DeSoto Parish Marriage License
To get a marriage license in DeSoto Parish, both people must visit the Clerk of Court office in Mansfield and apply in person. The DeSoto Parish Clerk issues marriage licenses for the 42nd Judicial District and keeps all marriage records for the parish. This page covers the office location, what documents you must bring, how much the fee costs, the 24-hour waiting period, and what happens after the ceremony so you are ready for every step of the process.
DeSoto Parish Quick Facts
DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court - Marriage Licenses
The DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court in Mansfield is the office where you apply for a marriage license in this parish. The physical address is 101 Texas Street, Mansfield, LA 71052. If you need to mail correspondence, use P.O. Box 1206, Mansfield, LA 71052. Both applicants must be present at the same time when applying. You cannot complete the process for another person.
The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The main phone number is 318-872-3110. Mansfield is located in northwest Louisiana about 40 miles south of Shreveport. DeSoto Parish is in the 42nd Judicial District, which covers this part of the state. The clerk handles a wide range of civil records including property filings, civil court cases, and marriage licenses. Staff at the office can walk you through the application and confirm what documents you need to bring.
The Louisiana state directory for DeSoto Parish lists contact details and links for local government offices including the clerk, which is useful if you need to verify information before your visit.
| Office | DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | 101 Texas Street, Mansfield, LA 71052 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1206, Mansfield, LA 71052 |
| Phone | 318-872-3110 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
DeSoto Parish Marriage License - Parish Information
The Louisiana government directory page for DeSoto Parish provides helpful contact information for residents looking to apply for a marriage license and find other local government services in Mansfield.
This state directory listing is a reliable starting point for checking current clerk office contact information before you make the trip to Mansfield to apply for a DeSoto Parish marriage license.
What to Bring for a DeSoto Parish Marriage License
Louisiana law requires specific documents for a marriage license application. Under RS 9:224, both applicants must appear together and provide photo ID and a birth certificate. A valid driver's license or passport satisfies the photo ID requirement. Your birth certificate must be an original or a certified copy. A hospital-issued birth certificate is not accepted, and photocopies are generally not sufficient.
If either person was married before, you must show documentation that the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree is needed after a divorce. If a prior spouse passed away, bring the death certificate. The clerk will review these documents to confirm that both people are legally eligible to marry. Having all your documents ready before you go saves time at the clerk's office.
Under RS 9:208, both applicants must be at least 18 years old unless a court has issued an order permitting the marriage of a younger person. The clerk checks ages during the application process. If there is any issue with eligibility, the clerk can explain what steps are needed. Non-residents of Louisiana can apply in DeSoto Parish just like residents can. The license will be valid for any ceremony in Louisiana after it is issued.
Note: Louisiana allows covenant marriage as an option when you apply for a marriage license. Tell the clerk if you want a covenant marriage so they can provide the proper forms and counseling requirements.
DeSoto Parish Marriage License Fee
The fee for a DeSoto Parish marriage license is approximately $27.50 to $35.00. Call the clerk at 318-872-3110 before your visit to verify the current amount. Pay the fee at the time you apply. Ask the clerk about accepted payment methods when you call.
Under Louisiana RS 9:242, there is a 24-hour waiting period between when the clerk issues the license and when the ceremony can take place. If you get your license on a Friday afternoon, you cannot legally hold the ceremony until Saturday afternoon. This waiting period can be waived by a Justice of the Peace. If you need a waiver, talk to the clerk about how to arrange one in DeSoto Parish.
The license expires 30 days from the date of issue per RS 9:206. Make sure you plan the ceremony within that window. A license issued in DeSoto Parish is valid for a ceremony anywhere in Louisiana per RS 9:222. If the 30-day window passes, you must apply again and pay a new fee.
Recording Your DeSoto Parish Marriage
After the wedding ceremony, the officiant is responsible for completing and returning the marriage license to the DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court. The clerk uses this returned document to officially record the marriage in the parish records. Without this step, there is no official record of the marriage on file. Confirm with your officiant that they know to return the license promptly after the ceremony.
Once the record is filed, you can get certified copies of your DeSoto Parish marriage record from the clerk's office. These copies are useful for legal name changes, financial accounts, and other purposes. The Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office is another place to obtain certified copies of Louisiana marriage records. The eClerks Louisiana page on marriage licenses also explains how records are kept across Louisiana parishes.
Nearby Parishes
DeSoto Parish is in northwest Louisiana and borders Red River, Caddo, Sabine, and Natchitoches parishes. If you are near a parish line, check your address to confirm which clerk's office applies to your location.