Let’s head a little further west on our tour of marriage laws in the 50 states for a stop in Louisiana and Arkansas. Louisiana is a state with a rich history and the only one where the Napoleonic code still influences the law there. What effect does that have on their marriage laws? Let’s take a look.
Louisiana
When applying for a marriage license in Louisiana, you will need to provide certified copies of your birth certificates, a picture ID and your social security numbers. If you were married previously, you must provide proof of how that marriage was ended as well as the dates. The proof should be certified copies as they will likely remain with the Clerk after receiving your marriage license. Be prepared to give the clerk your parents’ full names, mother’s maiden names and the name of the state where you were born. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a resident of Louisiana to get married there.
Louisiana does have a covenant marriage option. You will need to apply in person for this license and you will need to under pre-marital counseling before it is approved. Louisiana has a 72-hour waiting period after you apply for a license, although if you are a resident of the state, you may have this waiting period waived by a judge.
If you are an out-of-state couple looking into a destination wedding in the city of New Orleans, you can do it and there is no waiting period as there is for locals. You also do not need a blood test to get married. The fee for a marriage license is around $25, but it varies from parish to parish so check with the parish you want to get married in.
Only one of you needs to be present to apply for a marriage license, though the presenting partner needs to bring all the pertinent information for their fiancé as listed above. You both have to be present to apply for a covenant marriage as also stated above. Common law marriages are not allowed, cousin marriages are and same-sex marriages were banned by state constitutional amendment in September of 2004.
If the applicants are between the ages of 16 and 18, they will need parental consent and parental presence at the application for their marriage license. If you are under the age of 16, you will need a court order to get married in Louisiana.
Your Louisiana marriage license is valid for 30 days. You can obtain a copy of your Louisiana Marriage License:
Vital Records Registry
P.O. Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160
Fax: (504) 568-5391
Arkansas
Heading a little north from Louisiana, we find ourselves in Arkansas – the home of former President (then Governor) Bill Clinton and Democratic primary candidate, Senator Hilary Clinton. So what do you need to know about Arkansas marriage law? First and foremost, you do not need to be a resident. Once you have obtained your Arkansas marriage license it can be used in any county in the state of Arkansas.
If you are under 21, but older than 18, you will need to bring certified copies of your birth certificates (military ID or passport will also do) as well as your picture ID. If you are over 21, you just need to present a driver’s license that shows you are over 21. If you have been married previously, you will have to provide the clerk with certified copies of the divorce decree or death certificate. If you changed your name, you will also need to bring certified copies of that order. You need to have the information on the date, county and state where your previous spouse died as well.
Applicants under 18 will need to bring a certified copy of their birth certificate as well as parental permission. Males under 17 and females under 16 cannot marry without a court order. Judges will typically provide this if the couple is expecting or already share a child together.
Arkansas allows for the covenant marriage option. There is no need for a blood test or a waiting period with regard to your marriage license. Licenses typically cost around $50, give or take. Be prepared to bring cash only when you go to apply.
Arkansas does not allow for cousin marriage, proxy marriage or common law marriage. Same sex marriages were constitutionally banned in 2004.
Your Arkansas Marriage License is valid for 60 days, however, it must be returned to the County Clerk’s office within that time (used or unused) or a $100 bond will be executed against all applicants named on the license.
To obtain a copy of your Arkansas Marriage Certificate:
Division of Vital Records
4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 661-2726
Fax: (501) 663-2832
The above information should be taken as guidance only, legal requirements for state and county marriage licenses change often. Please verify the necessary paperwork and more with the office of the county clerk prior to making your wedding plans