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FELICIANA WEDDINGS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What do we need in order to get married in Louisiana?
Q. Where can we purchase a Louisiana Marriage License?
Q. What must we bring with us to purchase the marriage license?
Q. Do we need blood tests?
Q. How long before the ceremony must the license be purchased?
Q. Can we just elope?
Q. Do we need rings?
Q. Can we select our own vows?
Q. Do we have to speak at the ceremony?
Q. Can others be included in the ceremony?
Q. Can we include religious traditions?
Q. Where can the ceremony be held?
Q. Do you perform ceremonies outside of St. Francisville and West Feliciana Parish?
Q. Do we have to hold a rehearsal?
Q. Are you available to meet the couple prior to the ceremony?
Q. What do you usually wear when conducting ceremonies?
Q. Do you require a microphone?
Q. What happens after the ceremony?
Q. Can you renew our vows?
Q. What is your gratuity?
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Q. What do we need in order to get married in Louisiana?
A. The requirements for a wedding ceremony in Louisiana are:
1. A willing and committed couple.
2. A valid Louisiana marriage license from any one of the 64 parishes of the state. The license, once issued, is valid for use throughout the entire state.
3. At least two witnesses, 18 years or older.
4. A duly authorized officiant.
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Q. Where can we purchase a Louisiana Marriage License?
A. The Clerk of Court’s office, typically located in the Courthouse of any
of Louisiana’s 64 Parishes (Counties).
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Q. What must we bring with us to purchase the marriage license?
A.
1) Copies of your birth certificates
2) Valid Photo Identification
3) If previously married, a copy of your Judgment of Divorce.
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Q. Do we need blood tests?
A. No. Blood tests are not required in Louisiana.
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Q. How long before the ceremony must the license be purchased?
A. Louisiana marriage licenses must be executed within 30 days from the date of issue. Additionally, there is a 3-day (72-hour) waiting period that must first lapse after its purchase, before the ceremony can be conducted. The exception being that a District Judge or Justice of the Peace may issue a 72-hour waiver, where meritorious reason(s) exists. Ideally, if you purchase the license one to three weeks prior to the ceremony, you will have met all of the criteria.
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Q. Can we just elope?
A. Yes, but the above requirements still must be met.
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Q. Do we need rings?
A. No. While they are traditional, rings are not required.
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Q. Can we select our own vows?
A. Absolutely. A wide variety of ceremonies and vows can be found online or, if you prefer, you may compose your own ceremony or vows in your own words. I have several ceremonies from which to choose and will happily share them with you for your review and consideration.
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Q. Do we have to speak at the ceremony?
A. There is some latitude in what is, and what isn’t, required at wedding
ceremony. While some shy couples may prefer to only say, “I do,”
encourage couples to recite their vows after me, which I slowly and deliberately deliver to them, and repeat as necessary. The choice is yours, but be mindful of the occasion.
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Q. Can others be included in the ceremony?
A. Certainly. There are a variety of ways in which to include family members
and/or friends in your ceremony. Often times, loved ones elect to offer readings
of poetry, prose, or scripture during the ceremony; escort members of the
wedding party, carry and present the rings, sing; participate in the unity candle or
a similar ceremony. There are unlimited possibilities.
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Q. Can we include religious traditions?
A. Since 1984, I have performed ceremonies of all types. While traditional
Christian services are the type that I most frequently perform, I have also
performed ceremonies incorporating Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu faiths. I can also
include any other appropriate traditions you desire, or I can perform a simple civil
ceremony which contains no religious references.
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Q. Where can the ceremony be held?
A. At any place of your choosing. Past venues have included both indoor and
outdoor settings, private residences and a multitude of public or private facilities
located throughout St. Francisville and West Feliciana Parish. For a list of links
to other possible sites, see the VENUES page.
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Q. Do you perform ceremonies outside of St. Francisville and West Feliciana
Parish?
A. Yes, on occasion, when warranted I have travelled to within a 100 mile radius
of St. Francisville in order to perform ceremonies. Under these circumstances
however, I must first obtain written approval from the Louisiana Supreme Court to
perform a ceremony outside of West Feliciana Parish. This consent takes one to
two weeks to obtain.
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Q. Do we have to hold a rehearsal?
A. Rehearsals are usually required only when the planned ceremony is beyond
basic. In such cases, a rehearsal provides the wedding party an opportunity to
become familiar with their specific roles in the ceremony.
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Q. Are you available to meet the couple prior to the ceremony?
A. Yes. If there is to be no rehearsal and you wish to meet with me in advance to
discuss the particulars of your ceremony, I can make myself available days,
weeks, months before the actual wedding date. I typically arrive at the ceremony
site 30 minutes ahead of schedule in the event of last minute questions or
changes.
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Q. What do you usually wear when conducting ceremonies?
A. I wear a traditional, conservative men’s suit.
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Q. Do you require a microphone?
A. Not usually, as I tend to project my voice well. However, it is often the couple,
that the audience cannot hear, when they recite their vows. If you would like for
me to use a microphone during the ceremony, you will have to furnish the
necessary sound system. If your ceremony is being videotaped, the videographer
typically provides me with the necessary wireless lapel microphone, but this is
usually limited to the video itself and not a public sound system.
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Q. What happens after the ceremony?
A. Following the ceremony, the couple and their two legal witnesses (of their
choice) will be required to sign the marriage license(s). The couple will retain the
ceremonial copy of the license as a souvenir, while I will record the legal
copy(ies) of the license in the Parish of origin, within ten (10) days following the
ceremony.
After I have recorded he completed marriage legal license in the proper Clerk of
Court’s office, it is recommended that the couple acquire certified copies of the
legal license for future purposes. In Louisiana, certified copies of the legal
marriage license are often required for the bride to legally change her name
(should she choose to) on her Louisiana Driver’s License and with the Social
Security Administration. For a nominal fee, some Clerk of Court offices allow
couples to purchase the certified copies in advance, when purchasing the
marriage license. Under these circumstances, the Clerk’s office will automatically
mail the certified copy(ies) to your mailing address of record after the license has
been properly recorded.
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Q. Can you renew our vows?
A. Yes. I can easily adapt any number of ceremonies for use in renewing your
vows, or you can write your own ceremony or vows.
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Q. What is your gratuity?
A. This is dependent upon the extent of my anticipated involvement and travel.
My traditional gratuity typically averages $150.
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