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Orleans Parish exact answer

Is there a marriage license waiting period 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

The published waiting period in Orleans Parish is 24 hours. The clock runs from the moment the license is issued to the moment of the ceremony, not in calendar days. Two waiver routes exist — see the waiver entry.

Published rule and conditions

Marriage license waiting period
24 hours

The clock runs from the moment the license is issued to the moment of the ceremony, not in calendar days. Two waiver routes exist — see the waiver entry.

Official requirement

A 24-hour waiting period is required by law between the time of issuance of the license and the ceremony.

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 Officiant — 24 Hour Waiver (form M4, Rev 10/25)Louisiana Vital Records Registry, Office of Public Health - checked July 26, 2026

    A marriage officiant may not perform a marriage ceremony until twenty-four (24) hours have elapsed since the issuance of the marriage license (R.S. 9:241). However, a judge or justice of the peace authorized to perform the marriage may waive the 24-hour delay upon application of the parties giving "serious and meritorious reasons". The officiant's "certificate" authorizing the immediate performance of the ceremony must be attached to the marriage license in accordance with Louisiana R.S. 9:242(A). In Orleans Parish, an officiant may waive the 24-hour period of NON-RESIDENT parties upon application of the parties giving "serious and meritorious reasons" as specified in Louisiana R.S. 9:242(B). (Note that a "non-resident" is a person domiciled or residing in a jurisdiction other than the State of Louisiana).

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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