Houma Marriage License - Terrebonne Parish
Houma is the parish seat of Terrebonne Parish, and the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court office is right in the city on Main Street. Residents of Houma and surrounding Terrebonne Parish communities apply for marriage licenses at 7856 Main Street, Room 100. The office is easy to find and handles all marriage license applications for the parish. Both parties do not need to appear in person, but you should call ahead to confirm what the current policy requires.
Houma Quick Facts
Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court is Hon. Theresa A. Robichaux. The office address is 7856 Main Street, Room 100, Houma, LA 70360. You can reach the office by calling (985) 868-5660 or (985) 868-6802. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. On Fridays the office closes at 4:00 PM rather than 4:30 PM. Plan your visit to arrive before those closing times.
Houma is the seat of Terrebonne Parish. Because of that, the Clerk's office is right downtown, not in a separate suburb or annex. If you live anywhere in Terrebonne Parish, this Main Street location is your office for a marriage license.
Marriage License Fee
The fee in Terrebonne Parish is approximately $40. Fees can change, so call (985) 868-5660 to confirm the current amount before your visit. Ask also about accepted payment types. Some parish clerk offices in Louisiana require cash or money orders; others take credit cards. You do not want to arrive with the wrong payment method.
Certified copies of the marriage certificate after the ceremony cost extra. The Clerk's office can tell you the current rate. Most couples need at least two certified copies for name-change purposes.
Documents You Need
Both parties must supply documents, even if only one person visits the office. Bring all of the following:
- Valid photo ID: driver's license, state ID card, or passport
- Certified birth certificate (not a photocopy or hospital-issued copy)
- Social Security number for each applicant
- If previously married and now divorced: certified copy of the divorce decree
- If previously married and now widowed: certified death certificate for the prior spouse
Louisiana has no blood test requirement. There is no waiting period for health testing. The document list above covers everything you need. Get certified birth certificates from the issuing state's vital records office if you do not already have them.
The 24-Hour Wait
Louisiana law requires a 24-hour wait. The license cannot be used until at least 24 hours after it is issued. If your ceremony is Saturday at 2:00 PM, you must have the license in hand by Friday at or before 2:00 PM. Most couples get the license a few days early just to be safe.
The license stays valid for 30 days. After 30 days, it expires. If you miss your ceremony date and the license expires, you have to apply again and pay the fee a second time.
Where You Can Marry
A Terrebonne Parish marriage license is valid anywhere in Louisiana. The ceremony does not have to be in Houma or Terrebonne Parish. You can use it in New Orleans, Lafayette, or anywhere else in the state. The record of the marriage is filed in Terrebonne Parish regardless of where the ceremony takes place in Louisiana.
Age Requirements
Both parties must be at least 18. Louisiana law does not allow a marriage license for anyone under 16 under any circumstances. Applicants who are 16 or 17 must have both parental consent and a court order from a judge before the Clerk can issue a license. If a minor applicant is involved, contact the Clerk's office first to find out which court to approach.
Covenant Marriage in Houma
Couples in Houma can choose a covenant marriage. This is a legal option unique to Louisiana that comes with a stronger commitment and limited grounds for divorce. Before the license is issued, both parties must complete pre-marital counseling with a licensed counselor or member of the clergy and sign a declaration of intent. The Clerk's office has the declaration form. Ask at the counter if you want to pursue this option.
Getting Certified Copies
After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Terrebonne Parish Clerk. Once it is recorded, you can request certified copies. These copies are necessary to change your name with the Social Security Administration and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Each copy carries a fee. Request at least two at a time to avoid repeated trips.
You can also check the eClerks LA portal for online access to marriage records. Some Louisiana parishes participate in this statewide system, which can make it easier to find records without visiting the courthouse in person.
No Blood Test Needed
Louisiana stopped requiring blood tests for marriage licenses years ago. You do not need to schedule a medical appointment or get any lab work done. Just bring the documents listed above and pay the fee. The process is quick once you have everything in order.
Official Information for Houma
The Louisiana.gov Terrebonne Parish page provides contact information for the Clerk of Court serving Houma and Terrebonne Parish.
Houma is the parish seat of Terrebonne Parish, meaning the Clerk of Court office is right in the city on Main Street.
Terrebonne Parish Marriage License
The Terrebonne Parish page has complete information on fees, office hours, required documents, and the full process for Houma residents.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also have marriage license information pages for Louisiana residents.