Access Lafayette Parish Marriage License Records

Lafayette Parish marriage licenses are issued by the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court at the courthouse on South Buchanan Street in Lafayette. The office allows applicants to start the process online before their in-person visit, and only one party needs to appear in person to complete the application. This page covers what you need to bring, the fees involved, what to expect during the process, and the rules that govern marriage licenses in Lafayette Parish under Louisiana law.

Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court - Marriage Licenses

The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court is at 800 South Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. The mailing address is P.O. Box 2009, Lafayette, LA 70502. The main phone number is (337) 291-6400. For marriage license questions specifically, call the marriage department directly at (337) 291-6335. This is the most direct line to get answers about your application.

Hours for marriage license issuance are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. As the clerk's office states: "Marriage Licenses are issued from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday except for legal holidays." Plan your visit so you arrive well before 4:00 PM. You can find more details at lpclerk.com.

The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court's main website at lpclerk.com covers all clerk services including the marriage license application process.

Applying for a Lafayette Parish Marriage License

Lafayette Parish makes it easier than many parishes by letting you start the application online. The marriage license page on the clerk's website has forms and instructions you can review and fill out before your visit. Only one party needs to appear in person to complete the application, which is helpful when both parties cannot take time off work on the same day.

The Lafayette Parish Clerk's marriage page walks you through the full application process and what you need to bring to the office.

As required under Louisiana RS 9:224, both parties must provide their name, date of birth, and place of birth. Louisiana RS 9:225 requires certified birth certificates for both applicants. Bring valid photo ID as well. If either party was previously married, you need proof the marriage ended, such as a certified divorce decree or a death certificate.

The clerk's office is straightforward on one thing: "Blood tests are no longer required." You do not need to schedule a medical appointment before applying. The office says to bring your documents and come in. Once you have everything together, the process at the office is usually quick.

Note: The online application option and single-party appearance rule make Lafayette one of the more flexible parishes in Louisiana for getting a marriage license.

Lafayette Parish Marriage License Fees

The marriage license fee in Lafayette Parish is $27.50. The clerk notes one additional cost: "The marriage license fee is $27.50 plus $4.00 per page for each attachment." If your application requires attachments, such as translated documents, each page adds $4.00. Most standard applications without attachments pay just the base fee.

Certified copies of the marriage license cost $5.00 each. As the office states: "A certified copy of the marriage license is $5.00." You will likely need at least one certified copy after your ceremony to change your name with Social Security, update your driver's license, or for other legal purposes. Order the number of copies you think you will need when you pick up the license or when you return after the ceremony.

If you pay by credit or debit card, there is a 3% convenience fee (minimum $1.00 for transactions under $33.00). To avoid that fee, bring cash or a check. Call the office at (337) 291-6335 to ask about currently accepted payment methods before your visit.

Waiting Period and License Validity in Lafayette Parish

The 24-hour waiting period is required in Lafayette Parish just as it is everywhere in Louisiana. The clerk makes this clear: "The license is valid for ceremonies performed in Louisiana only and must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to the ceremony." You cannot pick up the license and get married the same day. Plan your timeline so your ceremony is at least one full day after you get the license.

The license does not last indefinitely. The clerk states: "It expires 30 days from the date and time of issuance." Louisiana RS 9:206 sets this 30-day window. If your ceremony does not happen within that time, the license is no longer valid and you would need to start over. Schedule your ceremony date before getting the license so you know you can use it in time.

Per Louisiana RS 9:222, a Lafayette Parish marriage license is valid for a ceremony in any Louisiana parish. You are not required to hold the ceremony in Lafayette. Some couples get the license in Lafayette and then hold their ceremony in a different location in Louisiana, which is perfectly fine.

Covenant Marriage in Lafayette Parish

Louisiana is one of only a few states that offers covenant marriage as an option. A covenant marriage is a more formal and legally binding type of marriage. Couples who choose it must complete pre-marital counseling with a licensed counselor, clergy member, or marriage educator before they get their license. The grounds for divorce in a covenant marriage are more limited than in a standard marriage.

The Lafayette Parish Clerk's office has a full page dedicated to this topic. You can read all the details at lpclerk.com/covenant-marriage-info. This page explains the counseling requirement, what documents you need to declare a covenant marriage, and how it differs from a standard marriage license. If you and your partner are interested in this option, review the information online and call the marriage department at (337) 291-6335 with any questions before your visit.

The Lafayette Parish Clerk's covenant marriage page details the process, requirements, and differences from a standard Louisiana marriage license.

Additional Resources for Lafayette Parish Marriage Records

After the ceremony, the signed marriage license is returned to the clerk's office and recorded. Certified copies can be obtained from the Lafayette Parish Clerk at $5.00 each. For statewide certified marriage certificates, the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office is another option.

The eClerks LA system covers Lafayette Parish and may provide online access to recorded marriage documents. If you need to search for a recorded marriage license or other public documents from the Lafayette Parish Clerk, this online system is worth checking. The Louisiana Secretary of State can assist with other state-level public records questions.

Cities in Lafayette Parish

The city of Lafayette is the largest city and the parish seat. All marriage licenses for Lafayette Parish residents are issued through the Clerk of Court office on South Buchanan Street in Lafayette. Other communities in the parish also use this same office for their marriage license needs.

Nearby Parishes

Lafayette Parish borders several neighboring parishes in south-central Louisiana. A Louisiana marriage license is valid statewide, so you can apply at the most convenient clerk's office.