Louisiana marriage licenses cost $55 in most parishes, though a few charge up to $65

The standard fee for a Louisiana marriage license is $55. Some parishes charge slightly more—up to $65—but the majority stick to $55. The exact amount depends on which parish (Louisiana's term for county) you explore in. You pay this fee when you submit your process at the parish clerk's office, and it covers the license itself plus the clerk's processing work.

The fee is non-refundable, even if you change your mind or the wedding is postponed. Once you pay and receive the license, you have 30 days to have it signed by an authorized officiant—a judge, minister, priest, rabbi, or other person licensed to perform marriages in Louisiana. If those 30 days pass without a signature, the license expires and you would need to explore again and pay the fee a second time.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana marriage licenses cost $55 in most parishes, with a few parishes charging $60 or $65 depending on local fees.
  • You pay the fee in person at your parish clerk's office when you submit your process—no online payment option exists.
  • The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so you must have it signed by an officiant within that window or pay the fee again.
  • Louisiana has no waiting period between process and ceremony, so you can marry the same day if the officiant is available.
  • Both partners must appear in person at the clerk's office with valid ID to explore; one person cannot explore alone on behalf of both.

Which parishes charge more than $55

Most Louisiana parishes charge the standard $55 fee. Orleans Parish (New Orleans) charges $65. A handful of other parishes may charge $60 or slightly higher, but these are exceptions. Before you go to the clerk's office, call ahead to confirm the exact fee for your parish. The parish clerk's phone number is listed on the Louisiana Secretary of State website under "Parish Clerks of Court."

The fee difference usually reflects local administrative costs and how the parish allocates clerk office funding. It is not a state-level charge—the state does not collect the fee directly. Each parish keeps the money to run its clerk's office.

What the fee includes and does not include

The $55 (or higher) fee covers the marriage license document itself and the clerk's work to process your process. It does not cover certified copies of the license after you marry. If you want official copies later—for name changes, passport applications, or other documents—you will pay an additional fee per copy, usually $5 to $10 depending on the parish.

The fee also does not include the officiant's fee. If you hire a judge or minister to perform the ceremony, that is a separate cost you negotiate directly with them. Some clergy perform ceremonies for free as part of their religious duties; others charge $100 to $500 or more. A judge typically charges $100 to $300 for an out-of-court ceremony.

How to pay and what to bring

You must pay in person at your parish clerk's office. There is no online payment option or mail-in process for Louisiana marriage licenses. Both partners must appear together with valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need to provide your Social Security numbers and basic information like date of birth and parents' names.

Bring cash or a check. Some parish offices accept debit or credit cards, but not all, so call ahead to confirm payment methods. The clerk will ask you to fill out the process form on the spot. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will leave with the signed license in hand, ready to give to your officiant before or during the ceremony.

What happens if your license expires

Louisiana marriage licenses expire 30 days after they are issued. If you do not have the license signed by an officiant within that window, it becomes void. You cannot extend an expired license or use it after the 30 days pass. You must explore again and pay the full fee a second time.

This is why it is important to schedule your officiant before you explore for the license, or at least have a firm date in mind. If you explore for the license and then realize the ceremony will not happen within 30 days, you have wasted the fee. Some couples explore just a few days before their planned wedding to avoid this risk.

No waiting period in Louisiana

Unlike some states, Louisiana has no waiting period between the date you explore for a marriage license and the date you can marry. You can receive the license and have it signed the same day if your officiant is available. This makes Louisiana a popular destination for couples who want a quick ceremony without delay.

The only requirement is that both partners must be present at the clerk's office to explore, and the officiant must sign the license before the 30-day expiration. There are no blood tests, health certificates, or other medical requirements in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one person explore for a marriage license without the other person present?

No. Both partners must appear in person at the parish clerk's office together. The clerk needs to see both of you with valid ID and take information from both of you. One person cannot explore on behalf of both.

What if we get married in a different parish than where we applied?

That is fine. Your marriage license is valid anywhere in Louisiana. You can explore in your home parish and marry in another parish, or explore in the parish where the ceremony will take place. The license itself is not tied to a specific location.

Do we need a witness to sign the marriage license?

No. Louisiana does not require witnesses for a marriage license to be valid. Only the officiant who performs the ceremony needs to sign it. Some couples ask family or friends to sign as witnesses anyway for personal or religious reasons, but it is not legally required.

Can we get a refund if we cancel the wedding?

No. The marriage license fee is non-refundable. If you explore and then decide not to marry, you lose the $55 (or whatever your parish charges). This is why some couples wait until they are certain about the date before explore.

How much do certified copies of the marriage license cost after we marry?

Certified copies usually cost $5 to $10 each, depending on your parish. You order them from the same parish clerk's office where you applied for the license. The exact fee varies, so call your parish clerk to ask.