Sussex County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Sussex County are issued by the Clerk of the Peace at 2 The Circle in Georgetown. An appointment is required to apply in person. The Marriage Bureau handles licenses, certified copies of marriage certificates, and performs wedding ceremonies in the office and at other locations throughout Sussex County. If you're planning a wedding anywhere in Sussex County, whether in Seaford, Lewes, Milford, or one of the beach communities, this is the office you need to contact first.
Sussex County Overview
Sussex County Clerk of the Peace
The Sussex County Clerk of the Peace is Norman A. Jones, Jr., known as Jay Jones. He has served as Clerk since January 3, 2017. His office is responsible for all marriage licenses in Sussex County. The Marriage Bureau is located at 2 The Circle, 2nd Floor, Room 226, Georgetown, DE 19947. The mailing address for returning completed marriage licenses is: Sussex County Clerk of the Peace, Sussex County Courthouse, P.O. Box 29, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Licenses are issued up to 4:00 PM, and the last application of the day must start by 4:00 PM. Couples should arrive no later than 3:30 PM to have enough time to complete the process. The application typically takes about 20 minutes. To schedule an appointment or get more information, call 302-853-1717. The Marriage Bureau also takes calls to verify if a specific record is on file.
| Office | Sussex County Clerk of the Peace - Marriage Bureau |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 The Circle, 2nd Floor, Room 226 Georgetown, DE 19947 |
| Phone | 302-853-1717 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last license by 4:00 PM) |
| Appointments | Required for in-person visits |
| Website | sussexcountyde.gov/clerk-peace |
The Sussex County Clerk of the Peace official page describes the office's role, the current Clerk's background, and services provided by the Marriage Bureau.
Sussex County Marriage License Fees
The Sussex County fee schedule is set by county ordinance. The fee for a marriage license for a Delaware resident is $50. For a non-Delaware resident, it's $100. Each license also carries a $20 recording fee, bringing totals to $70 and $120 respectively. These fees apply to licenses issued by the Clerk of the Peace for Sussex County.
If the Clerk's office performs the wedding ceremony in the office or on The Circle during normal business hours, the additional fee is $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents. Ceremonies held outside the office in Sussex County cost $100 for residents and $200 for non-residents. Vow renewals in the office during normal hours run $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents.
A certified copy of a marriage license from the Sussex County Marriage Bureau costs $25. The bureau encourages couples to call before submitting a mail or online request to confirm the record is on file. Sussex County's office only holds records from March 2002 forward. For records dated between 1971 and March 2002, contact the Office of Vital Statistics. For records before 1971, contact the Delaware Public Archives at (302) 744-5000.
Note: Sussex County sees increased demand around Valentine's Day each year. If you plan to apply in early February, call ahead well in advance to schedule your appointment.
A January 2025 WMDT news story covered how the Sussex County Marriage Bureau prepares each year for the surge in couples applying around Valentine's Day.
How to Apply for a Sussex County Marriage License
Both parties must appear together at the Marriage Bureau during office hours. Neither person can apply alone or send a representative. Each applicant needs a valid government-issued photo ID that shows their date of birth. Acceptable IDs include a state driver's license or DMV ID, a passport, a military ID, or a consulate ID. Proof of current address is required to qualify for the resident fee.
You must apply at least 24 hours before the ceremony. This waiting period applies to both residents and non-residents. The license is valid for 30 days after issuance. The ceremony must take place in Delaware. Sussex County licenses can be used anywhere in the state, not just in Sussex County.
If either party was previously married, bring the original or certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. Photocopies are not accepted. Documents not in English must include a certified translation. If you have reclaimed a former name after a prior divorce, bring the original or certified name change court documents.
An original permission letter from a Probation Officer is required if either applicant is on probation or parole. A third-party translator is needed if one party doesn't speak English; the translator must have valid ID and be at least 18. All applicants must be 18 or older, with no exceptions.
After the Ceremony: What Officiants Must Do
After the ceremony in Sussex County, the officiant has specific legal responsibilities. Within 4 days of the ceremony, the officiant must certify the fact of the marriage by returning the completed license to the Clerk of the Peace. The mailing address is: Sussex County Clerk of the Peace, Sussex County Courthouse, P.O. Box 29, Georgetown, DE 19947. The officiant must also retain their copy of the completed form for at least one year after the ceremony.
When filling out the license, Sussex County's official instructions require the officiant's complete address, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and county. The wedding venue address is not what's needed here. It must be the officiant's own address. The officiant's signature is required on the document. Incomplete returns can delay the recording of the marriage in the state's vital records system.
Sussex County's guide to filling out marriage licenses is required reading for any officiant performing a ceremony in the county. It explains exactly what fields to complete and where to send the form.
Sussex County Marriage Records Access
In Delaware, marriage records are not considered public until 50 years have passed since the event. Until then, access is limited to the parties listed on the document and their attorneys or agents. For Sussex County marriages from March 2002 to the present, contact the Marriage Bureau at 302-853-1717. Call first to confirm the record is on file before submitting a request. In-person requests require a valid photo ID and an appointment.
For Sussex County marriages from 1971 through March 2002, the Office of Vital Statistics handles these records. Contact them at (302) 744-4549 or visit any of the three branch offices. For marriages before 1971, reach out to the Delaware Public Archives at (302) 744-5000. These older records are open to the public for genealogical and historical research.
Cities in Sussex County
All Sussex County cities and towns get marriage licenses from the Clerk of the Peace in Georgetown. Select a city below for local details on where to apply and what to expect.
Nearby Counties
Sussex County is the southernmost county in Delaware, bordering Kent County to the north. If your ceremony will take place in Kent or New Castle County, apply at the Clerk of the Peace in that county.