Louisiana Marriage Records

We thank you for visiting this page about Louisiana Marriage Records. We aim to give you the best help and facts for your needs. Our goal is to guide you well in your quest for these key papers. We know this task can seem hard.

If you want to start searching right now, you can visit https://louisianaofficialrecords.com/marriage-records/. This resource may help you begin your quest for Louisiana Marriage Records quickly. It offers a way to check some data. Many find this a good first step before they ask state or parish clerks for official copies. Check it out if time is short.

Understanding Louisiana Marriage Records Access

Public Access Under Louisiana Law (RS 44)

Most Louisiana Marriage Records are public. The Louisiana Public Records Act states this. You can find this law in Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 44 (La. R.S. 44). This act grants people the right to see government papers. This includes many marriage files kept by state and parish clerks. The law helps keep things open. You do not need to state why you want the record. The main point is that the public can see them.

Access means you can look at the record. You can also ask for a copy. The office holding the record is the custodian. They have the duty to help you get access. They must prove if a record is not public. Most marriage details are open. But, getting a certified copy might have more rules. This is true for newer records.

Who Can Request Louisiana Marriage Records?

Any adult can ask to see or copy public Louisiana Marriage Records. La. R.S. 44:31 states any person of majority age can inspect records. You must be at least 18 years old. This rule applies to general viewing and getting simple copies. Some parish clerks allow online index searches too. This lets you check names and dates from home or work.

However, rules can be tighter for certified copies. These are official copies used for legal tasks. For records less than 50 years old, only certain people can get certified copies. This often includes the persons named on the record. It can also include their close kin like parents or adult children. Their legal reps may also ask. Older records, like those at the State Archives, are often easier for anyone to get. People doing family history research use these old files often. Note: State law says inmates cannot request public records.

Information Needed for Your Search

To find the right Louisiana Marriage Records, you need some key facts. The more details you give, the faster the search. You will need the full names of both people who wed. Include the bride's maiden name. The date of the marriage is very key. Even just the year helps a lot. The parish where the marriage license was issued is vital. Licenses are issued by the parish Clerk of Court. This is true even if the wedding took place in a different parish. Knowing the parish narrows the search down fast. Some request forms ask for more data. This might be the parents' names. Providing clear facts helps the clerk find your record with ease. Always bring a valid photo ID if you ask in person. You need ID for mail requests too.

Where to Obtain Official Louisiana Marriage Records

Finding Louisiana Marriage Records depends on the parish and the year. Most records are held by the local Parish Clerk of Court. But Orleans Parish has special rules. Records older than 50 years move to the State Archives.

Records from Most Louisiana Parishes (Excluding Orleans)

Role of the Parish Clerk of Court

In nearly all Louisiana parishes, the Clerk of Court holds the Louisiana Marriage Records. This office issues the marriage license before the wedding. After the wedding, they file and keep the official record. This is the main place to get certified copies for most of the state. They keep both new and old records for their parish. Some clerks keep files going back many years. Their role is set by state law. They must keep and save these vital public papers.

Finding Your Parish Clerk of Court Office

You must contact the Clerk of Court in the parish where the license was issued. This might not be where the wedding took place. Louisiana has 64 parishes. Each has its own Clerk of Court office. Most have websites with contact data. You can find address, phone number, and hours online. The Louisiana Clerks of Court Association website has a directory. This can help you find the right office fast. Check their site for office hours before you go. Some rural offices may close for lunch. Call ahead if you are not sure.

Orleans Parish Louisiana Marriage Records

Orleans Parish works differently than other parishes for Louisiana Marriage Records. Where you get the record depends on how old it is. The Louisiana Department of Health keeps newer records. The State Archives keeps older ones.

Records Less Than 50 Years Old (LDH Vital Records)

If the marriage license was bought in Orleans Parish within the last 50 years, you must ask the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). The Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics handles these. They are part of LDH. This office is in New Orleans. They hold birth, death, and Orleans Parish marriage records. You can ask in person or by mail. They have specific forms and fees for these requests. Remember, this is only for licenses issued in Orleans Parish. And only for those less than 50 years old.

Records More Than 50 Years Old (Louisiana State Archives)

Orleans Parish Louisiana Marriage Records older than 50 years are not at LDH. They are sent to the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge. This applies to records from 1870 onward. The State Archives has a special online search tool. It covers Orleans Parish marriages from 1870 to 1974. You can search by name online. You can also order certified copies of these microfilmed records. Some index data exists for 1831-1869, but full records are rare for that time.

