LaPlace Marriage License - St. John the Baptist Parish
LaPlace is a census-designated community in St. John the Baptist Parish, and marriage licenses for LaPlace residents come from the St. John the Baptist Parish Clerk of Court. The Eastbank office at 1811 W. Airline Highway is the most convenient location for LaPlace residents. The office serves the full parish and issues licenses valid anywhere in Louisiana. Before you go, read the payment rules carefully: this office accepts cash or money order only, with exact cash preferred.
LaPlace Quick Facts
Clerk Office Locations
St. John the Baptist Parish has two clerk offices. LaPlace residents use the Eastbank location:
- Eastbank Office (LaPlace): 1811 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace, LA 70068. Phone: (985) 652-8041.
- Westbank Office (Edgard): 2393 Highway 18, Edgard, LA 70049. Phone: (985) 497-3331.
The Clerk is Felicia C. Feist. Email: info@sjbparishclerk.gov. Hours for both offices are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Note that the Eastbank office closes for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Do not arrive during that lunch window expecting service. Plan your visit for mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Payment Rules - Cash or Money Order Only
This is critical to know before your visit. The St. John the Baptist Parish Clerk does not accept credit cards or personal checks for marriage licenses. The Clerk's office states: "Application Fee - $35.00 (Money Orders or Cash Only - Exact CASH preferred)." If you show up with only a credit card, you will not get your license that day.
Bring exact cash of $35.00 or a money order made out to the St. John the Baptist Parish Clerk of Court. The $35.00 fee is for the license itself. Ask the office about the cost of certified copies when you visit, and bring extra cash if you want to purchase copies at the same time.
Required Documents
Both parties need to supply the following. The Clerk checks every document:
- Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID)
- Certified birth certificate for each party
- Social Security number for each party
- If previously divorced: certified copy of the divorce judgment signed by a judge
- If previously widowed: certified death certificate of the prior spouse
Foreign birth certificates must be translated into English before they can be accepted. If you or your partner was born outside the United States, get a certified English translation done before your appointment. The Clerk will not accept untranslated foreign documents.
The 30-Day Divorce Waiting Period
St. John the Baptist Parish has a specific rule for people who were recently divorced. There is a 30-day waiting period after the divorce judgment is signed by a judge before you can remarry. The Clerk's office is clear on this: "There is a 30-day waiting period after Divorce Judgment is signed by a Judge." This is separate from the 24-hour waiting period that applies after the license is issued. If your divorce was finalized recently, count 30 days from the date of the judgment before you apply.
The 24-Hour Wait and 30-Day Validity
Louisiana law requires 24 hours to pass between when the license is issued and when the ceremony can happen. You cannot use the license immediately. Plan your office visit at least one day before the ceremony. The Clerk notes this standard rule applies here as everywhere in Louisiana.
The license stays valid for 30 days. If the ceremony does not happen within that window, the license expires. Apply one to two weeks before the ceremony for the best balance between having the license ready and not risking expiration.
Where the Ceremony Can Be Held
The Clerk states: "A marriage license may be issued in any parish regardless of where the ceremony is to be performed or where the parties reside." You can live anywhere and get the license in LaPlace. The ceremony can happen anywhere in Louisiana, not just in St. John the Baptist Parish. The marriage record is filed in the parish that issued the license.
Age Requirements
Both parties must be at least 18 to marry without court involvement. Louisiana law prohibits marriage licenses for anyone under 16. Those who are 16 or 17 need parental consent and judicial authorization from a court. Contact the Clerk's office for guidance on the right court to approach if a minor applicant is involved.
Covenant Marriage
St. John the Baptist Parish offers covenant marriage like all Louisiana parishes. This legal option requires pre-marital counseling and a signed declaration of intent. It carries stricter divorce requirements. Ask the Clerk's office for the forms if this is something you want to pursue. The additional fee varies; the office can confirm the current amount.
Certified Copies After the Ceremony
Once the officiant returns the signed license to the Clerk and it is recorded, certified copies can be requested. These are needed for changing your name with Social Security and updating your driver's license. The Clerk's office issues them for a fee; call to confirm the current rate. Order at least two copies at once.
Official Sources
The Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office provides statewide marriage license guidance applicable to all 64 parishes.
While LDH directly issues licenses only in Orleans Parish, it sets statewide standards that apply to the St. John the Baptist Parish Clerk's office serving LaPlace.
The eClerks LA online marriage application portal allows couples to pre-fill applications for participating Louisiana parishes.
Check the eClerks LA portal to see if it is available for St. John the Baptist Parish before visiting the LaPlace office.
St. John the Baptist Parish Marriage License
The St. John the Baptist Parish page has full information on the LaPlace and Edgard offices, the cash-only payment rule, and all requirements for residents.
Nearby Cities
Other Louisiana cities near LaPlace with marriage license pages are listed below.