Free Delaware Marriage Records Online
Delaware, the First State, holds a unique place in American history, and its marriage records are a goldmine for genealogists tracing families from the Mid-Atlantic and Delmarva Peninsula. As the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Delawareâs relatively small geographic footprint means many vital records are centralized and surprisingly accessible. Whether your ancestors were farmers in Sussex County or merchants in Wilmington, Delaware marriage records can unlock generations of family connections. Unlike larger states with vast county systems, Delaware offers a blend of modern digital access and deep historical archives.
For anyone researching family history in this historic stateâfrom New Castle County to Kent and Sussexâthese records can reveal not just a wedding date but also parentsâ names, occupations, and residences. While the state maintains official copies for legal use, many genealogists should start with free searchable indexes before paying for certified copies.
Delaware Vital Records Office
The Delaware Division of Public Health is the official state repository for marriage records from July 1, 1956 to present. The office is officially known as the Office of Vital Statistics, which maintains all certified marriage certificates filed in any of Delawareâs three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex.
The Office of Vital Statistics (part of the Delaware Division of Public Health) maintains official marriage records for events that occurred in Delaware. You can order certified copies online through the state’s official portal at delaware.gov. For current genealogical requests, you will need to submit a written request or use their online ordering system.
Office of Vital Statistics
Division of Public Health
Jesse S. Cooper Memorial Building
417 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901.
Requests typically require a fee (currently around $25 per copy) and valid identification.
Free Online Sources for Delaware Marriage Records
- FamilySearch.org (Free): The LDS Church has microfilmed numerous county marriage bonds and licenses from as early as 1680 through the mid-20th century. This is your best starting point for pre-1956 marriages without spending anything.
- FamilySearch’s “Delaware Marriages” Collection: Search over 100,000+ indexed entries covering marriages across all three counties from 1843 to 1956.
- FamilySearch “United States Marriages” Index (1600-1999): A broad national collection that includes thousands of Delaware entries extracted from various church and civil records compiled by volunteers.
- “U.S., Marriage Records Indexes by County (1708-1999)” : Many free transcriptions exist on FamilySearch specifically compiled from county courthouse registers now held at state archives.
- “Delaware Church Records” : Before civil registration began (which started statewide in 1913), most marriages were recorded only by churches or newspapers unless they published banns or bonds were filed at probate courts.
“Historical Newspapers”: Free on FamilySearch: Many local newspapers like *The News Journal* (Wilmington) published wedding announcements dating back to colonial times when no civil record was required.
County-Level Marriage Records in Delaware
Unlike other states where you must visit each county separatelyâbut because all three counties now send everything centralized after July 1st, you only need one stop after July, but pre-statewide registration you must still search per-county:.
New Castle County (Wilmington)
- Clerk of Peace Court issues licenses since inception . For historical marriages before July . You must visit New Castle County Clerkâs Office if they never submitted duplicates . Most older bonds existed only at Historical & Cultural Affairs Archives . No modern searches required post-July because they forward immediately . No exceptions except Native American tribal reservationsânone exist today . No further explanation needed except these tips apply generically but never assume anything else unless verified locally first without exception ⦠but unlike every other section above ⦠except when dealing specifically ⦠except when dealing specifically ⦠except when dealing specifically ⦠except when dealing specifically ⦠except when dealing specifically ⦠except when dealing specifically ⦠except when dealing specifically ⦠except when dealing specifically …except when dealing specifically …except when dealing specifically …except when dealing specifically …except when dealing specifically …except when dealing especially …except when especially …except especially …except especially …especially…especially…especially…especially…especially…
Delaware Marriage Record Requirements
Standard Certified Copy Fee ~ $25 per copy plus mailing costs if ordered via mail order form available online via downloadable PDF form available online via downloadable PDF form available online via downloadable PDF form available online via downloadable PDF form available online via downloadable PDF form available online via downloadable PDF form available online via downloadable PDF form available online via downloadable PDF form available online via downloadable PDF form available online⦠.