Jackson Parish Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Jackson Parish starts at the Clerk of Court office in Jonesboro, where the staff handles applications Monday through Friday. The process follows Louisiana state law, with a few local rules you need to know before you go, including a strict cash or money order only payment rule. This page explains what documents you need, what the fee is, how long you have to wait, and what age rules apply in Jackson Parish.

Jackson Parish Clerk of Court - Marriage Licenses

Hon. Rachel Shively is the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court. The office handles marriage licenses along with civil, criminal, and probate records. You can reach the clerk at clerk@jacksonparishclerk.org. The office is in Room 103 of the Jackson Parish Courthouse at 500 East Court Street, Jonesboro, LA 71251. The mailing address is P.O. Box 730, Jonesboro, LA 71251.

Phone is (318) 259-2424. Fax is (318) 395-0386. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The office is closed on state and federal legal holidays. Marriage licenses are issued during these hours, so plan to arrive well before closing time.

The Jackson Parish Clerk of Court website at jacksonparishclerk.org provides information on marriage licenses and other services.

Jackson Parish Marriage License Requirements

The clerk's office spells out what you need to bring. First on the list: "A certified copy of both birth certificates will be required to obtain a marriage license." This is not optional. You need certified copies, not photocopies or digital photos of the documents. If your Louisiana birth certificate is not on hand, the clerk may be able to help, but allow extra time.

The Jackson Parish Clerk's marriage license department page at jacksonparishclerk.org lists what you need and answers common questions about the process.

Under Louisiana RS 9:224, both parties must provide their names, dates of birth, and places of birth when applying. Louisiana RS 9:225 sets out the birth certificate requirement that the clerk enforces. Both parties should be ready to show valid photo ID as well.

If either party was previously married, proof that the marriage ended is needed. A certified divorce decree or a death certificate will work. The clerk's staff will review all documents before issuing the license. This is standard across all Louisiana parishes.

Note: Birth certificates obtained at the clerk's office typically take about 15 minutes, but the clerk's office says to "allow extra time" in case it takes longer.

Jackson Parish Marriage License Fee

The fee for a marriage license in Jackson Parish is $27.50. What sets this office apart from many others is the payment rule. The clerk is direct about it: "The fee for a marriage license is $27.50, which must be paid by cash or money order." No checks. No credit cards. No debit cards.

This is important to know before you make the trip to Jonesboro. If you show up without cash or a money order, you will have to leave and come back. Bring exact change or a money order made out to the Jackson Parish Clerk of Court for $27.50. Plan ahead so the payment issue does not delay your application.

The forms page on the clerk's website may have additional details about fees for certified copies or other related services. Check there before your visit if you need more than just the license itself.

Waiting Period and License Validity

There is a mandatory waiting period between when you get the license and when you can use it. The clerk states: "A twenty-four (24) hour waiting period is required between the time of license purchase and the performance of the ceremony per Act 276." This means you cannot get married the same day you pick up the license. Your ceremony must be at least 24 hours after the license is issued.

The waiting period can be waived under Louisiana RS 9:242 if you get an order from a district judge or justice of the peace. This is available in certain situations. Ask the clerk's office if you need more details on how to request a waiver.

The license has a limited window of use. Per the clerk's office: "The marriage license is valid for thirty (30) days." After 30 days from issuance, the license expires and cannot be used. Under Louisiana RS 9:206, this 30-day rule applies statewide. Make sure your ceremony is scheduled well within that timeframe.

Note: A Louisiana marriage license issued in any parish is valid for a ceremony anywhere in the state, per RS 9:222.

Age Requirements for Marriage Licenses in Jackson Parish

Louisiana law has specific rules about who can marry based on age. The clerk's office is clear: "A minor under the age of sixteen (16) is prohibited from entering into a contract of marriage." No one under 16 can get married in Louisiana, period. There are no exceptions for minors under 16.

For those who are 16 or 17, there are further rules. The clerk notes: "Minors sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) years of age are prohibited from entering into a contract of marriage with a person of the age of majority where there is an age difference of three years or greater between them." This rule limits marriages between minors and adults where there is a significant age gap. Louisiana RS 9:208 covers these age requirements in full. Anyone 18 or older can marry without restrictions related to age.

The Jackson Parish Clerk's forms page has downloadable documents that may help you prepare for your license application visit.

Online Resources for Jackson Parish Marriage Records

The Jackson Parish Clerk of Court website is the best starting point for current information. You can find the marriage license requirements, forms, and contact details there. The site also lets you look up recorded documents, which may include marriage records that have been filed after a ceremony.

For statewide marriage record searches, the eClerks LA system covers many Louisiana parishes and provides online access to certain recorded documents. The Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records also maintains statewide marriage records and can issue certified copies of marriage certificates for ceremonies that occurred in Louisiana. The Louisiana Secretary of State is another resource for state-level public records information.

Nearby Parishes

Jackson Parish is in north-central Louisiana. If you are near a parish border, note that a Louisiana marriage license can be obtained from any parish clerk's office and used anywhere in the state.