Officiating a wedding in Louisiana
Registration, the license, and who returns it — the essentials for officiants.
Informational only. Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with the county clerk or issuing office that handles the license.
Reviewed August 2026 · Issuing office: ldh.la.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
Louisiana asks an officiant other than a judge or justice of the peace to register before performing ceremonies, by depositing an affidavit of lawful name, denomination and address with the clerk of court of the parish where they will principally officiate. In Orleans Parish that filing goes to the state registrar of vital records instead. The state asks for one affidavit; what a parish asks for at the counter, such as an ordination certificate or a letter of good standing, is parish practice, so confirm the document list with the clerk of court. The couple gets the license from a parish Clerk of Court, and no ceremony may happen until 24 hours after issuance.
Who returns the license, and by when
The officiant gives one copy of the certificate to the married parties and files the other two with the clerk of court who issued the license within ten days after the ceremony, or with the state office of vital records for Orleans Parish. Confirm the window with that office.
Suggested return window: about 10 days after the ceremony. Confirm the current deadline with the issuing clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to register to officiate in Louisiana?
Yes. Register once by depositing an affidavit with the clerk of court of the parish where you will principally officiate. If that parish is Orleans, you register with the state registrar of vital records instead.
What does a Louisiana parish ask for at registration?
The state asks only for an affidavit of lawful name, denomination and address. Anything further, such as an ordination certificate or a letter of good standing, is set by the parish, so ask the clerk of court before booking.
When is a Louisiana marriage license due back?
Within ten days after the ceremony, to the clerk of court that issued it, or to the state office of vital records for Orleans Parish.
Never miss a return deadline
RiteBinder's license tracker keeps every state's note in front of you (free, no card). On Solo it also turns the signed license into a task and reminds you before the deadline.
Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:ldh.la.gov.