How to Perform a Marriage in Jefferson Parish

Researched and edited for you by trained team members at GetOrdained.org

Have you been asked to officiate a wedding in Jefferson Parish? Performing a wedding is an exciting job, but it’s also a tremendous responsibility. This comprehensive guide will explain the process in detail to ensure you know everything there is to know. We’ll dive into important questions like what you’ll need to officiate, how to contact the office that handles marriage licenses, and how to properly register the wedding you perform in accordance with the rules in Jefferson Parish.

1. How to Become a Minister in Jefferson Parish

The first step you’ll need to take is to become an ordained ULC minister (assuming you haven’t completed this part already). Get Ordained™ provides ordination through the Universal Life Church free of charge and welcomes all who feel called to ministry. It’s also easy to join; the process can be done entirely online and takes only a few minutes from start to finish. Once ordained, you’ll have the authority to perform legal marriage ceremonies! To begin, just click the button below.

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Important Info for Ministers in Jefferson Parish

ULC Ordination Accepted:: Yes
Minister Registration Required:: Yes
Documents Required:: N/A
Minister's Residency:: Irrelevant
Minister's Minimum Age:: 18

2. Learn Jefferson Parish Marriage Requirements

Your next step will be to reach out to the office that processes marriage licenses in Jefferson Parish. Let them know that you’re an ordained minister and that you’re curious about what documents or credentials they need to see from you, as the wedding officiant, before performing a ceremony in their jurisdiction. You’ll find contact information for the Jefferson Parish office listed below.

Office Address:: 200 Derbigny St., Room 2100
Gretna, LA 70053
Office Phone Number:: (504) 364-2900
Office Website:: Jefferson Parish Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Jefferson Parish?

One great candidate: You! (At least, as soon as you are ordained). We all know that weddings are notoriously spendy, but one way that couples are reducing their costs – and bringing deeper meaning to the event – is by choosing an officiant they know personally.

For loved ones who are asked to officiate, this is an incredible honor; serving in the role of officiant signifies a deep level of faith and trust between you and the couple. But not all couples are aware this is an option! If someone you love has an upcoming wedding, you might offer to preside over the ceremony as an ordained minister in case they hadn't considered it. In the end, the decision will of course be theirs.

Average Cost of a Wedding in Jefferson Parish:: $27,900

4. What You'll Need to Officiate in Jefferson Parish

After speaking with the office in Jefferson Parish, you should have a clearer idea of what you might need to order from our online catalog. Many of our ministers in Jefferson Parish decide to get an Classic Wedding Kit, though your choice may vary based on the specific requirements in place.

With all that prep work out of the way, you’ll be set to officiate the wedding! Woohoo! If this is your first time performing a wedding (or you just want to brush up on your knowledge) head over to our wedding training center, where you’ll find all sorts of useful tools and resources.

5. How Jefferson Parish Marriage Licenses Work

After the ceremony is over, your last (and vital) responsibility will be to sign and return the marriage license. In Jefferson Parish, a marriage license is valid for 30 days. Once it has been picked up, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before the wedding ceremony may be performed. Please keep in mind that the license must be returned within the prescribed period after signing.

This is a legal document, so please double-check that it is correctly filled out before returning it to the office that issued it. For detailed instructions on how to fill out a marriage license, visit our marriage license training page.

Marriage License Waiting Period:: 24 Hours
Marriage License Valid For:: 30 Days
Return Within:: By Expiration

6. Performing a Wedding in Jefferson Parish

Named after the founding father and former president, Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson Parish has a diverse landscape to choose from when planning a wedding. The northern part of the parish is part of the New Orleans metropolitan area with the Mississippi River separating the city from Jefferson Parish while the southern part is swamp and marshland. There are plenty of historic locations to visit as well as the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve for nature lovers to enjoy. Whether you'd like a jazzy ceremony downtown or an outdoor wedding with Cajun flavor, folks are sure to find the right venue for them!

7. What You Should Do Now for a Wedding in Jefferson Parish

Because summers are usually hot and humid with lots of rain, spring and fall are the most popular times of the year to hold a wedding ceremony and even winters can bring pleasant weather for an outdoor ceremony.

Now that you know everything there is to know about Jefferson Parish weddings, don’t forget to take that all-important first step in this process by officially becoming ordained with the ULC! Click the button below to get the ball rolling.