Delaware City Marriage License
Delaware City residents who need a marriage license apply at the New Castle County Clerk of the Peace. Delaware City is a small historic community in New Castle County, located along the Delaware River. There is no local marriage bureau here. All license applications, certified copy requests, and related services for Delaware City couples go through the county office in Wilmington. An appointment is required as of April 2025.
Delaware City Marriage License Overview
Where Delaware City Residents Apply
Delaware City is in New Castle County. All marriage licenses for the area come from the New Castle County Clerk of the Peace at 800 N. French Street, 2nd Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. Phone: (302) 395-7780. Delaware City is about 20 miles south of Wilmington on Route 9. The drive usually takes 25 to 30 minutes.
According to the AMM, there is also a New Castle County office mentioned at 87 Read's Way in New Castle, with a fee of $70 to $120 depending on residency status. Confirm the current appointment location by calling (302) 395-7780 before you go.
Office hours for license applications are Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 11:30 AM and 1:00 to 3:30 PM. Walk-ins have not been accepted since April 1, 2025. You must schedule an appointment first. Both parties must come together.
| License Office | New Castle County Clerk of the Peace - Marriage Bureau |
|---|---|
| Address | 800 N. French Street, 2nd Floor Wilmington, DE 19801 |
| Phone | (302) 395-7780 |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 11:30 AM and 1:00 to 3:30 PM |
| Appointments | Required. No walk-ins. |
The AMM guide for Delaware City covers New Castle County's marriage license requirements for couples planning a wedding in this historic riverside community.
What Delaware City Applicants Need
Both parties must appear in person at the Clerk's office at the same time. You cannot come on separate days. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID that includes a date of birth. A state driver's license, DMV ID card, passport, consulate ID, or active duty military ID all work. Proof of your current Delaware address is required to get the resident fee of $70. Non-residents pay $120. Both amounts include the $20 recording charge.
You'll be asked for your parents' birth names (maiden names), your birthplace, and your current address. If either party was previously married, bring original or certified copies of the divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. No photocopies. If one party doesn't speak English, a translator is required who is 18 or older with valid ID. If either party is on probation or parole, bring an original letter from the Probation Officer. All applicants must be 18 or older.
License Rules for Delaware City
The same statewide rules apply here. You must apply at least 24 hours before the ceremony. The license is valid for 30 days. If you don't use it in time, it expires and cannot be reinstated. The fee is nonrefundable. The ceremony must take place somewhere in Delaware.
After the ceremony, the officiant returns the completed license to the Clerk of the Peace within 4 days and sends copies to the Office of Vital Statistics within 5 days. If the officiant is a member of the clergy, they must be registered with the Clerk of the Peace in the county where the ceremony takes place. Judges, justices of the peace, and the Wilmington city mayor may also officiate marriages.
Property and Vital Records for Delaware City
Property and land records for Delaware City are maintained by New Castle County government offices. The New Castle County Department of Land Use, Assessment Division is at 87 Read's Way, New Castle, DE 19720. Phone: (302) 323-2600. The county's FirstMap GIS system provides free online access to property boundaries, owner names, assessed values, and sales history.
For marriage certificates, certified copies are available from the New Castle County Clerk of the Peace or the Office of Vital Statistics at 258 Chapman Road, Newark, DE 19702. Phone: (302) 283-7130. Copies cost $25 each and require valid photo ID. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at 1-877-888-0248.
The New Castle County Recorder of Deeds maintains land and property records for Delaware City, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The office is separate from the Clerk of the Peace and does not handle marriage licenses.
Who Can Perform Marriages in Delaware City
Delaware City is an incorporated municipality. That means the city's chief executive officer (mayor) may legally solemnize marriages within the city limits under Delaware law. This is an option some local couples choose for a simple, low-cost ceremony without going through the Clerk of the Peace for a ceremony booking. The mayor performs the ceremony, but you still need the license from New Castle County first.
Other authorized officiants in Delaware include judges from the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Family Court, Court of Chancery, Court of Common Pleas, or Justice of the Peace Court. Licensed ministers and clergy may also perform ceremonies, provided they are registered with the Clerk of the Peace in the county where the ceremony takes place. Out-of-state clergy must register in New Castle County before performing any ceremony in Delaware City or the surrounding area.
At least two witnesses must be present at the ceremony. They sign the marriage certificate along with the officiant and both parties. Delaware law requires the officiant to return the completed license to the Clerk of the Peace within 4 days and to the Office of Vital Statistics within 5 days. The officiant keeps their own file copy for at least one year.
County That Handles Delaware City Filings
Delaware City is in New Castle County. Marriage licenses come from the Clerk of the Peace in Wilmington.