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Orleans Parish exact answer

Do both applicants have to appear in Orleans Parish?

This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.

Direct answer

Yes. Both applicants must appear as the office describes in Orleans Parish. One published exception: if a party is absent, the application is accepted only when that party's signature on it has been separately notarised. If the absent party is a member of the US armed forces, a copy of a military ID can stand in for the signature. Either way, at least one party must sign in person — a relative or other proxy cannot apply on the couple's behalf.

Published rule and conditions

Applicant appearance rule
Yes

One published exception: if a party is absent, the application is accepted only when that party's signature on it has been separately notarised. If the absent party is a member of the US armed forces, a copy of a military ID can stand in for the signature. Either way, at least one party must sign in person — a relative or other proxy cannot apply on the couple's behalf.

Official requirement

In order to apply for a marriage license, both parties should be present and present all required documents.

Issuing office

Louisiana Vital Records Registry (Louisiana Department of Health), Orleans Parish Marriage License Office

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Official sources for this answer

  • How To Obtain An Orleans Parish Marriage LicenseLouisiana Department of Health, Center for Vital Records and Health Statistics - checked July 26, 2026

    The licenses are valid in any parish in the State of Louisiana. In order to apply for a marriage license, both parties should be present and present all required documents. Fees of $27.50 payable by cash (must contain EXACT AMOUNT), check, money order, or credit/debit card (non-refundable), plus $5 for each certified copy of the marriage certificate desired by the customer. A 24-hour waiting period is required by law between the time of issuance of the license and the ceremony. Judges of the First or Second City Courts are authorized by law to waive the waiting period for Louisiana residents and they can do this during their Monday-Friday hours of operation ONLY. If both parties reside outside of Louisiana and the services will occur in Orleans parish AND be performed by a registered Orleans officiant, that officiant can waive this waiting period. A marriage license expires and becomes invalid at midnight thirty (30) days after the date of issuance. Marriage under the age of 16 is prohibited by law.

  • Marriage Licenses and Officiant Registration — FAQLouisiana Department of Health, Center for Vital Records and Health Statistics - checked July 26, 2026

    If you purchase your marriage license in Orleans Parish, that marriage license is valid in any parish inside the State of Louisiana. Marriage licenses issued (purchased) in Louisiana may not be used for a marriage ceremony outside of the State of Louisiana. You may only purchase your marriage license at the Orleans Parish Marriage Office. There are no officiants that can perform marriages at this office. The bride and/or the groom is required to apply for a marriage license in person. Louisiana Vital Records does not issue certified copies of divorce decrees.

Answer boundary

MarriageLicenseCheck is an independent reference, not the issuing office or legal advice. Applicant facts, timing, prior marriages, and document type can change the result. The official office decides what it will accept.

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