Last updated: 2026 • Official Source ↗
Quick answer
New Orleans: For New Orleans, the listed marriage license fee is $27. The waiting period is 24 Hours, and the license is valid for 30 Days. Use the official source before applying, because local offices can change fees, appointments, and ceremony rules.
New Orleans's listed marriage license fee is $27. The waiting period is 24 Hours, and the license has a 30 Days validity window. Compared with the US city average of $66, New Orleans is $39 below average and ranks 8 of 86 for lowest listed cost.
If you are searching for a courthouse wedding in New Orleans, start with the marriage license. Civil ceremony appointments, city hall options, officiants, and return rules are handled locally, so confirm ceremony availability with the official office before choosing a date.
Official details can change without much notice. Treat this as a planning guide and verify with the linked office before you apply.
The Orleans Parish Marriage License Office, located at Benson Tower, 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 407, in New Orleans, issues marriage licenses Monday through Friday (excluding state holidays). Licenses are also available at the Second City Court of New Orleans in Algiers. These licenses are valid in any parish within the State of Louisiana.
Both parties must appear in person at the Orleans Parish Marriage License Office at Benson Tower, 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 407, New Orleans, or the Second City Court of New Orleans at 225 Morgan Street, Algiers.
Present all required documentation, including identification, birth certificates, and any divorce or death certificates as applicable.
Pay the $27.50 fee (plus $5 per certified copy) in cash, check, or money order. Credit/debit cards are not accepted.
Observe the 24-hour waiting period, unless a waiver is obtained from a judge of the First or Second City Courts or if both parties reside outside of Louisiana and use an Orleans Parish registered officiant.
| City | License Fee | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | $27 | 24 Hours |
| Wilmington, DE | $30 | 24 Hours |
| New York City, NY | $35 | 24 Hours |
| Albuquerque, NM | $25 | no waiting period |
| Buffalo, NY | $25 | no waiting period |
The listed marriage license fee for New Orleans is $27. Fees can change, so verify the amount with the official office before applying.
New Orleans: The waiting period is 24 Hours. If you are planning a civil or courthouse wedding, build that timing into your date planning.
Courthouse, city hall, or civil ceremony availability depends on the local office. The marriage license is the first step; use the official source to confirm ceremony appointments and local rules.
No, the Orleans Parish Marriage License Office only accepts cash, checks, or money orders.
The absent party's signature must be separately notarized, or a military ID can be provided if they are in the US armed forces, but at least one party must be present.
The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.