{"id":8014,"name":"Baton Rouge","state_id":25,"county_id":85,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:34:03.668-07:00","updated_at":"2023-10-18T05:54:09.706-07:00","meta_description":"Learn about officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Learn how to plan weddings, get ordained to officiate weddings, and file for your marriage license and more. ","head_tag":"A guide for officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.","tagline":" Laissez les bon temps rouler!","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re fixin\u0026rsquo; to get married in Baton Rouge, you\u0026rsquo;ve come to the right place. Louisiana\u0026rsquo;s state capital has all the flavor of New Orleans without the hordes of tourists \u0026hellip; which makes it all the better to host a wedding, as hotel accommodation costs, catering costs and venue rental prices are all lower, just a few miles away!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn our guide, we have all the necessary information for how to get married in Catfish Town, including how to get your officiant-of-choice legally ordained. So, without further ado, let\u0026rsquo;s jump into it and \u003cem\u003elaissez les bon temps rouler!\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the ordainment process. If you have been asked to perform a wedding ceremony, but you don\u0026rsquo;t have any ministerial credentials, you can \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003eget ordained with AMM\u003c/a\u003e for free in just a few minutes!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAny clergyman of any religious sect that is authorized by the authorities of his or her religion and who is registered to perform marriages may perform marriages in Louisiana -- including Internet ministers.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll officiants must also register with the Local Parish Clerk before they officiate a wedding in the state of Louisiana. You can find the link to register your ministerial credentials on the clerk of the court\u0026rsquo;s website \u003ca href=\"http://www.ebrclerkofcourt.org/Marriage-Licenses\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e. Click the link \u0026ldquo;Officiant Registration Affidavit\u0026rdquo; to download the PDF.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;2: Prepare for the Ceremony in East Baton Rouge Parish\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to \u0026nbsp;brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn the day of the wedding, your biggest job is performing the ceremony! But you also have another important duty to fulfill.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to double check that the couple has a valid marriage license before the performing ceremony. You will also help them complete it correctly. The process is fairly self explanatory, but you can check out our guide on how to correctly fill out a marriage license \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training/how-to-fill-out-a-marriage-license\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e if you have any questions.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere\u0026rsquo;s one final step before the marriage becomes legal: the marriage license must be returned to the office in which it was obtained. In some states, it\u0026rsquo;s the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to return it. In others, it\u0026rsquo;s the job of the officiant. The marriage license will specify whose responsibility this is. Make sure you have that squared away so that the marriage is valid.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eFirst, call to schedule an appointment for your marriage license application at one of the three locations in Baton Rouge: the Downtown Clerk of Court, the Clerk Court of Airline Highway Branch Office, or the Baker Municipal Annex.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe downtown clerk of the court\u0026rsquo;s phone number is 225-389-3950. (Appointments are not required, but strongly recommended to promote safe distancing between customers.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you go, you will also need to complete your \u003ca href=\"http://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-RS/vitalrec/OrleansMarriageApplication.pdf\"\u003eApplication to Obtain an Orleans Parish Marriage License\u003c/a\u003e online.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThen, when you prepare to head down to the clerk\u0026rsquo;s office, gather together:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eA valid, state-issued IDs for both parties (driver\u0026rsquo;s license or passport) for both parties\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eCertified birth certificates for both parties\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSocial security numbers for both parties (the social security card is not necessary)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eIf either party is divorced, a copy of the final divorce decree\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$27.50 for marriage license application fee\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDuring your appointment, remember to ask who is responsible for returning the marriage license after the wedding. In some jurisdictions, it is the responsibility of the couple and in others, it\u0026rsquo;s the responsibility of the officiant.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you leave, you will be issued your marriage license and you can get married the next day and you will have 30 days to hold your ceremony before the license expires. On the day of your wedding, your officiant will help you complete the form accurately.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBaton Rouge is a great city to host a wedding because when it comes to venues, there is a lot to choose from. Whether you\u0026rsquo;re dreaming of a glamorous city wedding or a regal reception on a Louisiana plantation, all kinds of options are just a short drive.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOur favorite downtown venue is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.shawcenter.org/river-terrace\"\u003eShaw Center for the Arts\u003c/a\u003e. The outdoor terrace has gorgeous views of the Horace Wilkinson Bridge and downtown landmarks. \u003ca href=\"https://www.thegurubr.com/\"\u003eThe Guru\u003c/a\u003e is another great option in the downtown area -- still urban, but with a little bit more lowkey, cozy vibe.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re thinking of having your wedding at one of the area\u0026rsquo;s historic plantations, there are plenty to choose from. The \u003ca href=\"https://mounthopeplantation.com/\"\u003eMount Hope Plantation House\u003c/a\u003e is one of the only antebellum farmhouses remaining in the Baton Rouge area, located just 15 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/WhiteOakEstateandGardens/\"\u003eWhite Oak Estate and Gardens\u003c/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"https://preserve-louisiana.org/\"\u003eOld Governor\u0026rsquo;s Mansion\u003c/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/old-governors-mansion-baton-rouge/1d6be9ebf6dc6d4a.html\"\u003e \u003c/a\u003eare also top contenders.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don\u0026rsquo;t love the options you find close into the city, don\u0026rsquo;t be afraid to widen your search to include the numerous other venues tucked in the countryside; your Baton Rouge-issued marriage license is valid to use anywhere in the state. (Just make sure the marriage license is returned to the same office that you obtained it.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you have honed in on your favorite venue, you will also be faced with choosing a wedding date. Just make sure to check Baton Rouge and New Orleans\u0026rsquo; local events calendars before committing to a date -- you don\u0026rsquo;t want to schedule your day on top of one of the city\u0026rsquo;s highly-attended events or festivals, which back up the city\u0026rsquo;s already congested streets with traffic.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe public transit system in Baton Rouge is good for commuting to and from work, but as far as getting around town in a timely manner, it can be a real pain. Many of the routes only run hourly and the schedules are unreliable. It\u0026rsquo;s best to use Lyft or Uber if you\u0026rsquo;re visiting from out of town. Also, remember to factor in extra travel time, as traffic is notoriously bad, especially during rush hour.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSpring and Autumn are the best times for outdoor weddings in Louisiana. Average high temperatures are in the 80s and mid-70s between April - May and September - November. However, these are also the most popular times for weddings, so you may find that venue rates are at their highest. If you want to score the best deal on a venue rental, choose an indoor venue during the winter or summer months.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre internet-ordained ministers accepted in Louisiana?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes! Ministers that are ordained through online ministries like AMM are perfectly legal in Louisiana.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfter the officiant gets ordained with AMM, can he or she start to perform weddings right away in Louisiana?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNot just yet! In Louisiana, the officiant also has to register their credentials with the state after becoming ordained. (Instructions are in section 1.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo both members of the couple need to be present to apply for the marriage license in Baton Rouge?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, in Baton Rouge, only one member needs to go to the appointment. But make sure you bring all the required documents (listed above) for both parties.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo we need to make an appointment to get our marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, walk-ins are acceptable, but the clerk\u0026rsquo;s office does recommend making an appointment just to be safe.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat forms of payment are acceptable for the marriage license fee?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe fee of $27.50 is payable by cash, check, credit/debit card, or money order.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan we use our Baton Rouge-issued marriage license outside the parish\u0026rsquo;s jurisdiction?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, you can get married anywhere in Louisiana.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do we do after we get married?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou must have your ceremony within 30 days of receiving your marriage license. After the wedding, be sure to file it with the same office in which you obtained it.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e 222 St. Louis Street, Room B115\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $27.50\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e 24 hours\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 30 days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e by Couple or Officiant\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}