Caddo Parish marriage records are official documents issued and maintained by the Caddo Parish Clerk’s Office in Shreveport, Louisiana. These records include marriage licenses, certificates, and index entries that date back to 1838, making them one of the most complete historical archives in the state. Each year, the office processes over 3,000 new marriage licenses, ensuring both current and historical data remain accessible to the public. Whether you’re conducting genealogical research, verifying legal status, or completing personal documentation, these records serve as a trusted source of verified information. The office preserves every license issued within parish boundaries, offering certified copies for legal use and public terminals for free viewing of digitized scans from 1850 to 2022.
Where to Find Caddo Parish Marriage Records
Caddo Parish marriage records are stored in multiple formats across several official repositories. The primary location is the Clerk’s Office at 501 Texas Street, Room 103, Shreveport, LA 71101. This central archive houses original paper licenses, index cards, and bound ledgers dating back nearly two centuries. Many records have been digitized and uploaded to the Louisiana State Archives online portal, allowing remote searches by bride’s maiden name, groom’s surname, or exact marriage date. For older records—especially those before 1900—microfilm reels are available at the Shreveport Public Library. Since 1990, most entries are indexed electronically through the Vital Records Division, enabling faster retrieval for recent marriages.
Researchers can access free public terminals at five locations across the parish, including the main office and branch sites in Blanchard and other municipalities. These kiosks display scanned images of records from 1850 onward. Out-of-state users may request secure PDF downloads after identity verification via the clerk’s website. Certified copies cost $15 each, with an optional $10 expedited service fee. Standard processing takes 7–10 business days for mailed or online requests.
How to Request Certified Copies of Marriage Records
To obtain a certified copy of a Caddo Parish marriage record, applicants must submit a formal request with valid identification. Required documents include a government-issued photo ID, proof of age (such as a birth certificate), and if applicable, a divorce decree or death certificate for previously married individuals. All forms are available for download on the official Caddo Parish Clerk’s website. Requests can be made in person during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.), by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope, or through the Louisiana Voter Services portal for electronic submissions.
Fees are set at $15 per certified copy, payable by cash, check, or credit card. Expedited service adds $10 and reduces processing time to 2–3 business days. For genealogists or legal professionals needing bulk records, the office offers abstract services for $25 per parcel, detailing all related documents such as liens or easements tied to property transactions involving married couples. All certified documents bear the official seal of the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court and are accepted by courts, immigration agencies, and other government entities nationwide.
Historical Coverage and Digitization Status
The Caddo Parish marriage record archive spans from 1838 to the present, representing the earliest documented unions in northwestern Louisiana. Original ledgers from the 19th century are preserved in climate-controlled vaults to prevent deterioration. While full digitization is ongoing, approximately 70% of records between 1838 and 1910 have been indexed and made searchable through volunteer efforts on LAGenWeb. This community-maintained database includes notes on missing pages, illegible handwriting, and cross-references to neighboring parishes like Bossier and DeSoto.
Records from 1850 to 2022 are viewable on public terminals at parish offices. The Louisiana State Archives hosts a growing collection of scanned images, though some gaps exist due to fire damage in the early 1900s and incomplete reporting during wartime periods. Researchers should consult both digital and physical sources when tracing family histories. The FamilySearch Wiki provides transcription guides and links to digitized notarial books that often contain marriage-related succession records post-1845.
Legal Requirements for Obtaining Marriage Licenses
Applying for a marriage license in Caddo Parish requires strict adherence to Louisiana state law. Both parties must appear in person at the Clerk’s Office with valid photo identification and proof of age. If either party has been previously married, a certified divorce decree or death certificate must be presented. Since 2015, Louisiana House Bill 836 mandates that clerks collect additional demographic data, including each applicant’s occupation and highest level of education, for statewide statistical reporting. This information appears on the license but is not publicly disclosed in certified copies.
There is no waiting period in Louisiana, and licenses are valid for 30 days from issuance. Blood tests are no longer required. Same-sex marriages have been legally recognized since 2015 following federal rulings. Couples may choose to have their ceremony performed by a judge, justice of the peace, or ordained minister registered with the parish. The license must be returned to the Clerk’s Office within 10 days of the ceremony for official recording.
