Bossier City Marriage Records
Marriage records for Bossier City residents are handled by the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court in Benton, the parish seat. Bossier City is the largest city in Bossier Parish, but the Clerk of Court office is located in Benton about ten miles away. This page covers what you need to know about applying for a marriage license, searching Bossier City marriage records online, and getting certified copies of past records.
Bossier City Quick Facts
Bossier Parish Clerk of Court
The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court is the office that handles all marriage licenses and marriage records for Bossier City and the rest of the parish. The courthouse is in Benton, which is the parish seat. Bossier City residents make the short drive to Benton to apply in person.
The Clerk's office keeps records for the whole parish, covering civil cases, criminal cases, mortgages, conveyances, and marriage licenses. The staff is committed to giving quality service and the office is open on a regular schedule. If you need to search for a record by name or date, the clerk can assist. An online indexing system is also available for searching records remotely through JeffNet, a subscription-based portal the clerk provides for remote access to court documents.
The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court website has current information on services, department contacts, and procedures for getting a marriage license in Bossier Parish. Check it before your visit.
The City of Bossier City website handles general city services but does not handle marriage licensing. For any marriage record question, go directly to the Bossier Parish Clerk at the courthouse in Benton.
The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court website above provides details on marriage license requirements and department contacts for Bossier City residents.
| Office Address | 204 Burt Blvd., Third Floor Benton, LA 71006 |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 430, Benton, LA 71006 |
| Phone | (318) 965-2336 |
| Fax | (318) 965-2713 |
| clerk@bossierclerk.com | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed legal holidays) |
| Website | bossierclerk.com |
| License Fee | $32.50 |
Getting a Marriage License in Bossier Parish
Both parties must appear in person at the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court office in Benton to apply for a marriage license. You cannot do this by mail or online. Bring all your required documents when you go. Missing even one item will delay the process and require a return trip.
The fee is $32.50. Bring cash or a check made payable to the Clerk of Court. Credit card acceptance can vary, so it is safer to bring cash. The fee is paid at the time of application. You do not pay again later unless you need certified copies, which cost extra.
Under R.S. 9:222, a Bossier Parish marriage license is valid statewide. You do not need to be a Louisiana resident or a Bossier Parish resident to apply here. The license can be used for a ceremony anywhere in Louisiana. It is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. After 30 days, it expires and you must apply again from the start.
Louisiana law under R.S. 9:241 requires a 72-hour waiting period between the time the license is issued and when the ceremony can take place. This means you cannot get married the same day you apply. Count three full days from the time the license is issued. A judge can waive the wait in certain circumstances under R.S. 9:242, but that requires a court order and is not guaranteed. Build the waiting period into your wedding plans.
Note: The Bossier Parish Courthouse is on Burt Boulevard in Benton. Plan for the drive from Bossier City if you are visiting the office for the first time.
Documents Required for Bossier City Marriage License
Coming in unprepared is the most common reason people have to make a second trip. Go through this list carefully before your visit to the Benton courthouse.
Both applicants must bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID. You also each need a certified birth certificate with an official seal. A photocopy will not be accepted. Bring your Social Security numbers and know the full names, birthplaces, and your mother's maiden name for each of your parents. The clerk asks for this information as part of the application.
If either party was previously married, you must bring proof that the marriage ended. A certified copy of the final divorce decree or the death certificate of a former spouse is required under R.S. 9:225. This step cannot be skipped. Do not bring a regular copy or a downloaded printout. It must be a certified copy with an official seal or stamp.
The Bossier City official website above provides general city information. For marriage licensing, contact the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court in Benton.
Applicants between the ages of 16 and 17 need written consent from both parents. No one under 16 can receive a marriage license in Louisiana. Same-sex marriage licenses are issued in Bossier Parish on the same terms as all other licenses.
Search Bossier City Marriage Records Online
You can search Bossier Parish marriage records online through two main portals. Both are free to use for basic searches.
The eClerksLA portal is the statewide system for searching Louisiana clerk of court records. It includes Bossier Parish records and lets you search by name or date range. You can look up marriage licenses and confirm whether a record exists before going to the courthouse. The portal is available any time and does not require an appointment. It is a good tool for basic research or for checking names and dates from a distance.
The eClerksLA portal above gives access to Bossier Parish marriage records and other court indexes from the statewide Louisiana clerk system.
For certified copies, you must contact the Bossier Parish Clerk directly at (318) 965-2336 or by email at clerk@bossierclerk.com. Online portals show you record information but cannot issue certified copies. If you need a certified copy for legal purposes such as a name change, passport application, or probate matter, the clerk is the only place to get it.
Louisiana Marriage Records Resources
Several state-level tools can help with Bossier City and Bossier Parish marriage record searches.
The Louisiana Clerks Remote Access Authority portal gives statewide access to court records across all participating parishes. If you are searching for a record and not sure exactly which parish holds it, this portal can help you narrow the field. Bossier Parish records may appear here alongside records from neighboring parishes such as Caddo, Webster, and Bienville.
The Louisiana State Archives holds older marriage documents and historical vital records. For Bossier City records from past decades, the archives may have materials that the clerk no longer holds at the courthouse. The collection goes back to the 1800s in some areas of the state.
The Louisiana Department of Health handles certified marriage certificates for events after 1946. A health department certificate is a shorter official document compared to the full clerk record. It confirms the marriage but does not have all the license application details. Both types of documents are used depending on the purpose. For a name change or legal filing, check which form is required before requesting one or the other.
Nearby Louisiana Cities
These qualifying Louisiana cities have their own marriage records pages on this site. Each is served by its own parish Clerk of Court.