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New Castle County exact answer

Are witnesses required for a marriage in New Castle County?

This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.

Direct answer

In New Castle County, two witnesses, each at least 18 years old, must be present at the ceremony. This applies both to in-office ceremonies and to ceremonies held elsewhere in Delaware. Each witness must show valid government-issued photo identification showing their date of birth, and must legibly write their full name, address and date of birth on all three copies of the license and sign them. The officiant has to check each witness's identification and date of birth.

Published rule and conditions

Marriage ceremony witness rule
Two witnesses, each at least 18 years old, must be present at the ceremony. This applies both to in-office ceremonies and to ceremonies held elsewhere in Delaware.

Each witness must show valid government-issued photo identification showing their date of birth, and must legibly write their full name, address and date of birth on all three copies of the license and sign them. The officiant has to check each witness's identification and date of birth.

Official requirement

The ceremony must have two witnesses present that are 18 years or older.

Issuing office

New Castle County Clerk of the Peace (Marriage Bureau)

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Official sources for this answer

  • License & Ceremony FAQsNew Castle County Clerk of the Peace - checked July 30, 2026

    Both parties must be 18 years of age or older and not related to each other. Both parties must appear in person to verify their valid, government-issued photo ID. After IDs are verified, three copies of the license are provided to the marrying couple. The license is valid for 30 days unless either party appears in person for an extension. There is a 24-hour wait period after the license is issued before getting married. If either party is active-duty military or critically ill, the wait period can be waived. The marriage ceremony must take place in the State of Delaware to be legal. The ceremony must have two witnesses present that are 18 years or older. Officiators must mail the second copy of the license within 15 days to Clerk of the Peace.

  • CeremoniesNew Castle County Clerk of the Peace - checked July 30, 2026

    The couple must provide two witnesses, each at least 18 years of age. The couple and both witnesses must present a valid government-issued photo I.D. at check-in on the day of the ceremony. The I.D. must include the individual's date of birth. Acceptable Forms of Identification: Valid state I.D. or driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles; Passport; Military I.D. (Active Duty); Government-issued Consulate I.D.

Answer boundary

MarriageLicenseCheck is an independent reference, not the issuing office or legal advice. Applicant facts, timing, prior marriages, and document type can change the result. The official office decides what it will accept.

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