Vital Records and Related Services
The Caddo Parish Clerk’s Office manages more than just marriage records. It also maintains birth, death, divorce, property, and court documents dating back to the 19th century. The Marriage License and Property Records Department handles over 150,000 vital records, serving a population of roughly 272,000 residents. Contact is available via email at [email protected] or phone at 318-226-6790. Birth certificates cost $34, death certificates $26, and combined birth certificate and card packages $48 under Act 270.
Divorce decrees are also archived and accessible under the same fee structure as marriage records. Property records begin in 1839 and include mortgage and conveyance index books used daily by attorneys and title insurers. These records are organized by grantor, grantee, and filing date and are available for public inspection during regular hours. Researchers can request detailed abstracts for $25 per parcel.
Online Resources and Public Access Portals
Several online platforms provide access to Caddo Parish marriage records. The official clerk’s website offers downloadable forms, fee schedules, and instructions for in-person, mail, and digital requests. The Louisiana State Archives portal allows keyword searches across digitized records, while Black Book Online provides free public record searches updated weekly from official databases. Users can retrieve PDFs of criminal histories, court dockets, arrest warrants, corporate filings, and marriage licenses without cost.
For genealogists, LAGenWeb remains a valuable resource despite its incomplete coverage. Volunteers continuously update the index, and new submissions are reviewed by the Parish Coordinator before inclusion. FamilySearch Wiki offers indexed links to digitized ledgers and explains 19th-century abbreviations used in notarial books. The Louisiana Voter Services website enables secure PDF downloads after identity verification, ideal for out-of-state researchers.
Genealogical Research Tips and Best Practices
When researching Caddo Parish marriage records for genealogy, start with the LAGenWeb index to identify potential matches. Cross-reference findings with microfilm reels at the Shreveport Public Library for pre-1900 marriages. Use the Louisiana State Archives portal to verify dates and names, especially for post-1990 unions. Always check adjacent parishes, as early settlers often married across county lines.
Note that probate matters before 1845 were handled by Territorial Probate Courts, and surviving records focus on estate inventories and wills. After 1845, these were merged into district court notarial books alongside deeds and mortgages. These “succession” records frequently mention marital status and heirs, providing indirect evidence of marriage. Transcription guides on FamilySearch help decode archaic handwriting and abbreviations.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
One major challenge is incomplete or damaged records from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Fires, floods, and poor storage conditions led to lost pages and illegible entries. Researchers should consult multiple sources, including church registries, newspaper announcements, and census data, to fill gaps. Another issue is name variations—spellings often changed between documents due to phonetic recording or illiteracy.
To overcome these, use wildcard searches in digital databases and broaden date ranges when looking for ancestors. Contact the Parish Coordinator via LAGenWeb to report discrepancies or submit new findings. For legal purposes, always obtain certified copies directly from the Clerk’s Office, as third-party sites may not provide officially recognized documents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caddo Parish Marriage Records
How far back do Caddo Parish marriage records go?
Caddo Parish marriage records date back to 1838, the year of the parish’s formal establishment. These include original licenses, certificates, and index entries preserved in the Clerk’s Office vault.
Can I view marriage records online for free?
Yes. Free public terminals at five parish locations allow viewing of scanned images from 1850 to 2022. The Louisiana State Archives and LAGenWeb also offer partial online access.
What do I need to request a certified copy?
You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and if applicable, a divorce decree. Forms are downloadable from the clerk’s website.
How much does a certified marriage record cost?
Certified copies cost $15 each. Expedited service adds $10 and reduces processing to 2–3 business days.
Are same-sex marriages included in the records?
Yes. Same-sex marriages have been legally recorded in Caddo Parish since 2015, following federal recognition.
Can I search by bride’s maiden name?
Yes. Both the Louisiana State Archives portal and LAGenWeb allow searches by bride’s maiden name, groom’s surname, or marriage date.
What if the record I need is missing?
Check microfilm at the Shreveport Public Library, consult church records, or contact the Parish Coordinator to report gaps or submit new information.
For official inquiries, contact the Caddo Parish Clerk’s Office at 501 Texas Street, Room 103, Shreveport, LA 71101. Phone: 318-226-6790. Email: [email protected]. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit during weekdays for fastest service. Certified copies are issued on-site or by mail within 7–10 business days.
Official website: http://www.caddoclerk.com/marriage.htm (not clickable)
Phone: 318-226-6790
Visiting hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Address: 501 Texas St, Shreveport, LA 71101