Get a Marriage License in Calcasieu Parish

Getting a marriage license in Calcasieu Parish is different from most Louisiana parishes: you must schedule an appointment first, and no walk-ins are accepted at the Clerk of Court in Lake Charles. Couples must also complete an online application before arriving at the office. This page explains how to make your appointment, what documents to bring, the fee, and everything else you need to apply for a Calcasieu Parish marriage license or search for an existing record.

Calcasieu Parish Marriage License - Appointment Required

The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court requires all couples to schedule an appointment before coming in to apply for a marriage license. The office is clear on this policy: "ALL couples must make an appointment between 9:00am - 3:30pm. NO Walk-Ins." If you show up without an appointment, the office will not process your application. Plan ahead and call to set a date and time before you make the trip to Lake Charles.

To make an appointment, call the Recording Department directly at 337-437-3558 Ext. 492. Ask for "Recording Dept / Marriage License appointments." Staff will schedule a time for you during the 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM window. That window is tighter than the full office hours, so do not wait until 3:30 PM to call. Book in advance.

The clerk's office also requires you to "Complete Application Online BEFORE arriving." The online application is available at calcasieuclerk.gov/marriage-licenses. Fill it out before your appointment. Arriving without completing it may delay your process or require you to reschedule. The clerk's main website at calcasieuclerk.gov has links to the marriage license information page and the application form.

Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court - About Us

The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court about page gives background on the office and the services it provides. The image below shows that page.

The about page describes the scope of the clerk's work across all departments, including the recording department that handles marriage licenses. Reviewing it before your appointment can help you understand what to expect when you arrive at the Lake Charles courthouse.

The office also notes specific rules for the appointment visit: "Only bride/groom are allowed in employee area. Family remain outside - unless guardian signature required." Plan accordingly if you are bringing family members to support you. Only the two applicants may enter the processing area unless one applicant is a minor who needs a guardian to sign.

Documents Required for a Calcasieu 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. In Calcasieu Parish, you fill out as much of this as you can through the online application before your appointment. The rest is verified through the documents you bring.

A certified birth certificate is required for each applicant under RS 9:225. This must be an official certified copy from the vital records office of the state where you were born. A hospital copy will not work. Each applicant also needs a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all qualify. Both applicants must supply their Social Security numbers.

If either applicant was previously married, you need to bring proof that the marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or a death certificate for a deceased spouse are the accepted forms. The clerk reviews these before issuing a new license. Under RS 9:208, both applicants must be at least 18. Those who are 16 or 17 need a court order and both parents to appear in person. No one under 16 may marry in Louisiana.

Note: Complete the online application at calcasieuclerk.gov before your scheduled appointment time, not after.

Fee and Waiting Period in Calcasieu Parish

The marriage license fee in Calcasieu Parish is approximately $27.50 to $35.00. Call 337-437-3558 Ext. 492 when you make your appointment to confirm the current fee. The clerk typically accepts cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards. Ask when you call so you bring the right form of payment.

Louisiana requires a 24-hour waiting period after you submit your application, per RS 9:242. The Calcasieu Clerk's office has noted that "24-hour waivers are only being issued under extenuating circumstances at the judges' discretion." This means waivers are rarely granted. Plan your appointment date at least a full day before you need the license. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue under RS 9:206.

Under RS 9:222, your Calcasieu Parish marriage license is valid for ceremonies held anywhere in Louisiana. You can apply in Lake Charles and hold your ceremony in any other parish in the state.

Cities in Calcasieu Parish

Calcasieu Parish includes Lake Charles and surrounding communities. Lake Charles residents apply at the same Clerk of Court office at 1000 Ryan Street. More information for Lake Charles residents is on the Lake Charles marriage license page.

Nearby Parishes

Calcasieu Parish is in southwest Louisiana. The parishes listed below border Calcasieu and each has its own clerk of court office for marriage license applications.