Apply for a Marriage License

The Clerk of the Peace witnesses County documents; attends all formal Levy Court Meetings; records all acts as custodian for the Minutes of the Levy Court Meetings; advertises and posts County ordinances; countersigns warrants drawn on County funds. Issues marriage licenses; and performs marriage ceremonies.

(** Licenses are issued between the hours of 8:00am - 4:15pm M-F)

Marriage License Application Guidelines:

  • Both parties must appear together Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
  • A third-party translator is required if one party doesn't speak English; the third-party translator must be at least 18 years old and have proper identification.
  • Residency/Waiting: Apply for the license at least 24 hours before the ceremony, regardless of residency.
  • Validity: The Delaware license is valid for 30 days from the issue date and the ceremony must take place within the state.
  • Required Identification: A valid DMV issued ID/Driver’s license, Passport, or Military ID with date of birth and proof of address is necessary.
  • Additional Documentation: The Clerk of the Peace may request extra documentation such as a birth certificate or social security card for ID verification.
  • Previous Marital Status: Bring original or certified final divorce/annulment decree or certified death certificate if applicable. Name change court documents are needed if you've taken back a former name.
  • Probation or Parole: An original permission letter from the Probation Officer is required.
  • Minors: Minors are not allowed to marry in Delaware. No one under the age of 18 may apply for a marriage license. 
  • License Fee: Delaware residents pay a $70 total license fee, non-residents pay a $120 (Cash Only) total license fee.
  • Allow 15-20 minutes for the application process.

Note: Couples marrying in Kent County should ensure the officiant is authorized to perform the ceremony.

 

Online

Step 1.Prepare your documents

Step 2.Complete application & pay online

Apply for a Marriage License now

In Person

Residents and non-residents must apply for a license 24 hours prior to the time of the ceremony.

Both parties must appear together Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

A translator is required if one of the parties does not speak English.  The translator must have proper identification and must be at least 18 years of age.

A valid DMV issued ID/Driver’s license, Passport, Military ID (Active Military Duty) is required.  ID must include date of birth.  Proof of address is required.  To verify the authenticity of an applicant’s identification, the office of the Clerk of the Peace may also require additional documentation such as a birth certificate or social security card.

The current name on your valid identification will be the name used for your marriage license. You will be asked to provide your parent’s birth names, place of residency and birth so please have this information prior to applying.

The cost of a Delaware Marriage License is $70 for residents/$120 non-residents (Cash Only). Additional fee for ceremonies performed by the Clerk of the Peace office is $50 for residents/$100 non-residents (Cash Only).

*Couples getting married in Kent County are encouraged to make certain that the person performing their wedding ceremony is authorized to do so. 

Please allow 15-20 minutes for the marriage application process.

*All applicants must be 18 years of age. Minors must petition Family Court for authorization to marry.

On Probation or Parole? An original letter of permission from the Probation Officer is required before a license will be issued.

By Phone

Contact the Clerk of the Peace by phone 302-744-2346, or email Clerk@kentcountyde.gov.

 

By Mail

Contact the Clerk of the Peace by phone 302-744-2346, or email Clerk@kentcountyde.gov.

Visit the Clerk of the Peace office at 555 S. Bay Road. Dover, Delaware 19901