Wilmington, DE

Wilmington marriage license cost and civil wedding steps

Last updated: 2026 • Official Source ↗

Quick answer

Wilmington: For Wilmington, the listed marriage license fee is $30. The waiting period is 24 Hours, and the license is valid for 30 Days. Use the official source before applying, because local offices can change fees, appointments, and ceremony rules.

License Fee

$30

Wait Time

24 Hours

Valid For

30 Days
Ranked #16 of 86 by lowest listed cost, below the $66 average

Wilmington marriage license cost and wait time

Wilmington's listed marriage license fee is $30. The waiting period is 24 Hours, and the license has a 30 Days validity window. Compared with the US city average of $66, Wilmington is $36 below average and ranks 16 of 86 for lowest listed cost.

Courthouse or city hall wedding in Wilmington

If you are searching for a courthouse wedding in Wilmington, start with the marriage license. Civil ceremony appointments, city hall options, officiants, and return rules are handled locally, so confirm ceremony availability with the official office before choosing a date.

Official details can change without much notice. Treat this as a planning guide and verify with the linked office before you apply.

Overview

The New Castle County Clerk of the Peace offers marriage licenses. Couples can begin the application process online, but in-person verification is required by law. The ceremony must take place within the State of Delaware.

1

Requirements

2

Process

01

Submit Application Online

Complete the secure online marriage license application form at the New Castle County Online Marriage Application Portal.

02

Schedule Appointment

Schedule an in-person appointment at the Clerk of the Peace office using the QLess Appointment Scheduler to verify information and present identification.

03

Appear in Person

Both applicants must appear together in person at the scheduled time to complete the process and receive the license.

04

Marriage License Extensions

Marriage license extensions of 30, 60, or 90 days are available for an additional fee.

How Wilmington compares

CityLicense FeeWait Time
Wilmington$3024 Hours
New Orleans, LA$2724 Hours
New York City, NY$3524 Hours
Boise, ID$30no waiting period
Colorado Springs, CO$30no waiting period
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a marriage license in Wilmington?

The listed marriage license fee for Wilmington is $30. Fees can change, so verify the amount with the official office before applying.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in Wilmington?

Wilmington: The waiting period is 24 Hours. If you are planning a civil or courthouse wedding, build that timing into your date planning.

Can you have a courthouse wedding in Wilmington?

Courthouse, city hall, or civil ceremony availability depends on the local office. The marriage license is the first step; use the official source to confirm ceremony appointments and local rules.

Is the marriage license application process entirely online?

No, a marriage license cannot be issued solely online – in-person verification is required by law.

How long is the marriage license valid?

The license is valid for 30 days, and the ceremony must take place within the State of Delaware.

Is there a waiting period after the license is issued?

Yes, a 24-hour waiting period applies after the license is issued.