Delaware Marriage License

In general, we can tell that almost everyone can get married in the State of Delaware as the state does not have strict laws. Non-residents can also apply for a marriage license.

Where to get the Delaware marriage license?

First, if you are going to have a marriage ceremony, note that you have you will have to go to the county clerk of the peace office in person with your county clerk.

How to get a marriage license in Delaware?

To apply for a marriage license, you need to be 18 years old or higher. If you are not 18, then you are considered a minor. Minors must request the Delaware Family Court to get authorization for marriage.

Obviously, you and your future spouse must be present having your identification documents with you. It can be a valid passport, a driver’s license, a state ID or a US Visa ID card, or a Military ID.

The marriage laws for the State of Delaware do not require taking a blood test.

If you have been married before, then the state law requires you to present some other documents. Show the original or certified photocopy, or the true copy of the divorce decree, legal nullification of the marriage, dissolution, or death record. Clearly, it means that according to the law, you can’t get married if you are already a part of another legal relationship.

How long does it take to get a Delaware marriage license?

As you know, you can apply for a marriage license both in-person and online. No matter which method you choose, it will take approximately 24 hours. This is the waiting time which is based on the time of application submission.

As for the validity term of the application, please note that after you get the license, it is good for 30 days only.

Are there any restrictions on marriage?

Briefly, yes. There are some restrictions regarding whom you cannot marry. So, according to the restrictions of the law, you can’t marry the following people:

• Parents
• Grandparents
• Your children
• Grandchildren
• Brothers or sisters
• Your parent’s siblings
• Your sibling’s children
• Stepparents
• Stepchildren.

Also, you can’t apply for a marriage license if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

To add, proxy marriages are prohibited in Delaware.

Note that since 2013, same-sex marriages are legal in the State of Delaware.

What if my future spouse doesn’t speak English?

It is necessary for the couple to understand everything when applying for a marriage license. In case one of the spouses does not understand or speak English, then they need a translator. The couple must provide their translator. The translator, in fact, must be at least 18 years old and have proper identification.

How much does the marriage license cost in Delaware?

To apply for a marriage license in Delaware, you must pay $50. This cost is for the residents or if at least one of the applicants is a resident of Delaware. If none of the applicants is a resident, then the marriage license will cost $100. To make sure and stay updated, you’d better check the price at your local clerk of the peace office.

How do I get a certified copy of my marriage license?

Like the other states of the US (such as Florida), Delaware also has some requirements that everyone must meet. To get a certified copy of the marriage license, you need to submit another application. There are several questions to answer on the application. You must fill in the full names and the dates of birth of the spouses, as well as the date of marriage. Then, you should specify the relationship to the person whose marriage certificate you are requesting. After that, you pay the fee for the certified copy which is $25, and take your copy.