Baton Rouge Marriage License
A marriage license in Baton Rouge is issued by the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court at the St. Louis Street courthouse in downtown Baton Rouge. You must apply in person, bring certified documents, and allow for the 24-hour waiting period before your ceremony can take place. An online pre-application option is available through ClerkConnect, which can speed up your visit to the courthouse. This page covers the office location, hours, required documents, fees, and everything else you need to know before you apply.
Baton Rouge Quick Facts
Where to Apply in Baton Rouge
The East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court handles all marriage licenses for Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas of East Baton Rouge Parish. You go to the courthouse on St. Louis Street in downtown Baton Rouge to apply.
| Office | East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 222 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 |
| Phone | (225) 389-3950 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | ebrclerk.com |
| Online Application | clerkconnect.com/marriageapp/ebr |
Arrive at least 60 minutes before closing. The clerk's office requires this to allow time for processing. If you show up close to 4:30 PM, you may not be served that day. Plan your visit for mid-morning or early afternoon to be safe.
The City of Baton Rouge's official marriage information page provides an overview of the marriage process for Baton Rouge residents.
The city page directs residents to the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court at 222 St. Louis Street for all marriage license applications.
Online Pre-Application
East Baton Rouge Parish offers an online marriage application through ClerkConnect. You can start your application before you visit the courthouse. This can cut down on time spent at the window when you arrive. Both parties still need to appear in person to complete the process and receive the license.
The online system at clerkconnect.com/marriageapp/ebr walks you through each field before your visit. Have your document information ready before you start. You will need the same information that is on your certified birth certificates, IDs, and any prior divorce or death certificates.
The East Baton Rouge Parish online marriage application through ClerkConnect allows couples to start their application before visiting the St. Louis Street office.
Starting the application online through ClerkConnect can speed up processing when you arrive at the courthouse.
Required Documents
Both parties must bring valid photo ID and certified documents. The clerk does not accept plain copies. Everything must be original or certified by the issuing authority.
All applicants must bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Certified birth certificate for both parties
- Social Security numbers for both parties
If you have been married before, you also need:
- Certified copy of the divorce decree if you are divorced
- Death certificate of the former spouse if you are widowed
Note that the LA Wallet app is NOT acceptable as a photo ID in Baton Rouge. You must bring a physical ID. For non-US citizens, you need the original certified birth certificate with a notarized translation plus a valid passport or visa as photo ID.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk public service page lists all services available at the Baton Rouge courthouse including marriage licenses.
The EBR Clerk's public service page is the official source for fee schedules, required documents, and hours for obtaining a marriage license in Baton Rouge.
Fees for a Baton Rouge Marriage License
The fee for a marriage license in Baton Rouge is approximately $35. Fees may change, so confirm the current amount when you call or visit the clerk's office. Pay attention to accepted payment methods when you plan your visit, as not all offices accept all forms of payment.
Certified copies of your marriage license cost extra. You may want to order a few copies at the same time since you will likely need them for name changes and other legal purposes. Ask the clerk about current copy fees when you apply.
The 24-Hour Waiting Period
A 24-hour waiting period is required between the time your license is issued and the time your ceremony takes place. This is set by state law under RS 9:242. The license is valid for 30 days after it is issued, under RS 9:206.
As the EBR Clerk confirms: a 24-hour waiting period between time of issuance of the Marriage License and the ceremony applies. Plan your application date so the waiting period ends before your ceremony. If you need to apply one or two days before your wedding, that works fine as long as the 24 hours pass before the ceremony begins.
Marriage licenses obtained in East Baton Rouge Parish are valid only for ceremonies performed in Louisiana. Applicants do not need to be Louisiana residents to obtain a license here.
Age Rules and Minor Applicants
Both parties must be at least 16 years old. No one under 16 may obtain a marriage license in Louisiana. Applicants who are 16 or 17 must have both parental consent and a court order from a judge authorizing the marriage. This requires extra steps and additional time, so minors should plan well in advance.
All applicants who are 18 or older apply as adults. No extra approval is needed beyond the standard documents.
Covenant Marriage Option
Louisiana allows couples to choose a covenant marriage. This is a distinct legal commitment with stricter requirements for separation and divorce. You must complete premarital counseling with a licensed counselor or clergy member before the license is issued. You also sign a Declaration of Intent at the time of application.
Covenant marriage is optional. If you want it, say so when you apply at the Baton Rouge clerk's office. Most couples choose the standard marriage license. Either choice is valid and legal in Louisiana.
No Blood Test Required
Blood tests are no longer required in Louisiana. This used to be a step in the process, but that requirement has been removed. You simply bring your documents, pay the fee, and complete the application. The clerk confirmed: blood tests are no longer required.
After Your Ceremony
After your ceremony, your officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the clerk's office. Once it is processed, you can order certified copies as proof of your marriage. Certified copies are what you need for a name change, updating Social Security records, changing your driver's license, and other legal tasks.
Order a few copies right away. Government offices, banks, and employers often each need their own copy. Ordering later can take more time and involves extra fees.
East Baton Rouge Parish Marriage License
Baton Rouge is in East Baton Rouge Parish, and all marriage licenses for the city go through the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court. For full parish-level details on fees, documents, and related resources, see the East Baton Rouge Parish marriage license page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also have marriage license information pages.