Marriage records in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, are available through several channels. The website LincolnparishCourt.us allows you to find public information about the parish's marriage records. Additionally, the original documents are kept by the Lincoln Parish Clerk of Court — this office issues marriage licenses and registers certificates. Requests can be made in person at the office, sent by mail, or through the Louisiana Department of Health's online portal to order certified copies.
Lincoln Marriage Records Search
In the state of Louisiana, marriage records are maintained by the Clerk of Court of the respective parish. For Lincoln Parish, this function is performed by the Lincoln Parish Clerk of Court, located in Ruston — the administrative center of the parish. The collection includes marriage licenses issued by the parish, returned and registered marriage certificates, as well as historical records dating back to the parish's establishment.
Beyond the local level, the Louisiana Vital Records Registry under the Department of Health maintains a centralized database of state marriage records since 1957. Older documents — including Orleans Parish records over 50 years old — are kept by the Louisiana State Archives.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Lincoln
The cost of services depends on whether you contact the parish office or the state registry. Below are the approximate fees established according to Louisiana law.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy (Clerk of Court) | Inquire at the office | Lincoln Parish Clerk of Court |
| Certified Copy (LA Vital Records) | $9.00 | LA RS 40:32, Louisiana Vital Records Registry |
| Additional Copy (same order, Vital Records) | $5.00 | Louisiana Vital Records Registry |
| Search Fee (Vital Records) | Included in the cost of the first copy | Louisiana Vital Records Registry |
The Clerk of Court's office typically issues copies on the day of the request if you visit in person. Orders through the state registry by mail take four to six weeks. For expedited processing, you can use the VitalChek online portal, which charges an additional service fee.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Lincoln
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Lincoln Parish.
Online
The Louisiana Vital Records Registry allows you to order a certified copy through the partner portal VitalChek. This option is suitable for records registered in the state since 1957. Expect additional fees for processing and delivery.
In Person
Contact the Lincoln Parish Clerk of Court office in Ruston directly. Bring a valid photo ID. Copies for records stored in the parish are usually prepared within a few minutes.
By Mail
To order a copy by mail through the state registry, send:
- A completed application for a marriage record copy (the form can be downloaded from the Louisiana Department of Health website).
- A copy of a photo ID.
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, payable to Vital Records Registry.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (optional, for faster delivery).
Send to the address:
If you need a copy specifically from parish archives — for example, for records predating 1957 — contact the Lincoln Parish Clerk of Court by mail or phone. For historical document searches, the Louisiana Secretary of State, which oversees the State Archives, can be a useful resource. Check the current information about parish records on LincolnparishCourt.us.