Washington Parish Marriage License

Washington Parish issues marriage licenses through the Clerk of Court office in Franklinton, located in the Florida Parishes region of southeast Louisiana. Both applicants must appear in person to apply, bringing the required documents and the fee. Louisiana's 24-hour waiting period applies before the ceremony can take place. Washington Parish borders Mississippi to the north and is served by several small communities, all of which use the Franklinton clerk's office for marriage license applications. Call ahead to confirm hours and fees before making the trip.

Clerk of Court Office

The Washington Parish Clerk of Court is located at 900 Pearl Street, Franklinton, LA 70438. The mailing address is also P.O. Box 607, Franklinton, LA 70438. The phone number is (985) 839-4663. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The 22nd Judicial District serves both Washington Parish and St. Tammany Parish, though each parish has its own clerk's office. If you have any questions about which court handles a particular matter, call the Franklinton office directly. For marriage license applications, the Washington Parish Clerk of Court in Franklinton is the correct office for anyone marrying in or from this parish.

The fee is in the standard Louisiana range. Call the office to get the current exact amount before your visit. Payment options can vary, so ask when you call.

Official Source

The Louisiana.gov Washington Parish page provides contact details for the Clerk of Court and other parish officials.

Washington Parish is in the Florida Parishes region of southeast Louisiana, with the Clerk's office on Pearl Street in Franklinton.

What You Need to Bring

Both applicants must show up at the Clerk's office together. You cannot apply separately or have someone apply on your behalf. Each person must present a valid, current government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Bring a current ID, not an expired one.

Each applicant needs a certified birth certificate. This is not a photocopy and not a hospital birth record. It must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office of the state where the person was born, with an official raised seal or stamp. Louisiana residents can get certified copies from the Louisiana Department of Health. People born in other states need to contact those states' vital records offices. Start this process early since it can take several weeks.

Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers. If either person was previously married, you must also bring certified proof that the prior marriage ended. That is a certified copy of the divorce decree or a certified death certificate for a former spouse. Standard photocopies are not enough. Bring the original certified documents.

Waiting Period and How Long the License Lasts

Louisiana law under RS 9:242 requires a 24-hour waiting period between the time the license is issued and the time of the ceremony. This is non-negotiable. Plan your wedding date at least one day after you apply. Most couples build in a couple of extra days just to be safe.

The license stays valid for 30 days under RS 9:206. After 30 days it expires. If you let it lapse, you need to go back to the clerk's office, fill out a new application, and pay the fee again. Under RS 9:222 the license is valid throughout Louisiana. You do not have to hold the ceremony in Washington Parish. A Franklinton-issued license works anywhere in the state.

State Law Framework

RS 9:224 specifies what information the clerk must collect. Full name, age, and birthplace for each applicant are recorded on the license. Social Security numbers are also required by law. The clerk cannot skip any of these items, so make sure you have all the information ready when you arrive. Missing details can cause delays or require a return trip.

RS 9:225 requires a certified birth certificate from each applicant's birth state. There is no substitution for this. Hospital records, notarized affidavits, or uncertified copies will not satisfy the requirement. If you are in a difficult situation regarding birth documentation, contact the clerk's office well ahead of time to discuss your options.

Covenant Marriage

Washington Parish, like every parish in Louisiana, allows couples to choose a covenant marriage rather than a standard marriage. Louisiana is one of only three states where this option exists. Covenant marriage requires premarital counseling and a signed Declaration of Intent. It also restricts the grounds for divorce more narrowly than a standard marriage. Most couples choose the standard license. If you want to learn more about covenant marriage in Washington Parish, call the clerk's office or speak with a legal professional.

After the Wedding

Once your ceremony takes place, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Clerk of Court for recording. After it is recorded, you can request certified copies. You will need certified copies of the marriage certificate to change your name on government documents, update bank records, add a spouse to insurance, and handle other legal matters. Request several copies upfront. The Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office also keeps statewide marriage records and can issue copies if you need them later.

Online Pre-Application

The eClerks LA system lets couples in participating parishes complete their application before visiting the office. Check the site to see if Washington Parish is listed. If it is, filling out the form at home before your visit saves time at the counter. You still need to appear in person to complete the process and pay the fee.

Nearby Parishes

These neighboring parishes each have a Clerk of Court where you can apply for a marriage license if Franklinton is not convenient.