Lafayette Louisiana Marriage License
A marriage license in Lafayette is issued by the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court at the South Buchanan Street courthouse. Lafayette Parish offers an online pre-application option, which means you can fill out part of your application before you arrive. Only one party is required to appear in person. This page covers the office location, hours, fees, required documents, the 24-hour waiting period, covenant marriage, and how to get certified copies after your ceremony.
Lafayette Quick Facts
Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court
The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court issues all marriage licenses for Lafayette and the surrounding Lafayette Parish area. The office is on South Buchanan Street in Lafayette. This is the only location in the parish that issues marriage licenses.
| Office | Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 800 South Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501 |
| Main Phone | (337) 291-6400 |
| Marriage Dept | (337) 291-6335 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (except legal holidays) |
| Website | lpclerk.com |
| Marriage Page | lpclerk.com/marriage |
The Lafayette clerk closes at 4:00 PM, which is earlier than many other parish offices. Plan to arrive well before that time. Legal holidays mean the office is closed. Check lpclerk.com if you are visiting around a holiday.
The Lafayette Parish Clerk marriage license page covers all requirements and the online application option available for Lafayette residents.
The lpclerk.com marriage page is the authoritative source for fee schedules and the online application system for Lafayette couples.
Online Application Option
Lafayette Parish makes it easier to apply for a marriage license by offering an online application. You can complete the form before your visit to the courthouse. Only one party needs to appear in person to finalize the application. This is a convenience compared to some other parishes where both parties must be present at the same time.
To use the online system, go to the marriage section of lpclerk.com and start the application. Have your document information ready before you begin. Once you complete it online, bring your certified documents when you appear at the clerk's office to finish the process and pay.
The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court main website provides access to all clerk services for residents of Lafayette and Lafayette Parish.
The Lafayette Parish Clerk handles marriage licenses, court records, and recording services for this major south Louisiana city.
Required Documents in Lafayette
Even though only one party must appear, both parties need to provide the required documents. The one who appears in person brings everything. Certified copies only. No plain photocopies accepted.
All applicants must provide:
- Valid photo ID: driver's license, state ID, or passport
- Certified birth certificate for both parties
- Social Security numbers for both
If either party was previously married:
- Certified final divorce decree if divorced
- Certified death certificate of 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.
Fees
The base fee for a marriage license in Lafayette Parish is $27.50. There is an additional $4.00 per page charge for attachments to the license. Certified copies of the license cost $5.00 each. If you pay by credit or debit card, a 3% convenience fee applies with a $1.00 minimum.
Cash or check may avoid the card convenience fee. Ask the clerk about the current accepted payment methods. Fees may change, so verify the current schedule at lpclerk.com or by calling (337) 291-6335 before your visit.
The 24-Hour Waiting Period
The license is valid for ceremonies performed in Louisiana only and must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to the ceremony. This is the rule in Lafayette Parish as stated by the clerk. Plan your application date with your ceremony date in mind.
State law under RS 9:242 sets this waiting period. The license is valid for 30 days after it is issued under RS 9:206. If your ceremony date is more than 30 days after you apply, you will need to apply again closer to the date.
You do not need to be a Louisiana resident to apply in Lafayette. Out-of-state couples can apply here. The license works for any ceremony held anywhere in the state, per RS 9:222.
No Blood Test
Blood tests are no longer required in Louisiana. The Lafayette Parish Clerk confirms this directly: blood tests are no longer required. The process is straightforward. You bring documents, complete the application, and pay the fee. There is no medical component to the process.
Age Requirements
Both parties must be 16 or older. Anyone under 16 cannot get a marriage license. Applicants who are 16 or 17 need court authorization from a judge plus parental consent from both parents. This extra step takes time. If a minor applicant is involved, start the process early.
Adults 18 and older apply with the standard documents only.
Covenant Marriage in Lafayette
Lafayette Parish is one of the most active parishes in Louisiana for covenant marriages. A covenant marriage is a stronger legal commitment. It requires 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.
The Lafayette Parish covenant marriage information page explains the additional requirements for couples choosing this special marriage designation.
Lafayette Parish is one of the most active parishes in Louisiana for covenant marriages, and the Clerk's site explains the premarital counseling and declaration requirements.
Covenant marriage is a voluntary choice. Most couples choose standard marriage. If you want covenant marriage, let the clerk know at the start of your application. They will guide you through the Declaration of Intent and explain the counseling step.
Getting Certified Copies After Your Ceremony
After your ceremony, your officiant returns the signed marriage license to the Lafayette Parish Clerk. Once it is processed and recorded, you can order certified copies. Each certified copy is $5.00. Order several at once since you will likely need them for a Social Security name change, driver's license update, passport, and bank accounts.
You can order copies in person at the clerk's office or ask about other ordering options. The eClerks Louisiana platform at eclerksla.com provides general statewide marriage license information as well.
Lafayette Parish Marriage License
Lafayette is in Lafayette Parish, and all marriage licenses for the city go through the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court. For full details on the parish-level process, fees, and related resources, visit the Lafayette Parish marriage license page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby qualifying cities also have marriage license information pages.