Statewide Louisiana Marriage Records Older Than 50 Years

The Louisiana State Archives

For all parishes, not just Orleans, Louisiana Marriage Records older than 50 years are kept at the Louisiana State Archives. This central spot holds key historical papers for the state. If you need a record from East Baton Rouge Parish from 1960, you check the State Archives. If you need one from Caddo Parish from 1955, you check the State Archives. They have a Research Library in Baton Rouge. You can visit to look at records on microfilm. Or you can ask for copies by mail. Their website has details on how to ask for records. This is a great place for old family research.

How to Request Certified Copies of Louisiana Marriage Records

The way you ask for a certified copy of Louisiana Marriage Records changes by location. You might go in person, mail a form, or use an online tool.

Requesting from a Parish Clerk of Court (Non-Orleans Parishes)

Most parishes use the Clerk of Court. Here is how to ask them.

In-Person Requests

• Go to the Clerk of Court office in the parish where the license was issued.

• Check their hours first. Many are open standard work days, like 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

• Bring valid photo ID.

• Fill out their request form if they have one.

• Give the names, date, and parish.

• Pay the fee. Fees vary by parish. Cash, check, or card might be okay. Ask them.

• You can often get the record the same day if it is easy to find.

Mail-In Requests

• Find the correct mailing address for the Parish Clerk of Court.

• Download their request form from their website, if they offer one. Or write a letter.

• Include full names, date of marriage, and parish.

• Include a copy of your valid photo ID.

• Include payment. Check what forms of payment they take by mail. Often a check or money order. Ask about the fee amount.

• Mail everything to the Clerk's office. Wait time will vary.

Online Portals (LCRAA - Index Access)

• Some parish records can be searched through online portals.

• The Louisiana Clerks' Remote Access Authority (LCRAA) offers access. It connects many parish record systems.

• This portal, sometimes called eClerks LA or Vault, often lets you search indexes for marriage licenses.

• You may need to pay a subscription fee for full access.

• This is good for checking if a record exists. But you usually still need to contact the Clerk directly for a certified copy.

Requesting Orleans Parish Records from LDH Vital Records (Under 50 Years)

For recent Orleans Parish Louisiana Marriage Records, you must use LDH Vital Records.

In-Person Requests (Walk-in/Will Call)

• The Vital Records Central Office is at 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112.

• Walk-in hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM (check for holidays).

• You might need to order online first using VitalChek. Then choose the "Will Call" option for pickup. You get an email when it is ready.

• Bring valid photo ID. Pay the fee ($5.00 as of recent data, cash/check/money order). Exact cash may be needed.

• This office issues certified copies of Orleans Parish marriage certificates. They also issue birth and death records.

Mail-In Requests

• Download the Application for Certified Copy of Orleans Parish Marriage License form. Find it on the LDH website.

• Fill it out fully. Include names of both parties and the date of marriage.

• Make a check or money order payable to "Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics". The fee is $5.00 plus a $0.50 state mail charge per order.

• Include a clear copy of your valid photo ID (like a driver's license).

• Mail the form, ID copy, and payment to: Vital Records Registry, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160.

• Allow time for mail and processing. This can take weeks.

Required Application Form and ID

You must use the state's official form for Orleans Parish requests to LDH. Find it on the LDH Bureau of Vital Records page. You always need to show valid ID. This proves who you are. Accepted IDs include driver's licenses, state ID cards, or passports. This rule helps guard private data. It makes sure only allowed persons get certified copies. Check the LDH site for a full list of accepted IDs.

Requesting Historical Records from Louisiana State Archives (Over 50 Years)

For older Louisiana Marriage Records (over 50 years old) from any parish:

Visiting the Research Library

• The Louisiana State Archives is at 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.

• Their Research Library has public hours. Check their website or call (225) 922-1000 for current times.

• You can view many records on microfilm readers.

• Staff can help guide your search.

• You can make copies there for a fee.

Online Search for Orleans Parish Historical Records

• The State Archives website has a search tool. It is specifically for Orleans Parish Louisiana Marriage Records.

• It covers records from 1870–1974.

• Go to the LA Secretary of State website. Navigate to Historical Resources > Research Historical Records > Orleans Parish Marriage Records.

• You can search by groom's name, bride's name, or date.

• You can order certified copies of microfilmed records found through this search.

Mail-In Requests

• You can ask for older records by mail from the State Archives.

• Check their website for request forms or instructions.

• Provide as much detail as you can: names, parish, year or date range.

• Include payment for search and copy fees. Check their site for current costs.

• Mail your request to their Baton Rouge address.

Key Locations and Contact Information for Louisiana Marriage Records

Here are key places to contact for Louisiana Marriage Records.

Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) - Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics

This office handles Orleans Parish marriage records less than 50 years old.

Physical Address and Walk-In Hours

• Address: 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112

• Walk-in Service Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday (excluding state holidays). Note: May require using VitalChek online order with "Will Call" pickup.

