Lana Del Rey and Jeremy Dufrene tied the knot with a familiar presence leading their ceremony. The 39-year-old singer married Dufrene, her 49-year-old alligator tour guide husband, on Thursday, September 26, in Louisiana.
However, it wasn’t until Friday, October 18, that the marriage license was officially signed and returned to the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court, according to the Associated Press.
Documents confirmed that the wedding was officiated by Judah Smith, the pastor known for his close ties with Justin and Hailey Bieber.
Del Rey’s connection with Smith continues through her work and personal life, reflecting deep friendships
Smith, 46, has previously collaborated with Del Rey—her 2023 album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, features a track titled “Judah Smith Interlude.”
Smith remains an influential figure in the Biebers’ lives, serving as a pastor at Churchome in Los Angeles. His connection to the couple was highlighted by an insider in July, who told PEOPLE, “Justin and Hailey are deeply involved in their church community.”
While the marriage license was filed two days after Louisiana’s October 16 cut-off date for returning documents, the Associated Press noted that exceptions are sometimes granted by the issuing office. The license also listed the couple’s residence in Des Allemands, where their wedding took place.
PEOPLE had previously reported that the ceremony took place at the Des Allemands public bayou, a location with special meaning for the pair. Dufrene, who works there as a captain for Airboat Tours by Arthur, hosted both the ceremony and reception at the same venue.
The couple applied for their marriage license on September 23, giving them 30 days to finalize the union. After the wedding, a source shared with PEOPLE that the bayou setting was significant to the couple, as it marked the place where they first met.
According to the insider, the wedding was intimate and focused on their love story. “It was a relaxed, family-oriented celebration,” the source said, adding that the connection to the bayou made it especially meaningful for the newlyweds.
The source also revealed that Del Rey and Dufrene had reconnected earlier this year after their initial encounter several years ago. In fact, Del Rey posted photos with Dufrene on Facebook back in 2019 after one of his alligator tours.
Friends close to Del Rey were excited to see her settle down, the insider noted. “It’s been a whirlwind romance, but Jeremy stands out from the men Lana usually meets in the entertainment industry. He’s charming, charismatic, and every bit a Southern gentleman. Most importantly, he treats her with kindness. Lana, with her old soul, seems to have found the perfect match in him.”
