Marriage Laws in Louisiana (2026): Rules That Catch People Off Guard

Getting married in Louisiana sounds simple. But there are rules you need to know before you head to the courthouse.

Louisiana has specific laws about who can marry, how to get a license, and what happens if you break the rules. This guide breaks it all down in plain language.

What Is a Marriage License?

A marriage license is a legal document that gives you permission to get married. Without one, your ceremony has no legal standing. It’s basically your official green light from the state.

Louisiana requires every couple to get a license before the wedding. No exceptions. Think of it like a driver’s license, but for marriage.

Basic Marriage Requirements in Louisiana

Who Can Get Married

You need to meet a few basic requirements to marry in Louisiana. Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent, as outlined in Louisiana Civil Code Article 90.1. Pretty straightforward.

The state also prohibits marriages between close relatives, as specified in Louisiana Civil Code Article 90, including siblings, parents, and children. That one should go without saying, but the law spells it out.

Louisiana mandates that neither party be currently married to another person, emphasizing monogamous unions. Any previous marriages must be legally dissolved through divorce or annulment, with supporting documentation.

Wondering if you need to be a Louisiana resident? Good news. There is no statewide residency requirement to obtain a license in Louisiana. Out-of-state couples can marry here too.

What Documents You Need

Okay, this part is important. Gather these before you go to the courthouse.

Applicants must provide valid identification, a certified birth certificate for age verification, and a social security number or a sworn affidavit if one is unavailable. Those previously married must present official divorce decrees or annulment documentation to confirm legal dissolution.

You’re not alone if this list feels like a lot. Most people don’t realize how many documents are required. Double-check everything before you show up.

How to Get a Marriage License in Louisiana

Where to Apply

The applicant must generally apply in person at the Clerk’s office in the parish where the marriage will take place. Both of you need to be there. You can’t send someone else to do it for you.

Louisiana residents must apply for a marriage license in the parish in which one of you resides, while out-of-state residents can apply in the county where the marriage will take place.

Fees and Payment

Prospective couples must apply in person at a Clerk of Court’s office, presenting necessary documentation and paying applicable fees, which typically range from $27.50 to $40.00.

Fees vary by parish. It is best to check with your local parish’s clerk, as some require the fees to be paid in cash. Bring cash just in case. You don’t want to get turned away over a payment method.

The Waiting Period

Hold on, this part is important. Louisiana has a waiting period.

Read About: Drone Laws in Louisiana (2026): Rules That Could Ground You Fast

There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between the issuance of the marriage license and the ceremony, as per Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 9, Section 241. So you can’t get the license and get married the same day.

The license must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to the ceremony. It expires 30 days from the date of issuance. Plan accordingly. If you let it expire, you’ll have to start over.

Couples can apply for a waiver of this waiting period through a district judge if they have a compelling reason. Active military members may also qualify for a waiver depending on the parish.

Marriage Age Laws in Louisiana

Minors Who Want to Marry

Most people assume you have to be 18. That’s mostly true, but not entirely. Let me break it down.

Individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with written consent from both parents or legal guardians. Judicial approval is required if one party is under 16, reflecting the state’s protective stance on underage marriages.

Wait, it gets more specific. Louisiana law states that no marriage license for a minor of the age of sixteen or seventeen shall be issued where there is an age difference of three years or greater. That rule was added to protect younger teens from predatory relationships. Personally, I think that makes a lot of sense.

No one 15 years or under may enter into a contract of marriage. That’s a hard line in the law.

Emancipation Through Marriage

Here’s something most people don’t know. Under Louisiana law, a 16- or 17-year-old minor who marries will be fully emancipated by the marriage. And regardless of potential termination of the marriage, the minor’s emancipation will not be affected.

So even if the marriage ends, the legal emancipation stays. That’s a big deal.

The Two Types of Marriage in Louisiana

Standard Civil Marriage

This is the most common type. You get a license, have a ceremony, and file the paperwork. Done.

Louisiana recognizes ordained ministers, clergy, and other authorized individuals as officiants, provided they are legally eligible to perform marriages in the state. A ceremony must occur within the license’s validity window, and the officiant is responsible for completing the marriage certificate.

A minister of the Gospel, Judge, or Justice of the Peace may perform the ceremony. Two witnesses of full age must also sign the certificates. Make sure you bring witnesses to the ceremony.

Covenant Marriage

Now here’s where things get interesting. Louisiana is one of only a few states that offers covenant marriage.

A covenant marriage is a marriage entered into by a man and woman who understand and agree that the marriage between them is a lifelong relationship. Parties to a covenant marriage have received counseling emphasizing the nature and purposes of marriage and the responsibilities thereto.

Sound serious? It is. The couple legally agrees to seek marital counseling if problems develop during the marriage, and the couple can seek a divorce or legal separation for limited reasons only.

Covenant marriage requires premarital counseling and further counseling if marital difficulties arise. Couples must sign a Declaration of Intent, outlining their commitment to these responsibilities.

