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.
In accordance with H.B. 75, same sex marriage licenses may only be applied for and issued beginning July 1, 2013. If you apply through GoCertificates before that date, your license will not be valid.
Civil Union licenses will be issued until June 30, 2013. In addition, all civil union licenses must be used before July 1, 2013.
Below you will find all the necessary information needed to convert your existing civil union to a marriage.
Civil Union Conversions will begin July 1, 2013 and must be converted by July 1, 2014.
1: Civil Union Conversion in Office
Both parties must appear together in the office which originally issued their civil union license. Valid identification is required (DMV issued I.D. or Driver’s License, Passport, or active Military I.D.). The conversion process will only take a few minutes. You will then be issued a new marriage license/certificate reflecting the date of your civil union.
2: Civil Union Conversion by Solemnization
Both parties must appear together in the office which originally issued their civil union license. Valid identification is required (DMV issued I.D. or Driver’s License, Passport, or active Military I.D.). The process will only take a few minutes. You will be issued a marriage license that you may take to a clergy person, or you may schedule an appointment here in our office to have a marriage ceremony performed. There is a 24 hour waiting period before you can use the license and it is only valid for 30 days.
This process can not be completed on-line.
Fee Schedule
Delaware Residents: $50 for conversion, $50 ceremony, $10 recording
Non-Delaware Residents: $100 for conversion, $100 ceremony, $10 recording
Hours
The N.C.C. Marriage Bureau is open from 8:30 a.m until 4:00 p.m. and we are closed from noon to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
For more Information (302) 395-7780