Marriage License Fees

Delaware · 2026

Delaware Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in Delaware costs $70–$120, depending on the county, and you wait 24 hours before the ceremony. The license is good for 30 days.

Delaware marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 3 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
New Castle County$70$25$5024 hours (1 day)
Sussex County$70——24 hours (1 day)
Kent County$70$25$5024 hours (1 day)

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

Delaware marriage license rules

License fee

$70–$120 (13 Del. C. §107)

Residents pay $70 and non-residents pay $120 in total, including a $20 recording fee. the statute lists a $10 license fee; the county pages show higher totals.

Source: kentcountyde.gov

Waiting period

24 hours (1 day)

You must get the license at least 24 hours before the ceremony, whether or not you live in Delaware.

Source: delcode.delaware.gov

How long the license is valid

30 days

The license is valid for 30 days; after that you must reapply.

Source: delcode.delaware.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

18

Both partners must be 18 or older. Delaware does not allow minors to marry under any exception.

Source: delcode.delaware.gov

What to bring

Bring a DMV ID or driver's license, passport or military ID with your date of birth, plus proof of address.

Source: kentcountyde.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

Yes

Both partners must appear together to apply.

Source: kentcountyde.gov

Applying online

No, apply in person

There is no online license. New Castle County takes applications in person by appointment only, with no walk-ins.

Source: web.archive.org

Who can officiate

Clergy and the other officials listed in state law, all over 18, may perform weddings. County Clerk of the Peace offices also hold ceremonies.

Source: delcode.delaware.gov

Witnesses

2 required

Two witnesses age 18 or older must attend and sign the certificate.

Source: delcode.delaware.gov

Out-of-state couples

Out-of-state couples can marry in Delaware but pay a higher license fee ($120 vs. $70). The ceremony must take place in Delaware.

Source: kentcountyde.gov

Who issues the license

County Clerk of the Peace

Licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Peace in each of Delaware's three counties, usually by appointment.

Source: delcode.delaware.gov

Not in our data yet: premarital course discount, blood test, proxy marriage. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in Delaware?

$70–$120, depending on the county. Residents pay $70 and non-residents pay $120 in total, including a $20 recording fee. the statute lists a $10 license fee; the county pages show higher totals.

Is there a waiting period in Delaware?

Yes, 24 hours (1 day). You must get the license at least 24 hours before the ceremony, whether or not you live in Delaware.

How long is a Delaware marriage license valid?

30 days. The license is valid for 30 days; after that you must reapply.

How old do you have to be to get married in Delaware?

Both partners must be 18 or older. Delaware does not allow minors to marry under any exception.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Delaware?

Two witnesses age 18 or older must attend and sign the certificate.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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