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Delaware marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Delaware's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished November 12, 2026

Editorial standards

Delaware marriage license at a glance

Fee: $70 if either applicant is a Delaware resident; $120 if neither is. The schedule also lists a $5 processing fee and a $20 background form fee. Waiting period: 24-hour wait after the license is issued before the ceremony. The county FAQ says it can be waived if either party is active-duty military or critically ill. How long it is valid: Valid for 30 days after issuance. Extensions of 30, 60 or 90 days are available for an extra fee.

Delaware counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from New Castle County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Delaware marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 12, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $70 if either applicant is a Delaware resident; $120 if neither is. The schedule also lists a $5 processing fee and a $20 background form fee. (Source: newcastlede.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: 24-hour wait after the license is issued before the ceremony. The county FAQ says it can be waived if either party is active-duty military or critically ill. (Source: newcastlede.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: Valid for 30 days after issuance. Extensions of 30, 60 or 90 days are available for an extra fee. (Source: newcastlede.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: The ceremony must take place in Delaware for the license to be legal. The page does not say whether a New Castle license works in Kent or Sussex. (Source: newcastlede.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: At least two reputable witnesses, each 18 or older, must be present and sign the certificate of marriage. (Source: delcode.delaware.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Clergy registered with a county Clerk of the Peace, certain current or former judges, a current or former Clerk of the Peace, and mayors within their municipality. (Source: delcode.delaware.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Must be 18 or older. No one under 18 is granted a marriage license. (Source: delcode.delaware.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. If previously married, bring the original or a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment or death certificate. (Source: newcastlede.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: In person, together, at the New Castle County Clerk of the Peace in Wilmington, by appointment after starting the application online. (Source: newcastlede.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Yes. You can start the application online, but the license cannot be issued online; both applicants must still appear in person. (Source: newcastlede.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Request online, in person with photo ID, or by mail. The fee is $25 per certified copy plus a one-time $5 processing fee. (Source: newcastlede.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Delaware?

$70 if either applicant is a Delaware resident; $120 if neither is. The schedule also lists a $5 processing fee and a $20 background form fee. Delaware counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from New Castle County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Delaware?

24-hour wait after the license is issued before the ceremony. The county FAQ says it can be waived if either party is active-duty military or critically ill.

How long is a Delaware marriage license valid?

Valid for 30 days after issuance. Extensions of 30, 60 or 90 days are available for an extra fee.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Delaware?

At least two reputable witnesses, each 18 or older, must be present and sign the certificate of marriage.

Who can officiate a wedding in Delaware?

Clergy registered with a county Clerk of the Peace, certain current or former judges, a current or former Clerk of the Peace, and mayors within their municipality.

How do you get a certified copy of a Delaware marriage certificate?

Request online, in person with photo ID, or by mail. The fee is $25 per certified copy plus a one-time $5 processing fee.

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