What Are Delaware Marriage Records?

Delaware marriage records are official documents that provide detailed information about marriages within the state. The state has maintained these records since 1847 through various official entities so that the public can have a reliable and easily accessible archive of marital unions.

Delaware has two main types of marriage records: marriage certificates and marriage licenses.

A marriage license indicates the couple's intention to marry. It must be secured before the ceremony, as mandated by Delaware Code Title 13 Section 107. Conversely, a marriage certificate is issued after the wedding ceremony. It formally confirms the occurrence of the marriage and serves as evidence of the marital union.

Both marriage certificates and licenses include vital details such as the spouses' names, wedding dates, and location. Additionally, these documents often feature the parents' names, witnesses, officiants, and the number of previous marriages for each party.

The information contained within Delaware marriage records is helpful for various purposes. They facilitate processes like opening joint bank accounts, name changes and applying for spousal benefits. Furthermore, these records hold legal weight in matters concerning inheritance, insurance, and other legal rights.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In Delaware, marriage certificates are considered public records. However, access to these records is subject to certain restrictions based on the age of the record.

According to Delaware Code Title 13 Section 119 and Delaware Code Title 16 Section 3110, marriage certificates older than 50 years are classified as public records. Such classification means anyone can request and obtain copies of these documents without demonstrating a specific interest or relationship to the individuals named on the record.

Meanwhile, access is restricted to marriage certificates that are less than 50 years old. Only specific individuals are allowed to obtain these records, which include:

• The parties listed on the marriage certificate
• The spouses of the individuals listed on the certificate
• Children, parents, or guardians of the individuals listed on the certificate
• Authorized representatives of the above parties

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Delaware?

Individuals seeking marriage records in Delaware can access them through different government entities. The Delaware Office of Vital Statistics is responsible for recent marriage records, specifically those less than 50 years old. Meanwhile, the Delaware Public Archives is the best resource for historical records, as it stores marriage records 50 years old and older.

Given that various entities maintain the state's marriage records, record seekers can expect to face varying procedures. To streamline the lookup process, individuals can follow the guidelines below:

• Determine the age of the desired record and reach out to the relevant agency that is maintaining it.
• Prepare the following:
  • Names of both parties as they appear on the record
  • Birth dates of both parties
  • Date and place of marriage
  • Relation to the individuals listed on record (if required)
  • Proof of relationship to the individuals listed on record (if applicable)
• Submit the required information and documents to the relevant agency.
• Pay the necessary fees for the request to get processed.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Marriage certificates in Delaware can be in two forms: certified marriage certificates and informational marriage certificates.

Certified marriage certificates are official documents issued by the state that are stamped with a seal. They are considered legal documents and are typically required for legal purposes, such as applying for a passport or changing a name.

On the other hand, informational marriage certificates are non-certified versions of the marriage certificate. They contain the same information as the certified copy but do not have an official seal. Information copies are generally used for personal records and are not accepted for legal transactions.

To request a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Delaware, individuals can follow one of the options below:

Online

• Visit VitalCheck or GoCertificates website.
• Select the marriage certificate from the drop-down menu and choose Delaware from the state options.
• Place an order by following the on-screen instructions. Both online providers will require individuals to provide the following information:
  • Location of the marriage
  • Marriage date
  • Name and birth date of spouses
  • Relationship of the requester to the individuals named on records
  • Purpose of the request
• Provide a valid photo ID to verify identity during the online ordering process.
• Pay the applicable $25 fee using major credit cards to finalize the order. Note that additional service and shipping fees apply.

In Person

• Visit one of the following Delaware Office of Vital Statistics locations during regular office hours:
• At the office, complete a request form by submitting the following details:
  • Names of both parties as they appear on the marriage certificate
  • Birth dates of both parties
  • Date and place of marriage
  • Requester's relationship to the individuals on record
• Present a valid photo ID if required.
• Settle the applicable fee of $25 per copy.

If the desired marriage certificate is older than 50 years, individuals can retrieve it personally at the Delaware Public Archives office located at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. North, Dover, DE 19901.

By Mail

• Download the Application for a Certified Copy of a Delaware Marriage Certificate Form.
• Fill out the form by furnishing the details below:
  • Both spouses full name and birth date
  • Date and location of marriage
  • Relation to the individuals named on records
  • Name, address, contact details, and signature of the requester
• If necessary, include a valid identity document.
• Attach a $25 payment using a money order or check payable to the State of Delaware.
• Mail all the necessary documents and payment to one of the addresses mentioned on the form.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Marriage licenses in Delaware are overseen by the clerk of the peace in the county where the marriage was held. Individuals can directly contact these offices to obtain certified copies of marriage licenses.

