Find Marriage Records in Houma

Houma marriage records are filed and kept by the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court. As the parish seat, Houma is home to the main courthouse where you apply for a marriage license, search past records, and request certified copies. This guide covers the office, the fees, what to bring, and how to search Houma marriage records both in person and online.

Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court

The Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court handles all marriage records for Houma and the rest of Terrebonne Parish. This is the office where you apply for a license, pay the fee, and pick up your paperwork. If you need to look up an old record or get a certified copy of a past marriage, this is also where you go. The main office is located on Main Street in Houma.

Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you plan to apply for a marriage license, try to arrive with enough time to complete the process before the office closes. Staff at the clerk's office can walk you through the steps and tell you exactly what you need to bring. They handle a range of records, not just marriage licenses, so the office can be busy at times.

The Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court website has current information on what documents are required and any changes to the process. It is a good first stop before you visit in person.

The Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court site above shows the current office information and services available for marriage license applicants in Houma.

Getting a Marriage License in Houma

Both parties must appear in person at the Clerk of Court office to apply for a marriage license. You cannot send a proxy or complete the process by mail. Both people must be present together at the same time. Bring all required documents or you will need to come back.

Under Louisiana law at R.S. 9:222, a marriage license issued in Terrebonne Parish is valid statewide. You do not have to get married in Houma just because you got your license here. The license is good for 30 days from the date it is issued. After 30 days, the license expires and you must start over with a new application.

Louisiana requires a 72-hour waiting period between the time the license is issued and the ceremony. Under R.S. 9:241, you cannot have your ceremony the same day you apply. A judge can waive the wait in certain cases under R.S. 9:242, but that is not routine. Build those 72 hours into your plans.

The fee for a marriage license in Terrebonne Parish is $32.50. Pay by cash or check made out to the Clerk of Court. Bring the right payment to avoid delays. Online applications may be available through the clerk's website, but you still need to visit in person to finalize the process.

Note: The marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed in Louisiana, not in other states.

Documents for Houma Marriage License Applications

Both applicants must bring valid photo ID. A Louisiana driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. You also need certified birth certificates for both parties. Regular copies are not accepted. The certificate must be certified by the issuing agency.

Each applicant must provide their Social Security number. The clerk also collects both parents' full names and birthplaces, plus the mother's maiden name. If either person was previously married, proof of how that marriage ended is required. A certified copy of the divorce decree or the death certificate of a former spouse must be presented. Louisiana law under R.S. 9:225 requires this documentation before a new license can be issued.

Applicants who are between 16 and 17 years old need both parents to sign the application. No one under 16 may receive a marriage license in Louisiana. Make sure any minor applicant brings proper proof of age.

Search Houma Marriage Records Online

You can search Terrebonne Parish marriage records through eClerksLA, the statewide online records portal. This system lets you look up marriage records from Houma without visiting the courthouse. It is available any time and covers records from parishes across Louisiana.

The Louisiana Clerks Remote Access Authority (LCRAA) portal is another option for online searches. It provides access to court records, including marriage license indexes, from participating parishes. If you are not sure which parish has the record you need, the LCRAA portal can help you cast a wider net.

For historical Houma marriage records, the Louisiana State Archives holds older vital records and marriage documents going back many decades. If you are doing genealogy research or looking for a record from before the modern filing system, the archives are worth checking. Their collection can include records that are no longer held at the parish level.

The Louisiana state profile for Terrebonne Parish above provides an overview of the parish services and local government resources available to Houma residents.

Certified copies of Houma marriage records can only be obtained through the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court. Online portals give you record information and indexes, but only the clerk's office can issue official certified documents. For post-1946 marriage certificates, the Louisiana Department of Health can also provide certified copies.

Note: For the full marriage license record with all applicant details, the Clerk of Court is the correct source.

Nearby Louisiana Cities

These qualifying Louisiana cities also have marriage records pages with local clerk information and search resources.