You can just picture it happening. It all starts over some Sazeracs in the Quarter. Maybe you met during Mardi Gras or at the Jazz Festival. A courtship ensues and soon there's talk of marriage. But if you’re wondering if you can really make it happen, you’re probably also wondering how old you actually have to be to get married in Louisiana. The quick answer depends on your age and whether your parents have given you permission to get hitched in the first place. State law can vary on this issue, so this article is a quick summary of the marriage age requirements in Louisiana.
Partners who reach the age of majority (18 and above in most states) may marry with relatively few restrictions. However, state marriage age requirement laws apply to minors. Some state age limit laws will allow partners with a child (or expecting a child) to get married, though several states have recently changed their laws, including Lousiana. As of Aug. 1, 2019, 16- or 17-year-olds need permission from parents and a judge to get married, and they can't marry someone three years older or more. Those under 16 cannot get married in Lousiana.
The following box includes the code section and highlights of Louisiana's marriage age requirements.
| Code Section | Children's Code Art. 1545, et seq. |
| Minimum Legal Age With Parental Consent | 16 (judicial permission also required) |
| Minimum Legal Age Without Parental Consent | 18 |
| Comments | Minors 16 or 17 can't marry someone 3+ years older. Minors under 16 cannot marry. |
Be aware that your fairy tale wedding might never become a reality if you don’t take care of a few technical marriage requirements and get an actual marriage license. Louisiana residents must apply for a marriage license in the parish in which one of you resides while out-of-state residents can apply in the county where the marriage will take place. Each of you must provide photo identification and some other documentation.
If either of you were previously married you may have to provide the date of the divorce (be aware that some parishes will require a copy of the divorce decree). It is best to check with your local parish's clerk, as some require the fees to be paid in cash.
Louisiana’s marriage statutes may differ from other state laws on marriage and are subject to change. If you would like more legal assistance, you can contact a Louisiana family law attorney in your area. You can also visit FindLaw's section on Getting Married for additional articles and resources.
