How to Find Delaware Marriage Records

United States US Vital Records  How to Find United States Marriages  Delaware  Vital Records  Delaware Marriages

Finding Delaware Marriage Records
State registration of marriages began in 1847 and was generally complied with by 1913. The Family History Library has microfilm copies of the marriage bonds for 1744-1836 and 1855-1861, and licenses for 1889-1894.

Delaware counties began keeping marriage records as early as 1832. These records have been transferred from the counties to the Delaware Public Archives. These early county marriage records are not available at the Family History Library; however, the library has records of some pre-1847 marriage bonds.

Marriages of Delaware residents may also be recorded in adjoining states, such as Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Next Step: When did the marriage occur?
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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1847
 * 1847-Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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{| width="99%" border="0" align="center" Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records 

Marriages Before 1847
Delaware counties began keeping marriage records as early as 1832. These records have been transferred from the counties to the Delaware Public Archives. These early county marriage records are not available at the Family History Library; however, the library has records of some pre-1847 marriage bonds.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
Delaware Public Archives If you do not find your ancestor in the above records you may order a marriage record from the:


 * Delaware Public Archives 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. North Dover, DE 19901

Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * Some microfilms may be available to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1847 to Present

 * State registration of marriages began in 1847

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.

You can obtain marriage records for the most recent 40 years old by writing to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. For marriages recorded more than 40 years ago, contact the Delaware Public Archives.

For records recent to 40 years old there are three offices which can be contacted:


 * Jesse S. Cooper Bldg. 417 Federal Street Dover, DE 19901 Phone: (302) 744-4549
 * Chopin Building 258 Chapman Rd. Newark, DE 19702 Phone: (302) 283-7130
 * Thurman Adams State Serv CTR. 546 S. Bedford St. Georgetown, DE 19947 Phone: (302) 856-5495

For records 40 years and older:


 * Delaware Public Archives 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. North Dover, DE 19901

Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

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