Ascension Parish Marriage License

Ascension Parish offers two locations where you can apply for a marriage license: the Gonzales office and the Donaldsonville office. Only one party needs to be present in person, but they must bring all required documents for both applicants. The Ascension Parish marriage license costs $35.00, includes a certified copy, and is valid anywhere in Louisiana for 30 days. This page covers the full process, what to bring, where to go, and how the online application option works.

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court - Marriage License Offices

The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court has two offices that handle marriage license applications. Bridget Hanna serves as the Clerk of Court. Both the Gonzales and Donaldsonville offices issue licenses. The clerk's website at ascensionclerk.com/Marriage-Licenses provides detailed information about the process, and the image below shows the marriage license page from that site.

The clerk's website explains the full process and requirements for getting your marriage license. You can also start the process online before arriving in person.

The main office in Donaldsonville and the Gonzales location both issue marriage licenses. According to the clerk's office, "Marriage licenses are issued at the Gonzales Worthey Rd. and Donaldsonville Offices. The license is valid in any parish in the State of Louisiana. Application for a marriage license may be made by either party; only one party needs to be present, but must present all required documents for both parties." This is one of the most convenient policies in the state. You do not both need to take time off work to appear together.

The contact page from the clerk's website, shown above, has the full address and phone numbers for both office locations.

Ascension Parish Marriage License Online Application

Ascension Parish offers an online application option that sets it apart from many other Louisiana parishes. You can start your marriage license application on the clerk's website before visiting in person. This can save time at the counter. The online application is available at ascensionclerk.com/Marriage-Licenses/Online-Application.

The screenshot above shows the online application portal. Completing this form before you arrive lets the clerk process your paperwork faster. You still need to come in person with your documents. The online form does not replace the in-person step, but it can reduce your wait time at the counter.

The main clerk website at ascensionclerk.com has all the resources you need to prepare for your visit.

The clerk's homepage links to the marriage license section, contact info, and the online application. Check it before your visit.

What You Need for an Ascension Parish Marriage License

Louisiana law under RS 9:224 requires the marriage license application to include names, ages, Social Security numbers, and parents' names for both applicants. The clerk verifies this information through the documents you bring. Even if only one person appears in person, they must have all required documents for both parties.

Each applicant must have a certified birth certificate as required by RS 9:225. A certified copy from the vital records office of your state of birth is what you need. Hospital-issued copies are not accepted. Both applicants also need valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Your Social Security number is required for both parties. If either applicant was previously married, bring a certified divorce decree or death certificate proving that marriage has ended.

The clerk's office states that applicants must be 18 years old. The office notes: "If an applicant is 16 or 17 years of age, a written consent from a judge must be presented and both parents must appear with photo identification to sign a consent form." This matches Louisiana law under RS 9:208. No one under 16 may marry in Louisiana.

Note: Arrive by 4:00 PM so staff have enough time to process your application before the office closes at 4:30 PM.

Ascension Parish Marriage License Fee

The fee for an Ascension Parish marriage license is $35.00. The clerk's office explains it this way: "The fee for obtaining a marriage license is $35.00; covenant marriages are an additional $10.00. This fee includes a certified copy of your marriage license to be mailed back to you after your ceremony." That means you get both the license and a certified copy of your completed marriage record, all for one fee.

Covenant marriage is a specific type of marriage under Louisiana law that involves additional pre-marital counseling and more restricted grounds for divorce. If you choose a covenant marriage, the total fee is $45.00. Most couples choose a standard marriage license. The $35.00 fee covers the standard license. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs and returns the license to the clerk. The certified copy is then mailed to you. You can also get additional certified copies from the clerk later or from the Louisiana Department of Health at ldh.la.gov/vital-records for a separate fee.

Waiting Period and License Rules in Ascension Parish

Louisiana law imposes a 24-hour waiting period after you apply for the license. RS 9:242 covers this rule. The license cannot be used until 24 hours after the application is submitted. A judge can waive this in certain circumstances. Plan your application date so the 24-hour period has passed before your ceremony.

Once issued, the license is valid for 30 days under RS 9:206. Under RS 9:222, the license works anywhere in the state. You can apply in Gonzales and have your ceremony in New Orleans or Baton Rouge without any issue.

Cities in Ascension Parish

Ascension Parish includes several communities. Residents of all areas in the parish apply for marriage licenses at one of the two clerk offices listed above. The parish has one qualifying city with its own records page.

Residents of Prairieville apply at the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court offices in Gonzales or Donaldsonville.

Nearby Parishes

Ascension Parish sits in southeast Louisiana near Baton Rouge. If you live near a parish line, the clerk in any of these nearby parishes can also issue your marriage license.