Hon. Kenneth W. Boulden, Jr.
Clerk Of the Peace

Address:

Marriage Bureau
Louis L. Redding,
City/County Bldg.
800 North French Street,
2nd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
Map and directions

Phone:

(302) 395-7780

Hours:

Monday through Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(closed 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)

Civil Unions

The Clerk of the Peace oversees the issuance of Marriage and Civil Union Licenses at the New Castle County Marriage Bureau. We also perform ceremonies in the office and offer name change kits.

In addition to performing ceremonies, The Clerk Of The Peace also pays special tribute to couples celebrating their anniversaries by reaffirming and renewing their vows. Unique heirloom certificates are available for commemorating the occasion.

For additional information, or to inquire about a ceremony performed at the office, call our 24 hour information number (302) 395-7780.

Applying for a Civil Union

This option is for applying for a NEW Marriage/Civil Union license. If you need a certified copy of a marriage/Civil Union license for a marriage/civil union that has already taken place, see "Certified Copies of Records".

The Civil Union license fee is $50.00 if either applicant is a Delaware resident; $100.00 if neither applicant is a Delaware resident. Effective January 1, 2013, there will be a $10.00 recording fee for all licenses issued, due at the time of application.
The Applicants must apply together in person.
You must be at least 18 years of age to apply.
A valid state I.D. or Drivers License issued by the DMV, Passport, U.S. Visa I.D. Card, Federal Driver's License, Military I.D. or Government Consulate I.D. is required to apply for a civil union license.
To verify the authenticity of an applicant’s identification, the office of the Clerk of the Peace may also require additional documentation such as a birth certificate or social security card.
You can not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Civil Union licenses are valid for 30 days and the ceremony must take place in Delaware.
Persons intending to be united in a civil ceremony within this State shall obtain a civil union license at least 24 hours prior to the time of the ceremony. This applies to residents as well as non-residents.
Civil Union licenses can be purchased as a gift certificate
If individuals have previously been married, in a previous Civil Union, or a legal Domestic Relationship, an original or certified copy of the Divorce Decree, Annulment, or Death Certificate or dissolution is required.
Special authorization is required if either party is on probation or parole.
$50.00 fee for civil union ceremonies performed at the office of the Clerk of the Peace if either applicant is a Delaware resident; $100.00 fee if neither applicant is a Delaware resident.
Civil Union ceremonies are performed by appointment only. Please call 302-395-7780 for information.