Vital Records & Certificates in Opelousas, LouisianaSt Landry Parish Clerk

Opelousas residents frequently require vital records for passport applications enabling cultural exchange trips, birth certificates for children entering the excellent Opelousas school system, and marriage documentation for traditional Creole ceremonies. The community’s strong military tradition and federal employment opportunities often necessitate security clearances requiring comprehensive documentation, making certified vital records essential for career advancement and family milestones.

St. Landry Parish Clerk at the historic courthouse on South Court Street manages birth certificate processing for all Opelousas families. Babies delivered at Opelousas General Health System or Acadiana Medical Center require certified birth documentation for pediatric appointments, WIC program enrollment, and school registration. The parish clerk’s office preserves records in climate-controlled facilities, protecting decades of family histories. Rural families often travel from surrounding communities to obtain certificates needed for passport applications and federal program participation. Walk-in service accommodates urgent needs, while mail-order options serve families throughout the expansive parish boundaries. Multiple certified copies are commonly requested for large extended families typical of South Louisiana communities.

Traditional Creole and Cajun weddings at venues like the Opelousas Civic Center or Sacred Heart Catholic Church require marriage licenses from St. Landry Parish Clerk. Louisiana’s unique marriage laws accommodate both civil and covenant marriage options, with the parish clerk providing guidance on requirements. The historic courthouse setting adds ceremonial significance to license applications. Many couples coordinate their license pickup with courthouse wedding ceremonies conducted by parish officials. Blood test requirements were eliminated, streamlining the process for destination weddings and local celebrations in this culturally rich community.

St. Landry Parish Clerk provides compassionate death certificate services for Opelousas families during difficult times. Local funeral establishments like Melancon Funeral Home and Guidry Funeral Home assist with initial documentation, but families typically require additional certified copies for succession proceedings, insurance claims, and social security administration. The parish maintains comprehensive records spanning generations, reflecting the area’s stable population and strong family ties. Expedited processing accommodates out-of-state family members requiring immediate documentation for travel and legal purposes.

St. Landry Parish District Court handles divorce proceedings with certified decree copies available through the clerk’s office. Louisiana’s community property laws require detailed documentation for asset division, making certified copies essential for property transfers and financial account changes. The courthouse maintains historical records and provides guidance on accessing older cases. Online database searches help locate case information, while certified copies authenticate court decisions for subsequent legal proceedings and administrative requirements.

St. Landry Parish Courthouse at 118 S Court Street operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with the clerk’s office located on the main floor of the historic building. Street parking surrounds the courthouse square, with additional parking available in nearby municipal lots. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards for all transactions. Phone orders are accommodated for established accounts, while walk-in service provides immediate processing. The friendly staff understands local family connections and often assists with genealogical research and historical record location.

The St. Landry Parish Courthouse sits prominently at 118 S Court Street in downtown Opelousas, easily accessible from Interstate 49 via the Opelousas exit onto Highway 190.