We recently looked into obtaining a marriage license and the difference between a license and a certificate (spoiler alert: you need both). But in all of that discussion, we thought it would be remise to not include the fact that you can obtain your marriage license and then come back and get married at the courthouse. Here, we share the logistics and what, if any, differences there were in a traditional wedding with a ceremony officiated by a priest or minister at a church or wedding venue.
But is the process to get married at a courthouse any different than getting married at say the Cathedral or the sculpture garden in City Park?
We’ve got the answers.
First, no matter where you get married or who officiates your wedding, a couple must obtain a marriage license. As mentioned, we put together a “Marriage License 101” post to let couples know the steps for securing a marriage license in both Orleans and Jefferson parishes. Click here to read up on the how-to.
In Orleans Parish, a couple can only be married by First or Second Court Judges. According to our research, there are four judges, but none currently indicate if any of them are performing weddings in the courthouse. You will have to reach out to them individually to inquire.
Judge Robbins Graham, Section A
Judge Elroy A. James, Section B
Judge Dianne Alexander, Section C
Judge E. “Teena” Anderson-Trahan, Section D
In Jefferson Parish, there are a few more options when it comes to who can perform your courthouse or Justice of the Peace wedding. Each listed below has individual office hours and fees for performing this service. We would suggest looking into the background for each one to decide on the best match. It’s always important, even when it’s “just a courthouse wedding” to get someone who makes sense for you.
Those who can officiate a wedding at the courthouse in Jefferson Parish:
First Justice Court–The Hon. Vernon J. Wilty, III, (504) 364-2760
Second Justice Court–The Hon. Mark D. Spears, Jr., (504) 349-5407
Third Justice Court–The Hon. Charlie R. Kerner, (504) 689-2208
Fourth Justice Court–The Hon. Leon Bradberry, Jr., (985) 278-1973
Fifth Justice Court–The Hon. Charles V. Cusimano, II, (504) 736-8714
Sixth Justice Court–The Hon. Kevin J. Centanni, (504) 466-7984
Seventh Justice Court–The Hon. Michele P. Holmes, 349-5416
Eighth Justice Court–The Hon. Roscoe W. Lewis, Sr., (504) 461-0130
No matter where you decide to say, “I do,” the marriage license is the most crucial element. The wedding can’t take place without it. But once you have a license in hand, there are judges in Jefferson and Orleans parishes able to help couples looking for a lowkey and quick way to get the job done and get legally married.
