Livingston Parish Marriage License
Livingston Parish marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of Court at the Iowa Street office in Livingston. Both parties must appear in person with the right documents, and the clerk processes applications on a walk-in basis during regular business hours. This guide covers what to bring, how long you wait, what it costs, and everything else you need to know before your visit to the Livingston Parish Clerk's office.
Livingston Parish Quick Facts
Livingston Parish Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court issues all marriage licenses in Livingston Parish. The office is at 20180 Iowa Street, Livingston, LA 70754. Mailing address: P.O. Box 1150, Livingston, LA 70754. Phone: (225) 686-2216. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The office is closed on state and parish holidays.
Livingston Parish has grown fast. The clerk's office sees high demand as a result. Going early in the week and early in the day can cut your wait. Both parties must appear in person to apply. No proxy applications are accepted.
The Livingston Parish government website provides access to parish services and official contact information for the Clerk of Court.
Livingston Parish's population has grown significantly in recent decades, and the Clerk's office on Iowa Street handles the increased demand for marriage licenses and other records.
| Address | 20180 Iowa Street, Livingston, LA 70754 |
|---|---|
| Mailing | P.O. Box 1150, Livingston, LA 70754 |
| Phone | (225) 686-2216 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | livingstonparishla.gov |
What to Bring to the Livingston Parish Clerk
Louisiana law sets the document requirements for all parishes. Livingston Parish follows those state rules. Both people applying need to bring the following items to the clerk's office:
- Valid photo ID: driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport
- Certified birth certificate. Not a photocopy or hospital record
- Social Security number for each party
If either party was married before and is now divorced, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree. The court-issued copy is what you need. A printout from home will not work. If either party is widowed, bring the death certificate for the former spouse.
Birth certificates must be certified copies issued by a state vital records office. Louisiana also accepts certified birth cards. If your birth certificate is in a language other than English, bring a certified translation along with the original document. The clerk will need both.
Social Security numbers are required under state law but do not need to be shown on a card. You just need to know the numbers. If you were not born in the United States, contact the Livingston Parish Clerk directly at (225) 686-2216 to ask about alternative documents that may be accepted.
Fees for a Livingston Parish Marriage License
The standard marriage license fee in Livingston Parish is in the range of $27.50 to $35.00, consistent with the state range. Confirm the current fee before your visit by calling (225) 686-2216. Ask about accepted payment methods when you call. Some clerk offices take cash or money orders only. Others accept cards.
Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost extra. Those are ordered separately. You will likely need at least one certified copy after the ceremony for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal needs. Ask the clerk's office about the per-copy cost at the time you apply so you know what to plan for.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Louisiana requires a 24-hour wait between when the license is issued and when the ceremony can take place. This rule applies in Livingston Parish under RS 9:242. If you pick up your license on Monday morning, you cannot legally marry until Tuesday morning at the earliest.
A judge or justice of the peace can waive the 24-hour wait in some cases. If you need an immediate ceremony, contact the 21st Judicial District Court to ask about a waiver. The license itself stays valid for 30 days from the date of issue under RS 9:206. Plan your ceremony date before you apply so it falls within that window. After 30 days the license expires and you must start over and pay again.
Under RS 9:222, a Livingston Parish marriage license works for a ceremony held anywhere in Louisiana. You do not have to marry in Livingston Parish. Your license is good statewide.
Age Requirements
Both parties must be at least 18 to marry without court involvement in Louisiana. Persons under 16 cannot marry at all under Louisiana law. Those who are 16 or 17 need both parents to give written consent and a judge must authorize the marriage. There is also an age gap rule: a minor cannot marry someone three or more years older. These rules apply statewide, including in Livingston Parish, and the clerk will verify age from the certified birth certificate you bring.
Covenant Marriage Option in Livingston Parish
Louisiana is one of only three states that offers covenant marriage as an option when you apply for a marriage license. Covenant marriage is a legal choice, not just a religious one. It requires premarital counseling and sets stricter limits on the grounds for divorce. If you want a covenant marriage, you must declare it at the time you apply. You cannot switch a standard license to a covenant marriage after the fact. The clerk can walk you through the extra paperwork if you choose this option.
Online Pre-Application Through eClerks LA
The eClerks LA marriage license portal allows couples in participating parishes to begin the application online before visiting the clerk's office. Check the portal to see if Livingston Parish is currently enrolled. Even if the online option is available, both parties must still appear in person to finish the process and receive the license. Starting the paperwork online reduces your time at the counter. It does not change any waiting period or document requirements.
State Resources for Livingston Parish
The Louisiana.gov Livingston Parish page lists elected officials and contact information for all parish offices.
Livingston Parish is in the Baton Rouge metro area and is one of the fastest-growing parishes in Louisiana.
For certified copies of marriage records statewide, the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office maintains records for all Louisiana parishes. You can order copies by mail through LDH. For other public records questions, the Louisiana Secretary of State site has additional resources.
Key Louisiana Statutes for Marriage Licenses
Several Louisiana laws govern the marriage license process across all parishes. RS 9:206 sets the 30-day validity period. RS 9:242 establishes the 24-hour waiting period. RS 9:222 says a license issued in any parish is valid statewide. RS 9:225 requires certified birth certificates. RS 9:224 requires both parties to provide name, age, and place of birth at the time of application. These rules apply in Livingston Parish and everywhere else in the state.
Covenant marriage falls under separate provisions of Title 9. Civil Code Article 90 prohibits marriage within the fourth degree of blood relation or by adoption. No blood test is required in Louisiana. That requirement was removed from state law years ago and does not apply in any parish, including Livingston.
Nearby Parishes
These parishes border Livingston and each issue marriage licenses through their own Clerk of Court.