Marriage License Fee in Delaware

The fee covers the Clerk of the Peace or Marriage Bureau issuing the license and recording it after the ceremony. Delaware law requires a license before a ceremony can be lawfully performed, so the fee is part of the required process.

This page explains the fee structure, who pays the resident versus nonresident rate, and the county steps that can affect the total cost and timing.

Applications are handled at the county level, not by a statewide office. Contact the county Clerk of the Peace where you plan to apply to confirm procedures, appointment policies, and payment options.

County offices may have different scheduling rules, so check local guidance before you visit.

New Castle County lists a $50 license fee when either applicant is a Delaware resident and a $100 license fee when neither applicant is a resident. Sussex County lists the same license fees and adds a $20 recording fee to all marriage licenses.

The recording fee is charged regardless of residency, so most applicants should plan for the license fee plus the $20 recording fee.

It also notes that service fees apply to credit card transactions. Because payment methods and service fees can vary by county, ask the Clerk of the Peace office what forms of payment are accepted and whether a card convenience fee applies.

Paying the correct amount at issuance helps avoid return visits and delays.

New Castle County notes that proof of address is required for the resident rate, and Sussex County notes that a Delaware ID is required if you request the resident fee. If neither applicant is a Delaware resident, the nonresident license fee applies.

Bring documentation that supports your residency claim so the office can apply the correct fee.

New Castle County says couples must schedule an appointment and that walk-ins are not accepted, while Sussex County also notes appointment-only service. These appointment policies can affect the total cost if you need to adjust travel or take additional time off work.

Contact the county office early so you can select an appointment that fits the 24-hour waiting period and the 30-day validity window.

It also states that both applicants must appear together, be at least 18 years of age, and not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Delaware law also requires the applicants to appear before the issuing officer and complete the application under oath.

Plan to bring current identification and be prepared to answer questions on the application.

It also requires certified name change documents when an applicant has legally changed their name.

Bring the original certified documents rather than photocopies to avoid delays and to ensure the license is issued on the correct legal name.

This means the application focuses on identification, eligibility, and required documents rather than medical testing.

Even without a blood test requirement, the appointment and documentation steps can still take time, so plan ahead.

The application also asks for the dates and places of previous marriages and how those marriages ended. Collecting this information in advance speeds up the appointment and reduces mistakes on the license.

If you are unsure about a prior marriage date or a parent's birthplace, verify it before your appointment so the clerk can complete the application in one visit.

In that situation, at least one applicant must be identified as a Delaware resident by a reputable guarantor under oath. Most applicants satisfy residency requirements by bringing a Delaware ID or other proof of address, but this rule is a reminder that residency must be established for the resident fee.

If you recently moved or have limited documentation, ask the county office what proof is acceptable.

Delaware law also bars issuing a marriage license to anyone under 18. These eligibility rules can affect timing if you need additional documents or approvals.

If you have questions about eligibility, contact the Clerk of the Peace before scheduling an appointment so you do not risk an unnecessary fee.

It also notes that a Spanish-speaking interpreter is available in the office. Interpreter requirements can affect scheduling, especially if you need to bring a third person to the appointment.

If you need interpretation or accessibility assistance, ask the county office about available services and any requirements before your appointment.

Starting online can help collect information in advance, but it does not remove the in-person requirement or the waiting period.

Check with your county office to see whether a pre-application is available and whether it changes appointment scheduling.

If the certificate is not returned within 15 days, a late fee can be assessed against the officiant. While this is not a direct fee for applicants, timely return of the certificate affects how quickly the marriage is recorded and when certified copies are available.

If you need a certified copy for name changes or benefits, confirm with your officiant that the paperwork will be returned promptly.

If the ceremony is not performed within 30 days, the license is void and the parties must reapply for another license. The statute states that no refund or rebate is given for an unused license.

This timing rule can affect your total cost if you have to reapply.

If you plan to marry in another state, you must obtain a license from that state.

This matters for destination weddings and for couples who apply in one county but plan to marry in another Delaware county.

Judges, certain public officials, and registered clergy can officiate. If you request it, the Clerk of the Peace is required to perform a solemnization.

Because officiant availability affects scheduling, confirm that your officiant is authorized and available within the 30-day window.

It also recommends allowing at least 20 minutes for the application process. These practical timing rules do not change the statutory waiting period, but they affect when you can apply and how quickly the license is issued.

If your ceremony is on a tight schedule, build in time for the appointment and application process.

Sussex County's fee schedule lists a $25 certified copy fee for a marriage or civil union license. Certified copies are separate from the marriage license fee and recording fee, so they are an additional cost to plan for.

Ask the issuing clerk how to request certified copies and how long processing typically takes.

Appointment-only policies can also delay applications if you wait too long to schedule.

Another common issue is applying too early or too late for the 30-day validity window, which can require a new application and another fee.