Tangipahoa Parish Marriage License

Couples seeking a Tangipahoa Parish marriage license can apply at the clerk's office in Amite or in Hammond, but there are key differences between the two locations you need to know before you visit, including different arrival cutoff times and the fact that the Hammond office does not accept cash.

Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court

Gary Stanga serves as the Clerk of Court for Tangipahoa Parish. His office has two locations: the main office in Amite, which is the parish seat, and a branch office in Hammond. Both issue marriage licenses. The Amite office is on N Bay Street and is the primary location for all parish records. The Hammond office on NW Railroad Avenue serves the larger population center of the parish, which runs along the I-55 corridor.

The clerk's main website is at tangiclerk.org. The marriage license page is at tangiclerk.org/Services/Marriage-Licenses. Both pages have current fee information, required documents, and other details. Contact information for both offices is listed at tangiclerk.org/About/Contact-Us. The direct marriage license department phone is (985) 284-2670.

The Tangipahoa Parish Clerk marriage license page explains the requirements, fees, and important rules for both the Amite and Hammond offices.

The Tangipahoa marriage license page is clear about the Hammond office's no-cash policy, which is important to know before your visit.

Important Rules for Both Tangipahoa Parish Offices

The biggest thing to know is the payment rule for Hammond. The clerk's office states: "The cost is $35.00, payable by cash, check, or credit card to the Clerk of Court. Please note that the Hammond office accepts check or credit card only." If you show up at the Hammond office with only cash, you cannot apply. Bring a check or a card. Amite accepts all three payment types.

The cutoff times also matter. The clerk states: "If you are acquiring your license in our Hammond office, you will need to arrive by 3:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. in the Amite Office." Arrive at least 30 minutes before the cutoff to give yourself a buffer. Traffic on I-55 can be unpredictable, especially during peak times. Being even a few minutes late can mean the office will not process your application that day.

The clerk also clarifies that either location can handle your application regardless of where you live: "Marriage License applications are accepted at the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court's Offices in Amite and in Hammond." You do not need to use the office closest to your home address. Choose whichever is more convenient given the time of day and your planned schedule.

The Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court main website covers all services provided at the Amite and Hammond offices.

The Tangipahoa Clerk's main site provides access to court records, marriage applications, and contact information for both offices.

Applying for a Tangipahoa Parish Marriage License

Both people getting married must appear at the same office at the same time to apply. Louisiana law requires both parties to be present and sign the application. The clerk states a useful option: "If both parties appear to purchase the marriage license, the application does not need to be notarized." If only one party appears, the application must be notarized before you bring it in. In practice, it is much simpler to just go together and skip the notary step entirely.

The clerk also states: "Completed Application for Marriage License - All of the information requested on the application MUST be provided by the parties, signed by both parties, and notarized." Going together satisfies the signature requirement without the notarization. It is faster and cheaper.

After you apply and pay the $35.00 fee, the 24-hour waiting period begins under RS 9:242. Come back the next business day to pick up the license. Once you have it, RS 9:206 gives you 30 days to hold the ceremony. A license from Tangipahoa Parish is valid for a ceremony anywhere in Louisiana. The marriage record will be kept at the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court regardless of where the ceremony takes place.

The Tangipahoa Parish Clerk contact page lists addresses and phone numbers for the Amite and Hammond offices.

Call the marriage license department at (985) 284-2670 before your visit to confirm current requirements and hours.

Age Requirements for Tangipahoa Parish Marriage Licenses

Both applicants must be 18 or older to apply without any extra steps. The clerk's office has firm rules for minors. Their published policy states: "NO marriage license for a minor under the age of 16 shall be issued. NO marriage license for a minor of the age of 16 or 17 shall be issued where there is an age difference of 3 years or greater between the persons seeking the marriage license."

This is a notable rule. Even for 16 or 17-year-olds who have parental consent and a judicial waiver, the license cannot be issued if the other applicant is 3 or more years older. A 17-year-old and a 20-year-old, for example, would be barred under this rule. The 3-year age difference is calculated strictly. There are no exceptions.

For eligible 17-year-olds who meet the age gap rule, both parents must sign a notarized affidavit of consent. A judge in the 21st Judicial District must also sign a waiver. This process takes time, so plan ahead if it applies to your situation. Call the marriage license department at (985) 284-2670 to ask about the exact steps required.

Required Documents for Tangipahoa Parish

Both applicants must bring their own documents. One person's papers do not cover both. Missing a document means coming back another day, which is especially inconvenient if you drove from a distance.

Each person must bring:

• Valid government photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport
• Original certified birth certificate from the vital records office where you were born
• Social Security number
• Certified copy of divorce judgment if previously married and now divorced
• Certified death certificate if a prior spouse has passed away

Louisiana requires certified birth certificates under RS 9:225. A hospital record or photocopy is not acceptable. If your birth certificate is in a foreign language, you need a certified English translation. Arrange that before your visit. The clerk cannot process untranslated foreign documents on the spot. Do not assume the clerk can help you translate or find a translator. That is your responsibility to handle ahead of time.

Covenant Marriage Option in Tangipahoa Parish

Louisiana offers a covenant marriage option. It is a stronger legal commitment with stricter grounds for divorce. Tangipahoa Parish handles covenant marriage applications. There is an additional fee for couples who are already married and want to convert their existing marriage into a covenant marriage. That fee is $25.00 on top of what was already paid at the time of the original license.

Covenant marriage is not common, but it is a legally distinct choice in Louisiana. If you are interested, ask the clerk for details when you go in to apply. The process involves additional forms and an agreement between both parties about the terms of the covenant marriage. Louisiana is one of only three states in the country that offers this option, along with Arizona and Arkansas.

Note: The Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office maintains statewide marriage records. You can request a marriage certificate from that office after the ceremony is recorded at the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court. The eClerks Louisiana marriage license guide also explains the broader Louisiana process for couples who want more background information.

Cities in Tangipahoa Parish

Tangipahoa Parish includes Hammond, the parish's largest city and home to the branch clerk office on NW Railroad Avenue. Residents of Hammond can apply for a marriage license there without making the longer drive to Amite. Remember to arrive by 3:00 PM and bring a check or card since the Hammond office does not accept cash.

Nearby Parishes

Tangipahoa Parish sits between the Northshore area and the Florida parishes, bordered by several other Louisiana parishes where you can also apply for a marriage license.