Detailed Delaware Wedding Law Notes
These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Residency: Not Required
- Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples must be 18+ to marry, with no exceptions. Residency is not required, and second cousins may marry.
Marriage License Requirements
- License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
- Cost: $70 (Residents) / $120 (Non-Residents)
- Accepted ID: Government-Issued Photo ID
- Proof of Divorce: Certified Divorce Decree (if applicable)
- Blood Test: Not Required
The couple must apply in person at the County Clerk’s office with valid photo ID and proof of any prior divorce, if applicable. Licenses are valid statewide.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Waiting Period: 1 Day
- License Validity: 30 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 4 Days
Couples must obtain a “religious” license for Ministries of Love ceremonies. Licenses have a 1-day waiting period, are valid for 30 days, and must be submitted within 4 days after the ceremony.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Ordination Credentials
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
- Submission Deadline: Before Ceremony
- Minister ID Issued: Yes
Ministers must be 18+ and registered in the county where the wedding will occur (or where they reside, if local). Registration requires ordination credentials and may include additional documentation.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: 2 (18+ years)
The officiant, couple, and two witnesses (18+) must be present for the ceremony. The ceremony must include the couple’s consent (“I do”) and the minister’s pronouncement.
Final Steps
- Officiant Title: Minister
- Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address: Minister’s Home Address
The officiant must ensure the marriage license is completed accurately, listing “minister” as their title and their full legal name without titles. Licenses must be returned to the issuing office within 4 days.