Clerk of The Peace - New Castle County

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.