Requirements | WeddingsinNewOrleans.com

Making it Legal in Louisiana

Your love is here to stay. Here's how to get that piece of paper to prove it. Because so many couples come from out-of-state, Louisiana has made it easy to wave the tradtitional 72-hour waiting period. Before you say "I do," dot your "I's" and cross your "t's" with the info below.

The License

To obtain a Louisiana marriage license, you must be 18 years or older. If you are between 16 and 18, legal guardians must be present. For Louisiana residents, there is a 72-hour waiting period after receiving your license, however, judges of the First or Second City Courts can waive it. For non-Louisiana residents, the waiting period can be waived if the services will be performed in Orleans parish by a registered Orleans officiant.

What You Need to Bring

You will need to bring a current driver's license, state issued ID, or passport as well as certified copies of both of your birth certificates and social security numbers. Also, if either party has been previously married, a divorce decree and/or death certificate must be presented. Either the bride or the groom must appear in person in order to apply.

Helpful Information

General information for every parish in the greater New Orleans area can be found below.

ORLEANS PARISH

Benson Towers

1450 Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: 504-593-5100
Judges: 504-592-9240 / 504-364-2922 / 364-2923
Police Escorts: 827-3260
Hours: Monday - Saturday 8 am - 4 pm
License Fee: $27.50 cash or check

JEFFERSON PARISH EAST BANK

Joseph S. Yenni Building

1221 Elmwood Park Blvd
Clerk of Court, Room 603
Justice of the Peace Offices:
- Harahan, LA - 504-736-6390
- Kenner: 504-466-7984
- Metairie: 504-838-4295
Police Escorts: 504-465-1480
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Mon.-Fri.
License Fee: $29.40 cash only

JEFFERSON PARISH (WEST BANK)

Gretna Courthouse

Second and Derbigny
Clerk of Court, Third Floor
Gretna, Louisiana
Police Escorts: 504-465-1480
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
License Fee: $29.40 cash only
Judges:
- Marrero/Westwego: 504-348-2769
- Gretna/Harvey: 504-364-2760
Lafitte:504-689-2280 Police Escorts: 504-465-1480

ST. TAMMANY PARISH (COVINGTON)

Parish Courthouse, 510 Boston Street

Clerk of Court, Covington 504-898-2430 ext. 441
Judges: 985-898-2430 ext. 441.
Police Escorts: 985-898-8181
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mon. - Fri.
Fees: $25.00 cash only

ST. TAMMANY (SLIDELL)

Parish Courthouse

Annex, 2132 First St.
Clerk of Court, Slidell 985-6464120
Judges: 985-646-4120
Police Escorts: 985-646-4100
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mon. - Fri.
License Fee: $25.00 cash only

ST. BERNARD PARISH

Parish Courthouse

St. Bernard Hwy.
Clerk of Court, Chalmette, LA
504-271-3434
Judges: 504-271-3434
Police Escorts: 504-278-7677
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mon. - Fri
License Fee: $25.00 cash or check

Five Tips for Writing Your Own Vows

1. Speak in Your Own Voice

You don’t have to be a poet. You just have to be honest. Be real and everyone will love it. (This isn’t to say you can't borrow from famous passages.)

2. Share a Story

Who doesn’t love a great anecdote? Something sweet and heartfelt. If you have one, share it.

3. Don’t Try to Be a Comedian

Funny is okay, but remember, you’re not trying to impress your guests with your wit. These are vows to the one you love – this isn’t the Improv.

4. Keep it Short, Sweetie (KISS)

Your love will last forever, but sixty seconds (give or take a little) is long enough for your vows.

5. Practice Out Loud

This is too important to wing it. Make sure you know what you’re going to say and how you want to say it.

For more information on how to obtain an Orleans Parish marriage license you can visit http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/644