Getting Your Marriage License in New Orleans

***UPDATE:  As of this writing (July 2022) the Algiers  Courthouse no longer does marriage licenses.  The only location for Orleans Parish is in Benson Tower on Poydras Street. 

 

Getting your marriage license in New Orleans can sometimes be a hassle that will make you want to run to Vegas. Don't worry! There are ways to make this step much easier.  First, don't even think of trying to go to the Jefferson Parish/Orleans Parish office of health or vital records.  It's worse than the DMV.  Instead, spend $2 and take the scenic and relaxing Algiers ferry across the muddy waters of the Mississippi to its ferry landing. As of the writing of this blog update (02-06-2022), you are only allowed to use the ferry in a vehicle and can no longer ride as a pedestrian. You can find more information on the Algiers Ferry HERE. Once you're on dry land, look for the clock tower (not unlike the one Doc Brown frequented in Back to the Future).  This marks the Algiers Court House.  Here is where you will have a stress-free license experience! There is a place to park across the street from the building. Once inside, you may or may not go through a metal detector and security check, depending on the break schedule of the security guard.  Ladies, you may want to pack light, leaving behind the abyss that we all call a purse, just to shave off even more time, in case the guard happens to be at his post.  Head up the gorgeous wooden staircase and toward the beautiful windows the Judge's office.  You may find another couple waiting there, but usually not more than that.  Tell the admin that you are there to get your marriage license and she will hand you some forms to fill out.  If you're really organized, you can do this paperwork in advance by printing it online ahead of time HERE.

 

The marriage license of my 2nd Great Grandparents, Alice Reilly & Robert Arthurs, New Orleans 1887

If your officiant has not performed a marriage in Orleans Parish before, you will also need the forms to register your officiant in Orleans Parish.  

To make sure you are going to the courthouse at the right time, call ahead and ask them for their hours on the day you plan to visit.  Sometimes city offices have odd hours or days off that the rest of us don't.

Once your paperwork is complete and, you'll pay $27.50 (as of this post date, they only accept cash or check and they don't always have quarters for change) and within a few minutes you'll be walking out with your license and detailed instructions on how to process it after the ceremony.  This is going to be the job of your officiant, who will want to fill out whatever can be completed in advance and just have you sign on the dotted line along with your witnesses either during or after your ceremony.  Your officiant will then take some of the paperwork to turn in by mail and leave the pretty, souvenir, strictly decorative copy with you.  If you lose it, it does not mean your marriage is null.  It means you will only have the ugly copy for your records, once it comes back to you by mail.

Here are a few details you really need to know before you start this process:

• There is no blood test needed in Louisiana to get your marriage license.
• You will need to show divorce papers, death certificates, visas, passports, and/or military ID's when applicable.
• You need to have both sets of identification (bride and groom) with you to get the license, but you don't both have to be there.
• You must get the license within 30 days and no less than 24 hours prior to your marriage start time.
  
• The state marriage license is not the same as the one you get from a place of worship.  You'll need both if you're doing a church ceremony.
• If you are from another state, you might be able to get your license there and it will transfer to Louisiana.  Check with your local clerk of court or Justice of the Peace to find out if your state allows this.  Louisiana, for example, does not allow marriage licenses to be used in any other state. 

After this 20 minute-or-so process, you'll be happy and stress-free on your way back to the ferry landing.  If you're there around lunch time, stop off at one of the little cafes around the corner from the courthouse for lunch.  The ferry comes every 15 minutes, so you'll have lots of time to catch your ride!