Marriage License Money Goes To?
Apart from imposing penalties and fines on offenders across the divide, states around the country have enacted laws imposing non-offender…
If you're getting married in Delaware, you must first apply for a marriage license.
It'll cost you $50.00 to $100.00 (based on residency), and you'll have to use it within 30 days.
Delaware marriage licenses are issued on the county level, at the Clerk of the Peace Office, by the Clerk of the Peace.
Your marriage license can be used throughout the state, regardless of which Clerk of the Peace Office you get it from.
Your license is only valid within the borders of Delaware. For instance, you can't get a marriage license from the neighboring state of New Jersey, then use it here—and vice versa.
There are two different price points:
For residents of Delaware, a marriage license costs exactly $50.00 USD. This price is established by state law and doesn't change no matter where you buy your license.
For those who are not residents of Delaware, a marriage license costs exactly $100.00 USD.
Clerk of the Peace Offices will not issue refunds for unused marriage licenses.
Both parties to the marriage must appear together when applying for a marriage license.
There is no waiting period to get a Delaware marriage license. You'll get your license the same day you apply for it.
Delaware law requires you to wait 24 hours after getting a marriage license before you're allowed to get married.
Your Delaware marriage license will expire 30 days after it's been issued. If you don't get married before time runs out, you'll have to start over and apply for a brand new license.
Extensions are not provided for expired (or near expiring) marriage licenses. If your license completely expires you must reapply and repay the same $50.00 or 100.00 (for non-residents) application fee, wherein you'll be given 30 more days.
Whether you're a resident or non-resident of Delaware, the rules are the same; you can apply for a marriage license anywhere in the state. You can then get married anywhere within the state.
You must be 18 years old (or above) to get married in Delaware without parental consent.
You must obtain a court order from a Family Court Judge—in Delaware—which will authorize the Clerk of the Peace to issue a marriage license.
There are multiple types of identification to consider bringing when applying for a marriage license at your local Clerk of the Peace Office. They are as follows:
Undergoing a marriage-related name change in the state of Delaware (or any other state) involves notifying various government and non-government institutions. You'll typically start with updating your Social Security Card, driver's license, passport, and other federal/state/non-governmental institutions.
Keep in mind, your name does not automatically and legally change just because you get married or obtain a marriage license or marriage certificate; you must go through the steps of updating your identification documents, whether it's through an online name change service, or contacting the SSA, State Dept. and DE DMV directly.
No, Delaware does not require you, nor your partner, to get a blood test as a condition for getting a marriage license.
If you've been previously divorced, or have had an annulment or dissolution, there are extra bits of information that you must provide the Clerk of the Peace when applying.
For your last divorce, annulment, or dissolution, provide the following:
You will need to provide a copy of your divorce decree (aka divorce certificate). It must be an original or certified copy—not a photocopy. The Clerk of the Peace will not keep your certificate; it just needs to be examined for authenticity, and to confirm your previous marriage is over.
Delaware law forbids a marriage license be granted to anyone who is currently married or separated from their spouse. You must have your divorce finalized, or marriage annulled, before getting married again.
If your previous marriage left you as a widow or widower, the Clerk of the Peace Office will need to solicit basic information regarding the death of your spouse. You only need to provide information for your last spouse who passed away.
You must bring the original or certified copy of the death certificate for review. The Clerk of the Peace will hand the death certificate back to you once it's been looked over.
Delaware statutes require at least two (2) witnesses be present at your marriage ceremony.
Whomever officiates your marriage must log the contact information (typically name and address) and signature of each witness.
Note: The officiant does not count as a valid witness.
Check out the latest entries from our marriage license blog.
Apart from imposing penalties and fines on offenders across the divide, states around the country have enacted laws imposing non-offender…
One of the truths from research is that through premarital preparation courses and programs divorces are reduced and healthy marriages…
The wedding officiant is very critical in a wedding and the choice of one isn't a small decision. The individual plays an important role in…
Send us your questions or comments