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Orleans Parish exact answer

What prior-marriage documents are required 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

In Orleans Parish, an applicant who has been divorced must provide a certified copy of the final divorce decree when applying. A widowed applicant must provide a certified copy of the death certificate showing they are the surviving spouse. The application also records the number of previous marriages and the date and reason the last marriage ended. A certified copy of the decree is required in every case, however long ago the divorce was granted. The Registry cannot supply it — request it from the Clerk of Court in the parish where the divorce was granted.

Published rule and conditions

Prior-marriage documents
An applicant who has been divorced must provide a certified copy of the final divorce decree when applying. A widowed applicant must provide a certified copy of the death certificate showing they are the surviving spouse. The application also records the number of previous marriages and the date and reason the last marriage ended.

A certified copy of the decree is required in every case, however long ago the divorce was granted. The Registry cannot supply it — request it from the Clerk of Court in the parish where the divorce was granted.

Applies in some cases

If either party has been divorced, the individual must provide a certified copy of the final divorce decree.

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

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