Avoyelles Parish Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Avoyelles Parish, you visit the Clerk of Court office in Marksville, Louisiana. The office is open weekdays and handles all marriage license applications for the parish. Whether you are planning a wedding in Avoyelles Parish or need to search for an existing marriage license record, this page covers the process, documents, fees, and where to go in Marksville to apply.
Avoyelles Parish Quick Facts
Avoyelles Parish Clerk of Court
The Avoyelles Parish Clerk of Court is located at 312 North Main Street in Marksville. This is the only office in the parish that can issue a marriage license. The office is open Monday through Friday. Plan to arrive during office hours with all required documents so the clerk can process your application without delay.
The Louisiana state directory for Avoyelles Parish has current contact information for the clerk and other parish offices. The image below shows that page.
Use the directory as a reference to confirm office hours and contact information before you travel to Marksville. The clerk's phone number is listed there as well.
| Office Name | Avoyelles Parish Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 196, Marksville, LA 71351 |
| Physical Address | 312 North Main Street, Marksville, LA 71351 |
| Phone | 318-253-7523 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Judicial District | 12th Judicial District Court |
What to Bring for an Avoyelles Parish Marriage License
Louisiana law under RS 9:224 requires certain information on every marriage license application. This includes the full names, ages, Social Security numbers, and parents' names of both applicants. The Avoyelles Parish Clerk uses the documents you bring to fill in and verify this information. Come prepared with everything so you only need to make one trip.
Both applicants need certified birth certificates. RS 9:225 makes this a state requirement. The certificate must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office of the state where you were born. Hospital-issued copies do not qualify. You also need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport. Your Social Security number must also be provided at the time of application.
Anyone who was married before must show that the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of a divorce decree or a death certificate for a deceased spouse will satisfy this requirement. The clerk reviews the document to confirm the legal end of the previous marriage. Under RS 9:208, both applicants must be at least 18. Those ages 16 or 17 need a court order plus parental consent, with both parents appearing in person to sign. No one under 16 may marry in Louisiana.
Note: Call 318-253-7523 before your visit to confirm document requirements and current fees.
Avoyelles Parish Marriage License Fee and Waiting Period
The marriage license fee in Avoyelles Parish is approximately $27.50 to $35.00. The exact amount can vary. Always call the clerk first to get the current fee. Payment is generally accepted by cash, check, or money order. Some offices also take credit cards. Ask when you call.
Louisiana law requires a 24-hour waiting period between the time you apply and the time you can use the license. This rule is found in RS 9:242. Plan your application date so the waiting period has ended before your ceremony. A judge or justice of the peace can waive the period under limited circumstances. If you need a waiver, contact the 12th Judicial District Court in Marksville to ask how to request one.
Once issued, the license is valid for 30 days under RS 9:206. Under RS 9:222, the license can be used anywhere in Louisiana, not just in Avoyelles Parish.
How to Apply for an Avoyelles Parish Marriage License
The application process in Avoyelles Parish is straightforward. Both applicants typically appear together at the clerk's office. Bring all required documents. The clerk will review everything, take the fee, and process the application. The 24-hour waiting period begins at that point. Return after 24 hours or on the next business day to pick up the license if the clerk does not issue it the same day.
After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Avoyelles Parish Clerk of Court. That record is then filed and becomes part of the parish's official marriage records. Certified copies of the completed marriage record can be requested from the clerk. The Louisiana Department of Health also registers the marriage and can issue certified certificates through ldh.la.gov/vital-records. The eClerks LA portal has general information about the marriage license process across all Louisiana parishes.
Nearby Parishes
Avoyelles Parish sits in central Louisiana and shares borders with several parishes. Each neighboring clerk office can issue marriage licenses to residents of their own parish.