Sabine Parish Marriage License

Couples in Sabine Parish apply for a marriage license at the Clerk of Court in Many, the parish seat, where Clerk Shelly Salter and staff handle all applications on South Capitol Street. At least one party must appear in person, and the process takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes once you arrive with your documents. The office also offers a free birth certificate waiver through the District Judge if you cannot obtain your certified birth certificate in time. This page covers everything you need to know before your visit.

Sabine Parish Clerk of Court in Many

The Sabine Parish Clerk of Court, Shelly Salter, is located at 400 South Capitol Street, Room 102, Many, LA 71449. Mailing address: P.O. Box 419, Many, LA 71449. Phone: (318) 256-6223. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Note that Sabine Parish opens at 8:00 AM, which is a half hour earlier than many Louisiana parishes. The clerk's website at sabineparishclerk.com has current information and the marriage license page at sabineparishclerk.com/marriage-licenses/ lists all requirements.

How to Apply for a Sabine Parish Marriage License

The clerk's instructions are direct: "HOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN LOUISIANA. MARRIAGE LICENSE COST $27.50 - CASH OR CHECK OR CREDIT CARD. APPROXIMATE APPLICATION TIME IS 15-20 MINUTES."

Also noted: "AT LEAST ONE PARTY TO THE MARRIAGE MUST APPLY IN PERSON AND FURNISH THE FOLLOWING FOR BOTH APPLICANTS." This means one person can come in alone if the other cannot appear, provided all documents for both parties are present. This is more flexible than some Louisiana parishes that require both parties to appear together.

After the license is issued, the 24-hour wait under RS 9:242 begins. The clerk states: "The couple must wait 24 hours from the time/date of issuance before they wed, unless they obtain a waiver of the 24-hour waiting period from our District Judge or Justice of the Peace." If you need to marry the same day or the next morning, contact the 11th Judicial District Court to ask about a waiver. Justices of the Peace in Sabine Parish who can perform ceremonies include Rodney Haymon in Ward 2 (337-353-9575) and John W. Bonner in Ward 3 (337-424-5138).

The license expires 30 days from the date of issue under RS 9:206. The clerk confirms: "The Marriage License expires 30 days from date of issuance." Also: "No blood tests are required for Marriage License in Louisiana." Plan your ceremony date before applying so it falls within the 30-day window.

Documents Required for a Sabine Parish Marriage License

Both applicants must provide the following, even if only one person appears in person:

• Certified birth certificate for each party
• Social Security number for each party
• Valid photo ID (driver's license or passport)
• If previously married and divorced: certified copy of the final divorce decree
• If previously married and widowed: death certificate for the former spouse

The clerk notes an important option: "A certified copy of the birth certificate or a waiver of the birth certificate from our District Judge. {NO CHARGE FOR THE WAIVER}." If you cannot get a certified birth certificate in time, the District Judge of the 11th Judicial District can issue a waiver at no charge. Contact the clerk at (318) 256-6223 to find out how to request this waiver before your visit.

Both parties must also disclose their full names, dates of birth, places of birth, and parents' names and birthplaces as required under RS 9:224. The clerk will ask for each person's address and must record whether either party has been previously married.

The clerk also notes one more rule: "Civil Code Article 90 prohibits marriage within the 4th collateral degree. You must not be related by blood or adoption." This rule applies statewide and the clerk enforces it when reviewing applications.

Fees and Payment in Sabine Parish

The fee is $27.50. Unlike some Louisiana parishes that take cash or money order only, Sabine Parish accepts cash, check, or credit card. Confirm the accepted payment methods before your visit by calling (318) 256-6223. After the ceremony, certified copies of the marriage certificate can be ordered from the clerk's office. Ask about the cost per copy at the time of your application.

Age Requirements

Both parties must be at least 18 to marry without parental consent. Louisiana law no longer allows marriage for anyone under 16. Those who are 16 or 17 need written consent from both parents. Under 16 is simply not permitted under any circumstances. The clerk verifies age from the certified birth certificate brought to the application. Do not assume exceptions apply without confirming directly.

Covenant Marriage in Sabine Parish

Louisiana is one of only three states in the country that offers covenant marriage as a legal option. You choose this at the time of application at the Sabine Parish Clerk's office. Covenant marriage requires premarital counseling with a licensed counselor or clergy member before the license is issued. It also sets stricter limits on the grounds for divorce. If you want a covenant marriage, say so when you apply. The clerk will give you the extra forms you need. You cannot switch a standard license to a covenant marriage after it is issued.

State Resources for Sabine Parish Applicants

The Louisiana.gov Sabine Parish page provides contact information for the Clerk of Court and other parish offices.

Sabine Parish is in northwest Louisiana, and the Clerk's office is at 400 South Capitol Street in Many, the parish seat.

The eClerks LA online marriage application portal allows couples in participating parishes to start their application before visiting the clerk's office.

While Sabine Parish encourages in-person applications, the eClerks LA system may be available for advance preparation.

For certified copies of marriage records after the ceremony, the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office maintains statewide records and can issue copies by mail. This is useful if you need a copy later and cannot travel to Many.

Marriage Records in Sabine Parish

After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Sabine Parish Clerk of Court. The clerk records it as a permanent marriage record. Certified copies can then be ordered from the clerk's office for name changes, insurance, and other legal needs. Under RS 9:222, your Sabine Parish license was valid for any ceremony held anywhere in Louisiana, and the record will remain on file with the clerk in Many permanently.

Nearby Parishes

These parishes border Sabine Parish in northwest Louisiana. Each uses its own Clerk of Court for marriage license applications.