Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Marriage License in Caddo Parish (and Beyond!)

Congratulations on your engagement! As you dive into the exciting world of wedding planning, one of the most important (and sometimes overlooked) steps is securing your marriage license. As a wedding officiant serving Caddo Parish, Louisiana, I’ve helped countless couples navigate this process.

Here’s a simple, easy-to-read checklist to get you started, focusing on what you need to know for Caddo Parish, with a few notes on neighboring states.

For a Caddo Parish, Louisiana Marriage License:

• Who Needs to Be There? Both you and your partner must appear in person at the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court’s office to apply.
• What to Bring: You will need a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) and your Social Security numbers. You’ll also need a certified copy of your birth certificate.
• The Waiting Game: Louisiana law requires a 24-hour waiting period from the time your license is issued until you can get married.
• The Clock is Ticking: Once issued, your marriage license is only valid for 30 days. You must have your ceremony performed within this time frame.
• Cost: The fee for a marriage license in Caddo Parish is currently $32.
• After the “I Do’s”: After the ceremony, I will sign the marriage license, and it’s your responsibility to return it to the Clerk of Court’s office within 10 days to be officially recorded.

My Pro-Tip for Caddo Parish: You can start the process online to save time! Visit the Clerk of Court’s website and fill out the online application before you go in. You’ll still need to appear in person to finalize everything.

Just Across State Lines? A Quick Look at Neighboring States

Sometimes, couples live on one side of a state line and want to get married on the other. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect in Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Texas

• Requirements: Both parties must appear in person with a valid photo ID.
• Waiting Period: There is a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued before you can get married. This can be waived if you’ve completed an approved premarital education course.
• Validity: A Texas marriage license is valid for 90 days.

Arkansas

• Requirements: Both parties must be present with a valid photo ID and their Social Security number.
• Waiting Period: There is no waiting period for applicants who are 18 or older.
• Validity: The license is valid for 60 days.

Mississippi

• Requirements: Both parties must appear in person with a valid photo ID or birth certificate.
• Waiting Period: There is no waiting period to get married once you have the license.
• Validity: The license does not expire once it is issued.

While these are general guidelines, it’s always best to check with the specific County Clerk’s office where you plan to get your license, as requirements can vary.

The Final Step: The Ceremony!

Once you have your license in hand, the fun part truly begins. As your officiant, I’ll be there to guide you through the ceremony and make sure all the legal paperwork is handled correctly. If you have any questions about the marriage license process or are ready to start planning your perfect ceremony in Caddo Parish, feel free to reach out. I can’t wait to help you say “I do!”