Mailing Address

• Vital Records Registry, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160

Phone Number

• Customer Service: 504-593-5100

Louisiana State Archives

This office holds marriage records older than 50 years from all parishes.

Physical Address and Research Hours

• Address: 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

• Research Library Hours: Vary. Check their website or call ahead.

Phone Number

• Main Phone: 225-922-1000

Example Parish Clerk of Court Offices

Contact the specific parish where the license was bought. Here are a few examples:

East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court (Address, Hours, Phone)

• Main Office: 222 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (City Hall)

• Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday (Marriage license applications stop earlier, around 3:30 PM)

• Phone: 225-389-3950 (Marriage license info)

• Public Records Custodian Email: dwelborn@ebrclerkofcourt.org

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court (Address, Hours, Phone - Verify)

• General Clerk's Office (Verify location for marriage records): Gretna, LA

• Hours: Typically standard business hours (e.g., 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). Verify online.

• Phone: Check Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court website for correct department number. Marriage records are handled here.

Livingston Parish Clerk of Court (Address, Hours, Phone - Verify)

• Address: Livingston Parish Courthouse, Livingston, LA

• Hours: Check their website. Marriage license hours may end early (e.g., 3:30 PM).

• Phone: Check Livingston Parish Clerk of Court website for correct number. Their site details marriage license requirements (La. R.S. 9).

Fees and Processing Times for Louisiana Marriage Records

Costs and wait times can change. Always check with the specific office.

Costs for Certified Copies (LDH vs. Clerk of Court)

• LDH Vital Records (Orleans Parish < 50 yrs): $5.00 per certified copy. There is an added $0.50 state fee for mail orders.

• Parish Clerks of Court (Other Parishes): Fees vary widely by parish. Some might charge $5, $10, or more per copy. Copy fees for general public records requests are often $1.00 per page. Check the specific Clerk's website or call them.

• Louisiana State Archives (All Parishes > 50 yrs): Fees apply for searches and copies. Check their website for the current fee schedule.

Payment Methods Accepted

• LDH Vital Records: Mail orders require check or money order payable to "Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics". In-person may accept cash (exact amount might be needed), check, or money order.

• Parish Clerks of Court: Methods vary. Most accept cash, check, or money order in person. Some accept credit/debit cards (often with a service fee). Check ahead for mail order payment types.

• State Archives: Check their website for accepted payment methods for mail or in-person requests. Likely check or money order for mail.

Estimated Processing Times

• In-Person: Often same-day service if the record is easily found, especially at Clerk of Court offices. LDH Vital Records might require online pre-order ("Will Call").

• Mail-In: Varies greatly. Can take several weeks or longer. Depends on the office workload and mail speed. LDH and State Archives mail requests can take time. Give plenty of time if you need the record by a set date.

• Online Index Search: Access is often instant after login or payment (if required). This does not get you the certified copy itself.

Understanding Different Types of Louisiana Marriage Records

Not all marriage papers are the same. Know what you need.

Certified Copies vs. Informational Copies

• Certified Copies: These are official copies issued by the holding agency (LDH, Clerk of Court, State Archives). They have a raised seal or special mark. They are used for legal purposes like name changes, passports, insurance, or proof of marriage. Access may be restricted for recent records.

• Informational Copies: These are plain copies. They are usually just for personal knowledge or family history research. They cannot be used for legal proof. Access is generally easier under public records laws. Indexes or online search results are often informational.

Marriage Licenses vs. Marriage Certificates/Records

• Marriage License: This is the document obtained before the marriage ceremony. It shows the couple has met the legal requirements to marry in Louisiana (La. R.S. Title 9 covers licenses). It is issued by the Parish Clerk of Court (or LDH for Orleans Parish licenses). It has a short validity period (usually 30 days). A waiting period (often 24 hours) applies after getting the license before the ceremony can occur.

• Marriage Certificate/Record: This is the official document created after the marriage ceremony takes place. The officiant completes the license form. They return it to the Clerk of Court (or LDH for Orleans). The Clerk then records it. This becomes the permanent, official Louisiana Marriage Record. This is the document you request when you need proof the marriage happened.

Historical Indexes and Microfilm

• Indexes: These are lists or databases. They usually show names of the married couple, date, and parish. They help you find the full record. The State Archives has online indexes for old Orleans Parish records. LCRAA provides index access for some parishes. Old card indexes exist in some libraries or archives.

• Microfilm: Many older Louisiana Marriage Records are stored on microfilm. This preserves the original paper records. You often view these at the State Archives or sometimes at the local Clerk's office or libraries with local history rooms. You can get certified copies made from the microfilm images.

Helpful Resources
Massachusetts Inmate Search | Louisiana Arrest Records | Jackson County Jail