Find a Marriage License in Metairie
Getting a marriage license in Metairie means visiting the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court, which serves all communities in Jefferson Parish including Metairie. The East Bank office on Elmwood Park Boulevard is the most convenient location for Metairie residents, though a West Bank office in Gretna is also available. Both offices issue marriage licenses on the same terms. This page explains which office to visit, what to bring, the fees, the 24-hour waiting period, and everything else you need before you apply.
Metairie Quick Facts
Where Metairie Residents Apply
Metairie is an unincorporated community in Jefferson Parish. The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court issues all marriage licenses for Metairie and the rest of the parish. There are two office locations. Most Metairie residents use the East Bank office on Elmwood Park Boulevard, which is a short drive from most Metairie neighborhoods.
| East Bank Office | 1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70123 |
|---|---|
| West Bank Office | 200 Derbigny Street, Suite 100, Gretna, LA 70053 |
| Phone | (504) 736-6390 |
| marriageinfo@jpclerkofcourt.us | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | jpclerkofcourt.us |
| Marriage Page | Marriage Licenses and Passports |
Both offices are open Monday through Friday and are closed on state holidays. You can email marriageinfo@jpclerkofcourt.us with questions before your visit. Arrive with enough time before 4:30 PM to complete the application process without being rushed.
The Jefferson Parish Clerk marriage license page explains the application process serving Metairie and all Jefferson Parish communities.
The Jefferson Parish Clerk's marriage license page is the official source for fees, required documents, and both East Bank and West Bank office details.
Documents You Need to Bring
Both parties must be present and bring their certified documents. Plain photocopies are not accepted. You need originals or certified copies issued by the proper government authority.
Every couple must bring:
- Valid photo ID: driver's license, state ID, or passport
- Certified birth certificate for both parties
- Social Security numbers for both parties
If either person has been married before:
- Certified copy of the final divorce decree if you are divorced
- Certified death certificate of the former spouse if widowed
For non-US citizens, bring your original certified birth certificate with a notarized translation if it is not in English, plus a valid passport or visa as your photo ID.
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court main website serves all Jefferson Parish communities including Metairie with marriage licenses and other clerk services.
Metairie residents can use either the East Bank office on Elmwood Park Boulevard or the West Bank office in Gretna depending on which is more convenient.
Fees for a Jefferson Parish Marriage License
The fee for a marriage license in Jefferson Parish is $27.50. Pay when you apply. Confirm the accepted payment methods with the clerk's office before your visit, as some offices do not take all forms of payment.
A certified copy of your marriage license costs $10.00 each. If you need to waive the 24-hour waiting period, that costs $4.00. Waiver availability depends on the circumstances, so ask the clerk if you think you qualify for a waiver.
Fees are subject to change. Always verify the current amounts at jpclerkofcourt.us or by calling (504) 736-6390 before your visit.
The 24-Hour Waiting Period
Louisiana law under RS 9:242 requires a 24-hour waiting period between when your license is issued and when your ceremony can take place. This applies in Metairie and throughout Jefferson Parish. The license is valid for 30 days after it is issued, per RS 9:206.
If you need to waive the waiting period, there is a $4.00 fee for that request. Not every request is approved. Talk to the clerk about whether a waiver applies to your situation. Plan ahead so the timing works for your ceremony date.
Age Requirements
Both parties must be at least 16 years old. Louisiana prohibits anyone under 16 from marrying. Applicants who are 16 or 17 need both parental consent and a court order from a judge before the clerk can issue the license. This process takes time, so start early if a minor applicant is involved.
All applicants who are 18 or older apply as adults and need only the standard documents.
Covenant Marriage
Jefferson Parish couples can choose a covenant marriage. This option requires premarital counseling with a licensed counselor or member of the clergy and a signed Declaration of Intent. A covenant marriage comes with stricter legal requirements if you ever seek a separation or divorce.
Tell the clerk at the time of application if you want a covenant marriage. They will provide the Declaration of Intent form and explain what the counseling requirement involves. Standard marriage is the default if you do not request covenant marriage specifically.
No Blood Test Required
No blood test is required to get a marriage license in Louisiana. This requirement was removed years ago. You bring your documents, pay the fee, and apply at the clerk's office. That is the full process. No medical tests or health screenings are involved.
License Is Valid Statewide
A marriage license from Jefferson Parish is valid for any ceremony held anywhere in Louisiana. Under RS 9:222, the license is good statewide. You do not have to be a Louisiana resident to apply in Jefferson Parish. Out-of-state couples can apply in Metairie as long as they bring all required documents.
After Your Ceremony
After your ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Jefferson Parish Clerk. Once it is processed, you can order certified copies. Each copy is $10.00. Order multiple copies at once. You will likely need them for a driver's license name change, Social Security update, passport application, and any accounts you hold jointly.
The eClerks Louisiana system at eclerksla.com also provides general statewide information about marriage licenses in Louisiana.
Jefferson Parish Marriage License
Metairie is in Jefferson Parish, and the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court handles all marriage licenses for the city. For the full Jefferson Parish marriage license page with additional details, fees, and resources, follow the link below.
Nearby Cities
These nearby qualifying cities also have marriage license information pages.