Marriage License in Shreveport, Louisiana
A marriage license in Shreveport is issued by the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court, located on Texas Street in downtown Shreveport. Caddo Parish is the parish that governs Shreveport, so all marriage licenses for the city go through the Caddo Parish courthouse. You apply in person, bring certified documents, pay the fee, and wait 24 hours before your ceremony. This page covers the office details, what you need to bring, fees, waiting period rules, and other key information for couples planning to marry in Shreveport.
Shreveport Quick Facts
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court: Where to Apply
Marriage licenses in Shreveport are handled by the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court. The office is in Room 103 of the courthouse at 501 Texas Street in downtown Shreveport. This is the only location in Caddo Parish that issues marriage licenses, so all Shreveport residents go to the same office.
| Office | Caddo Parish Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 501 Texas Street, Room 103, Shreveport, LA 71101 |
| Phone | 318-226-6780 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Marriage Page | caddoclerk.com/marriage.htm |
The courthouse is closed on state and federal holidays. Call ahead if you are visiting close to a holiday to confirm the office is open. Arrive with enough time to complete the process before the office closes at 4:30 PM. Showing up in the last 30 minutes may not leave enough time to finish.
The Louisiana.gov Caddo Parish page lists the Clerk of Court and other officials serving Shreveport and Caddo Parish.
Caddo Parish is the parish that governs Shreveport, and the Clerk of Court in Room 103 of the Texas Street courthouse handles all marriage licenses for the area.
Required Documents for Shreveport Applicants
Both parties must appear in person and bring their documents. The clerk does not accept plain photocopies of birth certificates or other official documents. Everything must be certified by the issuing authority.
All applicants need to bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, 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 applying in Shreveport, bring your original certified birth certificate with a notarized translation if it is not in English, plus a valid passport or visa as photo ID.
The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court marriage license page provides specific requirements for obtaining a license in Shreveport.
The Caddo Clerk's marriage page lists the documents you need to bring, the fees, and the waiting period that applies to Shreveport residents.
Fees
The fee for a marriage license in Caddo Parish ranges from approximately $27.50 to $35. The exact amount can change, so call the clerk's office at 318-226-6780 to confirm the current fee before your visit. Have exact payment ready or check what forms of payment are accepted.
Certified copies of your marriage license cost extra. Order copies at the time of application if possible. You will likely need several certified copies for name changes, Social Security updates, and other administrative tasks after your wedding.
The 24-Hour Waiting Period
Louisiana state law sets a 24-hour waiting period between the time a marriage license is issued and the time the ceremony can take place. This rule comes from RS 9:242 and applies in Shreveport just as it does in every other parish in the state.
Plan your application date with this in mind. If your ceremony is on a Saturday, apply no later than Friday. If you apply Friday, the 24 hours pass by the same time Saturday, so the timing works. If you apply Saturday morning, the 24 hours does not pass until Sunday morning, which means a Sunday ceremony may not work depending on what time you applied.
The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Under RS 9:206, you must use it within that window. If 30 days pass without a ceremony, you need a new license and pay the fee again.
Age Requirements
Both parties must be at least 16 years old. Anyone under 16 cannot get a marriage license in Louisiana. Applicants who are 16 or 17 need parental consent from both parents plus a court order from a judge authorizing the marriage. Getting this approval takes time, so minor applicants should start the process well in advance.
Adults who are 18 or older apply with no additional approvals beyond the standard documents. Age is confirmed by the certified birth certificate you bring to the clerk's office.
Covenant Marriage in Shreveport
Couples applying in Shreveport can choose a covenant marriage instead of a standard marriage. A covenant marriage is a stronger legal commitment under Louisiana law. It 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. It is a voluntary option. Most couples in Shreveport choose the standard marriage license. If you want a covenant marriage, tell the clerk when you apply. They will provide the required forms and instructions.
No Blood Test Needed
Louisiana removed the blood test requirement years ago. No blood test is needed to get a marriage license in Shreveport or anywhere else in the state. You simply bring the documents listed above, pay the fee, and complete the application at the clerk's office.
Your License Is Valid Statewide
A marriage license issued by the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court in Shreveport is valid for any ceremony held anywhere in Louisiana. Under RS 9:222, where you get the license does not have to match where the ceremony takes place. You can get the license in Shreveport and hold your ceremony in New Orleans or anywhere else in the state.
You do not need to be a Louisiana resident to apply in Shreveport. Out-of-state couples can apply here as long as they bring the required documents and meet all other requirements.
After Your Ceremony
Once your ceremony is done, your officiant signs the license and returns it to the Caddo Parish Clerk. After processing, you can request certified copies. These copies serve as your official proof of marriage. Order at least two or three copies. Banks, employers, and government agencies each typically need their own copy.
The eClerks Louisiana platform at eclerksla.com also provides general statewide marriage license information and resources.
Caddo Parish Marriage License
Shreveport is in Caddo Parish, and the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court handles all marriage licenses for the city. For complete parish-level information including fees, documents, and additional resources, visit the Caddo Parish marriage license page.
Nearby Cities
Bossier City is the closest qualifying city to Shreveport with its own marriage license page.