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Orleans Parish exact answer

Who can perform a marriage ceremony for a license from 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

In Orleans Parish, no ceremonies are performed at the Orleans Parish Marriage License Office — it issues the license only, and the couple must arrange their own officiant. An officiant who will principally perform marriages in Orleans Parish registers with the Registry by filing a Louisiana Marriage Officiant Registration Affidavit, sworn before a notary, with a photocopy of their ID or driver's license and a photocopy of their ordination certificate attached, sent to the Center for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Attn: Marriage Office, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Registration is required by LSA-R.S. 9:204. For any other parish the same affidavit goes to that parish's Clerk of Court instead.

Published rule and conditions

Officiant and ceremony rule
No ceremonies are performed at the Orleans Parish Marriage License Office — it issues the license only, and the couple must arrange their own officiant. An officiant who will principally perform marriages in Orleans Parish registers with the Registry by filing a Louisiana Marriage Officiant Registration Affidavit, sworn before a notary, with a photocopy of their ID or driver's license and a photocopy of their ordination certificate attached, sent to the Center for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Attn: Marriage Office, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Registration is required by LSA-R.S. 9:204.

For any other parish the same affidavit goes to that parish's Clerk of Court instead.

Official requirement

You may only purchase your marriage license at the Orleans Parish Marriage Office. There are no officiants that can perform marriages at this office.

Issuing office

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

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Official sources for this answer

  • 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.

  • Louisiana Marriage Officiant Registration Affidavit (form M3, Rev 10/25)Louisiana Vital Records Registry, Office of Public Health - checked July 26, 2026

    That he/she/they/them makes this affidavit for the purpose of registering as a person authorized to celebrate marriages in the State and Parish as required by LSA-R.S. 9:204. REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS: Photocopy of ID or Driver's License; Photocopy of Ordination Certificate. Return completed form by mail to Clerk of Court in parish where marriages will be principally performed. If Orleans Parish, return form to: Center for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Attn: Marriage Office, P.O. Office 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160.

Answer boundary

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