Delaware marriage license: cost and requirements
In Delaware you must have the license at least 24 hours before the wedding and marry within 30 days. You need 2 witnesses age 18 or older.
Delaware summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Confirmed in the law or on the official website.
- Cost
- We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
- Waiting period
- The license must be obtained at least 24 hours before the ceremony; the Clerk of the Peace can shorten the period for good cause (13 Del. C. § 107).
- Validity
- 30 days from issuance; the Clerk of the Peace can extend it up to 180 days for good cause.
- Witnesses
- At least 2 witnesses age 18 or older, who sign the certificate (13 Del. C. § 106).
How much is a marriage license in Delaware?
We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
Premarital course discount: Not provided for in the statute (13 Del. C. ch. 1).
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
- Minimum age: 18, with no exceptions (13 Del. C. § 123).
- Other requirements: If either person is divorced, the Clerk of the Peace must review a certified copy of the divorce decree (13 Del. C. § 101). Marriage between first cousins is prohibited.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
Clerk of the Peace of the county.
Where it is valid: For weddings held inside Delaware.
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: The license must be obtained at least 24 hours before the ceremony; the Clerk of the Peace can shorten the period for good cause (13 Del. C. § 107).
- Validity: 30 days from issuance; the Clerk of the Peace can extend it up to 180 days for good cause.
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: At least 2 witnesses age 18 or older, who sign the certificate (13 Del. C. § 106).
- Who can officiate: People over 18: clergy registered with the Clerk of the Peace; current or former Delaware judges; certain out-of-state and federal judges; Clerks of the Peace; mayors, among others (13 Del. C. § 106).
Can you marry by proxy?
The statute only allows a physician to act as a proxy in the application when one of the parties is at the point of death (13 Del. C. § 120).
Delaware counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Delaware county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
How to get a marriage license in Delaware
- Confirm where to apply: Clerk of the Peace of the county.
- Count the waiting period: The license must be obtained at least 24 hours before the ceremony; the Clerk of the Peace can shorten the period for good cause (13 Del. C. § 107).
- Marry within the validity period: 30 days from issuance; the Clerk of the Peace can extend it up to 180 days for good cause.
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Delaware marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
For weddings held inside Delaware.
What is the minimum age to marry in Delaware?
18, with no exceptions (13 Del. C. § 123).
Who can officiate a wedding in Delaware?
People over 18: clergy registered with the Clerk of the Peace; current or former Delaware judges; certain out-of-state and federal judges; Clerks of the Peace; mayors, among others (13 Del. C. § 106).
Is there a discount if we take a premarital course?
Not provided for in the statute (13 Del. C. ch. 1).
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- Delaware Code Online, Title 13, chapter 1, subchapter I (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.