What is required for a marriage to be valid in Louisiana?

To be valid in Louisiana, a marriage must involve both the acquisition of a marriage license and a formal solemnization ceremony. The process begins with the couple obtaining a marriage license from the appropriate parish clerk, which serves as legal authorization for the marriage to take place. Following this, the marriage must be solemnized, meaning that it must be officially recognized through a ceremony conducted by an authorized officiant. This could include a religious leader, a judge, or other designated individuals as outlined by Louisiana law.

The other options do not encompass the complete requirements for a legal marriage in Louisiana. While a civil ceremony can be a method of solemnization, it is not the only avenue; thus, it alone does not fulfill the requirement for a valid marriage. Signatures from witnesses might be needed for certain ceremonies, but they do not constitute a fundamental requirement for a marriage to be valid in the state. Likewise, approval from the local parish council is not a necessary step in establishing the legality of a marriage in Louisiana.