Whether you’re eloping or having a larger wedding, the most important part of planning your Delaware wedding day is getting your marriage license. Saying “I Do” to your best friend will be one of the best moments in your life, but you want to make sure you have everything in place to cover the legal aspects of your big day. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered - here is everything you need to know about getting a marriage license in Delaware.
Getting Your Delaware Marriage License
In the midst of your Delaware wedding planning, you do not want to forget to procure your license. Luckily, though, licenses are required at a minimum of 24 hours prior to your ceremony. This makes it still possible to get everything in order if you have let this task slip through the cracks. You can apply in person or online through Kent County, New Castle County, or Sussex County for your Delaware marriage license with a few simple steps.
The entire process should take only about 20 minutes, but certain documents are required. Both parties must show:
A valid ID (whether that is a DMV-issued ID, driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
Proof of address (such as a bill sent to your mailing address)
The latter is important to determine whether you pay an in-state or out-of-state fee. It may also be requested for you to provide a birth certificate or Social Security card, so having one of these handy will prevent potential delays. If you are divorced, annulled, widowed, or on probation/parole, added documents are required. Additionally, you will need to provide information about both sets of parents. Each party must know the birth names, current addresses, and birthplaces of their parents.
In terms of costs, the fees are the same for all three Delaware counties. If at least one party is from Delaware, the in-state cost for applying for your marriage license is $70. If neither party is from Delaware, the out-of-state cost is $120. If applying online, an additional $19.95 charge may be required.
Is the Process Different Depending on the Delaware County?
Regardless of the county you are applying in, the process to obtain your Delaware marriage license is remarkably similar. If you are getting married anywhere in the State of Delaware, you can apply through any of the three offices and your license will be valid for 30 days. If applying in person in Kent County, the Clerk of the Peace office is located in Dover and can process licenses weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:15 pm. New Castle County has their Clerk of the Peace office located in Wilmington and is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Unlike the other two locations, the Marriage Bureau in Sussex County requires that you schedule appointments within the 60-day window of your ceremony. Appointments can be made for weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm at their Georgetown office. If applying in person at any of these offices, both parties must be present for the process. If applying online and picking up your license, plan to have both parties present as well.
Who Can Marry Me in Delaware?
Different states have different rules on who has the power to marry couples. In Colorado, you actually don’t need an officiant at all; you can self-solemnize! For your Delaware wedding, you are required to have a clergyperson, minister of any religion, or a Judge officiate your ceremony. If you do not want to hire an officiant who meets this criteria, you can have a family member or friend marry you if they become ordained online prior to your ceremony.
Want to keep your Delaware elopement as intimate as possible? Sarah, our head photographer, can officiate!
Do You Need a Witness for Your Delaware Marriage?
Another important topic to consider when planning your wedding is witnesses. Most states in the U.S. require one witness to be present at your ceremony, and some require two. Some, like Colorado, don’t even require an officiant. Delaware is one of the states that does require two witnesses. If you are planning a Delaware elopement, this is a very important factor to consider. Are you hoping to keep your ceremony as intimate as possible? You will need to still include two other individuals to legally get married. According to the Delaware Code, “marriages shall be solemnized in the presence of at least 2 reputable witnesses who are at least 18 years of age and who shall sign the certificate of marriage”. Without this important step, your big day will not be recognized by the State of Delaware.
If you’re planning an elopement with Still Poetry Photography, your two witnesses come with the planning and photography team! If Sarah is officiating, the videographer and second shooter can sign as witnesses.
Feeling Overwhelmed While Wedding Planning?
Take a breath! It might feel like immense pressure trying to hash out all of the details of your big day by yourself. We are here to help! Not only can Still Poetry Photography capture pictures and videos for you, but we offer non-traditional wedding planning to craft a day as unique and special as you are. Day-of coordination and marriage officiation are also available. If you want it all, we offer all-inclusive elopement packages that provide everything you need. Are you ready to celebrate your love story and create a day you will never forget? Send us a message here!