REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE

ASCENSION PARISH

Marriage licenses are issued at the Gonzales Worthey Rd. and Donaldsonville offices.  The license is valid in any parish in the State of Louisiana.  Application for a marriage license may be made by the bride or groom; only one party needs to be present, but must present all required documents for both parties.  Due to the processing time of an application, please arrive at our office no later than 4:00 p.m.

1)      Age Requirement

Applicants must be 18 years of age.  If an applicant is 16 or 17 years of age, both parents must appear with photo identification to sign a consent form.  If under the age of 16, in addition to parents written consent, you must have written consent from a judge.  

2)      Birth Certificates/Birth Cards

      Applicants must present an original or certified copy of their birth records. If either party was born outside the United States he/she must present the original birth certificate.  Foreign language birth certificates must be translated into English by that country’s Consulate per LA R.S. 13:3725.  No other translations are acceptable.  Foreign Language originals must be submitted along with original translations.

3)      Social Security Numbers

Applicants must provide both Social Security numbers.  If no number has been issued, that person must appear in person and sign a statement to that effect.

4)      Prior Marriages

If either party has been married before, he/she must provide the month and year of the divorce or death of the previous spouse. And, the number of this marriage.

      5)  Time Requirement

Applicants must obtain the marriage license 3 days (72 hours) prior to the ceremony.  This can be waived by a judge or justice of the peace authorized to perform the ceremony.  A marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

      6)  Covenant Marriage

A Covenant Marriage requires the same information stated above in addition to premarital counseling.  Applicants wanting to obtain a Covenant Marriage must submit a declaration of intent and affidavit and attestation.

7)      Other Information

The following information for both parties is also required:

Highest grade of education completed; father’s full name and state of birth; mother’s full name (Maiden Name) and state of birth

8)      Fees

The fee for obtaining a marriage license is $27.50; covenant marriages are an additional $10.00

ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.