Bossier City Marriage License
Getting a marriage license in Bossier City means visiting the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court, which is located in Benton, not in Bossier City itself. Benton is the parish seat of Bossier Parish, and the clerk's office on Burt Boulevard there handles all marriage licenses for everyone in the parish including Bossier City residents. This page covers where to go, what to bring, fees, the waiting period, and everything else you need to apply for a marriage license if you live in or plan to marry in Bossier City.
Bossier City Quick Facts
Where to Get Your Marriage License
The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court in Benton issues all marriage licenses for Bossier Parish, including Bossier City. The office is on Burt Boulevard in Benton, which is a short drive from Bossier City. There is no marriage license office in Bossier City itself. All residents must go to the Benton courthouse to apply.
| Office | Bossier Parish Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 204 Burt Boulevard, Benton, LA 71006 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 369, Benton, LA 71006 |
| Phone | 318-965-2336 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
The office is closed on state and federal holidays. Call ahead if you are visiting near a holiday. Arrive with enough time before 4:30 PM to complete the process. Showing up in the last 15 to 30 minutes of the day may not allow enough time for the staff to process your application.
The Louisiana.gov Bossier Parish page lists the Clerk of Court contact information for residents of Bossier City and the surrounding area.
Although Bossier City is the largest city in Bossier Parish, the Clerk of Court office is located in Benton on Burt Boulevard, which is the parish seat.
Required Documents
Both parties must appear in person and bring certified documents. Plain copies are not accepted. You need originals or certified copies issued by the proper government authority.
All applicants must bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: driver's license, state ID, or passport
- Certified birth certificate for each party
- Social Security numbers for both applicants
If either party has been married before:
- Certified copy of the final divorce decree if divorced
- Certified death certificate of the former spouse if widowed
For non-US citizens, bring the original certified birth certificate with a notarized translation plus a valid passport or visa as photo ID. Missing any of these items will mean your application cannot be processed and you will need to make another trip.
Fees
The fee for a marriage license in Bossier Parish is approximately $27.50 to $35. Call the clerk at 318-965-2336 before your visit to confirm the exact current amount and find out which payment methods are accepted. Have your payment ready when you arrive.
Certified copies of the marriage license cost extra. These copies serve as your official proof of marriage after the ceremony. Order a few copies at the same time since you will likely need them for a Social Security name change, driver's license update, passport, and other purposes.
The 24-Hour Waiting Period
Louisiana law under RS 9:242 requires a 24-hour waiting period between when your marriage license is issued and when your ceremony can take place. This applies in Bossier Parish just as it does across the state. The license is valid for 30 days per RS 9:206.
When you plan your visit to the Benton clerk's office, factor in the 24-hour window. If your ceremony is on a Saturday, apply by Friday at the latest. Make sure your ceremony date also falls within 30 days of your application date. If the 30 days pass before the ceremony takes place, you will need to apply again.
Age Requirements
Both parties must be at least 16 years old. No one under 16 may get a marriage license in Louisiana. Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old need both parental consent from both parents and a court order from a judge before the license can be issued. This takes extra time. Minor applicants should start the process well before the ceremony date.
Adults 18 and older apply with the standard required documents only.
Covenant Marriage Option
Couples applying in Bossier Parish can choose a covenant marriage. This is a stronger legal commitment that requires premarital counseling with a licensed counselor or clergy member and a signed Declaration of Intent at the time of application. Covenant marriage limits the legal grounds for divorce and separation compared to standard marriage.
Covenant marriage is entirely voluntary. Most couples choose the standard marriage. If you want covenant marriage, let the Bossier Parish Clerk know at the start of your application. They will provide the Declaration of Intent form and walk you through the counseling requirement.
No Blood Test Required
There is no blood test required to get a marriage license in Louisiana. This step was eliminated from state law years ago. The process is straightforward: bring your documents, complete the application, and pay the fee at the Benton courthouse. No medical tests, no health screenings, and no exams are part of the process.
Your License Is Valid Statewide
A marriage license from Bossier Parish is valid for any ceremony held anywhere in Louisiana. Under RS 9:222, where you get the license does not need to match where the ceremony takes place. Bossier City residents can hold their ceremony in any city or parish in Louisiana using a license from the Bossier Parish Clerk in Benton.
You do not need to be a Louisiana resident to apply. Out-of-state couples can use the Bossier Parish clerk's office as long as they bring all required documents and comply with all other rules.
After Your Ceremony
Once your ceremony is complete, your officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Bossier Parish Clerk. After it is processed and recorded, you can order certified copies. Order several at once. You will need copies for name changes, Social Security records, your driver's license, your passport, and any joint financial accounts.
The eClerks Louisiana platform at eclerksla.com provides general statewide marriage license information for Louisiana couples and may help answer questions about the process.
Bossier Parish Marriage License
Bossier City is in Bossier Parish, and all marriage licenses for the city go through the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court in Benton. For full parish-level information on fees, documents, and related resources, visit the Bossier Parish marriage license page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby qualifying cities also have marriage license information pages.