Getting a divorce from a covenant marriage is much harder. In a covenant marriage, one may seek a divorce only after receiving counseling and may get a divorce only for reasons such as adultery, a felony conviction, abandonment, abuse, or living separately for two years.

Read About: Sexting Laws in Louisiana (2026): Teens, Adults, and Real Consequences

You’re not locked in forever, but you are locked in for a lot longer than a standard marriage. Think carefully before choosing this option.

Does Louisiana Recognize Common-Law Marriage?

A lot of people assume that living together for a long time means you’re legally married. Not in Louisiana.

The state does not recognize common-law marriages, regardless of their validity elsewhere, highlighting the importance of formal legal procedures.

Many people find this out the hard way when a long-term partner passes away or they try to access benefits. Don’t assume. If you want legal protections, get the license.

Out-of-State and Foreign Marriages

Married in another state or country? Louisiana will likely recognize it.

Marriages performed outside the state are acknowledged if they comply with the laws of the jurisdiction where they were performed. This recognition ensures lawful unions formed elsewhere are respected in Louisiana unless they contravene the state’s public policy, such as prohibiting polygamous marriages.

Basically, if it was legal where you did it, Louisiana will honor it. Just make sure you have your official marriage certificate handy.

Penalties for Breaking Marriage Laws

Bigamy

This is a serious one. You cannot marry someone if you’re already married. Louisiana law is very clear on this.

Whoever commits the crime of bigamy shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than five years, or both.

Think of it like a felony charge on your permanent record. It affects your housing, employment, and more. Not worth it.

There is one defense available. Any person who has, at the time of the second marriage, a reasonable and honest belief that his or her former husband or wife is dead, or that a valid divorce or annulment has been secured, or that his or her former marriage was invalid may have a defense. But you’d need strong evidence to back that up in court.

Helping Someone Commit Bigamy

Here’s one most people don’t know about. If you marry someone knowing they’re already married, you can be charged too.

Abetting in bigamy is the marriage of an unmarried person to the husband or wife of another, with knowledge of the fact that the party is married. Whoever commits this crime shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than five years, or both.

So if you know and you marry them anyway, you’re just as guilty. Yep, that’s the law.

Fraud and Fake Documents

Don’t try to fake your way through the process. Fraudulent procurement of a marriage license, such as providing false information, can result in charges of forgery or perjury. Forgery carries penalties of up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

That’s way more serious than whatever problem you were trying to avoid.

What Happens After the Ceremony

Don’t forget the paperwork after the big day. The ceremony is just part of it.

After the ceremony, the signed license and certificate must be filed with the Clerk of Court or designated county office to record the marriage, thereby making it legally recognized.

If a name change is desired after marriage, the spouse can use the marriage certificate as legal documentation to update records with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and other agencies. Some clerks offer certified copies of the marriage certificate for a fee, which may be required for official name-change processes.

Read About: Electric Scooter Laws in Louisiana (2026): Rules Every Rider Must Know

Order certified copies a few weeks after the ceremony. You’ll need them for name changes, insurance updates, and more.

How to Get Married in Louisiana: Step by Step

Here’s what you need to do, laid out simply.

Gather your documents first. You need a valid photo ID and certified birth certificate for each person. If either of you was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate.

Go together to the parish Clerk of Court office. Both of you must appear in person. Pay the fee, which is typically between $27.50 and $40.00 depending on your parish.

Wait 24 hours. Then have your ceremony within 30 days of getting the license. Make sure your officiant signs and returns the marriage certificate to the Clerk of Court after the ceremony.

That’s it. Pretty simple once you know the steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be a Louisiana resident to get married here?

No. There is no statewide residency requirement to obtain a license in Louisiana. Anyone can marry in the state as long as they follow the rules.

How long is a Louisiana marriage license valid?

A marriage license expires and becomes invalid at midnight thirty days after the date of issuance. Plan your ceremony date before applying.

Can you waive the 24-hour waiting period?

Couples can apply for a waiver of this waiting period through a district judge if they have a compelling reason. It’s not guaranteed, but it is possible.

Does Louisiana recognize same-sex marriage?

The state complies with the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges and recognizes same-sex unions.

What if I was married in another country?

Marriages performed outside the state are acknowledged if they comply with the laws of the jurisdiction where they were performed. Keep your original marriage certificate and any translated copies.

Can an existing marriage be converted to a covenant marriage?

Yes, couples in a regular marriage in Louisiana can convert their marriage to a covenant marriage. This process involves both partners agreeing to the change and meeting the specific requirements set for covenant marriage, such as undergoing counseling and signing the declaration of intent.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana marriage laws are not overly complicated, but they do have some unique features. The covenant marriage option, the 24-hour waiting period, and the strict bigamy penalties are all things people get surprised by.

Now you know the basics. Gather your documents, go to your parish Clerk of Court, wait your 24 hours, and make it official. When in doubt about your specific situation, talk to a local family law attorney. They can help you navigate anything unusual.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and congratulations in advance.