebrclerkofcourt.org, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: In person at the Clerk of Court, 222 St. Louis St., Room B115, Baton Rouge, or a branch. Either party can apply. Any parish may issue a license. (Source: ebrclerkofcourt.org, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: The page offers an online application worksheet, but the application must still be made in person by either party. (Source: ebrclerkofcourt.org, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Get a certified copy from the Clerk of Court in the parish that issued the license. State Vital Records only handles Orleans Parish licenses. (Source: ldh.la.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Louisiana?

$27.50 for a license from the Orleans Parish Marriage Office, run by the Louisiana Department of Health. Cash, check, money order and credit or debit cards are accepted; fees are nonrefundable. The fee shown is from Orleans Parish. Ask the clerk of court whether the amount differs where you apply.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Louisiana?

24 hours must pass between issuance of the license and the ceremony, unless a Justice of the Peace grants a waiver.

How long is a Louisiana marriage license valid?

Valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

Who can officiate a wedding in Louisiana?

Registered clergy of any religion who are adults and authorized by their religion, plus state judges and justices of the peace. Non-judge officiants must register with the clerk of court.

How do you get a certified copy of a Louisiana marriage certificate?

Get a certified copy from the Clerk of Court in the parish that issued the license. State Vital Records only handles Orleans Parish licenses.

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