Access Rapides Parish Marriage License Records

Couples in Rapides Parish apply for a marriage license at the Clerk of Court on Murray Street in Alexandria. You need to bring certified birth certificates, Social Security numbers, valid photo ID, and other documents for both parties. State law requires a 24-hour wait between when the license is issued and when your ceremony can take place. The license stays valid for 30 days. This page covers the office location, what to bring, how much it costs, and how the full process works in Rapides Parish.

Rapides Parish Clerk of Court in Alexandria

The Rapides Parish Clerk of Court is at 701 Murray Street in Alexandria, LA 71301. Mailing address: P.O. Box 952, Alexandria, LA 71309. Phone: 318-473-8153. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Clerk of Court handles all marriage license applications, records, and certified copies for Rapides Parish. This is the only office in the parish that issues marriage licenses.

The Louisiana.gov Rapides Parish page lists the Clerk of Court and other parish officials with their contact information.

Rapides Parish is one of the largest parishes in Louisiana by population and is home to Alexandria, the ninth-largest city in the state.

Applying for a Rapides Parish Marriage License

Both parties should go to the clerk's office together to apply. One party can sometimes submit the application if the other has a separately notarized signature on the form, but going together is the simpler path. The clerk verifies both applicants' documents and issues the license once everything checks out.

After the license is issued, the 24-hour wait under RS 9:242 begins. Your ceremony cannot take place until that 24 hours has passed. If you need to marry sooner, a district judge in the 9th Judicial District may be able to waive the wait. Contact the clerk at 318-473-8153 or the court directly to find out how to request a waiver. There is typically a small fee for the waiver and you need a formal court order, so plan accordingly if you think you will need one.

The license stays valid for 30 days from the date of issue under RS 9:206. A Rapides Parish license works for a ceremony anywhere in Louisiana under RS 9:222. You do not have to hold the ceremony in Alexandria or in Rapides Parish.

Note: Arrive at the clerk's office well before 4:30 PM. Give yourself 30 to 45 minutes to complete the full application process without feeling rushed.

Documents Required for a Rapides Parish Marriage License

Both applicants must bring original certified birth certificates from the issuing vital records office. Photocopies are not accepted. Social Security numbers are required for both parties. You must provide your full legal names, current addresses, and each person's parents' full names and birthplaces. The number of prior marriages must be disclosed. If any prior marriage ended in divorce, bring the final divorce decree. If a prior spouse died, bring the death certificate.

Louisiana law at RS 9:208 sets the age requirements. Both applicants must be 18 or older without parental consent. Those who are 16 or 17 need written consent from both parents. Anyone under 16 must also have a court order from a district court judge. The clerk verifies age using the certified birth certificate. Do not assume any exceptions apply without confirming with the office first.

Bring valid photo ID for both applicants. A driver's license or passport is standard. If your name on your ID does not match your birth certificate, bring supporting documents that explain the difference, such as a prior marriage certificate or a court-issued name change order. Foreign birth certificates must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Rapides Parish Marriage License Fees

The standard Louisiana marriage license fee range is approximately $27.50 to $35.00. The exact Rapides Parish fee should be confirmed directly with the clerk before your visit. Call 318-473-8153 and ask for the current fee and accepted payment methods. Some offices take cash only. Others accept checks and cards. Knowing this before you go saves you from an unexpected problem at the counter.

Certified copies of the marriage certificate after the ceremony cost a separate per-copy fee. Order several when you return the signed license. You will likely need them for name changes at the Social Security Administration, bank, and DMV. Getting copies in one trip is far more efficient than making multiple visits.

The eClerks LA marriage license page has general information on Louisiana fees and the application process. Use it as background, but confirm specific Rapides amounts with the clerk directly since fees can change over time.

Covenant Marriage in Rapides Parish

Louisiana is one of only three states in the country that allows covenant marriage. This is a legal option you can choose at the time you apply for your Rapides Parish marriage license. Covenant marriage requires premarital counseling with a licensed counselor or clergy member before the license is issued. It also sets more limited grounds for divorce than a standard Louisiana marriage. If you want a covenant marriage, tell the clerk when you apply. You cannot convert a standard license to a covenant marriage after it is issued. The clerk at 318-473-8153 can answer questions about what extra paperwork is needed.

Marriage Records in Rapides Parish

After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Rapides Parish Clerk of Court. The clerk records it permanently. Certified copies can then be requested by anyone who needs to prove the marriage took place. Contact the clerk's office at 318-473-8153 to ask about the cost per certified copy and how to order them.

The Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office also maintains statewide marriage records. You can order a certified copy by mail through LDH if you are not near Alexandria when you need one. This is useful if you need a copy years after the ceremony.

Cities in Rapides Parish

The main city in Rapides Parish is Alexandria, which is also the location of the Clerk of Court. All residents of Rapides Parish, including those in Pineville and other communities, apply at the Alexandria courthouse for their marriage license.

Nearby Parishes

These parishes are near Rapides Parish in central Louisiana. Each has its own Clerk of Court for marriage license applications.