Concordia Parish Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Concordia Parish starts at the Clerk of Court office in Vidalia, the parish seat located along the Mississippi River across from Natchez, Mississippi. Both people who plan to marry must appear in person, show valid documents, and pay the license fee. The Concordia Parish Clerk handles all marriage licenses for the 7th Judicial District. This page walks through everything you need to know before applying, including office location, required paperwork, costs, and what the 24-hour waiting period means for your plans.

Concordia Parish Clerk of Court

The Concordia Parish Clerk of Court is the sole office authorized to issue marriage licenses in the parish. It is located at 4001 Carter Street, Suite 5, Vidalia, LA 71373. If you need to mail correspondence to the clerk, use P.O. Box 790, Vidalia, LA 71373. Both applicants must be present when applying. The clerk will not process a one-person application for a marriage license.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The phone number is 318-757-8638. Vidalia sits directly across the Mississippi River from Natchez, Mississippi, which makes it a well-known spot for couples traveling from both Louisiana and neighboring states to apply. You do not need to be a Louisiana resident to get a marriage license here. The license is valid for use anywhere in Louisiana once issued.

The clerk's office handles civil records, property filings, and court records in addition to marriage licenses. Staff can answer questions and walk you through the application process when you arrive. Call ahead to confirm hours or to ask about any changes to fees or document requirements.

Concordia Parish Marriage License - Parish Information

The Louisiana government directory page for Concordia Parish provides contact information and a listing of local government services, including where to apply for a marriage license in the parish.

Use this state directory page to verify current contact information for the Concordia Parish Clerk of Court before heading to Vidalia to apply for your marriage license.

Requirements for a Concordia Parish Marriage License

Both applicants must bring valid photo ID to the clerk's office. A current driver's license or passport works. The clerk also requires a birth certificate under Louisiana RS 9:225. It must be an original or certified copy from a vital records office. Do not bring a hospital-issued birth certificate or a photocopy of any document, as these are typically not accepted. Under RS 9:224, the application must be completed in person by both people together.

If either applicant has been divorced, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree. If a prior spouse has died, bring the death certificate. These documents prove that the prior marriage legally ended. The clerk will check them before issuing the license. If the documents are in a foreign language, you may need a notarized translation.

Both people must be at least 18 years old as required by RS 9:208 unless a court has issued an order permitting marriage for a younger applicant. The clerk verifies age based on the birth certificate and ID presented.

Note: Louisiana is one of three states that allows covenant marriage. If you want a covenant marriage license, tell the clerk at the start of your visit and ask what additional steps are required.

Marriage License Fee and Waiting Period in Concordia Parish

The marriage license fee in Concordia Parish runs approximately $27.50 to $35.00. Confirm the current amount by calling 318-757-8638 before your visit. Pay the fee at the clerk's office when you apply.

Louisiana law under RS 9:242 requires a 24-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the ceremony can take place. This means if you apply on a Wednesday afternoon, you cannot have the ceremony until Thursday afternoon at the earliest. A Justice of the Peace can waive this requirement if you have a compelling reason. Ask the clerk about waiver options if your timeline is tight.

The license expires 30 days after the issue date under RS 9:206. If you do not marry within that period, the license is no longer valid and you must apply again. Once issued, the license is valid for any ceremony anywhere in Louisiana per RS 9:222, so you are not locked into holding the ceremony in Concordia Parish.

After the Wedding - Filing the Concordia Parish Marriage Record

After the ceremony, the officiant must sign and return the completed marriage license to the Concordia Parish Clerk of Court. This step officially records the marriage. Without it, the marriage is not entered into the parish records. Make sure your officiant is clear on this responsibility before the ceremony date.

Once the license is filed, you can request certified copies of your Concordia Parish marriage record. These copies are needed for legal name changes, updating insurance, and similar purposes. The clerk's office can provide them for a small fee. The Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records also maintains statewide marriage records accessible by mail or in person. For more on how parish clerks manage marriage records statewide, the eClerks Louisiana website is a useful reference.

Nearby Parishes

Concordia Parish is in eastern Louisiana, bordered by Catahoula, Avoyelles, and Tensas parishes. The Mississippi River also puts it near several parishes across the river. Confirm your home parish before applying to be sure you go to the right office.