Marriage records in the parish of Ouachita, Louisiana, are available through several channels. OuachitaParishCourt.org allows you to start searching for publicly available marriage record information in the parish. Additionally, the original documents are stored by the Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court — this is where you should go for certified copies. Requests can be submitted in person at the courthouse in Monroe, by mail, or through Louisiana state online portals.
Ouachita Marriage Records Search
In the state of Louisiana, parish-level marriage records are maintained by the Clerk of Court. In Ouachita Parish, this function is performed by the office of Dana Benson, Clerk of Court. The collection includes issued marriage licenses, submitted marriage certificates, and historical records stored in the parish. For marriages conducted more than 50 years ago, an additional source may be the Louisiana State Archives at the Secretary of State.
The Clerk of Court also serves the 4th Judicial District, which covers the parishes of Ouachita and Morehouse. You can start a record search through the Clerk Connect system on the official clerk's website — go to the Links section in the top menu.
Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Ouachita
The cost of obtaining copies of marriage records in Ouachita Parish is determined by the rates of the Clerk of Court's office. At the state level, the Louisiana Department of Health also issues certified copies of marriage certificates registered in the centralized Vital Records registry. Below are the approximate fees:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy — through LDH Vital Records | $9.00 |
| Each additional copy (in one order) — through LDH | $9.00 |
| Certified copy through Clerk of Court | Check with the clerk's office |
| Search fee | May apply; check with the office |
Clerk of Court fees for copying and certifying documents are set in accordance with state law. For the exact amount, call (318) 327-1444 or visit the clerk's contact page. In-person request processing usually occurs the same day; mail requests may take 5 to 10 business days.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Ouachita
There are several ways to obtain a marriage certificate registered in Ouachita Parish.
Online
The Louisiana Department of Health offers ordering certified copies of marriage certificates through the centralized VitalChek online portal. This applies to records registered in the state's Vital Records system. For records stored directly with the Clerk of Court, check for online access on the official parish clerk's website.
In Person
Visit the Ouachita Parish Courthouse at 300 St. John Street, Monroe. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Bring with you:
- A valid photo ID
- Payment in an acceptable form (check in advance whether they accept cash, checks, or cards)
By Mail
Send a request to the Clerk of Court's office address. Include in the envelope:
- A written request specifying the full names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage
- A copy of your photo ID
- A check or money order payable to Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
If you need a marriage record from more than 50 years ago, also try contacting the Louisiana State Archives — they hold historical marriage records for some parishes. For any details regarding Ouachita Parish, contact the Clerk of Court's office through the LDH directory or call (318) 327-1444.