Applying for a Marriage License in New Castle County
The Clerk of the Peace oversees the issuance of Marriage Licenses
at the New Castle County Marriage Bureau.
For additional information, or to inquire about a ceremony performed at the
office, call our 24 hour automated telephone information line (302) 395-7780.
The Marriage Bureau is located in the Louis L. Redding City/County
Bldg. Second Floor 800 N. French St., Wilmington, Delaware 19802.
In addition to performing civil marriage ceremonies, The Clerk Of The Peace also
pays special tribute to couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries by
reaffirming and renewing their vows. Unique heirloom certificates are available for
commemorating the occasion.
- Couple must apply together, Mon. thru
Fri., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The office is closed daily from noon
to 1 p.m. for lunch.
- 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.
- You can not be under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
- Marriage licenses are valid for 30
days and the marriage 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.
- The Marriage license fee is
$50.00 if
either applicant is a Delaware resident;
$75.00 if neither applicant
is a Delaware resident.
- $50.00 Ceremony Fee for all Civil
Marriage Ceremonies for Delaware residents performed at the Marriage Bureau if either applicant is a Delaware
resident; $75.00 if neither applicant is a Delaware resident. The
bride and groom must provide at least two (2) witnesses, at least 18
years of age, at the time of their wedding ceremony. The bride and
groom, and their two (2) witnesses must show a valid photo ID
(Driver's license, DMV ID, Passport, Military ID) when checking in
at the time of their ceremony.
Wedding Ceremonies are performed at the Marriage Bureau by appointment. The ceremonies are scheduled/reserved
at the time the marriage license is issued. Acceptable forms of payment include: Cash, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard and Discover Card.
- A valid State I.D. or Driver's license issued
by the Department of Motor Vehicles or Passport or Military I.D. (Active Military Duty) or Government Consulate I.D. is
required.
- 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.
- "WedCam": Have your wedding broadcast
in real time on the internet for family and friends in different
states or countries to view. (Must be scheduled in advance)
$50.00.
- "Wedding DVD": Have your wedding
ceremony recorded on DVD for a life time of memories.
$30.00.
Certified copies of marriage records are available at the N.C.C. Marriage Bureau. Marriage records are recorded in the county in which they were
obtained. If your marriage license was obtained in New Castle County it will
also be filed and a certified copy will be available in New Castle County.
Certified copies are $25.00.