How to get a New Orleans Marriage License

In order to apply for a marriage license, both parties should be present and present all required documents. If a party is absent, the application will only be accepted if their signature on the application has been separately notarized. If the absent party is a member of the US armed forces, a copy of a military ID can be accepted in lieu of a signature, but at least one party’s in-person signature is required to submit an application. 

Marriage License Requirements 

• Current driver’s license, current state ID or passport. 

• A certified birth certificate or a certified birth card for both parties. The birth certificate must be translated if not in English.  If not born in the US or US territories and a certified birth certificate cannot be produced, a waiver must be presented in accordance with LA R.S. 9:228. 

• Applicants must provide their Social Security numbers if born in the United States. If not born in the US or US territories, the applicant(s) must present a valid passport from their country of birth or a visa with I-94 form attached.  

• If previously married, a certified copy of the final divorce decree is required. 

• If widowed, a certified copy of death certificate is required. 

• $27.50 for marriage license in Orleans Parish (fee is non-refundable). Payable by cash (must contain EXACT AMOUNT), check or money order only. The marriage license is valid for 30 days. 

An Application to Obtain an Orleans Parish Marriage License is available and may be completed by the parties prior to applying in person.  

A 24-hour waiting period is required by law between the time of issuance of the marriage license and the ceremony. 

• LOUISIANA RESIDENTS – 24-hour waiting period may be waived by a First or Second City Court Judge. 

• NON LOUISIANA RESIDENTS – If both parties reside outside of Louisiana and the services will occur in Orleans parish AND be performed by a registered Orleans officiant, that officiant can waive the 24-hour waiting period with a waiver. The waiver must be attached to the completed marriage certificate when it is returned to Vital Records. 

Marriage under the age of 16 is prohibited by law.  Applicants 16 or 17 years of age must have judicial authorization and written consent of parent(s), Tutor or Legal guardian. CHC 1545    

A marriage license expires and becomes invalid at midnight thirty (30) days after the date of issuance. If the service is postponed beyond the expiration date, you must return the expired license and purchase a new one.   

You are encouraged to purchase one or more certified copies of your Marriage Certificate when you apply for your license. Certified copies of a Marriage Certificate cost $5.00 + a $.50 mailing charge per transaction.

Where To Obtain Your Marriage License

Orleans Parish Marriage Office 

1450 Poydras Street (Benson Tower) 4th Floor 
New Orleans, LA 70112 
Ph: 504-593-5100 
Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. 
Mon-Fri (except state holidays) 
www.oph.dhh.state.la.us  or click here 

For map and directions Click here 

Second City Court – Algiers Point Courthouse 

(walking distance from the Canal St./Algiers Ferry) 
225 Morgan Street 
New Orleans, LA 70114 
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30am; 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
(Please arrive before 2:15 p.m.) 
Mon-Fri (except state holidays) 

For map and directions Click here 

Marriage Certificate Forms & Documents

For the following forms and documents, click here. 

• Instructions for ordering Marriage Certificates 

• Application for Certified Copy of Orleans Parish Marriage Certificate 

• Marriage Officiant Registration Affidavit 

• 24 hour Waiver Certificate 

Other Permits 

• Streetcar Charter 

• Jackson Square Ceremony Permit 

• Jackson Square Photography Permit 

• Additional Park Permits