New Castle County
New Castle County, Delaware
"The First County in the First State"
County Home > Clerk of the Peace
Clerk of the Peace

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.)

Clerk of the Peace - Marriage Licenses

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 

Applying for a Marriage License

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 Marriage 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 Couple must apply together in person.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age to marry. Minors must petition Family Court for authorization to marry. (302) 255-0300.
  • You can not be related to each other or be of the same sex.
  • 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 marriage 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.
  • Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days and the ceremony must take place in Delaware.
  • Persons intending to be married within this State shall obtain a marriage license at least 24 hours prior to the time of the ceremony. This applies to residents as well as non-residents.
  • Marriage licenses can be purchased as a gift certificate.
  • If individuals have previously been married, an original or certified copy of the Divorce Decree, Annulment, or Death Certificate is required.
  • Special authorization is required if either party is on probation or parole.