Louisiana Wedding Laws

Louisiana Wedding Laws

Drafted and last reviewed for accuracy by the Louisiana marriage law team at the Universal Life Church Ministries on

Louisiana knows how to celebrate, being home to the Mardi-Gras festival, the birthplace of jazz music and the origin of Cajun cuisine. The Bayou State seems like a no-brainer when it comes to having a wedding and reception, but there are several regulations that must be adhered to for such a union to be legally compliant. At the Universal Life Church, we’ve done the hard work by putting together a straightforward, easy-to-follow guide that breaks down Louisiana’s marriage laws. Our guide answers many of your questions, taking the uncertainty out of making sure that your wedding is legal.

Louisiana Marriage Requirements

Min. Age of Couple:
Age 18 with Age-Gap Restrictions for Minors
Residency:
Not Required
Min. Distance of Kin Allowed:
Second Cousins
Marriage Equality:
Yes

In order to be married within the State of Louisiana, both members of the couple must be 18 or older. Persons under the age of 18 cannot get married, except for 16- and 17-year olds who are no more than three years younger than their spouse-to-be.

Marriages between parents and offspring are considered illegal and the couple cannot be closer than second cousins or first cousins once removed. This is true for blood relatives and family members by legal adoption.

Same-sex couples and people from outside of the state can be legally married in Louisiana.

How to Get a Louisiana Marriage License

Who Picks Up License:
The Couple
Where License is Valid:
Any Parish in Louisiana
Marriage License Pick-Up
In Person Only
Cost of License:
Varies by County
Accepted I.D. Types:
Government Issued ID and Birth Certificate
Proof of Divorce Required (If Applicable):
Yes
Blood Test Required:
No

Couples who want to marry within Louisiana must complete a written application for a marriage license. This application must be signed in the presence of a notary, deputy clerk or deputy registrar in any state parish, irrespective of where the applicants live or where the union will be solemnized. Each application must include the following information for each party:

  • Time and date of completion
  • Full name
  • Race
  • Residence
  • Age
  • Social Security number
  • Names of parents
  • List of any former marriages
  • Disclosure of blood relations between applicants

Applicants must confirm that they are legally allowed to marry and that the information provided is true. If either applicant is under the age of 18, written consent must be provided. Additionally, each applicant must provide proof of divorce where applicable.

Couples do not need to apply for the marriage license at the same time as long as each individual completes the application in the presence of a notary and affirms the information given. Exceptions can be made for a member of the military if a military ID is provided. A judge can also grant an exception for a couple found to have sufficient cause. In either situation, one party can complete the application on behalf of the other party.

Expect to pay between $20 to $40 for the marriage license, which varies among parishes.

Applying For a Marriage License in Louisiana

ULC-Officiated Ceremony Type:
Religious
Mandatory Waiting Period:
24 Hours
License Valid For:
30 Days
License Must Be Submitted:
Within 10 Days of Ceremony

In the state of Louisiana, there is a minimum 24-hour waiting period between a wedding ceremony and issuance of the marriage license. Similarly, a couple has up to 30 days to get married before the marriage license expires.

The wedding officiant or minister must complete and submit all signed marriage certificates and the original license to the court clerk who furnished it within 10 days of the actual wedding. Officiants who fail to do so may be fined and banned from performing any future weddings in Louisiana.

How to Become a Wedding Officiant in Louisiana

Min. Age of Minister:
Age 18
Residency:
Not Required
Document(s) Required:
Varies by City
Online Ordination Recognized:
Yes
Relevant Office of Registration:
Clerk of Courts
Latest Document(s) Submission Date Allowed:
Before the Ceremony
Minister I.D. # Issued:
No

In Louisiana, the following persons are authorized to officiate marriage ceremonies:

  • State judges
  • Justices of the peace
  • Priests, ministers and rabbis
  • Religious Society of Friends clerk
  • Clergy of any religious sect who is at least 18 years old
  • Prior to the wedding, other officiants have to file an affidavit with a court clerk in the parish where the wedding is to be held. This affidavit must include the following information:
  • Legal name
  • Denomination or religious sect
  • Address of the ceremony

As an ordained minister through the ULC, you are considered a legal religious actor. It is strongly recommended that you keep your ordination credentials and affidavit with you to provide to any Louisiana state officials who may require proof of eligibility.

Getting Married in Louisiana

Marriage By Proxy Allowed:
No
Minister Required to be Present:
Yes

In Louisiana, both parties must be physically present for a formal wedding ceremony that is officiated by someone who is legally allowed to do so. To solemnize and formalize the union, this ceremony must be witnessed by at least two adults. The actual ceremony must include unforced consent from both parties to be married.

Couples and officiants may plan and execute the ceremony in accordance with their particular belief system or other specific traditions.

Finalizing the Union

Officiant's Title on Marriage License:
Minister
Church/Ordaining Body:
Universal Life Church Ministries
Address of Church:
Minister's Home Address

The Bayou State puts much of the responsibility for compliance on the wedding officiant, especially within the first 10 days of the marriage ceremony.

  • Fines will be assessed for failure to do any of the following:
  • Fully complete the Department of Children and Family Services forms
  • Include the date and location of the wedding ceremony
  • File two signed copies of the marriage certificates with the correct court clerk within 10 days of the wedding ceremony.

Fines start at $20 for a first offense and grow to $50 and $100 for a second and third offense, respectively. Officiants who commit a fourth offense can expect to be banned from performing future wedding ceremonies within the state. Your eligibility to officiate weddings in Louisiana is dependent on your ability to stay compliant with state law.

Learn How to Perform a Louisiana Wedding

Become an Officiant

Want to Learn More about Ministry in Louisiana?

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