Officiating a wedding in Delaware
Registration, the license, and who returns it — the essentials for officiants.
Informational only. Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with the county clerk or issuing office that handles the license.
Reviewed August 2026 · Issuing office: delcode.delaware.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
Delaware asks clergy and ministers to register with a county Clerk of the Peace through that office’s online registry before solemnizing, and registering in one county authorizes you statewide. The registration number goes on the marriage certificate, and not registering can cost you the authority to solemnize further marriages in the state. Judges, current and former Clerks of the Peace and municipal chief executives may also solemnize. Ask the Clerk of the Peace which documents the registry accepts.
Who returns the license, and by when
The person who performed the marriage returns the prescribed forms to the issuing clerk of the peace within four days after the ceremony, the shortest window in this reference. Late filing carries a penalty and suspends the authority to solemnize until it is paid. Confirm the window with that office.
Suggested return window: about 4 days after the ceremony. Confirm the current deadline with the issuing clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to register to officiate in Delaware?
Yes. Clergy and ministers register through a county Clerk of the Peace online registry before solemnizing, and one county’s registration works statewide. The registration number is entered on the marriage certificate.
Is an online ordination accepted in Delaware?
The gate is the Clerk of the Peace registry rather than the ordination itself, so that office decides at registration what it accepts. Ask the Clerk of the Peace before you take the date.
How long do you have to return a Delaware marriage license?
Four days after the ceremony, to the issuing clerk of the peace. Late filing carries a penalty and suspends the authority to solemnize until it is paid.
Never miss a return deadline
RiteBinder's license tracker keeps every state's note in front of you (free, no card). On Solo it also turns the signed license into a task and reminds you before the deadline.
Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:delcode.delaware.gov.