Marriage License in Lafourche Parish

Lafourche Parish marriage licenses are available at three clerk's office locations serving this long, narrow parish that stretches from the Mississippi River down to the Gulf of Mexico. Couples planning to marry need to visit one of these offices in person, and there is a critical rule to know before you go: the fee is cash only. This guide covers all three office locations, their hours, what documents you need, and the full cost of getting a Lafourche Parish marriage license.

Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court - Marriage License Offices

Hon. Annette Fontana serves as the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court. You can reach her office by email at clerk@lafourcheclerk.com. The main mailing address is P.O. Box 818, Thibodaux, LA 70302-0818. The clerk's website is at lafourcheclerk.com.

Lafourche Parish has three office locations. The Thibodaux office is the main location and is currently operating in a temporary location at 200 W. 2nd St., 3rd Floor, Thibodaux, LA 70301. Phone there is (985) 447-4841. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The two branch offices have more limited hours.

The Lockport office is at 710 Church Street, Lockport, LA 70374, phone (985) 532-7361. It is open Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with a lunch closure from noon to 1:00 PM. The Galliano office is at 131 East 91st St., Cut Off, LA 70345, phone (985) 632-8111. It is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, also closed from noon to 1:00 PM for lunch.

The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court website at lafourcheclerk.com has full information about all three office locations and their services.

Lafourche Parish Marriage License Fee - Cash Only

The fee for a Lafourche Parish marriage license is $32.00. This is one of the most important things to know before your visit: the office accepts cash only. The clerk's website is direct about it: "Fee: $32.00 CASH ONLY (Price includes 1 certified copy which is mailed to you after the signed copies from the ceremony are returned to the Clerk's office)"

That fee includes one certified copy of your marriage license, which is mailed to you after the ceremony. The officiant who performs the ceremony must return the signed license to the clerk's office. Once the clerk receives and records it, they will mail you the certified copy. This saves you from having to request and pay for a copy separately.

Do not show up with a credit card or a check. The office does not accept them. Bring $32.00 in cash. If you are going to one of the branch offices in Lockport or Galliano, confirm the cash-only policy still applies there before you go by calling ahead.

Note: The Thibodaux office is operating in a temporary location. Confirm the current address when you call before making the trip.

What You Need to Apply

The clerk's marriage license page is clear about required documents. As stated: "Certified copy of both parties Birth Certificates required." These must be official certified copies, not photocopies. Under Louisiana RS 9:225, certified birth certificates are a mandatory requirement statewide. Bring a valid photo ID for each party as well.

The Lafourche Parish Clerk's marriage license page at lafourcheclerk.com lists all the documents you need and the steps to complete your application.

Under Louisiana RS 9:224, both parties must provide their name, date of birth, and place of birth when applying. If either party was previously married, bring proof the marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate will satisfy this requirement. The clerk's staff will review all documents before issuing the license.

No blood test is required. Louisiana dropped that requirement years ago. The process at the office moves fairly quickly once you have all your documents in hand. Given the branch office limited hours, plan your visit to the Thibodaux main office if you want the most schedule flexibility.

Waiting Period, Validity, and Where the License Works

After your Lafourche Parish marriage license is issued, there is a mandatory waiting period. The clerk states: "There is a 24 hour waiting period before the license can be used." This is set by Louisiana RS 9:242 and applies statewide. You cannot have the ceremony the same day you pick up the license. Schedule your ceremony for at least the day after.

The license expires after a set time. The clerk notes: "The marriage license will expire 30 days from the application date." Louisiana RS 9:206 sets this 30-day window. If your ceremony does not happen within 30 days, the license is no longer valid and you would need to get a new one. Plan your ceremony date before applying so you know you can use the license in time.

There is also a rule about where the ceremony must take place. The clerk is specific: "A Marriage License purchased in the State of Louisiana must be used in the State of Louisiana." Under Louisiana RS 9:222, a license from any parish is valid for a ceremony anywhere in Louisiana. The license does not work for ceremonies held outside the state. If you are planning a destination wedding outside Louisiana, you would need to get a license in the state where the ceremony takes place.

Services and Online Resources

The Lafourche Parish Clerk's services page lists all the public services the office offers beyond marriage licenses. The clerk handles civil and criminal court records, property records, mortgage filings, and more. If you need to look up a recorded marriage document after the ceremony, check the clerk's website for online search tools.

The Lafourche Parish Clerk's services overview page shows all the public records and services available at the three office locations.

For statewide vital records including certified marriage certificates, visit the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office. The eClerks LA system provides general information about Louisiana marriage licenses and may offer online access to recorded documents for Lafourche Parish. The Louisiana Secretary of State handles broader state public records questions.

Nearby Parishes

Lafourche Parish runs from north to south through south Louisiana. These neighboring parishes are close by. A Louisiana marriage license from any parish is valid statewide, so apply wherever is most convenient.