Getting started
The Louisiana marriage licence, explained plainly
Most couples have never done this before. Here is what the state actually requires, so nothing catches you out in the last week.
Who can perform your wedding?
A Justice of the Peace, a Judge or an Ordained Minister/Rabbi.
Every Officiant must be registered, not simply ordained. In Louisiana that means filing an affidavit with the Clerk of Court in the parish where they principally perform ceremonies. Ask your Officiant whether they are registered; I am.
When to meet with your Officiant
As soon as you book your venue contact your Officiant and check the date of your Wedding and Rehearsal with their schedule – I have found that most J.O.P.’s will not book months in advance.
Keep in mind that every Pastor, Priest, Rabbi, Justice of the Peace and Judge has his/her own Ceremony guidelines to follow.
Things to go over with your Officiant
- How you wish your full LEGAL names to be pronounced.
- Scripture and Readings: Are there special scriptures or poems you like? Who is reading and what (find out where they are to stand so that you can inform the reader)?
- Are you writing your own vows?
- Who is presenting the Bride?
- Go over what you want that person to say: “I do”, “We Do”, “Her mother & I”, “Her family” etc.
- How do you wish your names said when the Bride & Groom are presented at the end of the ceremony: “Mr. & Mrs. Joe Smith”, “Mr. & Mrs. Joe & Jane Smith”, “Joe & Jane Doe-Smith”, etc.
- Ask the Officiant what the fee is at your first meeting. Fees vary: with travel, with whether the Officiant is needed at the Rehearsal as well as the Ceremony, and with the size of your ceremony. Ask early rather than assuming a figure. If the Officiant has to travel some distance to both the Rehearsal and the Ceremony, please keep that in mind, and pay in cash, preferably the night of the Rehearsal.
- If the Officiant is invited to the Rehearsal Dinner/Reception, please tell them as soon as your plans are made (do not assume they will know they are invited).
Obtaining a marriage licence
The two things couples most often get wrong
You must wait 24 hours after your Licence is issued before you can use it (Why? Because the Louisiana Law states this!). A Judge or Justice of the Peace may waive that delay for serious and meritorious reasons.
The Clerk closes at 4 PM but will not start a new Marriage Licence at closing. Aim to arrive by 3 PM, earlier if you can.
- Your Marriage Licence is issued by the Clerk of Court. In East Baton Rouge Parish you can begin the application online, then go in person to collect it.
- This marriage licence is good in any parish in Louisiana but can only be used in the State of Louisiana.
- The Marriage Licence costs $37.50, and that includes 2 copies. Any additional certified copies are $10.00 each. (Fees are set by the Clerk of Court and do change. If you are planning well ahead, check ebrclerk.com or call (225) 389-3950.)
- You will be given your copies along with an envelope. The legal document goes back to the Clerk of Court after your ceremony. I take care of returning it.
- Included, also, are the instructions to change your name.
- A Marriage Licence can be purchased up to 30 days before the Wedding date, but it is good for 30 days only.
- Only one of you needs to apply in person. If you are coming alone, bring certified birth certificates for both of you, and your own current photo ID (a driver’s licence is usually preferred).
- There is an On-line Application Worksheet on the Clerk of Court’s website (ebrclerk.com) to help you be ready when you go in to buy your Marriage Licence.
What you must bring with you
- Photo ID of applicant (it must be current), and a driver’s licence is usually preferred. Note that LA Wallet, the digital driver’s licence, is NOT accepted: bring the physical card.
- Both Bride & Grooms’ original Birth Certificates (CERTIFIED). If either of you is naturalised, bring your Naturalization Certificate instead.
- Information on both sets of parents (i.e. Father’s and Mother’s full names including mother’s maiden name and place of birth of both sets of parents)
- Social Security Numbers for both Bride & Groom
- Divorce Decree/Death Certificate (if applicable, certified)
Be ready to listen to the clerk as they explain the directions concerning the marriage licence. Bring your Marriage Licence with you the night of the rehearsal and give it to your planner/ Officiant. There is information that must be filled in, by your Officiant, which will help expedite things after the wedding ceremony itself.
After your ceremony
After the ceremony I file your Marriage Licence with the Clerk of Court within ten days, as Louisiana law requires. You will take your Keepsake Licence home with you on the day, and there is nothing further for you to do.
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. They will not start a new Marriage Licence right at closing, so aim to arrive by 3:00 PM. Don’t count on going after work.
Bring: Cash, Credit Card or Debit Card (all three are accepted).
The Coursey Boulevard office has closed. The Baker office does not issue marriage licences. Please don’t make the trip.
Last reviewed: September 2026