The process of searching for and securing a copy of a marriage license in Delaware typically involves the following steps:

• Identify the county where the marriage license was issued and visit its clerk of the peace. It can be the New Castle County Clerk of the Peace, Sussex County Clerk of the Peace, or Kent County Clerk of the Peace.
• Request the record by submitting the following to the respective clerk of the peace location:
  • Full names of individuals on record
  • Date of marriage
  • Location of marriage
• Pay the required fees, which vary per county clerk of the peace.

Apart from in-person access, the clerk of the peace allows mail-in requests. To do so, individuals must complete a request form like the Request For Certified Copies of Marriage License of Sussex County Clerk of the Peace and mail it along with the payment to the mailing address found on the form.

Note that marriage licenses that can be obtained from each clerk of the peace are more recent. Those wanting older records can turn to any Office of Vital Statistics or the Delaware Public Archives.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

Individuals have several options for searching Delaware marriage records online apart from the officially endorsed providers like VitalChek and GoCertificates.

Local genealogical societies like the Delaware Genealogical Society provide access to online databases that often include indexes for historical marriages. Moreover, third-party services like RecordsFinder, allow users to search for public records, including marriage records.

To search on these platforms, individuals must provide fundamental details about the marriage and pay any applicable fees.

Note that these resources do not provide certified copies. Still, they can be valuable when looking up information about marriages occurring in the state.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

Confidential marriage is a type of marital arrangement in which the details of the marriage record are sealed and not made accessible to the general public. Couples opt for this marriage for various reasons, including privacy and safety concerns, personal preference, or cultural traditions.

In Delaware, confidential marriage is not offered. By default, all records from wedding events are considered public. However, couples can take measures to safeguard the privacy of their marriage, such as controlling the information on their marriage license application, minimizing public announcements, or requesting the court to redact sensitive personal information.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

Delaware allows anyone to marry in the state regardless of residency. However, to apply for a marriage license, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Those under 18 must seek court approval to marry.
• Previously married individuals must present certified documents verifying their single status, such as death certificates or divorce decrees.
• Applicants who have changed their names legally must provide name change documentation.
• If either of the intending couple is on probation or parole, written consent from their supervising officer is required.
• Both parties must provide a valid photo ID when applying for a marriage license.

If couples meet all the mentioned requirements, they can apply for a marriage license by visiting any of the peace clerk locations in the state. They must fill out the application form and submit all the documents needed. Also, applicants must settle the application fee of $50 for state residents and $100 for non-residents and a recording fee of $20.

Once issued, marriage licenses in Delaware have a 24-hour activation period and are valid for 30 days.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

It is possible to have errors on Delaware marriage certificates. Among the most common errors that people face include:

• Errors in the spelling of names
• Mistakes in the date of marriage or birth dates of the parties involved
• Incorrect details regarding the place of marriage or the names of witnesses

The Delaware Administrative Code Title 16 Section 4205-10.0 outlines the general process for amending errors in marriage certificates. According to this code, both parties to the marriage must apply jointly to amend the marriage certificate. If one party is deceased, the surviving spouse can apply alone.

When amending errors, individuals must provide an affidavit identifying the certificate and specifying the incorrect and correct data. They must also provide supporting documentary evidence substantiating the requested changes. These documents must be submitted to any clerk of the peace location or Office of Vital Statistics.

The State Registrar will evaluate the evidence submitted. If doubts arise about the validity or adequacy of the evidence, the amendment may be rejected. However, once the amendment is approved, the State Registrar will update the marriage certificate accordingly.

Are Marriage Records Under the Delaware Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Delaware Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) offers protection to individuals affected by crimes like domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It safeguards individuals facing threats by providing a substitute address that can be utilized when dealing with official matters and navigating essential life events like marriage.

Participants in Delaware ACP can use the substitute address when obtaining a marriage license. Records using the substitute address are kept confidential and inaccessible to the general public, except in specific circumstances, such as court orders.

Delaware Marriage Statistics and Trends

U.S. marriage trends have varied in recent years. Data from 2018 revealed that the percentage of married adults has decreased, with only 53% being married compared to 58% in 1995. On the contrary, there has been an increase in the prevalence of cohabitation, with 7% of adults now living together without being married, up from 3% in 1995.

Different races also have varying marriage rates in the country. Asian adults have the highest marriage rate, at 63%, followed by 57% among white adults, 44% among Hispanic adults, and 33% among black adults.

In the context of Delaware, the marriage statistics are as follows:

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