Find Your Orleans Parish Marriage License

Orleans Parish handles marriage licenses differently from every other parish in Louisiana. Instead of going to the Clerk of Court, you apply at the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records Registry office in downtown New Orleans. There are two locations: one at Benson Tower on Poydras Street and one at the Algiers Courthouse on the West Bank. This page explains exactly how the process works, where to go, what it costs, and what documents you need before you visit.

Who Issues Orleans Parish Marriage Licenses

This is the most important thing to know: in Orleans Parish, the Louisiana Department of Health issues marriage licenses, not the Clerk of Court. This is unique in Louisiana. Every other parish uses the Clerk of Court. In New Orleans, you go to the LDH Vital Records Registry. Going to the wrong office will cost you time, so confirm the correct address before you visit.

The Louisiana Department of Health page on obtaining an Orleans Parish marriage license is the official source for all requirements and procedures.

The LDH page is updated with current fees and hours, and it is the best place to check before your visit to Benson Tower.

The Orleans Parish Civil District Court Clerk handles civil court records including property records and other filings. For marriage licenses specifically, you go to LDH, not the civil clerk.

Orleans Parish Marriage License Office Locations

The LDH states: "The Orleans Parish Marriage License Office is located at Benson Tower, 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 407, in downtown New Orleans. Licenses are issued between 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding state holidays)." This is the main office, located in the central business district.

A second location serves the West Bank. The Historic Algiers Courthouse at 225 Morgan Street in Algiers is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. If you live on the West Bank, this is more convenient than crossing the river. Both offices can issue licenses and take your full application.

The Orleans Parish Civil District Court Clerk website handles civil court records including marriage records filed at the courthouse.

The Civil District Clerk maintains marriage records filed in Orleans Parish, though the license is obtained through LDH, not through the civil court.

Orleans Parish Marriage License Fees

The marriage license fee is $27.50. This amount is non-refundable. The LDH states: "Fees of $27.50 payable by cash (must contain EXACT AMOUNT), check, money order, or credit/debit card (non-refundable), plus $5 for each certified copy of the marriage certificate desired by the customer." If you want certified copies of your marriage certificate, those cost $5.00 each, plus $0.50 for mailing if needed.

The cash rule is strict. If you pay in cash, bring the exact amount. The office does not give change. This catches many applicants off guard. Use a check, money order, or card if you want to avoid the exact-change issue. Credit and debit cards are accepted at both locations.

The 24-Hour Wait and How Waivers Work

Louisiana law requires a 24-hour wait between when the license is issued and when the ceremony takes place. LDH confirms: "A 24-hour waiting period is required by law between the time of issuance of the license and the ceremony."

The waiver rules in Orleans Parish are specific. For Louisiana residents, judges of the First or Second City Courts can waive the waiting period. This happens only during Monday-Friday business hours. If you need a same-day waiver, contact one of those courts directly during regular hours.

There is a second path for out-of-state couples. Per LDH: "If both parties reside outside of Louisiana and the services will occur in Orleans parish AND be performed by a registered Orleans officiant, that officiant can waive this waiting period." This option does not apply to Louisiana residents.

The New Orleans tourism site's marriage license guide provides a practical overview for couples getting married in the city.

While the tourism site is not official, it includes useful practical tips alongside the formal LDH requirements for Orleans Parish couples.

How to Apply for an Orleans Parish Marriage License

LDH is clear about who must appear: "In order to apply for a marriage license, both parties should be present and present all required documents. If a party is absent, the application will only be accepted if their signature on the application has been separately notarized." Go together. It is much simpler and avoids the extra notarization step.

Required documents for both applicants:

• Current driver's license, state ID, or passport
• Certified birth certificate or birth card (translated to English if not in English)
• Social Security number (if born in the US)
• If not born in the US: valid passport or visa with I-94 form
• If divorced: certified copy of final divorce decree
• If widowed: death certificate for the former spouse

The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue under RS 9:206. If your ceremony falls outside that window, you must apply again. Your Orleans Parish license works for a ceremony anywhere in Louisiana under RS 9:222.

Age Requirements in Orleans Parish

Both parties must be 18 or older to marry without parental consent. Those who are 16 or 17 need written consent from both parents. Anyone under 16 cannot get a marriage license in Louisiana under any circumstances. The LDH office will verify age from the certified birth certificate you provide. No exceptions are made at the counter.

Covenant Marriage in Orleans Parish

Louisiana is one of only three states that offers covenant marriage. It is a legal option available when you apply for your marriage license at LDH. Covenant marriage requires premarital counseling with a licensed counselor or clergy member and sets stricter limits on divorce grounds. If this interests you, let the LDH office know when you apply. You must declare the covenant marriage option at the time of application. You cannot convert a standard license to a covenant marriage later.

Marriage Records in Orleans Parish

Because LDH issues Orleans Parish marriage licenses, LDH also holds those records after the ceremony. The signed license goes back to LDH. Certified copies can be ordered through the LDH Vital Records office. You can also request copies in person at the same Benson Tower or Algiers locations where you applied.

For civil court records, property documents, and other filings in Orleans Parish, the Orleans Parish Civil Clerk of Court handles those separately. Their online search tool covers civil records going back many years.

The eClerks LA marriage license resource has general statewide information on the application process and what to expect at Louisiana clerk offices, including Orleans Parish background.

Cities in Orleans Parish

Orleans Parish and the city of New Orleans share the same boundaries. All residents of New Orleans, whether in the Garden District, the French Quarter, Uptown, or Algiers, apply for their marriage license through the LDH offices described on this page.

Nearby Parishes

These parishes border Orleans Parish. In each of them, the Clerk of Court handles marriage licenses, unlike the LDH system used in Orleans.