Find a Caddo Parish Marriage License

Caddo Parish residents, including those in Shreveport, apply for a marriage license at the Clerk of Court office at 501 Texas Street in Shreveport. The Caddo Parish marriage license is valid throughout Louisiana for 30 days after it is issued. This page covers what you need to bring, how much the fee is, the 24-hour waiting period, and where to go to apply or search for existing Caddo Parish marriage license records.

Caddo Parish Clerk of Court - Marriage License

The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court is located at 501 Texas Street, Room 103, in Shreveport. This is the office for all marriage license applications in the parish. Staff handle applications Monday through Friday during regular hours. You do not typically need an appointment, but calling ahead is a good idea to confirm current procedures and to verify the fee before you drive to the courthouse.

The Caddo Parish Clerk has a main website at caddoclerk.com. That site is the best source for up-to-date information about clerk services. The image below shows the clerk's main website.

The clerk's site has a dedicated marriage license page at caddoclerk.com/marriage.htm. That page has detailed information on requirements and procedures specific to Caddo Parish. The image below shows that marriage license page.

Reading the marriage license page before your visit is worthwhile. It may have the most current version of what the clerk requires and any recent changes to procedures.

The Louisiana state directory for Caddo Parish also lists the clerk's contact details. The image below shows that state directory listing.

Caddo Parish also has a government portal at caddo.gov where you can find the clerk's information. The image below is from that portal.

All four sources above can help you confirm current details before your visit to the Shreveport courthouse.

What You Need for a Caddo Parish Marriage License

Louisiana law under RS 9:224 requires specific information on every marriage license application. Both applicants must provide full names, ages, Social Security numbers, and parents' names. The Caddo Parish Clerk uses the documents you bring to verify and record this information. Having everything ready when you walk in is the best way to get through the process quickly.

Each person applying must have a certified birth certificate. RS 9:225 requires this. The certificate must be a certified copy from the vital records office of the state where you were born. A hospital-issued copy or a photocopy is not acceptable. You also need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers at the time of application.

Anyone previously married must show that the prior marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or a death certificate for a deceased spouse are both acceptable. The clerk reviews this document before approving a new license. Under RS 9:208, both applicants must be at least 18. Those who are 16 or 17 need a court order plus both parents appearing in person to give consent. No one under 16 can legally marry in Louisiana.

Note: Review the clerk's marriage license page at caddoclerk.com/marriage.htm before your visit for any specific requirements added since this page was last updated.

Caddo Parish Marriage License Fee and Waiting Period

The fee for a Caddo Parish marriage license is approximately $27.50 to $35.00. The clerk's office is the best source for the exact current amount. Call 318-226-6780 before going so you know what to bring. Most clerks accept cash and checks. Ask about card options when you call.

Louisiana requires a 24-hour waiting period between application and use, per RS 9:242. Plan your application date with this in mind. The license remains valid for 30 days after it is issued under RS 9:206. Under RS 9:222, your Caddo Parish license is valid for ceremonies anywhere in Louisiana.

A judge or justice of the peace can waive the 24-hour waiting period in certain situations. Contact the 1st Judicial District Court in Shreveport if you believe you qualify for a waiver. Waivers require a formal request and are not guaranteed.

Cities in Caddo Parish

Caddo Parish includes Shreveport, which is the parish seat and the largest city in the parish. Shreveport residents apply for marriage licenses at the same Clerk of Court office at 501 Texas Street. More information for Shreveport residents is on the Shreveport marriage license page.

All other communities in Caddo Parish, including smaller towns and unincorporated areas, also apply at the courthouse in Shreveport.

Nearby Parishes

Caddo Parish is in the far northwest corner of Louisiana. These parishes share borders with Caddo and each has its own clerk office for marriage license applications.