Getting a Marriage License in Louisiana

Marriage licenses are issued by the clerk of court in each parish; in Orleans Parish, by the state registrar of vital records or a city court judge. Both parties sign a sworn application before a notary, deputy clerk or deputy registrar (they need not sign at the same time). The application must be accompanied by a certified copy of each party's birth certificate (or a judge's waiver order) and a valid driver's license, government ID, or passport (or unexpired visa with Form I-94); minors also need the required consent and court authorization. The ceremony may not take place until 24 hours after the license is issued, though a judge or justice of the peace may waive the delay for serious reasons. The license is valid for 30 days from issuance, and two adult witnesses must attend the ceremony.

No marriage license may be issued to, and no ceremony performed for, a minor under 16. A 16- or 17-year-old may marry only with both written consent (from both parents, the tutor, or the person awarded custody) and judicial authorization. A judge may authorize the marriage only for a compelling reason and after considering the minor's best interest at a hearing in chambers, including separate interviews and an inquiry into trafficking, abuse or coercion. No license may be issued to a 16- or 17-year-old if the age difference between the parties is three years or more. A 16- or 17-year-old is fully emancipated by marriage.