Marriage records in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, are available through several channels. BossierParishCourt.org can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the parish. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court — in person at their office in Benton, by mail, or through Louisiana's online vital records services. The sections below explain how to search, order, and obtain certified copies of Bossier Parish marriage records.
Bossier Parish Marriage Records Search
In Louisiana, marriage licenses and marriage records are maintained at the parish level by the Clerk of Court. For Bossier Parish, the office of the Clerk of Court issues marriage licenses and files the completed marriage certificates after the ceremony. The collection includes marriage licenses issued in the parish, returned marriage certificates, and historical marriage records dating back to the parish's establishment. Marriage records in Louisiana are generally considered public records, though access to certain details may vary depending on the record's age and applicable state law.
To search for or request a Bossier Parish marriage record, contact the Clerk of Court:
The Louisiana Department of Health, Center for Vital Records and Statistics maintains statewide vital records including birth and death certificates, but marriage records for parishes outside of Orleans Parish are held by the respective parish Clerk of Court. For Bossier Parish marriages, always start with the Clerk of Court's office in Benton.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Bossier Parish
Fees for marriage record services at the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court are set by Louisiana statute and local office policy. Contact the Clerk of Court at 318-965-2336 to confirm current fees before submitting a request. The following table reflects commonly applicable fees for parish clerk offices in Louisiana:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage record | Contact Clerk of Court to confirm |
| Additional certified copy (same order) | Contact Clerk of Court to confirm |
| Uncertified / informational copy | Contact Clerk of Court to confirm |
| Search fee (if no record found) | Contact Clerk of Court to confirm |
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes, clerks of court are authorized to charge fees for searching records and issuing certified copies. Fees may be payable by money order, cashier's check, or other methods accepted by the office — call ahead to verify accepted payment forms. Processing times for in-person requests are typically same-day, while mail requests may take one to two weeks depending on volume.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Bossier Parish
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Bossier Parish:
Online
Louisiana offers certain vital records services through the state's online services portal. However, for marriage records outside of Orleans Parish, the state portal may direct you back to the parish Clerk of Court. Check with the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court to find out whether they accept online requests or offer any electronic ordering options. BossierParishCourt.org may also provide tools to help locate publicly available marriage record information.
In Person
Visit the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court office in Benton to request a certified copy of a marriage record. Walk-in requests are generally processed the same day. Bring:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- The full names of both spouses as they appeared on the marriage license
- The approximate date of the marriage
- Payment for the applicable fee
By Mail
To request a marriage record by mail, send the following to the Clerk of Court:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of marriage
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- Payment in the form accepted by the office (call 318-965-2336 to confirm)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing
Mail requests to:
Allow one to two weeks for processing and return mail delivery. If the office cannot locate a record matching your request, they may retain any applicable search fee. For older or historical marriage records that predate the Clerk of Court's current filing system, you may also wish to contact the Louisiana Secretary of State and State Archives, which houses certain historical parish records.