How to Get Married in Louisiana

Get married in Louisiana and carry the memories of the mighty Mississippi, cypress swamps and the Gulf of Mexico with you for the rest of your lives. Louisiana has the option of a covenant marriage, which you opt for when you apply for the marriage license.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Marriage license
• Wedding venue
• Wedding official

1. Settle on a date to get married in Louisiana. If you're thinking of getting married in New Orleans, be advised that Mardi Gras is an exceptionally popular tourist month.
2. Reserve a place to get married. Public locations may require permits, fees and other special steps.
3. Line up someone you believe has the power to perform a wedding. As long as both you and your partner believe that this person can pronounce you a wedded couple, the contract is valid.
4. Decide if you want a traditional wedding or a covenant marriage. With a covenant marriage you give up the right to a no-fault divorce within the first 6 months of marriage.
5. Head to the courthouse and apply for a marriage license. There is a 3 day waiting period once the document is issued before you can get married.
6. Grab two witnesses and present the marriage license to the wedding official. When the ceremony is over, you and your partner, the witnesses and the official sign the certificate, which should then be returned to the county courthouse.

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Tips & Warnings

• As long as both parties are 18 or older, no parental consent is required to get a marriage license in Louisiana.
• Once the license has been issued, you have 30 days to use it. After that time, the license is void.
• If you decide on a covenant marriage, you may only obtain a divorce if there is a valid cause.