Guidelines for Issuing Marriage License
State of Louisiana
Avoyelles Parish Clerk of Court

NO BLOOD TESTS REQUIRED
LOUISIANA RESIDENTS MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD
IF EITHER PARTY IS UNDER AGE MUST HAVE NOTARIZED PARENTAL CONSENT *see below
MARRIAGE LICENSE ------------------------$27.50

THE LICENSE CAN ONLY BE USED WITHIN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA

OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 TO 4:30 Monday--Friday, however we suggest you come in no later that 4:00 if possible, it takes about 15 minutes to complete a marriage license application.

IDENTIFICATION: Picture ID such as a driver's license or a certified copy of your birth
certificates. You should know your Social Security numbers. You should know your  parent's full name,
mother's maiden name, and the states in which they were born.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENT: Both bride & groom do not have to be present to apply, however, one of them (bride or groom) must be present with all of the pertinent identification and information needed for both parties.

*UNDERAGE: (Louisiana residents) If either party is 17 years of age, that child's parents must appear with photo identification to sign waiver. If a parent has legal custody in a divorce, a certified copy of the judgment must be presented. If either party is 16 years of age or younger both sets of parents and the Judge will sign a waiver.

PREVIOUSLY MARRIED: Certified copy of divorce judgment.

COVENANT MARRIAGE: Both parties must apply in person for this license, and premarital counseling is required. Several other forms must be filled out and signed by the counselor prior to applying for the marriage license.

WAITING PERIOD: After license is issued there is a 3-day (72 hour) waiting period before parties can be married. However a waiver may be obtained from the Judge's office. This waiver must attached to the original license and given to the applicants.

EXPIRATION OF LICENSE: Marriage license is valid for 30 days, if not used within this time frame, license is null and void. If another license is issued the cost is $25.00. See marriage license for date and time of expiration.

SIGNATURES: After license is completed and printed, all 3 copies must be signed individually by both parties and then Deputy Clerk will sign and stamp with seal. Two copies given to applicants and office will retain third copy and attachments with the exception of the 3 day waiver.

CEREMONY OFFICIANTS: Ministers of the Gospel, Priests of any denomination in regular communion with any religious society or a Justice of the Peace may perform marriages but must be registered in the State of Louisiana at the Clerk's office or with the health department if in New Orleans. Both copies of license must be signed individually by all parties involved and returned to the Clerk's office by the official performing the ceremony within 10 days after the ceremony for recordation. Couple will retain only the "Complimentary Certificate" given to them by this Clerk's office but is not appropriate for any legal
purposes.

CERTIFIED COPIES: If bride changes her name on driver's license, social security card, etc., she will need a certified copy of the marriage license after it has been returned to the Clerk's office and recorded.  These copies cost $6.00 each.