State guide
Delaware
Delaware marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Peace in each county, also called the Marriage Bureau. Delaware law requires a minimum 24-hour wait before the ceremony, and the same county office that issues the license must perform a solemnization if the applicants request it.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- Clerk of the Peace (Marriage Bureau) of the county
- Waiting period
- 24 hours
- License valid for
- 30 days
- Witnesses
- 2 required
- License fee
- $70 if either applicant is a Delaware resident; $120 if neither is
- Friend or one-day officiant
- For good cause, the county Clerk of the Peace may give written authorization for a specific marriage to an out-of-state judge, certain federal judges or magistrates, or a current Clerk of the Peace from another Delaware county.
Official resources in Delaware
Official marriage statutes covering who issues licenses, waiting period, validity, witnesses, officiants, and Clerk of the Peace authority.
Official state guide listing application basics and the published resident and nonresident marriage-license fees.
Official county page for scheduling civil marriage ceremonies with the Clerk of the Peace.
Official county page with marriage-license validity and application details.
Official county page stating the office issues marriage licenses and performs marriage ceremonies.
Key facts for Delaware
- Marriage licenses are issued by the county Clerk of the Peace or deputy.
- Applicants must obtain the license at least 24 hours before the ceremony.
- A Delaware marriage license is valid for 30 days, unless a clerk extends it for good cause up to 180 days.
- At least 2 witnesses age 18 or older must be present and sign.
- Delaware.gov publishes the fee as $70 if either applicant is a Delaware resident and $120 if neither is.
- Delaware does not provide self-uniting marriages; the ceremony must be solemnized by an authorized officiant in the presence of 2 witnesses.
Courthouse ceremonies in Delaware
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| New Castle County | Marriage ceremonies are performed by appointment only at the Marriage Bureau on Wednesdays and Fridays. |
| Kent County | Official county pages state the Clerk of the Peace issues marriage licenses and performs marriage ceremonies. |
What to do next
- Choose the county where you want to apply and check that Clerk of the Peace office for appointments or online pre-application steps.
- If you want a courthouse-style ceremony, ask the issuing Clerk of the Peace office to schedule the solemnization when you apply.
- Bring identification and, if previously married, the required divorce decree or death certificate for the most recent prior marriage.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?