Find a Marriage License in Claiborne Parish

To get a marriage license in Claiborne Parish, both applicants must go in person to the Clerk of Court office in Homer. The clerk issues marriage licenses for the 2nd Judicial District and keeps all marriage records for the parish. This page covers where to go, what to bring, how much the fee is, and how long the license stays valid so you can plan your application visit without running into avoidable delays.

Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court - Marriage License Office

The Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court in Homer is the office that issues marriage licenses in this parish. Both people who plan to marry must come to the office in person. You cannot submit the application by mail or online. The clerk's staff will review your documents, process the application, and issue the license at the time of your visit if everything is in order.

The office is at 512 East Main Street, Homer, LA 71040. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The phone number is 318-927-9601. Claiborne Parish is in the northwest corner of Louisiana, and Homer is a small town that serves as the center of parish government. The courthouse on East Main Street is easy to find. If you are driving from a neighboring community, plan to arrive with enough time before 4:30 PM so the clerk can process your paperwork without rushing.

The Louisiana state directory for Claiborne Parish has contact information and links for local government offices if you need to verify anything before your trip.

Claiborne Parish Marriage License - Parish Information

The Louisiana government directory page for Claiborne Parish is a helpful resource that lists contact information and local services for residents, including where to apply for a marriage license.

This page from the state directory is useful for confirming current contact details for the Claiborne Parish Clerk before you make the trip to Homer to apply for your marriage license.

Marriage License Requirements in Claiborne Parish

Louisiana law sets out what you must bring when you apply for a marriage license. Under RS 9:224, both applicants must appear in person and present valid photo identification and a birth certificate. A driver's license or passport works for photo ID. Your birth certificate must be an original or a certified copy issued by a vital records office. Hospital-issued birth certificates and plain photocopies are typically not accepted.

If either person has been married before, proof that the prior marriage ended is required. A certified copy of the divorce decree works. If a prior spouse died, bring the death certificate. These documents must be originals or certified copies. The clerk will check them and make sure you are legally eligible to marry before issuing the license.

Both applicants must be at least 18 years old per RS 9:208. If a court order has been granted for a younger applicant, the clerk will need to see that document. Ages will be confirmed based on the birth certificate and ID that are presented at the time of application.

Note: Claiborne Parish residents and non-residents alike may apply for a marriage license at this clerk's office. You do not need to live in Louisiana to apply here.

Claiborne Parish Marriage License Fee and Wait

The fee to get a marriage license in Claiborne Parish is around $27.50 to $35.00. Call 318-927-9601 before going to confirm the current rate. The fee is paid when you apply. Ask the clerk's office about accepted forms of payment so you are prepared.

Under RS 9:242, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between when the clerk issues the license and when the marriage ceremony can take place. Most couples plan to apply at least a couple of days before the ceremony to allow time for this waiting period and any last-minute logistics. If you need the waiting period waived, a Justice of the Peace can do that in certain cases. Ask the clerk how to arrange a waiver if needed.

The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, as set by RS 9:206. Get married within that time frame. Under RS 9:222, the license is valid for any ceremony in Louisiana, not just in Claiborne Parish. If you let the license expire, you must apply and pay the fee again.

After the Ceremony - Recording the Marriage

The person who performs your ceremony, whether a judge, minister, or Justice of the Peace, is required to sign the marriage license and return it to the Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court. This return is what records the marriage officially. Make sure your officiant understands this responsibility before the ceremony. The marriage is not officially recorded until the completed license is back at the clerk's office.

After recording, you can get certified copies of your Claiborne Parish marriage record from the clerk's office. These copies may be needed for name changes or other legal purposes. The Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office also keeps statewide records and can provide certified copies. For general information about how Louisiana parish clerks handle marriage records, see the eClerks Louisiana marriage license page.

Covenant Marriage in Claiborne Parish

Couples in Claiborne Parish can choose a covenant marriage when they apply for a license. Louisiana is one of only three states that offers this option. A covenant marriage has stricter requirements for dissolution than a standard marriage and requires premarital counseling before the license is issued.

If you want a covenant marriage, contact the clerk's office at 318-927-9601 early in your planning. You will need to complete a premarital counseling program with a licensed counselor or religious official and sign a declaration of intent. The process takes more time to prepare for than a standard marriage license. The clerk can give you the full list of requirements for a covenant marriage in Claiborne Parish.

Nearby Parishes

Claiborne Parish is in northwest Louisiana, bordered by Bienville, Union, Webster, and Lincoln parishes. If you are near a parish boundary, confirm your address before choosing where to apply.